Tent campers near Friant, California find options within elevations ranging from 500 to 7,000 feet across the Sierra Nevada foothills. Campgrounds typically experience hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F between June and September, while winter brings cooler conditions with occasional freezing temperatures at higher elevations. Seasonal fire restrictions typically run from May through October, with exact dates varying based on annual weather conditions.
What to do
Fishing access points: At San Joaquin River Gorge, visitors can hike to the scenic bridge overlook. One visitor notes, "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."
Early Half Dome summit: Little Yosemite Valley Campground serves as a strategic base for Half Dome hikers. According to Kate W., "If you are attempting Half Dome you could exhaust yourself and hike up from base, or you could extend the trip and hike here first, stay a night, wake up early, and be the first on the Dome to watch the sunrise - that's what we did!"
Swimming holes: The Merced River at Little Yosemite Valley Campground provides natural swimming opportunities during summer months. Wutang P. mentions, "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."
What campers like
Bear watching opportunities: Little Yosemite Valley offers wildlife viewing, though proper food storage is essential. Esther Y. advises, "Watch for bears... they are common here. Otherwise, hang up your hammock and relax!"
Creek-side relaxation: Bretz Mill Campground provides shaded sites near flowing water. Jack W. describes it as "Quite peaceful" with a "Good supply of wood clean restrooms clean creek water, definitely going back."
Picnic facilities: Multiple tent sites feature designated picnic areas on natural surfaces. Sites at Recreation Point are particularly well-situated according to Amy E.: "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. There is great beachfront access on the lake."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Current regulations often prohibit open flames during summer months. When allowed, Recreation Point Group Campground provides firewood on site.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require navigating unpaved roads. Miguel M. warns about Bretz Mill: "The road to get to campsite can get rough. It's a good 8 mile dirt road. Some parts are collapse. And others parts get muddy so make sure you got a good car."
Insect preparations: Mosquitoes are prevalent near water sources, particularly during spring and early summer. Lance P. notes that at Bretz Mill Campground, "The only issues were the 'meat bees' and the large amount of trash left by several camping groups."
Permit requirements: For the best tent camping near Friant, California, advance permits are often necessary. According to one Little Yosemite Valley camper, "It's not easy to organize the proper permits, but it's worth it!"
Tips for camping with families
Infant-friendly options: Bass Lake Recreation Area accommodates families with young children. Warren K. shares, "Don't let anyone tell you that you can't camp with an infant. It's actually one of the best activities that you can do with them, and it's a great break for the parents. Bass lake is the perfect campground for young family camping."
Shade considerations: Recent tree removal has affected some sites. Amy E. advises about Recreation Point: "Like most of the lake, the majority of the pine trees have been removed, so the shade situation isn't as great as it used to be - bring all the EZ ups you can!"
Bathroom accessibility: When selecting tent camping near Friant with children, consider sites with clean facilities. Little Yosemite Valley offers "regularly cleaned pit toilets (4 stalls)" according to Esther Y.
Tips from RVers
Walk-in only sites: Ya-gub-weh-tuh Campground has limitations for vehicle camping. Aliza N. explains, "If you are an RV'r/vanlife this place isn't the best. Although it's a beautiful area, camping here in is a parking lot. Several sites with picnic tables and fire rings but all are walk in sites for tenters."
Advance bookings required: Popular campgrounds fill months ahead, especially during peak season. Corinna B. cautions about Bass Lake Recreation Area: "We were told some spots book up 6 months in advance via the online recreation.gov website, especially on weekends."
Limited services: Most tent campgrounds near Friant provide minimal hookups or amenities for RVs. Kenneth B. notes at Buck Ridge: "First come first serve, vault toilets, water pump by outhouse area, pic a site and make a donation, the is a camp host."
