Glamping near Fresno, California offers proximity to Sierra Nevada recreational areas while maintaining a balance between outdoor adventure and comfort. The region sits at elevations ranging from 300 feet in the valley to over 7,000 feet in nearby mountain areas, creating diverse camping experiences across different seasons. Water levels at lakes near Fresno fluctuate seasonally, with some campgrounds reporting significantly lower water levels during summer months.
What to do
Swimming at natural pools: Dinkey Creek provides access to swimming holes about a mile from campgrounds where visitors can cool off during warm summer days. A camper noted, "We enjoyed swimming in the creek, hiking Bald Mtn, and walking around Shaver Lake. Glad I went but probably will not go again."
Fishing at multiple locations: Pine Flat Campground offers lakeside fishing opportunities with some sites providing direct lake access. According to one visitor, "Very relaxing. Rangers were very nice, it was clean and they have pretty good showers. We were very late to check-in but had no problems getting in. One of the boat launch ramps was right there in the camp ground."
Hiking nearby trails: Areas surrounding Camp Edison feature several walking trails with varying difficulty levels. A reviewer mentioned, "Nestled in the Sequoias, this beautiful lakeside campground hosts several amenities such as boating with rentals and launch ramps, full showers and well maintained bathrooms, large campsites, nearby horse back riding trails and hiking."
Boating and water sports: Multiple lakes surrounding Fresno allow for various water activities, with some campgrounds offering boat rentals and launch facilities. "Taking the boat out to explore the other side of the lake offers hidden falls and rock jumping, and private beach lounging," shared one Camp Edison visitor.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Hidden View Campground maintains well-kept grounds with good bathroom facilities. A camper reported, "Clean Campground and site. 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."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campgrounds near Fresno provide chances to observe local wildlife. At COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground, a visitor noted, "Fall has a Tarantula migration and you will definitely see them. Coyote, Bobcat, and deer are frequently seen."
Stargazing conditions: Several campgrounds offer excellent night sky viewing due to limited light pollution. "Moon rock sits in a meadow and soaks up sun all day, making it a nice warm space to star gaze at night while listening to the horses in the stable nextdoor," shared one Camp Edison reviewer.
Peaceful environment: Many campers appreciate the quieter campgrounds away from crowded areas. "Use your national park pass for 50% off such a quiet place," mentioned one Hidden View Campground visitor.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Not all sites are created equal, and reserving specific areas can dramatically impact your experience. "Some sites have a great view of the lake. Going to take the road bike out today and explore some of the roads around the Lake," explained a reviewer at COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground.
Water levels fluctuate: Many lakes around Fresno experience significant water level changes throughout the year. "Even with all the rain, the lake isn't very full. The campground, including the bathroom, was clean," reported one Hidden View Campground visitor.
Off-season considerations: High Sierra RV Park and other facilities have different amenities available depending on the time of year. "Nice camp, clean toilets and restrooms. They rent a small spot and therefore there is little privacy between each RV," noted a summer visitor.
Insect activity: Certain times of year bring increased insect presence at some campgrounds. "The other thing I have to mention - the yellow jackets. The hosts said it was quite unusual so I tried not to let it color the overall review, but damn! You would be sitting down trying to read and a few would fly around your head or land on your hands," warned a Dinkey Creek camper.
Tips for camping with families
Consider proximity to bathrooms: When traveling with young children, sites near restrooms can make a significant difference. "We rented sites #10 & #11 for the weekend. Sites #9-11 make up the cul-de-sac so it was great for our kids to ride their bikes and scooters. It would make the perfect group site," suggested a visitor to COE Eastman Lake.
Look for built-in entertainment: Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort offers family-friendly amenities that keep children occupied. "Has a pool, game room very run down, bathrooms and showers decent, sites a bit to close together for our liking but being close to the lake and Yosemite was a bonus," reported one family.
Check for wildlife warnings: Various campgrounds post specific wildlife notices depending on the season. "We were warned that rattle snakes are out, but we were fortunate not to see any ourselves. There is also quite a bit of brush around the campsites so be aware if you bring dogs," cautioned a COE Eastman Lake camper.
Consider day-use areas: Some campgrounds have separate swimming areas that may be more suitable for families with children. "We drove to a beach area found about a mile up the road. There is also a day-use area across the lake with some good swimming sites," noted a COE Eastman Lake visitor.
Tips from RVers
Check site leveling beforehand: Many RVers report challenges with uneven sites. "Our spot was super spacious we were able to set up lawn games and play catch. Second time camping here our campsite was super spacious we were able to set up lawn games and play catch," shared a Camp Edison visitor.
Consider electrical needs: Dinkey Creek and other campgrounds have varying hookup availability. "1st time I camped here was the first week of October in 2016. It was a whole lot colder than I had thought, but luckily we just put some stones around our fire and wrapped it up in wool to keep at our feet."
Water access planning: Not all sites with lake views provide direct water access. "The sites I saw were all dirt, not sure if they have nicer sites or not. The site wasn't level but was manageable," reported a Camp Edison RVer.
Location verification: The distances listed for many glamping resorts near Fresno may reference park entrances rather than final destinations. "We didn't know that the '20 miles from Yosemite' just meant the entrance, we still had to drive about 30 miles to get into the valley," warned a Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort visitor.
