Camping options near Hensley Lake provide a variety of experiences from lakeside sites to forested campgrounds in the Sierra Nevada foothills at elevations ranging from 500 to 4,000 feet. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September, while spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for outdoor activities. Winter camping is available at several year-round sites that provide shelter from occasional rainfall between November and March.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: Visit Whisky Falls, a short hike from Whisky Falls Campground. "Hike past it for an even more beautiful sight to behold. Bass lake is close by as well so you can take a dip to rinse off all the dust you kick up," notes one visitor who found the area worth a six-hour drive.
Lake activities: Explore Eastman Lake for fishing and boating near COE Eastman Lake Codorniz Campground. "Lake is full after the 2023 season," reported a camper who enjoyed the peace and quiet while staying at the Wildcat site, mentioning "Coyotes howled in the distance last night and it was dead quiet."
Off-road adventures: Travel forest roads surrounding the Hensley Lake area. According to one camper at Whisky Falls, there are "off road trails to test our 4x4 trucks" and plenty of "dirt roads to explore during the day." The network of unpaved roads provides access to remote areas with fewer crowds.
What campers like
Natural wildlife viewing: The foothills surrounding Hidden View Campground offer opportunities for wildlife sightings. One camper described the area as "Sparse and open foothills very beautiful in late winter," while another mentioned the campground provides "Great views of the foothills."
Proximity to Yosemite: Many campers appreciate being able to access Yosemite National Park while avoiding in-park crowds. "You're 25 miles from the park entrance, on a straight path," noted a visitor to Yosemite RV Resort. The resort is situated approximately 30 miles from Hensley Lake, making it possible to visit both locations during a single trip.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high among camper priorities. "The campground, including the bathroom, was clean," reported a camper at Hidden View Campground. Another visitor to Yosemite RV Resort called their bathrooms "the best I've seen by far" and mentioned they have a "Large dog run which was amazing."
What you should know
Site selection matters: At Hidden View Campground, a camper advised "Great Views of the lake...IF you get the right spot." Another visitor noted some sites require effort to access: "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: Hensley Lake and nearby water bodies fluctuate significantly throughout the year. At Lupine/Cedar Bluff Campground, a camper mentioned "The lake was really low" during their visit. At Codorniz Recreation Area, visitors noted the lake "is used for irrigation during the summer resulting in a much lower water level than in the spring."
Wildlife precautions: Bears and other wildlife frequent the area. Take proper food storage measures. One camper at Lupine Campground shared: "We had a beautiful cinnamon colored bear wander into our site a couple of times. While we were very careful to follow food storage protocols, not all campers were."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreation areas. One camper at High Sierra RV Park specifically mentioned "The creek, waterfalls & rope swing over the swimming hole was unbelievable!! The kids enjoyed the rope swing while the mom enjoyed the walk back to the falls & thru the shallow waters."
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play equipment for children. At Yosemite RV Resort, a visitor noted "the pool and playground was a lot of fun for the kids" and another mentioned the "Playground is in great shape."
Spacious sites: For families needing room to spread out, a camper at Whisky Falls Campground described it as "a fantastic little campground my family has been coming to for years" with sites that are "quite spread out" and offering "a great deal of privacy."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared with leveling equipment. A camper at High Sierra RV Park mentioned "Our spot was very hard to try and level our trailer. We never did quite get it leveled the way we would've liked."
Maneuvering space considerations: Several RV parks have tight turning radiuses. One RVer at High Sierra noted: "To leave with a 26' travel trailer I had to pull out and back down another road just to exit the park." Another visitor warned about access issues: "Had it been full we would have had a heck of a time getting out."
Hookup availability: When glamping near Hensley Lake in an RV, check for full hookup sites. At Codorniz Campground, an RVer noted "They have added more electric sites over the years and there were 5-6 that fit our 43' Blue Bird. We marked this as 'big rig' friendly." The same visitor mentioned "Sites are asphalt. Many sites may take some time to level. Back in and pull through are available."
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