Best Campgrounds near Friant, CA
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.
