B
Butterfly R.
Scout
ScoutFoothill Butterfly
Easy access private nature
Short dirt road leads to a private nature preserve with a seasonal creek under the oaks. Short drive to Mariposa and Yosemite Perfect for low impact van lifers
Camping near Friant, CA
240 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Camping near Friant, California centers around water recreation with established campgrounds at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area and Lost Lake Campground. Both areas accommodate tents and RVs, with Millerton Lake providing year-round access to camping along the reservoir created by Friant Dam on the San Joaquin River. The surrounding Sierra Nevada foothills offer additional camping opportunities within a short drive, including dispersed sites in the San Joaquin River Gorge managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Bass Lake, approximately 30 miles northeast, provides another popular water-based camping destination with multiple campgrounds.
Most campgrounds in the Friant area require reservations, especially during summer months when water recreation is at its peak. Millerton Lake State Recreation Area features basic amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, though hookups for RVs are limited. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making shade a valuable commodity at campsites. Fire restrictions are common during the dry season from late spring through fall. According to reviews, early spring camping offers more comfortable temperatures and less dust than summer visits.
The camping experience varies significantly between developed and primitive sites. Millerton Lake campgrounds provide convenient access to water recreation with boat ramps and swimming areas, while Lost Lake offers a more secluded experience with boat-in camping options. One visitor noted that Lost Lake Campground is "big-rig friendly" with water hookups available. For those seeking proximity to Yosemite National Park, several campgrounds within an hour's drive of Friant serve as convenient basecamps. The foothills location means campers should be prepared for hot, dry conditions in summer and potential for significant rainfall during winter months, when some primitive roads may become difficult to navigate.
Best Campgrounds near Friant (240)
1. Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground
"Bathrooms were so-so with regard to cleanliness but most sites had its own access to water which was awesome!"
"Had a fun time with the family, had accesible restroom and showers, had picnic table so we could put our things, shade, place where we could set our tent with our truck next to us, and we were able to"
from $30 - $200 / night
Check Availability2. Lost Lake Campground
"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."
"A few miles out of town, store close by. Usually mostly empty and good privacy"
from $25 / night
Check Availability3. Hidden View Campground — Hensley Lake
"Even with all the rain, the lake isn’t very full. The campground, including the bathroom, was clean."
"The site we stayed at had a nice fire ring, was flat, had a picnic table and it was close to running water. We tent camped, but it looked like there were plenty of RV spots too. Nice and quiet too."
from $20 - $100 / night
Check Availability4. Camp Edison
"Great campsite if you want to camp around Shaver Lake in the Sierras of California. Beautify lake, plenty of water sports. The small town has great rustic mountain vibe."
"Easy walk to lakeside and boat ramp. Nice picnic area near lake. Camped with full hookups. Nice store and hospitality center with food, drinks and stock of camp supplies."
from $40 - $105 / night
Check Availability5. Yosemite RV Resort
"RV spaces have many different location styles, secluded, views, groups etc.
Large clean pool with a shallow lounging section. Playground. Bathrooms/showers were freshly renovated and clean.""You’re 25 miles from the park entrance, on a straight path. The sites were a great space and the pool and playground was a lot of fun of the kids. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful."
6. Fresno County Lost Lake Recreation Area
from $5 - $25 / night
Check Availability7. Little Yosemite Valley Campground
"Nice bathrooms and right next to a clean blue river perfect for swimming in! Surrounded by granite rocks in one of the most wonderful place Yosemite"
"We hiked the waterfall trail, which is breathtaking, but full of a lot of people! Once you get passed the 2nd huge waterfall, the crowds start to die down and its just you and the mountains."
8. Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy
"Bass lake is the perfect campground for young family camping. There are plenty of facilities and even a restaurant."
9. San Joaquin River Gorge
"It's a nice place real nice open large camp area pretty cool nice trail to a bridge overlooking the San Joaquin River gorge I really enjoyed it it's much more fun if you have horses to ride"
10. Dorabelle Campground
"They all kept saying it was the best camping trip they ever had.. our hosts Frank and Jamie were super sweet and welcoming.. the campgrounds are immaculate and near the water."
"The access to the lake is a little walk but not too far and the cove is perfect for relaxing with kids. Highly recommend!"
from $48 - $99 / night
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Drive Time
- 15 min from Fresno, CA
- 52 min from Visalia, CA
- 52 min from Merced, CA
- 54 min from Hanford, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Friant, CA
291 Photos of 240 Friant Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Lost Lake Campground
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground
Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy
Hidden View Campground — Hensley Lakem
Little Yosemite Valley Campground
Creek Side AcresT
Yosemite RV Resort
Redinger Campground
Cedar Springs RetreatsK
COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground
Musick Creek Falls
Riverbend RV ParkE
Recent Reviews near Friant, CA
858 Reviews of 240 Friant Campgrounds
Hans V.
RangerAzalea Campground — Kings Canyon National Park
Restrooms too far
We had a spot on the farthest loop, which was beautiful on a ridge but set us about 600 yards/steps from the nearest restroom, which means going to the loo, brushing your teeth or doing the dishes (there are signs not to do these things at the water taps that are closer) all set you back at least 10 minutes if you're not self-contained. Also note the campground has no showers.
- AAshley S.
GuideDeer creek campground
Waterfront Heaven
My first camping experience here was truly remarkable. Similar to my previous trips to the eastern Sierras, this campground offered a convenient location near amenities and right on the lakefront. The campsites were beautifully designed, with ample space between them, ensuring a comfortable and spacious stay. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at this campground.
- Hans V.Ranger
Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Close to Yosemite
Many spots on a very dusty and bumpy patch of forest just taking a right before the snowplay area. Many other boondockers, including one with a generator. Our spot had previously been used by horses evidenced by the pile of dung next to a tree. Smelled a bit funny. But as it is free, shouldn't complain of course - perfectly fine as a stop before or after Yosemite.
- DDan M.Guide
Lost Lake Campground
Great Stop but….
Quiet, clean, level paved pads. Restrooms are locked, Porta Potties instead. Dump station locked up. Great for dry stop.
Kitty W.ScoutRoad to Armenian Camp - Dispersed Spot
A little dusty with gorgeous sunsets
The ground is very compacted. Getting ANY stakes down is a mission. The sunsets and starry nights make it worth it
- CChris D.Guide
Sierra National Forest Rancheria Campground
Quiet lakeside weekend, come unplugged
Spent a weekend at Rancheria and it delivered exactly what we wanted— a quiet, low-key few days at Huntington Lake with nothing much to do but be there.
Site Selection Tips: We were in the 110's section and I'd steer people there. It feels noticeably less crowded than the other loops, with good spacing and shade. If you want a quieter stay, aim for the higher-numbered sites rather than the ones packed in closer to the middle of the campground.
Lake Access: The lake is a short, easy walk— convenient if you want to get in the water. Getting into the water is the harder part. The shoreline near the campground is thick with downed logs and trees right up to the edge, so finding a clean entry point takes some scouting. Doable, just not a walk-in sandy beach.
Amenities: Potable water and restrooms were easy to get to and clean the whole time we were there. Standard fire ring, table, and bear box at the site. No showers.
Camp Host: Very diligent and visibly present. He was on top of keeping the grounds in good shape, which showed.
Cell Service: Essentially nonexistent at the campground. I'm told you may pick something up over near the marina on the far side of the lake, but plan on being out of contact for the weekend. Bring satellite if you need to stay reachable.
Activities: There's plenty out there, but nearly all of it requires getting in the car. We drove out to Mono Hot Springs— about 75 minutes each way through the mountains on a one-lane road. Worth doing, but go in knowing it's a real drive, not a quick errand. Same goes for most of what's in the area: the lake is what's at your doorstep, everything else is a trip.
Noise& Ambience: The campground itself is quiet. There happened to be a concert across the lake on Sunday— we went over for it, and coming back to camp afterward with the music still carrying faintly over the water made for a nice festive ambience. A pleasant bonus rather than a disturbance.
Overall: Recommend it if the intent is a low-profile weekend. There isn't much within walking distance beyond the lake itself, which is the appeal. Come for the quiet, and plan a drive if you want more.
Matt S.ScoutMule Rock Camp
Plan ahead for the season!
This would be a wonderful spot but you have to plan ahead for the perfect time. Spring insect population is not for the faint of heart. Ants everywhere and wolf spiders are prevalent. This season the river is COLD and not safe to swim in.
Summer Heat is almost unbearable there and they are strict about fire restrictions with rangers checking frequently. The whole area is very dry during this time and there would be little to no early warning system if a wildfire was headed towards your area. Be sure to check water levels prior to visiting, not worth coming unless you can cool off in the river.
Suggest bringing poles and warm clothes for a winter stay and fish the river. I will not consider revisiting unless it’s during this season moving forward.
- Will James C.Scout
Deer Creek Campground
A great place
Huntington Lake is a bit cool, but it’s less traffic than Shaver. We caught several brown trout and had a great time with the kids.
Guide to Friant
Camping near Friant, California provides access to foothill recreation sites ranging from 500-3,000 feet in elevation. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures routinely reaching 100°F from July through September. Winter camping from November through March often sees nighttime temperatures dropping below 40°F with occasional frost at higher elevations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Lost Lake Campground, visitors can fish directly on the San Joaquin River. "Camped here twice, pros camp right on the river, playground for kids, trail to the fish hatchery," notes Regina P. The campground provides river access for anglers seeking bass and trout.
Jet skiing and water sports: Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground offers multiple water recreation options. Christina C. reports, "Beautiful nice clear water," making it ideal for jet skiing. Christopher H. adds, "Great place to wakeboard, jet ski, fish, and BBQ," highlighting the diverse water activities available.
Hiking trails: The San Joaquin River Gorge offers several hiking options. Aaron M. describes it as having a "nice trail to a bridge overlooking the San Joaquin River gorge," adding that "it's much more fun if you have horses to ride." Trails range from easy 1-mile loops to more strenuous 4-mile routes with significant elevation changes.
What campers like
Private camping sites: Campers appreciate sites with some separation from neighbors. At Hidden View Campground, Matt notes, "The site we stayed at had a nice fire ring, was flat, had a picnic table and it was close to running water. We tent camped, but it looked like there were plenty of RV spots too. Nice and quiet too."
Spring season visits: Early spring offers more comfortable temperatures compared to summer heat. Charlotte from Millerton Lake mentions, "Lake levels were low in Sept but I hear they were high & lake access was even better in the spring & early summer!" Spring camping from March to May typically sees daytime temperatures in the 70s-80s.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms matter to campers. LosAngeles F. says about Lost Lake Campground, "Gets hot in summer, spots are close by to each other but usually respectful neighbors... bathrooms aren't particularly clean so I chose not to shower."
What you should know
Wildlife concerns: Ground squirrels can cause problems at some sites. Tom D. warns about Millerton Lake: "We would not stay here again until the park gets control of the ground squirrels. We heard stories of cars and RV's being towed out because they chewed through wiring. Thankfully we escaped with just damage from them entering the RV and getting into plastic containers of food in the bays."
Seasonal lake levels: Water levels fluctuate significantly throughout the year. At Millerton Lake, Regina P. notes, "The lake is very full now till July 4th. Great boating, and jet ski area." Plan water activities accordingly, with peak water levels typically occurring in late spring.
Campsite proximity: Many sites offer limited privacy from neighbors. Heather R. observes about Lost Lake Recreation Area, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds include play areas for children. Heather R. notes at Lost Lake, "Their is a few playgrounds in the middle of the campgrounds and option to play an activity or two." These play areas provide children with recreation options when not swimming.
Swimming options: The river provides safer swimming than the lake for younger children. Esbeyda D. shares about Millerton Lake, "Had a fun time with the family, had accesible restroom and showers, had picnic table so we could put our things, shade, place where we could set our tent with our truck next to us, and we were able to go swimming in the lake."
Evening quiet time: Most campgrounds enforce evening quiet hours. LosAngeles F. mentions that Lost Lake "closes at 7pm so you won't get people coming in the middle of the night." Families appreciate the enforced quiet time for earlier bedtimes with children.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: Yosemite RV Resort offers complete services for larger vehicles. Jesse F. reports, "Great place and experience. Bathroom are the best I've seen by far. Large dog run which was amazing. Personal just a bit expensive 100 ish for a rv spot with 30 amp an water."
Site sizing concerns: RV sites vary significantly in size between campgrounds. Aban J. notes about Yosemite RV Resort, "Site is small little to no space for vehicle at the site we are at some sites have a lot more room than ours. Cable works great and staff is very friendly and helpful."
Millerton Lake hookup details: The campground offers limited full-service sites. Tom D. points out, "Sites 120 - 144 offer full hookups. However, the sites are arranged on a parking lot. We were able to get our 43' Blue Bird completely onto site 138. Power was good but there were only 4 of us in the FHU sites."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Friant, CA?
What camping is available near Friant, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Friant, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 240 campgrounds and RV parks near Friant, CA and 26 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Friant, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near Friant, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Friant, CA is Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Friant, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Friant, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 free dispersed camping spots near Friant, CA.
What parks are near Friant, CA?
What parks are near Friant, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Friant, CA that allow camping, notably Hensley Lake and Pine Flat Lake.
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