Best Tent Camping near Lakeshore, CA

Looking for the best Lakeshore tent camping? Finding a place to camp in California with your tent has never been easier. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your California tent camping excursion.

Best Tent Sites Near Lakeshore, California (85)

    jesus R.'s photo of tent camping at Thousand Island Lake Backcountry near Mono Hot Springs, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Thousand Island Lake Backcountry near Mono Hot Springs, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Thousand Island Lake Backcountry near Mono Hot Springs, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Thousand Island Lake Backcountry near Mono Hot Springs, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Thousand Island Lake Backcountry near Mono Hot Springs, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Thousand Island Lake Backcountry near Mono Hot Springs, CA

    1. Thousand Island Lake Backcountry

    5 Reviews
    35 Photos
    226 Saves
    Mono Hot Springs, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Tent Cabin
    • Glamping

    $5 / night

    Regina P.'s photo of tent camping at Sample Meadow Campground near Lakeshore, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sample Meadow Campground near Lakeshore, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sample Meadow Campground near Lakeshore, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sample Meadow Campground near Lakeshore, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sample Meadow Campground near Lakeshore, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sample Meadow Campground near Lakeshore, CA

    2. Sample Meadow Campground

    3 Reviews
    6 Photos
    39 Saves
    Lakeshore, California

    Located near the Kaiser and Ansel Adams Wilderness', Sample Meadow Campground offers 16 campsites located along Kaiser Creek. Vault toilets are provided and each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and bear box. There is trailhead parking outside of campground approximately .5 mile for hikes into the wilderness. Large RV's and motorhomes not recommended. Horse camping is permitted. Water and garbage service not provided.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Dana W.'s photo of tent camping at Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping near Mammoth Lakes, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping near Mammoth Lakes, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping near Mammoth Lakes, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping near Mammoth Lakes, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping near Mammoth Lakes, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping near Mammoth Lakes, CA

    3. Scenic Loop - Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    18 Photos
    562 Saves
    Mammoth Lakes, California

    Regulations governing campfires can change with weather conditions and the seasons. To protect yourself and the forest, before each visit, check with the Forest Service office nearest to your destination for current restrictions.

    You can help protect the National Forests from wildfires by knowing and following the rules for the safe use of fire. You must have a California Campfire Permit to use a stove or lantern outside a Developed Recreation Area such as a campground. The permit is your agreement to follow restrictions and regulations in effect.

    Your California Campfire Permit is valid until the end of the calendar year; it may be used in any National Forest in California.

    Go to any Forest Service, CALFIRE, or Bureau of Land Management office during business hours and a receptionist will issue you a permit. You may also go to this website to get a campfire permit online (please note you will need a printer to print it off).

    Campfires - Campfires when permitted, you need to follow five conditions:

    Campfire Permits are required. Clear all flammable material away from the fire for a minimum of five feet in all directions to prevent escape of the fire. Have a shovel available at the campfire site for preparing and extinguishing campfires. Have a responsible person in attendance at all times. Extinguish campfire with water, using the drown, stir and feel method. Take Responsibility... It is your responsibility to know the current conditions and restrictions for the area you intend to visit.

    Details here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/recreation/ohv/?cid=stelprdb5362150

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Wutang P.'s photo of tent camping at Little Yosemite Valley Campground near North Fork, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Yosemite Valley Campground near North Fork, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Yosemite Valley Campground near North Fork, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Yosemite Valley Campground near North Fork, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Yosemite Valley Campground near North Fork, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Yosemite Valley Campground near North Fork, CA

    4. Little Yosemite Valley Campground

    6 Reviews
    16 Photos
    90 Saves
    North Fork, California
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo at Sno-Park Huntington Lake Parking near Lakeshore, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sno-Park Huntington Lake Parking near Lakeshore, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sno-Park Huntington Lake Parking near Lakeshore, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sno-Park Huntington Lake Parking near Lakeshore, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sno-Park Huntington Lake Parking near Lakeshore, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sno-Park Huntington Lake Parking near Lakeshore, CA

    5. Sno-Park Huntington Lake Parking

    1 Review
    8 Photos
    19 Saves
    Lakeshore, California

    Huntington Lake offers many activities, including swimming, sailing, boating, non-motorized boating, fishing and water skiing. Additionally, California Land Management sponsors a variety of interpretive programs and nature walks throughout the summer at several locations in the Huntington Lake area.

    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Market
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo at Ward Lake Campground near Mono Hot Springs, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Ward Lake Campground near Mono Hot Springs, CA

    6. Ward Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    1 Photo
    11 Saves
    Mono Hot Springs, California

    Located on Ward Lake, Ward Lake Campground provide sites with lake views. Sites offer picnic tables, fire rings, bear boxes, and pine and aspen trees provide shade for most campsites. Vault toilets are also provided. Ward Lake offers opportunites for non-motorized boating, fishing, and swimming.

    • Pets
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Tent Cabin
    • Glamping
    Wutang P.'s photo of tent camping at Bolsillo Campground near Mono Hot Springs, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Bolsillo Campground near Mono Hot Springs, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Bolsillo Campground near Mono Hot Springs, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Bolsillo Campground near Mono Hot Springs, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Bolsillo Campground near Mono Hot Springs, CA

    7. Bolsillo Campground

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    23 Saves
    Mono Hot Springs, California

    Located along the Kaiser Pass Road near the High Sierra Ranger Station. Bosillo Creek runs adjacent to campground. There are 3 available first-come, first-serve campsites. The Corbett Lake Trail begins at the end of the campground. Large RV or motorhome not recommended for travel on the Kaiser Pass Road.

    • Tents
    Lance P.'s photo of tent camping at Bretz Mill Campground near Shaver Lake, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Bretz Mill Campground near Shaver Lake, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Bretz Mill Campground near Shaver Lake, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Bretz Mill Campground near Shaver Lake, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Bretz Mill Campground near Shaver Lake, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Bretz Mill Campground near Shaver Lake, CA

    8. Bretz Mill Campground

    3 Reviews
    6 Photos
    18 Saves
    Shaver Lake, California

    Located in a setting of pines and oak, Bretz Mill Campground is located alongside Big Creek. Some sites are located on the creek. The location of the campground makes an great get-a-way for picnicking, cooling off during hot days and overnight campging, especially when higher elevation campgrounds are under snow. The area also serves as a popular OHV base camp. Access to facility is paved. Campground is maintained by Mountain Toppers 4 WD club.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    Kate O.'s photo of tent camping at Little Sandy Campground near Fish Camp, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Sandy Campground near Fish Camp, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Sandy Campground near Fish Camp, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Sandy Campground near Fish Camp, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Sandy Campground near Fish Camp, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Sandy Campground near Fish Camp, CA

    9. Little Sandy Campground

    4 Reviews
    4 Photos
    71 Saves
    Fish Camp, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo at Voyager Rock Campground near Sierra National Forest, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Voyager Rock Campground near Sierra National Forest, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Voyager Rock Campground near Sierra National Forest, CA

    10. Voyager Rock Campground

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    96 Saves
    Sierra National Forest, California

    Popular with Off-Highway Vehicle users, the Voyager Rock camping area is located on the east shore of Courtright Reservoir off of the Dusy-Ershim trail. Large Lodgepole pine trees provide shade to the campsites and most sites have lake views. Each site has a table, grill, and bear box. Vault toilets are provided. The campground is accessible only by Off-Highway Vehicles.

    This is Bear Country. Please store food properly and don’t feed the bears. Bring mosquito repellant.

    This is a “Pack it in, pack it out” facility. Please take your garbage with you when you leave.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
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Showing results 1-10 of 85 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews near Lakeshore, California

1479 Reviews of 85 Lakeshore Campgrounds


  • m
    Camper-submitted photo from Tenmile Campground
    May. 17, 2024

    Tenmile Campground

    Ron is a gem.

    Ron, the host, is a gem. Went here because we wanted at least a vault toilet. Nothing was free at the national parks reservation-wise, they were logging in Sequoia so its first come first serves were unavailable on 5/15 and some of the park was closed, and we wanted not to be kicked out of Sequoia and Kings Canyon for boondocking. Has single, double, and walk in tent camp sites, no water.

  • Ryan T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wishon Village RV Resort
    Jul. 3, 2023

    Wishon Village RV Resort

    For the glamper

    If you have an RV or prefer car camping/glamp set up this is a very nice spot. Lots of RV spots, but I chose to tent camp. Two types of tent sites, platform and ground neither of which has AC/Water. I had a platform site that was next to a little stream. There is a village store on site, showers, toilets, and water. Close to Wishon Reservoir which is great for trout fishing. Courtright is a little farther but wasn't accessible at the time I went due to fallen trees blocking the road. Attended a village church service on Sunday which was the topping on the cake for me. Lots of people around the campsites but partying is prohibited. That being said if you want a little more serene camping experience there is plenty of dispersed camping in this part of the woods.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Housekeeping Camp — Yosemite National Park
    Jul. 7, 2016

    Housekeeping Camp — Yosemite National Park

    Housekeeping Camp - Yosemite, NP

    Great location right in the valley. Amenities were nice (showers, laundry, food). The three-sided cinder block enclosure was a bit rustic and dirty. Would have felt cleaner actually camping in a tent where you can control what comes in and out of your personal space. Hiked several days in the park and took in sunset from Glacier Point (while doing the 4 mile hike earlier in the day from the valley floor up to the point). Beautiful!

  • Christina R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground
    Jun. 5, 2022

    Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground

    Nice campground

    I really enjoyed tent camping here. I’m not a fan of the trailer camping because it’s all cement and everyone is close together, but it’s doable if need be. When tent camping, you’re under beautiful trees which I love!

  • Sarah F.
    Camper-submitted photo from North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park
    May. 27, 2019

    North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    Great camping

    We had a nice open camping spot. It was at the edge of Yosemite Valley. The only downside to the spot was everyone else had a RV and had there generators on at 6am. We are not RV people so we don’t know why they need to run them. Next time we will camp in a tent only area. This area had no showers.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from High Sierra RV Park
    Jun. 8, 2020

    High Sierra RV Park

    Tent camping

    The place is in great location. The bathrooms are clean which is a great plus. There is a nice river (Fresno River). One thing I have to add is that many of the campsites along the water trailer and especially tent sites are very bunched up. There is not any room between campsites. The tent sites have are honestly 20x20 I would say. Therefore, there is no privacy. I understand from a business perspective the concept but to make it more appealing campsite I would suggest changing the layout and cutting the tent sites into half so that each campsite has more room.

  • Becbecandbunny O.
    Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Campground
    Jan. 9, 2022

    Meadow Campground

    Hidden gem

    This was our first time to Millerton Lake / Meadows Campground. We feel like we have the campground almost to ourselves for ourselves given that it's January. We imagine it's crowded in summer months. The campground is very lovely and well maintained. Most sites overlook the lake. Non-electric sites are separate from electric ones, which keeps down noise for those like us who still camp in a tent. Coin operated showers available.

  • Regina P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mono Hot Springs
    May. 5, 2018

    Mono Hot Springs

    Gem in the wilderness

    This is our go to place for our yearly camp out . It has a spot for everyone from tent camping to cabins.

  • Thomas K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 9, 2020

    Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping

    Private hotspring with mountain views

    4x4 or high clearance coming in. Long dirt road with dips and rocks. Water only flowing in winter months. Lots of tent camping spots along with 8 back in spots. Really amazing views 360 degrees. No service with Verizon.

  • v
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Flat Campground
    Jun. 3, 2021

    Pine Flat Campground

    Peaceful Getaway

    Pine Flat is a beautiful place close to home yet far enough to find a peaceful getaway at the lake. Campgrounds are clean, restrooms and showers are close to campaign if you are tent camping. Trails to hike and explore.

  • Devon Z.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sage Flat Campground
    Aug. 1, 2019

    Sage Flat Campground

    Welcoming.

    Great sites for small RV’s or tent camping. Very funny and welcoming camp host David Mac. Would recommend this camp to anyone looking to get away from the crowds you’ll find further north in the eastern sierras.

    First come first serve.

  • Eduardo B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Yosemite RV Resort
    Nov. 11, 2022

    Yosemite RV Resort

    Well kept site but right next to busy road

    It's a nice campsite. A bit of trash scattered around the tent spots. Excellente toilets and showers, but not so great out of hours check-in. Also 70+USD for a tent site with no hookup in November is a rip-off.

  • Amber D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Glass Creek
    Aug. 9, 2016

    Glass Creek

    Great for the price!

    It's free but donations are welcome. It's more for boondocking your trailer or RV. Spots are huge. Great for motorcycle/snowmobile. I was the only person in a tent. Not great if you're looking for tent camping atmosphere. But close to Mammoth and June Lake Loop. Had a bear visitor. Better for RV camping.

  • m
    Camper-submitted photo from Hidden View Campground — Hensley Lake
    Apr. 13, 2022

    Hidden View Campground — Hensley Lake

    Great Views of the Dam

    Clean Campground and site. The site we stayed at had a nice fire ring, was flat, had a picnic table and it was close to running water. We tent camped, but it looked like there were plenty of RV spots too. Nice and quiet too.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from June Lake Campground
    Oct. 21, 2018

    June Lake Campground

    Great campsite right next to town

    Tent camping and some RV sites available. Went at the very end of the season so cold at night but beautiful during the day! Various homes nearby. Lake was beautiful and the leaves were changing in time for winter. Very clean. Flushable toilets and running water. Walking distance from town.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Creekside RV Park
    Sep. 23, 2023

    Creekside RV Park

    Nice tent sites for an RV park

    Stayed three nights here tent camping , facilities were very clean and the foreman was very friendly guy. the area is great fishing and hiking though small game hunting in the Owens Valley was unproductive . Overall a great place to stay and country store has everything you need for your stay I will come back

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Flat RV Park
    Jun. 23, 2021

    Indian Flat RV Park

    Close to Yosemite

    Very close to park entrance. Tent sites are small and gravel. However the hosts are friendly, there are showers, clean bathrooms, good wifi, and you can use the resort pool. Great place to relax after a long day of hiking in Yosemite.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mono Vista RV Park
    Jul. 18, 2022

    Mono Vista RV Park

    Mono Vista

    Been camping here for years, very nice and really clean. Nice family owned rv park and tent camping. Make sure if you come since it’s right next to the mountains be prepared for wind and rain, but usually passes pretty quick. About a two hour drive into Yosemite valley and only like 20 mins from Yosemite east entrance.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Sweetwater
    Aug. 27, 2019

    Sweetwater

    Secluded Getaway

    Absolutely loved it here! No cellphone service, no showers, and one nature toilet. A true tent camping experience. Fell asleep to the raging river nearby. Recreation.gov states that bear proof lockers are provided but that is not true. This is a remote campsite, you are living in bear country; be prepared and secure you food/garbage. We had no problems with any wildlife and found it peaceful.

  • Cecil  K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Lake Campground at June Lake
    Jun. 16, 2022

    Silver Lake Campground at June Lake

    Peaceful tranquil and beautiful campground on the lake

    Visited in Fall, beautiful time, All the trees were changing, it was beautiful.  The campground was nice, the spaces were separated, we tent camped.  Store a few minute walk down the road, along with place to rent boats for the lake.  Very calm and peaceful area.  Because of the beauty and seclusion, wonderful time. one of the best campgrounds/locations I've ever been to.

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from Golden Pine RV Park
    Jul. 21, 2019

    Golden Pine RV Park

    Nice Campground

    Owned and operated by a family. Great customer service and always willing to help! Over 44 campsites between RV and tent sites. Very small and close together. FHU, quiet and close to Towns of Murphy for wine tasting and dining, Columbia, Angels Camp and other State Parks for camping. Paid showers $.25, pool and event center to rent.

  • Alyssa K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sweetwater
    Sep. 17, 2017

    Sweetwater

    Great Site, but not if you want some quiet

    We had a great experience with the Rangers and the facilities. The view was BEAUTIFUL and we had a great time. However, we were tent camping for the night and were kept awake by our loud neighbors in their RVs who were playing loud music until 1am. Also, planes fly overhead pretty frequently which woke me up. But the quality of the place is great and would be good for family trips.

  • Leslie M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dorst Creek Campground — Sequoia National Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
    Jul. 15, 2018

    Dorst Creek Campground — Sequoia National Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Gem

    We tent camped two nights here. Our site was roomy but not very level; turned out wonderfully though as it rained one entire day and no water pooled near our tent. Fresh/clean water was available. Bathrooms clean. Muir Grove is a hidden gem of a hike to a serene grove of sequoias, accessed at the end of the campground near the group sites. Fairly easy 4 miles round trip, hiked with 6 children, youngest hiker is 6; well worth it!

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park
    Jun. 21, 2016

    Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park

    Yosemite Camp 4 was AWESOME

    This campground was awesome. We went in the middle of summer without reservations and we were able to get a tent site. This camp site is at the head of the Upper Falls trail so you can get an early start and see some great sunrise scenes. Plenty of toilets and water sources at the camp site, just bring your filter.


Guide to Lakeshore

Lakeshore, California, offers a fantastic array of options for tent camping enthusiasts, surrounded by stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Tent campers should check out Thousand Island Lake Backcountry

  • Experience breathtaking views and tranquility at Thousand Island Lake Backcountry, where the hike in is well worth the stunning scenery.
  • This backcountry site allows for a true escape into nature, with ample space for camping and strict regulations to preserve the pristine environment.
  • Enjoy fishing, swimming, and star-filled night skies at this elevated site, perfect for those seeking solitude and adventure.

Some prices for tent camping range from $23 to $0

  • At Ward Lake Campground, you can enjoy a beautiful lakeside experience for around $23 a night, complete with picnic tables and fire pits.
  • For a free option, consider Voyager Rock Campground, which offers spacious areas and stunning views, ideal for those on a budget.
  • Sample Meadow Campground provides a serene setting with no fees, perfect for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank.

Local attractions and activities near Lakeshore

  • Explore the scenic trails and wildflower-filled meadows around Sample Meadow Campground, which is close to Kaiser Wilderness and offers great hiking opportunities.
  • The Little Yosemite Valley Campground serves as a gateway for those aiming to summit Half Dome, making it an ideal base for adventurous hikers.
  • Enjoy the nearby fishing and water sports at Sno-Park Huntington Lake Parking, where you can also relax by the lake after a day of activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lakeshore, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lakeshore, CA is Thousand Island Lake Backcountry with a 5-star rating from 5 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Lakeshore, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 85 tent camping locations near Lakeshore, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.