19 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Hensley Lake features several developed camping options including Hidden View Campground, which offers tent and RV camping with access to drinking water, showers, and toilets. This Army Corps of Engineers recreation area is situated about 40 miles northeast of Fresno near the town of Raymond. Campgrounds in the vicinity also include Buck Ridge and the nearby Eastman Lake's Codorniz Recreation Area, providing a mix of lakeside and rural camping experiences. The region supports both established campgrounds with facilities and more primitive camping areas with fewer amenities.
Reservations are recommended at most developed campgrounds in the Hensley Lake area, particularly during spring and summer months when visitation increases. Many sites in Hidden View Campground can be booked through Recreation.gov, though some visitors report being able to secure spots upon arrival during off-peak times. The campground features varying terrain with some sites offering lake views while others are situated in more open, exposed areas. Access roads to most camping areas are paved and suitable for standard vehicles. Visitors should note that the lake level fluctuates seasonally as it serves irrigation purposes, which can affect water access and views. According to one camper, "This is a decent campsite. Nothing amazing but the lake is nice. The sites are very wide open so you won't have much privacy."
Campers frequently mention the views of the lake and surrounding foothills as highlights of staying at Hensley Lake. Several visitors note the cleanliness of the facilities, with bathrooms and shower buildings that are regularly maintained. The campground atmosphere tends to be quiet and family-friendly, though some reviewers caution about limited shade in certain areas. Proximity to the water is valued by many guests, though site selection matters significantly as not all camping areas offer direct lake access or views. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers appreciate the reasonable rates and the option to use National Park passes for discounts. The area experiences hot summers typical of the Central Valley, while spring brings green hillsides and wildflowers that enhance the camping experience.
"Very calm, clean, welcoming campground on Hensley Lake. Free hot showers were clean."
"Even with all the rain, the lake isn’t very full. The campground, including the bathroom, was clean."
from $30 - $150 / night
"Bathrooms were so-so with regard to cleanliness but most sites had its own access to water which was awesome!"
"Had a fun time with the family, had accesible restroom and showers, had picnic table so we could put our things, shade, place where we could set our tent with our truck next to us, and we were able to"
Available this weekend
from $30 - $200 / night
"It would make the perfect group site as they were a bit tucked back from the other sites. Site #12 could easily be connected to site #11 as the brush is well-cleared between the two."
"Located a short 20 miles east of 99, just north of Fresno, this Army Corps of Engineers campground is stunning."
Available this weekend
from $30 - $200 / night
"RV spaces have many different location styles, secluded, views, groups etc.
Large clean pool with a shallow lounging section. Playground. Bathrooms/showers were freshly renovated and clean.""You’re 25 miles from the park entrance, on a straight path. The sites were a great space and the pool and playground was a lot of fun of the kids. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful."
"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
"After accidentally driving to this location following the directions of another reviewer for the “Yosemite Boondocks” campground across 41 (which we never found) we were very happy with this location."
"Great spot about 5 minutes away from Yosemite entrance. Only a few other campers nearby but plenty of space to where they were only seen from a distance."
"The only two things that were a little less than perfect was the road noise from 41 behind us and the water had some brown in it that filled our filter so have a spare on hand."
"Fuel was conveniently located just down the road at the casino, often at reasonable prices."
from $42 / night
"The campsite was 39 and it was right next to the bathroom. To leave with a 26’ travel trailer I had to pull out and back down another road just to exit the park."
"Good access to Yosemite. We prefer less neighbors but overall it was nice."
from $13 - $50 / night
"Picnic tables, well used.. fire pits, barbecue pits.. sites look d pretty clean, i am across from lake, train noise.."
from $30 / night
"Bass lake is the perfect campground for young family camping. There are plenty of facilities and even a restaurant."
ScoutThe helpful Ranger guided me to camp site 7 by the river and it was a beautifully tucked spot just a short walk, which was close to the parking and bathroom. I love hearing the sound of the water as I sleep so if that’s not for you then you know.
TravelerIt's a beautiful campground with different levels. Real restrooms with free showers. We will definitely come back here again.
TravelerI travel and like to use a tent at rv parks when possible. This park is small, quiet and has very soft ground for staking. The site map says G1 and G2 tent sites have 30amp but I did not find it at G2. All outlets available go to the RV side.
GuideThis place was packed on a Saturday in November! We ended up parked in the lot. No cell service for ATT. Would've been really nice if we had gotten an actual site. We saw there were tables and fire pits at the sites. We didnt use the bathrooms but they were there as well as a dumpster.
GuideGreat spot near the park entrance. Lots of spots kind of clustered together and other people camping. Zero AT&T reception.
ScoutThe Perfect Combination of Camping and Convenience! I'm 69 years old and an avid tent camper, but I absolutely loved staying at Housekeeping Camp in Yosemite! We kept things incredibly simple. We literally brought one ice chest and a plug-in coffee pot! With electrical outlets in both the kitchen and sleeping areas, we had everything we needed to make coffee in the morning and put together picnic lunches for our adventures. For those who enjoy preparing their own meals, Housekeeping Camp is well set up for that, too! There's a dedicated cooking area with a counter for food preparation and a picnic table for dining. You can easily bring your camp stove, cooking utensils, and supplies and enjoy cooking all your meals right at your campsite. We enjoyed breakfast and dinner at the various restaurants in Yosemite Valley, which meant we could devote our days entirely to hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the beauty of Yosemite rather than worrying about cooking and cleaning up. In the evenings, we relaxed around a wonderful campfire. For someone who genuinely loves tent camping, Housekeeping Camp offered the best of both worlds. We still had that wonderful feeling of being outdoors and camping, but without all the work of setting up and taking down a campsite. Now, let's be clear: This is definitely not glamping! There is dirt, and the accommodations are rustic. But frankly, there's a lot less dirt and hassle than traditional tent camping! The key is simply having the right expectations. If you're looking for luxury, this probably isn't your place. But if you love the outdoors, want to spend your time exploring Yosemite, and appreciate the simplicity of camping without all the work, Housekeeping Camp is a fantastic option. I would absolutely stay here again!
GuideBeautiful spot on the side of Bass Lake. Goat Mtn trail can be accessed right from the campground. Friendly camp host. There are definitely bears, raccoons and lots of ticks - we saw all of them. We expect that when camping in the woods but some might not. Food can’t be left out at all.
GuideThe campground is very accessible and therefore can feel busy at times (visited in October). It has flushable toilets and the general store is less than 10 min away by car. The campsites are rather close to each other, so don’t expect a lot of privacy. Our site (88C) was right in front of the restrooms, which have floodlights on all night and would not recommend. Overall, it’s a pretty good campground!
Scout$50 a night for full hookups, and WiFi
Hensley Lake camping provides access to a reservoir that fluctuates significantly in water level throughout the year. Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional rainfall. The terrain surrounding Hensley Lake consists primarily of grassland dotted with oak trees, creating a classic California foothill landscape.
Hiking and biking trails: The area surrounding Hidden View Campground offers several trails suitable for both hiking and biking. One camper notes, "Sparse and open foothills very beautiful in late winter," highlighting the seasonal appeal of the trails.
Fishing opportunities: COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground provides excellent fishing options when water levels are sufficient. A visitor confirms: "Outstanding fishing in the spring," making this a prime season for anglers.
Water recreation: While lake levels fluctuate seasonally, water activities remain popular during higher water periods. At Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground, one camper shared their experience: "Great place to wakeboard, jet ski, fish, and BBQ," indicating the variety of water activities available within a short drive.
Wildlife viewing: The foothills ecosystem supports diverse wildlife. According to a camper at Codorniz Recreation Area, "Fall has a Tarantula migration and you will definitely see them. Coyote, Bobcat, and deer are frequently seen," providing nature enthusiasts with ample observation opportunities.
Affordable rates: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the reasonable costs. One camper at Hidden View Campground — Hensley Lake shared: "Use your national park pass for 50% off such a quiet place," highlighting an important cost-saving tip.
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers value the tranquil setting. A Hidden View visitor mentioned: "Great stay, very quiet," confirming that despite its proximity to Fresno, the area maintains a peaceful environment perfect for relaxation.
Site selection matters: Not all sites offer the same experience. As one Hidden View camper noted: "Great Views of the lake...IF you get the right spot. We were there during Easter weekend and it was a bit crowded but not too bad."
Site accessibility challenges: Some camping areas require physical effort to access. According to a review of Hidden View Campground: "Not all sites are drive up. Some have a 'thrombosis hill and stairs' to get to. If you book sites B 16, 17 or 18 bring a sherper or pack horse with you to get your tent and stuff to the top of the hill."
Seasonal water levels: The lakes in this region serve irrigation purposes, dramatically affecting water levels. At Lost Lake Campground, a camper observed: "Gets hot in summer, spots are close by to each other but usually respectful neighbors," reflecting both the climate conditions and site spacing.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Lost Lake Campground, a visitor mentioned: "Camped here twice, pros camp right on the river, playground for kids, trail to the fish hatchery," making it suitable for families with young children.
Swimming options: During warmer months, swimming provides relief from the heat. A camper at Lost Lake shared: "Had a fun time with the family, had accesible restroom and showers, had picnic table so we could put our things, shade, place where we could set our tent with our truck next to us, and we were able to go swimming in the lake."
Shade considerations: The foothill environment can be hot, making shade important. A Hidden View camper noted: "We had a shared space, good thing they were really friendly. It was a very well shaded area that we got! It was a beautiful day, very peaceful too."
Site leveling challenges: RV campers should prepare for potentially uneven sites. At Yosemite RV Resort, approximately 40 miles northeast of Hensley Lake, a visitor mentioned: "We were in site 25 in the Mono Loop and the views were wonderful! Staying over Labor Day during record heat and local fires were not ideal but our site was private."
Full hookup availability: While Hidden View Campground offers limited hookups, nearby alternatives provide more amenities. A camper at Yosemite RV Resort confirmed: "Sites 120 - 144 offer full hookups. However, the sites are arranged on a parking lot. We were able to get our 43' Blue Bird completely onto site 138."
Reservation recommendations: During peak seasons, securing a spot in advance is essential. At Hidden View Campground, a recent visitor shared: "Plenty of sites, we arrived after 8 pm and were able to find a spot and book it on Recreation.gov easily," though this experience may not be typical during busier periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Hensley Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, Hensley Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 231 campgrounds and RV parks near Hensley Lake and 18 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Hensley Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hensley Lake is Hidden View Campground — Hensley Lake with a 4.4-star rating from 11 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hensley Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 free dispersed camping spots near Hensley Lake.
What parks are near Hensley Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Hensley Lake that allow camping, notably Pine Flat Lake and Sierra National Forest.
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