S
Sibylle S.
Scout
ScoutSunset Campground — Kings Canyon National Park
Outdoor /Dry Camping
The Sites are in the woods and there is enough room. Restrooms are far. There is not everywhere potable water available.
Best Campgrounds near Lakeshore, CA
Campgrounds near Lakeshore, California cluster around Huntington Lake in Sierra National Forest, offering a range of camping options from developed sites to more remote forest locations. Deer Creek Campground sits directly on Huntington Lake's shoreline with sites for both tents and RVs, while Sample Meadow Campground provides a more secluded forest experience. The area features numerous established campgrounds with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, though hookup availability varies significantly between locations like Camp Edison (which offers electric, water, and sewer hookups) and more primitive sites.
The camping season throughout the region typically runs from late May through October, with some campgrounds closing after Labor Day due to high elevation weather conditions. Kaiser Pass Road beyond Huntington Lake becomes impassable in winter months, limiting access to higher elevation sites. "The campground is on the opposite side of the lake from the marina and store and cabins, making it a little quieter and more peaceful," noted one visitor about Rancheria Campground. Bear boxes are standard at most sites, and campers should be prepared for cool nights even during summer months when daytime temperatures remain comfortable. Facilities range from primitive vault toilets at more remote locations to flush toilets and showers at larger developed campgrounds. Cell service is limited throughout the area, particularly at higher elevations and more remote campgrounds.
Lakefront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with many campgrounds offering direct water access. Huntington Lake provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming, with several campers noting the tranquil early morning conditions. A visitor described the experience: "Kayaking is a must each morning before the winds kick in around 10am. The water is glass before that!" Wildlife viewing, hiking trails, and scenic drives to nearby attractions like Mono Hot Springs add recreational diversity. Campers frequently mention the area's cooler temperatures compared to lower elevations, making it a refreshing summer destination. Sites with shade are particularly valued, as beetle infestations have affected tree coverage in some areas in recent years, though most campgrounds still maintain adequate shade trees.
Best Camping Sites Near Lakeshore, California (414)
1. Camp Edison
25 ReviewsShaver Lake, CA12 milesWebsite+1 (559) 841-3134$40 - $105 / night
"Great campsite if you want to camp around Shaver Lake in the Sierras of California. Beautify lake, plenty of water sports. The small town has great rustic mountain vibe."
"Easy walk to lakeside and boat ramp. Nice picnic area near lake. Camped with full hookups. Nice store and hospitality center with food, drinks and stock of camp supplies."
2. Dorabelle Campground
16 ReviewsShaver Lake, CA12 milesWebsite+1 (559) 841-3533$48 - $99 / night
"They all kept saying it was the best camping trip they ever had.. our hosts Frank and Jamie were super sweet and welcoming.. the campgrounds are immaculate and near the water."
"The access to the lake is a little walk but not too far and the cove is perfect for relaxing with kids. Highly recommend!"
3. Mono Hot Springs
10 ReviewsMono Hot Springs, CA10 milesWebsite+1 (559) 893-2111$37 - $78 / night
"Our campground was right next to the river, and hiking trails to lakes, meadows and hot springs run directly off of the campground. The host was wonderful, it was all around perfect."
"Your first drive down this road will leave you white knuckled. But so worth it! I was taking a fly fishing trip in the morning and figured I would camp the night. All campsites were taken. "
4. Dinkey Creek
14 ReviewsShaver Lake, CA13 milesWebsite+1 (559) 841-2705$47 - $275 / night
"It's location had perfect weather, warm during the day and cool, but not cold, at night. You surrounded by gorgeous tall trees and have access to swimming holes about a mile away."
"I grew up going to Dinkey Creek and to the Girl Scout Camp nearby. This campground is remote and secluded there are good swimming holes, fly fishing and really beautiful area."
5. Deer Creek Campground
5 ReviewsLakeshore, CA0 milesWebsite+1 (559) 893-2111$47 - $96 / night
"Campground is right on the lake with walking trails. Added bonus is the campground is next to the boat launch."
"Deer creek campground sits on the edge of Huntington Lake. Many of the sites have views of the lake or are right on the lake."
6. Sierra National Forest Rancheria Campground
5 ReviewsLakeshore, CA1 mileWebsite+1 (559) 893-2111$47 - $121 / night
"It is a great place to stay for a week or longer and go explore all the surrounding area has to offer!"
"A well maintained campground & walking distance from the lake. Standard but roomy sites with the usual fire ring/grill & picnic table, bathrooms are clean too."
7. Sweetwater
10 ReviewsWishon, CA12 milesWebsite+1 (559) 642-3212$41 - $43 / night
"Driving from the West toward Yosemite this location is one which will allow you to find a camping option before getting into the big crowds. "
"Very close to the national park. Does not take reservations so you might have to get there early. The camp host was very sweet. Camp ground was $24 a night. Large sites for tents."
8. Sierra National Forest College Campground
3 ReviewsLakeshore, CA0 milesWebsite+1 (559) 893-2111$47 - $96 / night
"College Campground is one of a handful of palaces to camp along Huntington Lake. It’s within walking distance to the store & restaurant."
"* Right on Huntington Lake, and only about 10 or so sites so there was not too much noise.
- Able to walk right down to the lakefront.
- Marina nearby to rent fishing boats/poles. "
9. Sample Meadow Campground
3 ReviewsLakeshore, CA6 milesWebsite+1 (559) 855-5355"It is a beautiful campground located off Kaiser Pass Road. Even in June there was so many wildflowers and vibrate green. There was bathrooms and each site had a picnic table, fire pit, and bear box."
"When I visited some people had buried human waste next to the campsite and I cleaned it up. Most easily accessed via Kaiser Pass. Be aware that the road is steep, narrow, and has blind corners."
10. Deer creek campground
2 ReviewsLakeshore, CA1 mileWebsite+1 (559) 893-2111$34 - $72 / night
"Besides the lake being a one minute walk from your site they also had super clean restrooms with running water. The view of the lake is amazing! The drive up was nice too. The fishing was amazing!!"
Recent Camping Photos near Lakeshore, CA
642 Photos of 414 Lakeshore Campgrounds
jerryd
Deer creek campground
Steven S.
Kinnikinnick - Sierra NF
Austin C.
Sierra National Forest College Campground
Alisha C.
Deer Creek Campground
Genevieve L.
Upper Billy Creek Campground
David M.
Badger Flats Group
Hayley K.
JO Pass
Regina P.
Sample Meadow Campground
Wutang P.
Bolsillo Campground
Bryce B.
Mono Hot Springs
Dalton B.
Windy Point Dispersed Picnic Site
Azizah T.
Camp Edison
Recent Reviews near Lakeshore, CA
1753 Reviews of 414 Lakeshore Campgrounds
- SSibylle S.Scout
Sequoia Resort & RV Park
Good Stay
Friendly staff. Free usage of a gas grill. Free usage of the washing machine.
Kelly I.
TravelerCrane Flat Campground
Great location
This was a great spot for a quick stay. Restrooms, camping and good spaces between others. Would definitely stay here again!
M H.ScoutHigh Sierra RV Park
Fraudulent business practices
I made a campsite reservation, later changed the dates, and ultimately had to cancel. The cancellation was made both by phone and email more than 7 days before the scheduled arrival date.
I understand and accepted the $5 reservation change fee and the $10 cancellation fee outlined in their policy. However, instead of refunding the remaining balance, they kept the entire amount and issued no refund whatsoever.
As a result, I have initiated a credit card dispute. I would strongly recommend reviewing their cancellation policies and billing practices carefully before booking.
- TThomas K S.Scout
Mono Vista RV Park
Well kept and friendly owners
Stayed here for six days from May 26, and it was neat and clean. Great sites, no dirt, mostly grass. Just a wonderful stay. Will come again. The only downside is they take no credit cards, only cash and checks, so you have to send a check 14 days ahead of time. They had quite a few vacancies, we called in the day before we arrived, and had no issue, and luckily had my checkbook with me, which is a rarity
Angela Jerel G.ScoutPark of the Sierras - Escapee Park
SKP Park of the Sierras exceeded our expectations
We stayed at SKP Park of the Sierras for two months during April and May and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. To use the park, you'll need an Escapees membership(about$50), which we found well worth the cost given the quality of the facilities and amenities.
Originally, we were only able to reserve one month at a time, but when our circumstances changed, the office staff were incredibly understanding and worked with us to extend our stay. The staff throughout the park were welcoming, friendly, and helpful.
Our site was spacious, shaded by mature trees, and included full hookups and a concrete patio area that was perfect for setting up chairs and relaxing outdoors. The grounds were well maintained, and the park was surprisingly quiet during our stay. The amenities were excellent. The clubhouse hosted daily activities, and there was a library, games, fitness area, coffee station, and a donation-based thrift shop section. The laundry facilities were clean and well maintained, and quarters were available for purchase in the office during business hours.
Traveling with dogs, we especially appreciated the dog park. It featured separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, water spigots, covered areas for rainy weather, and even a heater for chilly mornings.
The shower facilities were clean and comfortable. They sold propane onsite. Fuel was conveniently located just down the road at the casino, often at reasonable prices. For our longer stay we would drive into Oakhurst or Fresno for groceries, so it's worth planning ahead for larger grocery runs.
One of the biggest advantages of this park is its location. It served as an excellent home base for exploring Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Monterey Bay, San Francisco, and Pinnacles National Park,(we don’t mind a long drive!).
We used Starlink throughout our stay and were pleased by how well it worked. Even with a tree-filled site, it was able to find enough open sky to maintain a reliable connection.
A few things future guests should know: some of the roads have tighter curves, but the staff are very knowledgeable about matching RVs to appropriate sites. Our 25-foot trailer had no issues. Mail and package delivery can also require some planning. As guests, we had mail sent to General Delivery at the Coarsegold Post Office. However, we later learned that FedEx would not deliver there, so packages shipped by different carriers may require different delivery addresses. It's worth confirming shipping methods before ordering anything important.
Overall, SKP Park of the Sierras exceeded our expectations. The spacious sites, excellent amenities, quiet atmosphere, friendly staff, and central location made it one of our favorite long-term stays. We would gladly return and highly recommend it to other RV travelers.
Elijah W.ScoutWawona Campground — Yosemite National Park
Just Okay
Wawona Campground is good if all you’re needing is somewhere to camp inside the park. The sites are fairly close together with little to no foliage blocking your view to each site. Some of the sites are not very level so if you have a roof tent like myself keep this in mind. It is about a 30-40 minute drive to the valley and the whole campground just feels busy and not much privacy. If you’re needing a place to stay I would recommend trying for a campground inside the Valley it will make your time in Yosemite much better spent
- AAdam H.
GuideCamp ikigai Animal Sanctuary 501c3
Amazing views friendly crew
I cant say enuf about our stay. After choosing a perfect spot. We setteled into relax and enjoy to quiet country vibes. Pool. Was great for a cool down. Very great since of community very welcomed by everyone. Matt Tracy and chad made us feel like we were at home The animals were great and friendly. Also The shower was over a granite bolder surrounded with grapevines. We boondocked and had a great time .
Jerry S.TravelerIndian Flat RV Park
Great but tight
I will start with the good. Fantastic WiFi, extremely clean bathrooms and shower rooms, excellent pool at cedar Lodge next door, short walkable distance to the YART bus stop into Yosemite, great price for a campground 8 miles from a national park entrance and easy access to a beautiful little river park across the highway. The only negative is, out of the several hundred campgrounds I have camped in over the last six years, none have even come close to how packed this place is. I was fortunate to get the best campsite in the park but across from me are 4 campers in an area no larger than some single campsites I have stayed at. The spaces don't allow for parking both your camper and your towing vehicle so you need to use the overflow parking which is outside the campground parallel to the highway. The Jupe Tents, tent cabins, and cottages are also packed just as tight as are the tent sites. I would still recommend this campground to anyone wanting to go to Yosemite though. It's definitely the closest and most convenient campground
Guide to Lakeshore
Campgrounds near Lakeshore, California occupy an elevation range of 6,900 to 7,200 feet, resulting in significant temperature variations between day and night. Summers maintain comfortable daytime temperatures in the 70s, typically 8-10 degrees cooler than lower-elevation areas like Shaver Lake. Most camping locations feature bear-resistant food storage lockers as standard amenities due to active wildlife in the Sierra National Forest.
What to do
Fishing at multiple elevations: Several campgrounds provide direct lake access with varying fishing opportunities. At College Campground, campers can rent boats for fishing excursions. "We rented an aluminum boat for 4 hours one day for $60 and went out fishing on the lake. We boated to the island in the middle to picnic and have some lunch," notes one visitor.
Hot springs exploration: The natural mineral pools near Mono Hot Springs range from lukewarm to very hot. "There are several different pools located across the river from the campgrounds. They are all over the hillside and range in temperature from lukewarm to bath water to Hot," explains a camper. The springs are accessible by crossing a log bridge and hiking trails lead to higher elevation pools.
Alpine lake swimming: Beyond Huntington Lake, additional swimming destinations require short drives or hikes. "Doris lake is pretty, with several cliffs to jump from ranging all sizes up to 60 feet," reports a visitor to Mono Hot Springs. The higher elevation lakes typically have fewer crowds and crystal-clear water, with swimming areas that remain cooler throughout summer.
What campers like
Spacious, separated sites: Many campgrounds offer well-designed sites with privacy considerations. At Dorabelle Campground, "My campsite was large, clean, with sunny and shade spots and separated from other sites by trees," notes one solo traveler. This layout allows for a more secluded experience despite being in an established campground.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain regular cleaning schedules for restrooms and common areas. A Deer Creek visitor observed, "Bathrooms are near by each spot and are clean often." Another camper at Dorabelle noted, "The campgrounds are beautiful and well maintained! The bathrooms are the cleanest I've ever seen at a campground."
Early morning water activities: Before midday winds develop, lake conditions are ideal for paddling. A College Campground visitor recommended getting on the water early: "We were able to walk right down to the lakefront." Many campsites throughout the area offer similar direct lake access for morning water activities.
What you should know
Road access challenges: The drive to certain campgrounds requires careful navigation. The Kaiser Pass Road to Sample Meadow Campground presents particular challenges: "The road is steep, narrow, and has blind corners. This campground can also be accessed via Big Creek. I recommend checking conditions with the Prather Ranger Station before setting out."
Temperature variations: Despite warm days, nights can be significantly colder at these elevations. A camper at Sample Meadow advised, "It also gets extremely cold at night so make sure to bring warm clothes and have a good tent and sleeping bag."
Insect preparation: Some locations experience seasonal insect activity. One camper at Dinkey Creek noted, "The yellow jackets... You would be sitting down trying to read and a few would fly around your head or land on your hands. As soon as the food came out, they would swarm." Bringing appropriate repellents and screen tents for eating areas can help manage this issue.
Tips for camping with families
Water safety timing: For families with children, timing water activities appropriately is important. At Deer Creek Campground, a visitor advised, "Would recommend arriving to the lake early before it fills up to the public." Morning hours provide calmer water conditions and less crowded swimming areas.
Creek exploration: Many campsites feature creek access that provides safer water play for younger children than lake swimming. "The Kaiser Creek provides hours of fun for the kids and you are close enough to trail heads for the adventure seekers in your group," notes a Sample Meadow camper.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer structured activities for children. At Camp Edison, "Camp Edison has great activities during the summer season including guided educational nature walks, both day and evening, as well as kids' movies in the amphitheater. There is also a museum on site that offers activities and fun events like an ice cream social."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RVers should prepare for uneven parking areas. One Camp Edison visitor reported, "The site wasn't level but was manageable. Bathrooms are outdated but clean, and they charge you an extra $5 to use the showers."
Dump station locations: Several campgrounds offer sanitary dump facilities, though not at individual sites. "There is a dump station on site and also a 'honey wagon' that will come to your site and pump out your waste water, if you desire," explains a Camp Edison visitor.
Road width limitations: Larger RVs face challenges on narrow access roads. A Dorabelle Campground reviewer cautioned, "Tight roads throughout the site, wouldn't recommend a large trailer." Similar constraints exist throughout the area, especially on roads to higher elevation campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Lakeshore, CA?
What camping is available near Lakeshore, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Lakeshore, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 414 campgrounds and RV parks near Lakeshore, CA and 77 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Lakeshore, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near Lakeshore, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lakeshore, CA is Camp Edison with a 4.7-star rating from 25 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lakeshore, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lakeshore, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 77 free dispersed camping spots near Lakeshore, CA.
What parks are near Lakeshore, CA?
What parks are near Lakeshore, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Lakeshore, CA that allow camping, notably Sierra National Forest and Pine Flat Lake.
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