Searching for the best camping near Fall River Lake, CA? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Fall River Lake campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Fall River Lake, CA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
$30 - $70 / night
"The campground we chose was kind of close to the road which would have been the only real negative."
"Beautiful site, hiking trails close by, well maintained grounds. Bear came through our camp one night hit the Bear box and walked off. Rangers were friendly and very informative about the area."
$50 / night
"Wicked August heat, BUT there’s the lake!
5 Stars — were it not for the SLOBS who preceded us!!"
"I come here with my family every year around 4th of July. I would book way ahead for busy holidays like that.
The water level really varies on the year."
"Some noise from chainsaws in the distance one day, and some target practice, but neither lasted long. 2 bars LTE of Verizon."
"There is sun for solar panels and enough shade to be fine mostly, I have a canopy so it helps make it more than fine. Only downside is the ground is basically dust dirt."
$50 - $150 / night
"I was lucky to find Eagle Point this spring for a simple tent set up, and boy was it perfect."
"There’s enough space for you to distance yourself from others.
No bear boxes or bathrooms but very safe and easy to access."
"We had a lot of space, good amount of tree cover when I rained. There’s a bunch of different spots to choose from, the one by the creek would have been nice."
$60 - $90 / night
"They also change the hand towel in the restrooms daily for everyone to use. The campsite is well taken care of as well as the kitchen which is communal use."
"The amenities were above and beyond anything we have seen at other locations. Complimentary watercraft for the river, stocked outdoor kitchen, and hot showers with shampoo/lotion etc. "
"About 50 tent only sites, some just feet from the lake. RV sites are farther from the lake on mostly level gravel pads with picnic table, fire rings, and a trash can at each site."
"I pitched a tent in site 43 right next to the lake. Excellent place."
RangerWe stayed the night at one of the Hetch Hetchy reservable sites (first come, first served) before our trek through the backcountry of Yosemite. The sites were just a quick walk in from the parking lot and featured picnic tables, bear boxes, bathrooms and established fire rings. A permit is required to stay in the area as well as a $6 per person fee and you're able to check-in with your reservation right at the Hetch Hetchy entrance. The sites are well maintained and do feature scenic vistas, though it appears that the best views offered by Hetch Hetchy are found farther in the backcountry and we wish we had the time to really explore the area. The campground served as an easy spot to hike in, set up and prepare for a long trek ahead, although, if you're not pressed for time or resting up for a big hike, I'd recommend continuing on past the established sites into the more scenic backcountry. One major advantage of Hetch Hetchy is that you'll avoid the major crowds in Yosemite Valley which can't be beat in my book.
TravelerMy brother and I hit the north grove campground for the first time this past weekend. My expectations weren’t high but this place was great.
The campground we chose was kind of close to the road which would have been the only real negative. The campground map makes it seem like the road was further away from the sites but I woke up a couple of times from road noise.
Our campsite had a fire ring, bbq, picnic table and bear box and still had a large flat spot for my huge tent as well as parking for my car.
The weather was great, no bugs to be found and plenty to do. I already want to go back next year but choose a site further from the road.
ScoutLocated off highway 50 near Kyburz, CA, this campsite is a first come, first serve campsite. No reservations. Listen to the sounds of the river while sleeping. You can also play & fish in the river during the day. The river is stocked with fish. RV & tent sites which are spacious & most have nice shade coverage. No hookups, vault toilets. Dog friendly on leashes. Camp host has been there for 5 years & is super friendly. we had no problems but we followed the rules. Only 4 stars because you do hear the highway traffic. one of my fav places. $23 per day per site, $8 for extra parking. Lots of extra spaces.
TravelerRed Cloud Rd offers few viable camping sites. The road becomes increasingly rough and eroded, with deep ruts and drainages. 4WD or AWD is necessary. Site offers scenic views, unobstructed night sky, and interesting exploration.
Leave no trace!
TravelerThe location and weekend was amazing and beautiful. The 105 daytime temps were quelled by dunking ourselves in the lake and taking excursions to some of the other local wonders. We had a great view of the lake and the stars overnight were amazing. It was extremely easy to socially distance from others at all times.
We spent the weekend camped out here but when we arrived, our location was filled with trash. The previous occupants had left garbage strewn everywhere and a garbage bag that was torn into by the wildlife. We cleaned for about half an hour and filled a large black yard waste bag with garbage before we could start to settle in.
The other big issue is that the site says “all facilities are open” but in reality all the restrooms are closed and locked with a solution of putting portable toilets in front of the restroom areas. This is in no way better for dealing with bathroom needs.
Also, the camp host location was marked but no host appeared or was available. The rangers drove by maybe 6 times total.
Be aware when coming here that many sites do not have shade or places to set up hammocks.
Don’t let my negative points turn you away, many of these things were going to be situational and we would love to go back (just not in the midst of a heatwave like that).
GuideThe sites were well maintained. We went early in the season (April) so the dust was not bad. I think later in the spring/summer you might find yourself faced with dust and foxtails. Lots of weeds in surrounding areas.
Water was high, but looks like it would be great fishing.
There are many site styles available- private riverside drive up, community river cul-de-sac walk-ins, and three drive in sites tucked up the hill away from everything.
Porta-pottys and vault toilets available- no water.
Lots a options here.
Great beach by the river- tag the shade early in the day to beat the heat.
RangerVery basic campsites with a picnic table, fire ring, bear box, and access to a pit toilet. The setting of the campground is gorgeous with all of the exposed rock and large trees. Campsites can be booked online, and some are available first-come-first-serve as far as I understand. The campsite allows generators which is unfortunate for tent campers seeking quiet. For less noise, book sites near the back of the campground (sites 30 and up). Great mid-distance location for visiting both Sequoia and King's Canyon!
ScoutWe stayed here for the night prior to a Hetch Hetchy backpacking trip. We arrived in the dark. We had reserved a site with a small two person tent already set up for us. It was a bit hard to find in the dark, but the camping area is fenced in under an oak grove so eventually we found the stump with our name on it next to the tent. In the future, I think I’ll just bring my own tent and deal with the small hassle of setting it up—the tent provided was fine, but definitely would not have been a good choice if there had been rain. And you could tell it is essentially set up 24/7—some tiny insects living inside etc. The campsites themselves were sufficiently spacious and the host has nice fire pits with fire wood provided for each site, plus picnic tables. Basic portapotties plus some running water for bathrooms. Fellow campers were an interesting mix of folks from all over, though I wish the owner had quiet hours posted and communicated—our immediate tent neighbors sat out chatting and laughing until nearly 1am which was annoying. The coyotes and owls at night were lovely.
LegendGeneral: 132-site Corps of Engineers campground on New Hogan Lake. No hookups.
Site Quality: Varies. Most are back-in, but some are pull-through. Most sites are generous in size, providing some privacy. More than a few are not level (do not pick Site 107 if you need anything close to level!). We had reserved Site 80 but ended up taking Site 100. Pads are all paved but narrow; large RVs might be challenged navigating these driveways. A picnic table, lantern hook, fire ring, and grill complete the site.
Bathhouse: They really could use some TLC. No soap or towels and not all the showers were functional. I chose not to try the functional one as it had seen better days!
Activities: We saw several boats on the lake and there is fishing. Not sure about other activities as we just enjoyed relaxing at our campsite by the lake!
We were there on a Thursday in early May, and it was fairly quiet. No ranger or other camp host that we saw. However, on the weekends and in the summer, it looks like it would be a much different story (but we prefer the off-season!). Yes, the bathrooms may have been janky, but who are we to complain when it costs just$10 (with the Golden Access Pass). Beware of goose poop– it is everywhere! And while you definitely won’t hear road-noise, you will hear honking geese!
Tent camping near Fall River Lake in California offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, surrounded by towering trees and scenic landscapes. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to set up your tent and enjoy the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Fall River Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fall River Lake is North Grove Campground — Calaveras Big Trees State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Fall River Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 50 tent camping locations near Fall River Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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