Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Biola? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
This recreation area is part of Eastman Lake
This is Bass Lake Complex in the Sierra National Forest, California.It is 20 miles south of Yosemite National Park, off Hwy. 41, near Oakhurst, California.
For details and reservations in the Bass Lake Complex please select any of the following campgrounds:
Gorgeous views of the Table Mountains surround this campsite and trailhead. Camping is available on a first come-first serve basis, reservations are not accepted for this campground of six campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilet (a maximum of 8 people per site; double sites are also available). Campsites are accessible and reached via a primitive hardened path, located close to the paved parking area. Drinking water and garbage receptacles are available at this campground (electricity is not).
Day Use (per vehicle)_________..$5 Annual Pass_____________________..$25 Individual Campsite____________..$10 Double Campsite (2 tables)___.$15 Equestrian Campsite____________$25 Group Campground*____________$175 Nuckahee Learning Center*___$300 Interpretive Programs_________..$10 *The Group Campground and Nuckahee Learning Center require reservations. Please contact the Bakersfield Field Office for more information.
The Dumna and Kechayi Native Americans once called the Gorge home and are still active in the area, practicing their cultural traditions which include ceremonies on site. It is from their language that we derive the names of the trails contained within the Management Area. All trails are multi-use, shared by hikers, mountain bikers and equestrian users. Motorized use on trails is prohibited. Foot Bridge Trail Distance: 1 Mile to Foot Bridge Round Trip from Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh parking: 2 Miles The Foot Bridge is one of the most sought-after sites here at the San Joaquin River Gorge. Please remember while the slope is gradual downhill to the Bridge, it is up-hill on the way back. Be sure to plan accordingly and bring plenty of water! Pa'san Ridge Trail Distance: 6 mile loop (begins across the Foot Bridge) Round Trip from Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh parking: 8 Miles The Pa'san (pine nut) Ridge Trail is a six-mile loop trail. This trail takes one into the chaparral clothed uplands where they will encounter mountain lilac (ceanothus), manzanita, mountain mahogany, and many other shrubs and wildflowers. Wuh-ki'o Trail Distance: 4 miles Round Trip from Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh parking: 11 Miles The Wuh-ki'o (Dumna/Kechayi word for San Joaquin River) Trail starts from the west side of the loop on the Pa'san Ridge Trail. About four miles long, it connects with Millerton Lake State Recreation Area on the Madera County side of the reservoir. The trail follows along the river and leads the traveler through oak woodlands with their mixture of foothill pines, shrubs and numerous wildflowers. San Joaquin River Trail Distance: 2 miles (to BLM boundary) Round Trip from Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh parking: 4 Miles A portion of the San Joaquin River Trail (SJRT). Access to the trail is across the road from the Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh parking and guides you into the Millerton Lake State Recreation Area. When complete the San Joaquin River Trail will eventually connect Highway 99 to the Pacific Crest Trail near the Devils Postpile National Monument. Portions of the trail cover prehistoric trade routes of the Mono Indians. River Access Trail Distance: 1/2 mile Round Trip from River Access Parking: 1 mile A short switchback trail leading down to the San Joaquin River's edge through the oak woodlands and grass understory. Day use parking is available at this trail head.
Beautiful private campground right on Willow Creek. This has a flat area to pop your tent on and includes a brand new sturdy picnic table and composting out house. Swim and fish in the creek and stargaze at night. There are fish in the creek so bring your poles. South creek requires 4x4 the terrain is very steep. Both camps have a fire pit and fires are forbidden June 1st til Nov 1st. You can have a camp stove during the off season months We do allow dogs.
50.00 charge for check in after Sundown
$60 / night
Recreation Point is nestled in a partially shaded cove overlooking the northern end of Bass Lake. It offers tent-only, overnight sites and picnic area for groups. The maximum group sizes range from 30-50 people per campsite and 50-100 people per picnic site. The camp consists of four sites on one loop: Knoll, Lagoon, Scout and Acorn. The group picnic areas, Cove, Oak Point and South Park, are on a separate loop.
Bass Lake offers a beach and boat ramp. Popular activities include swimming, motorized boating, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, sailing and fishing for bass, trout, bluegill and catfish. Recreation Point has a designated swim area. Nearby hiking trails include Willow Creek, Goat Mountain, Spring Cove and Way-of-the-Mono Interpretive Trail. A variety of educational programs are offered on weekends during the summer.
The Sierra National Forest, located on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada, is known for its spectacular mountain scenery and abundant natural resources. The terrain includes rolling, oak-covered foothills, heavily forested middle elevation slopes and the starkly beautiful alpine landscape of the High Sierra. Recreation Point is located in the Bass Lake Ranger District at an elevation of 3,400 feet. Bass Lake is a very popular area known for its variety of fish, as well as the bald and golden eagles that make their home here.
Yosemite National Park can be reached in under an hour, making it an ideal day trip from Bass Lake.
Rules & Reservation Policies As you make travel plans that include reservations on Recreation.gov, there are standard policies that apply to most locations of which you should be aware. Do keep in mind, however, that there are many exceptions, so it is best to review reservation information listed on individual facility pages for those policies and procedures that pertain to your specific locations. Any location or activity requiring a permit or lottery will have unique requirements and policies. Please check individual facility pages for pertinent information for those sites. Booking Window For most locations, you can reserve six months in advance of your stay for individual sites and 12 months in advance for group sites. There are some exceptions, so it is best to check with each facility. Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation. Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Tours & Tickets: You may request changes to tour dates at no cost before the arrival date. If you cancel before your tour date, you may be eligible for a refund. Cancellation fees apply. Please check the tour facility description details page for cancellation policies. Permits: Varies by location. Please check the permit details for the permit location. Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. Cabins / Lookouts: Customers will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee if a cabin or lookout reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge. No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date. If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees. Tours: A tour or ticket no-show is one who does not cancel a ticket before arrival and does not arrive for the tour. Tour no-shows are not entitled to a refund. Refunds Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure. Reservation Fee: For some facilities, tours or permits an additional reservation fee is charged. For some overnight and day-use facilities, an additional non-refundable reservation fee may apply. The non-refundable reservation fee for tours and tickets is $1.00. The non-refundable reservation fee for permits varies by location. Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card. Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy. Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure. Recreation.gov Billing Information Reservation transaction will appear on customer's credit card statements as "Recreation.gov 877-444-6777." Changes to Policies and Procedures Recreation.gov reserves the right, when necessary, to modify reservation policies. These policies were last updated July
$124 / night
Buck Ridge Park is a group day-use area located at Hensley Lake in the foothills of central California, 50 miles north of Fresno. The lake area offers many recreational opportunities, such as swimming, water skiing, fishing and hiking, and attracts a growing number of visitors per year. It is within a short drive to Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, as well as Sierra National Forest. The 1,500-acre lake was created by the construction of Hidden Dam on the Fresno River. With over 20 miles of shoreline, it is a popular vacation spot for families because of its playground, swimming areas and water activities.
The area is packed with opportunities for outdoor fun. The lake area has a swim beach, a disc golf course and a hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trail. On the water, visitors can ski, swim and fish.
This facility has boat ramps, picnic areas, a group picnic shelter and a playground. Drinking water is provided, and there is a grocery store within a short driving distance.
Buck Ridge is located directly on the shore of Hensley Lake and surrounded by the oak woodlands of the Sierra Nevada foothills, offering a mixture of sun and shade.
Yosemite National Park is about one hour north, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are about 1.5 hours southeast of the facility. Yosemite National Park Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
$30 / night
Located in a setting of pines and oak, Bretz Mill Campground is located alongside Big Creek. Some sites are located on the creek. The location of the campground makes an great get-a-way for picnicking, cooling off during hot days and overnight campging, especially when higher elevation campgrounds are under snow. The area also serves as a popular OHV base camp. Access to facility is paved. Campground is maintained by Mountain Toppers 4 WD club.
Come visit this incredible animal sanctuary! Your stay goes to 100% to our 501c3 nonprofit efforts!
Situated on a 72 acre animal sanctuary and goldmine boarding 140 acres of BLM land. If you're looking for a unique and special camping experience, look no further than Camp Ikigai at Ikigai Animal Sanctuary in Squaw Valley, California. Offering agricultural tourism experiences like; mushroom hunting, bird watching, rock and mineral collecting, bike tours, animal sanctuary, and more, your stay will truly be unlike any other! Apart from all the experiences offered, you can also join a variety of events on site to connect with your family and the community around you.
30 minutes to SEKI - Sequoia Kings Canyon National Parks!
Book your spot today!
**During high fire season we only allow campfires in the communal area! Communal firepit access is open to everyone. Oak Firewood is included in your stay!
**Please reach out to the host to ask about current road conditions and access concerns.
$39 - $59 / night
Scout
What a gem! We loved our two-night stay surrounded by the animals. While the dirt road/driveway is a bit bumpy, we had no problem with our 23' Airstream -- just go slowly and you'll be fine (there was a 40' Class A there, too, if that says anything). Great host who is truly kind. Quiet, peaceful, and fun...what more do you need?
Scout
This KOA is great! Very clean, has a K9 area, barbecue grills, hot showers, laundromat, etc. and right in town!
Scout
I was expecting bad conditions because of the previous comments but it was actually a good surprise. It's very close to the entrance of Yosemite, in our case it was very quiet and well isolated. There is no view or wow effect but it's great location and isolated.
Guide
Nice clean park with clean toilets and showers. Great pool as well. We had a Great spot in september and its close to Yosemite.
TravelerThis is more of an ATV spot, I arrived on a Sunday evening and the ATV people were set up and essentially taking up most of the spots meant for camping. They were using the many many trails meant for ATVs before I arrived and, when I parked a decent distance away from where they were set up, they opted to ride circles around my RV throwing dust everywhere and revving their engines (likely an attempt to run me off). The open space at the top of the hill where the restrooms are is meant for camping, I would NOT ADVISE taking any of the other roads as they are steep, uneven, and you will struggle to turn around.
There’s one spot at the entrance good for camping (away from most of the ATV action) but it is taken up by a permanent boondocker.
Scout
Plenty of sites, we arrived after 8 pm and were able to find a spot and book it on Recreation.gov easily.
Guide
This is an awesome spot, the hike out was absolutely gorgeous. We accessed it from the Palomarin trailhead. Beware, the costal weather can be volatile and you could get flash rain. Also, I highly recommend planning your visit with the sunny weather because it’s easy to pick a day that has endless overcast here, and it’s just not quite as much fun.
Also be careful what campsite you reserve. Some are absolute gems off on the ocean bluff. Others are more inland and packed in
Scout
Amazing weather and amazing views. Short walk to the lake from our campsite (#129)
ScoutWe had never been camping as a family and I hadn’t been camping since I was a teenager. The entire camp site is huge, well maintained and just wonderful. The staff are friendly and helpful. The bathrooms are clean and well up kept. All of the campsites are spacious and free of clutter. There is easy access to the lake and marina. Overall a great visit and experience.
Scout
This is a working animal sanctuary with horses, chickens, ducks, dogs, humans. etc.
Amazing outdoor shower has grapes and herbs growing in it. Laundry facilities and kitchen available in a welcoming community area.
I love it so much, I am volunteering my time to do permaculture projects to help them grow. And, I will keep coming back as often as I can.
Beautiful views, beautiful community. Good cell service... I LOVE IT HERE!
ScoutI don’t if I want to leave a review. This place was great. It was my first time camping in a campground. My wife and I had so much fun and cannot wait to go again. Additionally, it was so easy to book online and we did it less than a week before our stay. That’s why I don’t want to hype this place up too much. I don’t want to have to worry about fighting others for last minute spots. So if you read this far, this place is awesome, but leave some spots open for us last-minute planners.
Scout
The unprofessionalism and unnecessary arrogance disrespect from the camp rangers was rather shocking. That’s not it it’s like camping a hill side it’s almost impossible to get a trailer bout camping to the stops it’s so steep, the fees for the vehicles not water at the like it said it would have the advertising is NOT REALISTIC. Be prepared to sleep at a slant . Please be careful going to places do your research before you go anywhere. I do not recommend this place if for some reason you go the camp maintenance Man was harassing my a group !!(RAY)!! He said was his name an older man . Be careful
ScoutCame to Bass Lake to visit family from out of state I am from Phoenix. Did not expect the campground provider to be so unprofessional and rude before even finding our campsite we were harassed. I would never recommend this place. They charge for everything. if you want to drive your boat here be prepared to pay for an extra $53 fee for a sticker that you might only use one time be prepared to pay fees on everything else as well if you stay as a camper and get prepared to be harassed.
Scout
The other "resorts" on the river need to come here and see what a real campground is like.
Either way this is a nice campground with nice stuff like a pool, hot tub, clubhouse, and more.
Scout
I enjoyed my stay on the most part. Sadly there was some trash scattered all over the place because of previous visitors. It was quite and have several trails to walk on. Their is a nice that runs by the campgrounds and further down and pass the station where pay the toll to the stake park. Their is a few playgrounds in the middle of the campgrounds and option to play an activity or two. It was also not to far from the town or it’s dam. I would only suggest to bring your own wood with you because California made it illegal to pick up any wood for a fire and it would be very and to find and wood for a fire. Overall it’s was a pleasant visit for this place for a camping trip .
Guide
No wifi, bathrooms did not have hot water.
Cool park with extremely friendly and helpful staff. Cannot say enough about the great park rangers and camp hosts.
There were people close by to us with several tents and campers in one spot, not sure how this is monitored.
Spotty T Mobile Service $32 per night
GuideUnderrated for sure - we stayed 2 nights while exploring Yosemite because we could not find a campground closer with spots. Big grassy area close to Mineral Museum, water and electric hookups. We basically had the fairgrounds to ourselves. They have additional spots in more of a parking lot setting, well marked.
$55 per night Wifi worked great
Traveler
I Van Camped at Mercey Hot Springs for 5 days. When I arrived the nights were hot so I decided to take an AC Cabin #10 where I could park right next to the cabin and slept comfortably. I moved to a RV camp site #5 when the temps at night were a more comfortable mid 60s. I love that the hot tubs are available all night long. It allows for long soaks while star gazing. The therapeutic water is magical some of the best I have found. As soon as you enter the pool or hot tubs you feel the smooth water on your skin. The hot tubs are all oversized privet bath tubs that you fill with mineral water of your desired temperature. This is a completely off the grid resorts that has good energy and tranquil atmosphere. It is very clean with clean bath rooms and showers. When I was there in June 2024 they did not have the restaurant open yet but one looks like it is in the near future. They do have snacks, cold drinks, coffee, ice cream and Ice in the front office for purchase. I took the short hike up the hill to see the solar array, while up there I discovered a most amazing triple Labyrinth circle walk that was very mindful experience. I have never seen such a neat labyrinth as this. Truly an amazing stay, I will be back.
ScoutStopped by to get out of the California valley heat. Haven’t been to Bass Lake for years. Missed out on this little piece of heaven. Will be back.
Scout
Tent only camping for us. Quiet. Shower and toilet accessible. The only thing was neighbors were very, very near. But our neighbors were quiet so it wasn't bad. End of March was rainy, so be prepared for rain if you go during that time.
Scout
WARNING: This park does NOT have accessible ways to pay for parking. They fail to have credit or debit card machines to buy a parking ticket and they fail to have any scan to pay. You can not pay the parking unless you brought cash. This was my first time here and did not know this, Im a disabled veteran and there was NO parking spaces in the parking lot near the lake so I had to park far away on a gravel and dirt area, that was red flag number one. Once my family saw the parking fee of only 12 dollars we looked and looked for a credit or debit card pay area to buy a ticket. Never found one! We searched for scan to pay signs so we could pay on our phone and there were NONE! So I was forced to walk all the way back to my car NOT parked in the parking lot, up a hill, on the dirt and gravel, and they gave me a fine. This place purposely makes it impossible for to pay and then fines you for not carrying cash. This was my first time here and it will be my LAST!
TravelerSimple campground with toilets available
Tent and RV (4wd recommended, steep road)
TravelerLoved our stay at this resort. Warm pool, riverfront and a gorgeous beach! Will be back with out family of five and two doggos! Stayed for spring break and weather was perfect.
LegendWe arrived after carefully following the website and emailed instructions, as our RV GPS and Waze would not have gotten us here. We pulled up in the small parking lot in front of the entry gate. Although we arrived during open hours, there wasn't anyone in the office, but a kid came up to us and offered to get his mom, who was the manager. However, the kid came back alone and told us our information package was on the front board outside the gate and had everything we needed to include the gate code. We then proceeded to our assigned FHU site 34 that was a pull-in with utilities set up for a motorhome. The site was large enough that we could have pulled in, unhooked, and moved the truck out, but we were concerned about connecting to the utilities in this configuration. Back-in site 33 with FHUs was empty, so we called the office number and the man who answered didn't know if it was empty but would go check in the office if we wanted to move sites. It was obvious we were putting him out, but he did call back a few minutes later and said that back-in site 33 was open for our two-day stay. The pads here are all sand, and after settling in, we noticed the campground(CG) was about half full with either residents or transient workers. Some sites were organized, and others were not. The way the large-sized sites here are arranged, you can park your rig in various configurations. The utilities worked fine, including a decent water pressure of around 40 psi. Supposedly, they have Wifi, as indicated by the multiple repeaters around the park, but we received no instructions/password and didn’t see a guest network to try and log in. This was fine as we put out our Starlink and we had 4 bars on Verizon. We are in no way prudes, but several of the private WiFi names we could see on“Other Networks” were pretty disgusting making us question who we were parked by. They do have a nice pool area with two hot tubs. There is also a nice-sized dog park with two separate fenced areas. According to the front of the office, they sell sundries and souvenirs, but they never opened the office during our stay even though should have according to the hours on the door. From the information on their website, the King River that runs adjacent to the CG is pretty much dried up this time of year(January) but fills for the summer season. Sorry to say we didn’t“feel it” on this CG and would not want to be here in the busy season.
GuideThere are few gems along the Hwy 99 route between Sacramento and Bakersfield but this is definitely one of them! Located a short 20 miles east of 99, just north of Fresno, this Army Corps of Engineers campground is stunning. Situated among rolling hills that are luscious green in the spring, this campsite is quiet and packed full of things to do. Whether you want to bike, hike, fish, boat or just sit and enjoy the peace and quiet, this is the site for you!
We're dry camping at the Wildcat site which the ranger said is rarely used. There is no one else in the whole campground!
Coyotes howled in the distance last night and it was dead quiet. Going to take the road bike out today and explore some of the roads around the Lake. Lake is full after the 2023 season.
TravelerIf you're looking for the picturesk mountain lake camping experience look no further. We stayed in a camp pop out and loved it. The employees were so friendly and careing it made our weekend. Area is clean, maintained and well loved. The bathroom facilities are clean and stocked well. Showers do cost but are worth it. Water and beach access is steps away.
TravelerGreat for a quick getaway from Fresno metro area. Clean and maintained facilities (camping standards not hotel) water access is not the easiest from the sites and the area does get loud due to proximity geology and acoustics. Closest store is about 7 minutes drive away and the lake is more of a boating than Beach lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Biola, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Biola, CA is Wildcat Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore with a 4.8-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Biola, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Biola, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
