Kitty W.
Scout
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
Camping near Fresno, CA
194 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Camping options around Fresno, California include established campgrounds at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area and Lost Lake Recreation Area, which offer both tent and RV sites with various amenities. The San Joaquin River corridor provides several water-adjacent camping opportunities within a short drive of the city. Nearby Bass Lake Recreation Area serves as another popular destination for campers seeking developed sites with lake access. Most campgrounds in the region feature picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while some offer additional amenities like showers, drinking water, and RV hookups.
Reservations are essential during peak seasons, particularly at popular water-adjacent sites like Lost Lake and Millerton Lake. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F in the valley, making spring and fall more comfortable for tent camping, while higher-elevation sites remain cooler year-round. Day-use fees typically run $5-10, with overnight camping costs between $25-35 depending on location and amenities. Many campgrounds implement fire restrictions during summer and fall due to wildfire danger. A camper noted that at Lost Lake, "It is peaceful and beautiful. Weekends are always busy here."
Waterfront camping locations receive consistently positive feedback from visitors, with several reviewers highlighting the fishing and water recreation opportunities. Millerton Lake State Recreation Area provides boat access and swimming areas that campers appreciate. "Great spring bass fishing!" mentioned one visitor about Millerton Lake. Lost Lake Campground features proximity to walking trails, playgrounds, and the San Joaquin River, making it popular with families. According to reviews, many sites offer adequate privacy despite their popularity. Bathroom cleanliness varies across locations, with some campgrounds maintaining better facilities than others. For those seeking RV-specific accommodations, Blackstone North RV Park in Fresno receives favorable reviews for its central location and helpful staff.
Best Campgrounds near Fresno (194)
1. Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground
"About an hour outside of Fresno - we went to the Fresno Grizzlies game after setting up our tent."
"Bathrooms were so-so with regard to cleanliness but most sites had its own access to water which was awesome!"
from $30 - $200 / night
Check Availability2. Blackstone North RV Park
"This location was helpful when trying to take care of ordinary business matters. The park is well maintained and provided a nice area to walk with my pup."
3. 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 Availability4. Riverbend RV Park
"Place has grass, dog park, lots of kids play areas, adults game areas, fishing pond, creek and river next to property is very pretty. We really enjoyed it."
from $75 - $85 / night
Check Availability5. Fresno County Lost Lake Recreation Area
from $5 - $25 / night
Check Availability6. RandCher Vineyards
"We had a beautiful, relaxing campsite surrounded by a raisin vineyard."
"This location is Caruthers, CA- we live nearby CSUFresno (about 30 minutes away) but used this convenient opportunity as a test-outing as first time rv owners."
from $35 - $45 / night
Check Availability7. 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 Availability8. 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. Pine Flat Campground
"Excellent 4xx4 close by"
"One of the boat launch ramps was right there in the camp ground and the other was really close at lake view."
10. Park View Moible Home Park
Drive Time
- 36 min from Visalia, CA
- 38 min from Hanford, CA
- 49 min from Merced, CA
- 1 hr 23 min from Modesto, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Fresno, CA
225 Photos of 194 Fresno Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Lost Lake Campground
Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground
Riverbend RV ParkE
Hidden View Campground — Hensley Lakem
Pine Flat Campgroundv
Creek Side AcresT
Island Parkj
Trimmer Campground
Little Yosemite Valley Campground
COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground
Redinger Campground
Recent Reviews near Fresno, CA
727 Reviews of 194 Fresno Campgrounds
- CChris D.
GuideSierra 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.
- DDiana F.Scout
Upper Billy Creek Campground
Lake Huntington
Dark skies, quiet, dogs can swim in lake
- mmegan L.
TravelerGoat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site
Spacious sites in the forest
Tons of sites, some more secluded than others, with rings for fires. The location is great as it’s a 6 minute drive from the Mariposa South Entrance to Yosemite. Love being surrounded by pine trees! If you plan accordingly you can snag a secluded spot which makes the experience even better!
Garet W.GuideGreen Cabin Flat Campground
On the way to Black Hills
Al's is a great stop during the long trek across South Dakota. Full Hookups close to I-90. Pool and inexpensive laundry. Good Wifi
- RRebecca D.Traveler
Azalea Campground — Kings Canyon National Park
Mostly peaceful stay
We stayed at site 67. When bookibg, we were worried it was too close to neighboring sites but it turned out ok. The flattest spot for our giant tent was down the hill and it felt very private. All the sites in our section (66, 67, 68) had sloped parking spots. If you have an RV or sleep in your car, be sure to bring levelers.
The only water was a large sink outside of the bathroom. You could screw a hose to the faucet if needed.
The bathroom was close but not too close. The women’s has 2 stalls and a sink. Bring your own hand soap and hand towel.
We weren’t at the site much during the day so I can’t say for certain if it stays shady during the day but there are many trees. We never needed our canopy.
Azalea allows dogs and the barking echos quite loudly through the campground.
- SSavannah M.Scout
Dinkey Creek
Secluded but Convenient
We had a great three night, four day trip. The site we stayed at was more secluded than most sites at the campground. It was great weather and also convenient to water play access.
Guide to Fresno
Fresno camping areas offer a mix of foothill and valley settings, with elevations ranging from 330 feet in the San Joaquin Valley floor to over 2,000 feet in nearby foothills. Most campgrounds near Fresno are within a 45-minute drive from downtown, providing quick escapes despite summer temperatures that can reach 105°F in July and August. The region's camping options span across several water bodies including Pine Flat Lake, Hensley Lake, and the San Joaquin River.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Pine Flat Campground, visitors can enjoy both fly fishing and catfishing in the lake. "Love this spot! You'll hear all the frogs by night and birds in the morning, great place for fly fishing or cat fishing," mentions a camper. The fishing season is best in spring through early summer when water levels are higher.
Water recreation: Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground provides extensive water activities including jet skiing, boating, and swimming. A visitor notes, "Beautiful nice clear water," while another camper mentions it's a "Great place to wakeboard, jet ski, fish, and BBQ." The lake typically maintains recreational water levels through July 4th.
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds connect to hiking paths, particularly in the foothill areas. Near Hensley Lake, trails offer views of the surrounding landscape. "Sparse and open foothills very beautiful in late winter," shares one camper about Hidden View Campground. Some trails connect campgrounds to nearby attractions, such as the path from Lost Lake to the fish hatchery.
What campers like
Lake views: Many campers appreciate the visibility of water from their sites. At Millerton Lake, "We stayed in site 25 in the Mono Loop and the views were wonderful!" Several campgrounds position tent sites with lake views, though availability depends on water levels which typically drop by late summer.
Quieter weekdays: For those seeking more solitude, weekday camping offers a different experience. One camper at Lost Lake Campground noted, "Usually mostly empty and good privacy," highlighting the benefit of mid-week visits when local campgrounds see significantly reduced usage.
Clean facilities: While bathroom quality varies across locations, several campgrounds maintain well-kept grounds. "Clean, flat, well cared for campground in a pleasant setting," mentions a camper about Lost Lake. Another visitor commented about Pine Flat: "Campgrounds are clean, restrooms and showers are close to camping if you are tent camping."
What you should know
Ground squirrels: Some campgrounds have wildlife issues to be aware of. At Millerton Lake, one camper reported, "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."
Heat considerations: The extreme valley heat affects camping comfort. "Gets hot in summer, spots are close by to each other but usually respectful neighbors," notes a Bass Lake Recreation Area camper. Plan for temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F from June through September.
Water levels: Lake-based campgrounds experience significant seasonal changes. "Lake levels were low in Sept but I hear they were high & lake access was even better in the spring & early summer!" notes a Millerton Lake visitor. Most reservoirs reach their highest levels in May-June and lowest in September-October.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Lost Lake, a visitor mentioned, "Their is a few playgrounds in the middle of the campgrounds and option to play an activity or two." These areas provide structured activities close to campsites.
Swimming safety: When camping with kids, know the swimming conditions. "The lake is very full now till July 4th. Great boating, and jet ski area. Swimming areas ok," notes a Millerton Lake camper, suggesting some swimming areas may have limitations despite being designated for that purpose.
Supply planning: Many fresno camping CA options are removed from stores. A Pine Flat visitor advised, "It's pretty far away from the market so don't forget to pack your cooler." Most campgrounds are at least 15-20 minutes from the nearest convenience store, with full groceries often 30+ minutes away.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: For those needing services, Riverbend RV Park offers complete amenities. "FHU with large pull through spots. Quiet place that was nice to spend a few days at while exploring Sequoia and Kings Canyon," notes one RVer. Spots with full hookups tend to book 2-3 months in advance during peak season.
Site spacing considerations: Some RV parks have cramped layouts. A Riverbend visitor mentioned, "Sites are kind of narrow but are deep. Felt bad that our hooks up were in front of our neighbors door but this could be avoided based on how far back you pull in." This configuration affects privacy between neighboring units.
Centrally located options: For RVers wanting to stay near Fresno while exploring, Blackstone North RV Park provides a convenient base. "Simple & Clean. Just passing thru and needed a spot. Very accommodating! Sites are large and level but no screening between rigs," notes a visitor, highlighting its practical but no-frills nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best tent camping sites near Fresno?
What are the best tent camping sites near Fresno?
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground offers excellent tent camping with level setup areas, clean facilities, and picnic tables at each site. Located about an hour from Fresno, it provides spectacular sunrises and is often quiet, especially in late summer. Marmot Rock Campground at Courtright Lake is another fantastic option for tent campers, featuring well-maintained sites with amazing lake views. The campground has drinkable running water and is ideal for groups. For a more secluded experience, tent campers should consider Pine Flat Campground near Sanger, which offers walk-in sites and proximity to water. Reservations are recommended for Marmot Rock, especially 4-6 months in advance for non-winter months.
Are there RV camping facilities available in the Fresno area?
Are there RV camping facilities available in the Fresno area?
High Sierra RV Park offers convenient RV camping with the Fresno River running through the property and nearby hiking trails. The staff is friendly and helpful, making it a great stop when passing through the area. For those seeking full hookups, Millerton Lake State Recreation Area offers sites 120-144 with full hookup capability. Site 138 can accommodate RVs up to 43 feet long, though the arrangement is somewhat parking lot-style. Additional RV options include Blackstone North RV Park near Fresno with big-rig-friendly sites and Riverbend RV Park near Sanger, both offering water and toilets. Most RV parks in the area require reservations, especially during peak season.
Are there any lakeside camping options near Fresno?
Are there any lakeside camping options near Fresno?
Deer Creek Campground sits on the edge of Huntington Lake, with many sites offering direct lake views or lakefront access. While some trees have been removed due to beetle infestations, most sites still provide adequate shade. For a closer option to Fresno, COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground is a stunning Army Corps of Engineers site just 20 miles east of Highway 99. This hidden gem is situated among rolling hills that turn luscious green in spring. Other notable lakeside options include Lost Lake Campground near Friant with boat-in access, and Wishon Point at Bass Lake, which provides excellent water recreation opportunities and is a popular destination during summer months.
Where are the best campgrounds near Fresno for families with kids?
Where are the best campgrounds near Fresno for families with kids?
Families with kids will love Fresno Dome Campground with its beautiful creek that flows alongside the grounds, creating a peaceful atmosphere. It's nestled in the Sierra National Forest with nearby trailheads perfect for family hikes. Another excellent option is Sunset Campground — Kings Canyon National Park, which offers majestic surroundings with huge pines and spectacular sunsets. The campground has a respectful, family-friendly atmosphere with minimal noise at night. Both locations provide clean facilities, picnic tables, and natural beauty that kids can explore safely. For families seeking a quick getaway from Fresno, consider Lost Lake Recreation Area, which offers water activities and easy access from the city.
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