Tent camping opportunities near Lakeshore, California span elevations between 7,000 and 9,800 feet in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The area includes campgrounds around Huntington Lake, Florence Lake, and Edison Lake, with sites typically accessible from late May through mid-October. Nightly temperatures drop significantly even during summer months, often falling below 40°F after sunset due to the high elevation.
What to do
Fishing access: Ward Lake Campground offers direct lake access for fishing with sites situated along the shoreline. One camper noted, "Great small campground next to a small lake. Nice campsites, pit toilets."
Swimming in mountain rivers: Little Yosemite Valley Campground features a clean river perfect for cooling off during hot afternoons. A visitor mentioned, "Nice bathrooms and right next to a clean blue river perfect for swimming in! Surrounded by granite rocks in one of the most wonderful place Yosemite."
Off-highway vehicle trails: Voyager Rock Campground provides access to the Dusy-Ershim trail for 4x4 enthusiasts. According to one camper, "Popular with Off Highway Vehicle users, Voyager Rock camping area is located on the east shore of Courtright Reservoir off of the Dusy-Ershim trail. Lots of space and great views from just about anywhere."
Historic mining exploration: Sample Meadow Campground offers nearby biking trails to historical sites. A reviewer recommended, "If you have a mountain bike I recommend the road that continues through the campground over a bridge. It is closed to vehicles but climbs to views and remnants of historic tungsten mining."
What campers like
Isolation between sites: Sample Meadow Campground receives praise for spacious site separation. A camper stated, "The Campsites are far enough apart to feel like you are all alone in the woods! The Kaiser Creek provides hours of fun for the kids."
Lakefront camping: Recreation Point Group Campground offers prime waterfront access. One regular visitor explained, "These are group sites, but they are the best sites on the whole lake in my opinion. My family has been camping here for 78 years... There is great beachfront access on the lake."
Creekside sites: Bolsillo Campground features sites alongside flowing water. A camper shared, "Camp site was clean with a fire pit and table. Had a bear box. We got one right next to the creek."
Mountain views: Thousand Island Lake Backcountry provides panoramic mountain scenery. A hiker noted, "The lake is beautiful at all times of day. Campsites are plentiful, but you need to look for them. You will find small trials leading off from the mail trail along the lake."
What you should know
Road conditions: Kaiser Pass Road presents driving challenges for accessing the best tent camping near Lakeshore, California. A visitor warned, "The road is steep, narrow, and has blind corners. This campground can also be accessed via Big Creek."
Bear activity: Thousand Island Lake Backcountry requires proper food storage. A hiker mentioned, "Rangers are very picky about checking permits. We didn't see any rangers up there when we went, but that's the rumor. Also, lots of bears in this area."
Mosquito presence: Ward Lake Campground has significant insect activity. A camper advised, "I would strongly suggest to bring insect/mosquito repellent because you definitely will get bit up a lot due to the standing water from the lake."
Wildlife concerns: Wildlife encounters are common at certain sites. A camper at Ward Lake reported, "Overall pretty good, but we did come across several small rattle snakes."
Tips for camping with families
Creek play areas: Bretz Mill Campground offers creek access that children enjoy. One camper shared, "The Campground was nice. We found a good shady spot, near the creek, and close to the bathrooms."
Group camping options: Sample Meadow works well for family gatherings. A reviewer noted, "You can plan a great group camp with some sites close together."
Vault toilets: Most campgrounds feature basic toilet facilities. At Huntington Lake Recreation Area, a visitor mentioned, "Awesome camping on the lake with many activities from fishing and hiking to water sports and boating."
Temperature swings: Parents should pack warm clothing for children even in summer. One camper at Huntington Lake noted, "Cold night and cool days in the summer."
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Ward Lake Campground has narrow roads making RV access challenging. A reviewer cautioned, "I would also suggest if you come at night to drive slower than normal along the road at the campsite because you can easily miss an empty site."
Unpaved approach roads: Bretz Mill Campground requires careful driving for RVs. A visitor warned, "The road to get to campsite can get rough. It's a good 8 mile dirt road. Some parts are collapse. And others parts get muddy so make sure you got a good car."
High clearance requirements: Many tent camping areas near Lakeshore demand appropriate vehicles. For Voyager Rock, a camper advised, "4x4 with a lift is highly recommended if you plan on driving into the campsite, but its not so bad that you couldn't hike if you wanted to."
Limited amenities: Most campgrounds lack hookups or dump stations. A camper at Bretz Mill noted, "Vault toilets are dirty AF! Lots of mosquitoes around. No cell phone service. Lots of trees so plenty of shade."
