Best Campgrounds near Clovis, CA
Camping options around Clovis, California range from developed campgrounds to dispersed sites across the Sierra Nevada foothills and mountains. The region includes established facilities like Millerton Lake State Recreation Area, which accommodates both tent and RV camping along the shoreline, and Lost Lake Campground near Friant with boat-in access. Several campgrounds in the area feature full hookups for RVs, while others maintain a more primitive camping experience with basic amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables.
Road conditions and seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in this region. Many campgrounds remain open year-round, though summer brings higher temperatures in the foothills while offering more moderate conditions at higher elevations. A camper noted, "It's quite warm in the summer months but perfect if you're visiting the Clovis Rodeo! A local town isn't far away." Facilities vary widely across the area, with some sites offering drinking water, showers, and electric hookups, while others provide only basic amenities. Campgrounds near water bodies like Millerton Lake and Shaver Lake tend to fill quickly during peak summer weekends, making advance reservations essential.
The landscape transitions dramatically from the valley floor to mountain terrain, creating diverse camping environments within an hour's drive. Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites that provide swimming and fishing opportunities. "This campground is situated by a lake. Love this spot! You'll hear all the frogs by night and birds in the morning, great place for fly fishing," wrote one visitor about Pine Flat Campground. Sites at higher elevations like Camp Edison near Shaver Lake offer cooler temperatures during summer months and proximity to hiking trails. Most campgrounds in national forests require proper food storage due to wildlife, particularly bears, and many provide bear-proof containers. Public lands throughout the region support various camping styles from tent sites to RV parks with full hookups.
