Best Tent Camping near Fresno, CA

The Sierra National Forest and surrounding public lands offer numerous tent camping options near Fresno, California, with varying levels of development and accessibility. Bass Lake Recreation Area provides established tent sites with amenities like showers and toilets, while San Joaquin River Gorge features more primitive tent camping experiences. Little Yosemite Valley Campground, though requiring a hike to access, rewards tent campers with stunning natural surroundings and serves as a popular base for those attempting Half Dome.

Most tent campgrounds in the region have basic amenities, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Walk-in tent sites at Ya-gub-weh-tuh Campground require a short hike from the parking area to reach camping spots equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Many backcountry tent camping areas lack running water, so filtering from nearby streams is necessary. Vault toilets are common at established sites, but primitive areas require proper waste disposal techniques. Fire restrictions are frequently implemented during summer and fall months due to high fire danger. A visitor commented, "The road to get to campsite can get rough. It's a good 8 mile dirt road. Some parts are collapse."

Tent campers in the Fresno area often enjoy significant shade coverage at forested sites, though recent tree removal at some locations has reduced natural shelter. Areas near water features like Bass Lake or the San Joaquin River provide opportunities for swimming and water activities directly from tent sites. Backcountry tent camping locations offer greater solitude but require more preparation and self-sufficiency. The higher elevation tent campgrounds provide cooler temperatures during hot summer months when valley temperatures soar. A recent review noted, "Little Yosemite is one of the nicest backpacking campgrounds. Nice bathrooms and right next to a clean blue river perfect for swimming in! Surrounded by granite rocks in one of the most wonderful place Yosemite."

Best Tent Sites Near Fresno, California (32)

    1. Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy

    2 Reviews
    Friant, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 642-3212

    "Bass lake is the perfect campground for young family camping. There are plenty of facilities and even a restaurant."

    2. Buck Ridge

    1 Review
    Raymond, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 673-5151

    $30 / night

    "First come first serve, vault toilets, water pump by outhouse area, pic a site and make a donation, the is a camp host."

    3. San Joaquin River Gorge

    2 Reviews
    Prather, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 391-6000

    "It's a nice place real nice open large camp area pretty cool nice trail to a bridge overlooking the San Joaquin River gorge I really enjoyed it it's much more fun if you have horses to ride"

    4. Little Yosemite Valley Campground

    5 Reviews
    North Fork, CA
    31 miles
    Website

    "We hiked the waterfall trail, which is breathtaking, but full of a lot of people! Once you get passed the 2nd huge waterfall, the crowds start to die down and its just you and the mountains."

    "One of the nicest backpacking campgrounds. Nice bathrooms and right next to a clean blue river perfect for swimming in! Surrounded by granite rocks in one of the most wonderful place Yosemite"

    5. Ya-gub-weh-tuh Campground

    1 Review
    Prather, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 391-6000

    6. Dunlap canyon retreat

    7 Reviews
    Dunlap, CA
    38 miles
    +1 (408) 761-2610

    $40 - $150 / night

    "Just 25 minute drive to the entrance of National Park.  But did enjoy staying in campground with nice walking trails around the property and peaceful pond to canoe. "

    "He is super attentive and friendly without being in your face, he strikes the perfect balance between helpful and respectful of your privacy. Great place!"

    7. Bretz Mill Campground

    3 Reviews
    Shaver Lake, CA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 297-0706

    "Good supply of wood clean restrooms clean creek water , definitely going back"

    9. Equestrian Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Prather, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 391-6000

    10. Recreation Point Group Campground

    3 Reviews
    Bass Lake, CA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 642-3212

    $131 - $397 / night

    "These are group sites, but they are the best sites on the whole lake in my opinion. My family has been camping here for 78 years and it’s part of all my family memories."

    "2 miles from all the Tahoe action in the city and the lake is right across the street."

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Showing results 1-10 of 32 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Fresno, CA

568 Reviews of 32 Fresno Campgrounds



Guide to Fresno

Tent camping near Fresno, California, offers a variety of scenic locations perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Tent campers should check out San Joaquin River Gorge

  • The San Joaquin River Gorge features a spacious camp area with trails leading to stunning views of the gorge, making it ideal for hiking and horseback riding.
  • This campground allows pets, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
  • Enjoy the experience of campfires under the stars, as fires are permitted here, enhancing your camping experience.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities at Bass Lake Recreation Area

  • At the Bass Lake Recreation Area, you'll find showers and toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay for families and groups.
  • The campground is conveniently located near boat rentals, making it easy to enjoy water activities on the lake.
  • With alcohol allowed, you can unwind with a drink after a day of exploring the beautiful surroundings.

Some prices for tent camping range from $10 to $30

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Fresno, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fresno, CA is Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Fresno, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 32 tent camping locations near Fresno, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.