Tent camping near Hensley Lake takes place in the Sierra foothills at approximately 500 feet elevation, where oak woodlands transition to pine forest. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing. The area's terrain varies from gently rolling hills to steeper gorges carved by the San Joaquin River, creating diverse camping environments that attract both beginners and experienced backcountry visitors.
What to do
Swimming access: Campers at Recreation Point Group Campground enjoy direct lake access. "These are group sites, but they are the best sites on the whole lake in my opinion. There is great beachfront access on the lake and being at the beginning of the lake, making a trip to Oakhust doesn't feel so daunting," notes Amy E.
Backcountry hiking: For more challenging adventures, Little Yosemite Valley Campground serves as a gateway to wilderness trails. "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," reports Nyssa L.
Creek sliding: Texas Flat area offers unique water recreation beyond standard swimming. Adam L. explains, "Make sure to check out the falls that are a little below Greys Mountain campground. Tons of fun sliding on the rocks and jumping into the pools."
What campers like
River proximity: The Merced River provides refreshing swimming opportunities for tent campers during hot summer months. A visitor at Texas Flat Group Campground shares, "There are plenty of solid camping spots along the creek between Grey's Mountain and Texas Flats. No toilets or running water, but the creek does flow year round."
Solitude options: Less-developed sites away from main campgrounds offer quieter tent camping experiences. "Several sites with picnic tables and fire rings but all are walk in sites for tenters. Fee is 10$/night," notes Aliza N. about Ya-gub-weh-tuh Campground.
Sunrise viewing: Early risers appreciate backcountry tent sites that provide special morning experiences. Kate W. from Little Yosemite Valley suggests, "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."
What you should know
Tree removal impacts: Recent forestry management has significantly altered the shade conditions at several campgrounds. Amy E. reports about Bass Lake Recreation Area: "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!"
Permit requirements: Reservations for backcountry tent camping require advance planning. "It's not easy to organize the proper permits, but it's worth it!" advises Kate W. about Little Yosemite Valley.
Parking limitations: Some tent camping areas have restricted vehicle access. Aliza N. observes about Ya-gub-weh-tuh, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Infant-friendly options: Contrary to common assumptions, tent camping with very young children works well at certain sites. Warren K. explains, "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."
Hammock camping: Many sites have suitable trees for hammock setup, providing comfortable alternatives to tent sleeping. Nyssa L. recommends, "When you finally get to Little Yose Valley, you're probably super tired (we were!), and the campground invites you in like a warm cup of coffee. We passed out immediately in our hammock to the sound of the river next to the site."
4x4 activity awareness: Families seeking quiet tent camping should note high off-road vehicle traffic in certain areas. "There are usually a lot of 4x4 folks camping in the area, so if you don't want to be harassed you'll need to find space away from the main trails (which isn't hard to do)," advises Adam L.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: The Hensley Lake region offers minimal developed RV facilities, with most campgrounds prioritizing tent camping. Corinna B. notes about Forks Campground: "Forks Campground on Bass Lake has 28 sites on a fairly steep hill, a bathroom, and includes sites anywhere from tent only up to a 40-foot RV. It's on the opposite side of the road from the lake."
Advanced booking essential: RV sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "We were told some spots book up 6 months in advance via the online recreation.gov website, especially on weekends," warns Corinna B.
Seasonal alternatives: When tent camping at San Joaquin River Gorge, Aaron M. suggests, "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."
