If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Madera, look no further. You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Madera, California's most popular destinations.
This recreation area is part of Eastman Lake
This is Bass Lake Complex in the Sierra National Forest, California.It is 20 miles south of Yosemite National Park, off Hwy. 41, near Oakhurst, California.
For details and reservations in the Bass Lake Complex please select any of the following campgrounds:
Recreation Point is nestled in a partially shaded cove overlooking the northern end of Bass Lake. It offers tent-only, overnight sites and picnic area for groups. The maximum group sizes range from 30-50 people per campsite and 50-100 people per picnic site. The camp consists of four sites on one loop: Knoll, Lagoon, Scout and Acorn. The group picnic areas, Cove, Oak Point and South Park, are on a separate loop.
Bass Lake offers a beach and boat ramp. Popular activities include swimming, motorized boating, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, sailing and fishing for bass, trout, bluegill and catfish. Recreation Point has a designated swim area. Nearby hiking trails include Willow Creek, Goat Mountain, Spring Cove and Way-of-the-Mono Interpretive Trail. A variety of educational programs are offered on weekends during the summer.
The Sierra National Forest, located on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada, is known for its spectacular mountain scenery and abundant natural resources. The terrain includes rolling, oak-covered foothills, heavily forested middle elevation slopes and the starkly beautiful alpine landscape of the High Sierra. Recreation Point is located in the Bass Lake Ranger District at an elevation of 3,400 feet. Bass Lake is a very popular area known for its variety of fish, as well as the bald and golden eagles that make their home here.
Yosemite National Park can be reached in under an hour, making it an ideal day trip from Bass Lake.
Rules & Reservation Policies As you make travel plans that include reservations on Recreation.gov, there are standard policies that apply to most locations of which you should be aware. Do keep in mind, however, that there are many exceptions, so it is best to review reservation information listed on individual facility pages for those policies and procedures that pertain to your specific locations. Any location or activity requiring a permit or lottery will have unique requirements and policies. Please check individual facility pages for pertinent information for those sites. Booking Window For most locations, you can reserve six months in advance of your stay for individual sites and 12 months in advance for group sites. There are some exceptions, so it is best to check with each facility. Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation. Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Tours & Tickets: You may request changes to tour dates at no cost before the arrival date. If you cancel before your tour date, you may be eligible for a refund. Cancellation fees apply. Please check the tour facility description details page for cancellation policies. Permits: Varies by location. Please check the permit details for the permit location. Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. Cabins / Lookouts: Customers will be charged a $10.00 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee if a cabin or lookout reservation is cancelled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge. No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date. If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees. Tours: A tour or ticket no-show is one who does not cancel a ticket before arrival and does not arrive for the tour. Tour no-shows are not entitled to a refund. Refunds Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure. Reservation Fee: For some facilities, tours or permits an additional reservation fee is charged. For some overnight and day-use facilities, an additional non-refundable reservation fee may apply. The non-refundable reservation fee for tours and tickets is $1.00. The non-refundable reservation fee for permits varies by location. Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card. Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy. Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure. Recreation.gov Billing Information Reservation transaction will appear on customer's credit card statements as "Recreation.gov 877-444-6777." Changes to Policies and Procedures Recreation.gov reserves the right, when necessary, to modify reservation policies. These policies were last updated July
$124 / night
Gorgeous views of the Table Mountains surround this campsite and trailhead. Camping is available on a first come-first serve basis, reservations are not accepted for this campground of six campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilet (a maximum of 8 people per site; double sites are also available). Campsites are accessible and reached via a primitive hardened path, located close to the paved parking area. Drinking water and garbage receptacles are available at this campground (electricity is not).
Day Use (per vehicle)_________..$5 Annual Pass_____________________..$25 Individual Campsite____________..$10 Double Campsite (2 tables)___.$15 Equestrian Campsite____________$25 Group Campground*____________$175 Nuckahee Learning Center*___$300 Interpretive Programs_________..$10 *The Group Campground and Nuckahee Learning Center require reservations. Please contact the Bakersfield Field Office for more information.
The Dumna and Kechayi Native Americans once called the Gorge home and are still active in the area, practicing their cultural traditions which include ceremonies on site. It is from their language that we derive the names of the trails contained within the Management Area. All trails are multi-use, shared by hikers, mountain bikers and equestrian users. Motorized use on trails is prohibited. Foot Bridge Trail Distance: 1 Mile to Foot Bridge Round Trip from Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh parking: 2 Miles The Foot Bridge is one of the most sought-after sites here at the San Joaquin River Gorge. Please remember while the slope is gradual downhill to the Bridge, it is up-hill on the way back. Be sure to plan accordingly and bring plenty of water! Pa'san Ridge Trail Distance: 6 mile loop (begins across the Foot Bridge) Round Trip from Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh parking: 8 Miles The Pa'san (pine nut) Ridge Trail is a six-mile loop trail. This trail takes one into the chaparral clothed uplands where they will encounter mountain lilac (ceanothus), manzanita, mountain mahogany, and many other shrubs and wildflowers. Wuh-ki'o Trail Distance: 4 miles Round Trip from Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh parking: 11 Miles The Wuh-ki'o (Dumna/Kechayi word for San Joaquin River) Trail starts from the west side of the loop on the Pa'san Ridge Trail. About four miles long, it connects with Millerton Lake State Recreation Area on the Madera County side of the reservoir. The trail follows along the river and leads the traveler through oak woodlands with their mixture of foothill pines, shrubs and numerous wildflowers. San Joaquin River Trail Distance: 2 miles (to BLM boundary) Round Trip from Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh parking: 4 Miles A portion of the San Joaquin River Trail (SJRT). Access to the trail is across the road from the Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh parking and guides you into the Millerton Lake State Recreation Area. When complete the San Joaquin River Trail will eventually connect Highway 99 to the Pacific Crest Trail near the Devils Postpile National Monument. Portions of the trail cover prehistoric trade routes of the Mono Indians. River Access Trail Distance: 1/2 mile Round Trip from River Access Parking: 1 mile A short switchback trail leading down to the San Joaquin River's edge through the oak woodlands and grass understory. Day use parking is available at this trail head.
Beautiful private campground right on Willow Creek. This has a flat area to pop your tent on and includes a brand new sturdy picnic table and composting out house. Swim and fish in the creek and stargaze at night. There are fish in the creek so bring your poles. South creek requires 4x4 the terrain is very steep. Both camps have a fire pit and fires are forbidden June 1st til Nov 1st. You can have a camp stove during the off season months We do allow dogs.
50.00 charge for check in after Sundown
$60 / night
Buck Ridge Park is a group day-use area located at Hensley Lake in the foothills of central California, 50 miles north of Fresno. The lake area offers many recreational opportunities, such as swimming, water skiing, fishing and hiking, and attracts a growing number of visitors per year. It is within a short drive to Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, as well as Sierra National Forest. The 1,500-acre lake was created by the construction of Hidden Dam on the Fresno River. With over 20 miles of shoreline, it is a popular vacation spot for families because of its playground, swimming areas and water activities.
The area is packed with opportunities for outdoor fun. The lake area has a swim beach, a disc golf course and a hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trail. On the water, visitors can ski, swim and fish.
This facility has boat ramps, picnic areas, a group picnic shelter and a playground. Drinking water is provided, and there is a grocery store within a short driving distance.
Buck Ridge is located directly on the shore of Hensley Lake and surrounded by the oak woodlands of the Sierra Nevada foothills, offering a mixture of sun and shade.
Yosemite National Park is about one hour north, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are about 1.5 hours southeast of the facility. Yosemite National Park Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
$30 / night
Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY. Overview At the end of Briceburg River Road and 4.5 miles from the suspension bridge within the BLM, Merced River Recreation Area is the Railroad Flat Campground. Popular with gold prospectors and hikers alike, there is always interesting campfire talk in this campground. It also serves as the trailhead for the BLM, Merced River Trail. The Merced River Trail is a spectacular wildflower walk in spring, has great scenery, fine fishing, and amazing swimming during other times of the year. Know Before You Go Camping Camping is first come, first served. No reservations available. There are 9 campsites available. Maximum 8 people and two vehicles per site. Quiet Hours: After 10 PM (No loud music, generators, etc.) There is a self-pay system available to pay for sites. A campsite is rented ONLY once it has been paid in full, pay-stub is properly completed and attached to campsite post, and site is occupied by campers (tent up). All sites have a picnic table, grill, and food storage lockers. No potable water available at the campsites. There is potable water available__by the information kiosk, across the Briceburg Bridge. Facilities Parking Area Restrooms Dumpsters Recycling Cans Campfires Seasonal fire restrictions apply. Fires must be in a metal fire ring. No fires on the beach! Warnings There are no lifeguards on duty at the Merced River! Please wear a life jacket. The Merced River is undammed, and the flow changes dramatically. SWIMMING IS ONLY RECOMMENDED BELOW 700 CFS. Trailers/RV's over 18 feet are not recommended crossing the suspension bridge. Dogs must be on a leash. No discharging of fireworks or firearms. Helpful Links: River flow is posted on-line at: www.dreamflows.com Return To: Merced River Recreation Management Area Visit: Mother Lode Field Office Recreation Passes: America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass ADA Access: At least 90% of all campsites are ADA accessible
GuideFull hookups on level gravel pads. We stayed in lot 5 at the back of the fair grounds, and it was quiet at night. The showers were clean, and the wifi was the best campground internet we have experienced. It is 2 miles from town, but there are plenty of restaurants and a market in Mariposa to make the trip worthwhile Make sure you go to the Mine and Mineral museum on the the grounds.
Guide
Quite a large level area, though it was November and not peak season so there were loads of space. We pulled in and there were a couple of trailers with horses and a couple of other vehicles and we parked with loads of space between. When we left early in the morning a handful more of vehicles had joined.
Scout
What a gem! We loved our two-night stay surrounded by the animals. While the dirt road/driveway is a bit bumpy, we had no problem with our 23' Airstream -- just go slowly and you'll be fine (there was a 40' Class A there, too, if that says anything). Great host who is truly kind. Quiet, peaceful, and fun...what more do you need?
Scout
I was expecting bad conditions because of the previous comments but it was actually a good surprise. It's very close to the entrance of Yosemite, in our case it was very quiet and well isolated. There is no view or wow effect but it's great location and isolated.
Guide
Nice clean park with clean toilets and showers. Great pool as well. We had a Great spot in september and its close to Yosemite.
TravelerThis is more of an ATV spot, I arrived on a Sunday evening and the ATV people were set up and essentially taking up most of the spots meant for camping. They were using the many many trails meant for ATVs before I arrived and, when I parked a decent distance away from where they were set up, they opted to ride circles around my RV throwing dust everywhere and revving their engines (likely an attempt to run me off). The open space at the top of the hill where the restrooms are is meant for camping, I would NOT ADVISE taking any of the other roads as they are steep, uneven, and you will struggle to turn around.
There’s one spot at the entrance good for camping (away from most of the ATV action) but it is taken up by a permanent boondocker.
Scout
Plenty of sites, we arrived after 8 pm and were able to find a spot and book it on Recreation.gov easily.
Guide
This is an awesome spot, the hike out was absolutely gorgeous. We accessed it from the Palomarin trailhead. Beware, the costal weather can be volatile and you could get flash rain. Also, I highly recommend planning your visit with the sunny weather because it’s easy to pick a day that has endless overcast here, and it’s just not quite as much fun.
Also be careful what campsite you reserve. Some are absolute gems off on the ocean bluff. Others are more inland and packed in
Scout
Amazing weather and amazing views. Short walk to the lake from our campsite (#129)
ScoutWe had never been camping as a family and I hadn’t been camping since I was a teenager. The entire camp site is huge, well maintained and just wonderful. The staff are friendly and helpful. The bathrooms are clean and well up kept. All of the campsites are spacious and free of clutter. There is easy access to the lake and marina. Overall a great visit and experience.
ScoutI don’t if I want to leave a review. This place was great. It was my first time camping in a campground. My wife and I had so much fun and cannot wait to go again. Additionally, it was so easy to book online and we did it less than a week before our stay. That’s why I don’t want to hype this place up too much. I don’t want to have to worry about fighting others for last minute spots. So if you read this far, this place is awesome, but leave some spots open for us last-minute planners.
Scout
The unprofessionalism and unnecessary arrogance disrespect from the camp rangers was rather shocking. That’s not it it’s like camping a hill side it’s almost impossible to get a trailer bout camping to the stops it’s so steep, the fees for the vehicles not water at the like it said it would have the advertising is NOT REALISTIC. Be prepared to sleep at a slant . Please be careful going to places do your research before you go anywhere. I do not recommend this place if for some reason you go the camp maintenance Man was harassing my a group !!(RAY)!! He said was his name an older man . Be careful
ScoutCame to Bass Lake to visit family from out of state I am from Phoenix. Did not expect the campground provider to be so unprofessional and rude before even finding our campsite we were harassed. I would never recommend this place. They charge for everything. if you want to drive your boat here be prepared to pay for an extra $53 fee for a sticker that you might only use one time be prepared to pay fees on everything else as well if you stay as a camper and get prepared to be harassed.
Scout
The other "resorts" on the river need to come here and see what a real campground is like.
Either way this is a nice campground with nice stuff like a pool, hot tub, clubhouse, and more.
TravelerWe got there at 5pm on a Sunday. Went all the way to the back and In my opinion got the best spot. We had plenty of trees around us for privacy and shade. Highly recommend if you’re trying to camp close to Yosemite without a reservation. Only downside were the mosquitoes were on another level. They turned off once it got dark though.
Scout
I enjoyed my stay on the most part. Sadly there was some trash scattered all over the place because of previous visitors. It was quite and have several trails to walk on. Their is a nice that runs by the campgrounds and further down and pass the station where pay the toll to the stake park. Their is a few playgrounds in the middle of the campgrounds and option to play an activity or two. It was also not to far from the town or it’s dam. I would only suggest to bring your own wood with you because California made it illegal to pick up any wood for a fire and it would be very and to find and wood for a fire. Overall it’s was a pleasant visit for this place for a camping trip .
Guide
No wifi, bathrooms did not have hot water.
Cool park with extremely friendly and helpful staff. Cannot say enough about the great park rangers and camp hosts.
There were people close by to us with several tents and campers in one spot, not sure how this is monitored.
Spotty T Mobile Service $32 per night
GuideUnderrated for sure - we stayed 2 nights while exploring Yosemite because we could not find a campground closer with spots. Big grassy area close to Mineral Museum, water and electric hookups. We basically had the fairgrounds to ourselves. They have additional spots in more of a parking lot setting, well marked.
$55 per night Wifi worked great
Traveler
I Van Camped at Mercey Hot Springs for 5 days. When I arrived the nights were hot so I decided to take an AC Cabin #10 where I could park right next to the cabin and slept comfortably. I moved to a RV camp site #5 when the temps at night were a more comfortable mid 60s. I love that the hot tubs are available all night long. It allows for long soaks while star gazing. The therapeutic water is magical some of the best I have found. As soon as you enter the pool or hot tubs you feel the smooth water on your skin. The hot tubs are all oversized privet bath tubs that you fill with mineral water of your desired temperature. This is a completely off the grid resorts that has good energy and tranquil atmosphere. It is very clean with clean bath rooms and showers. When I was there in June 2024 they did not have the restaurant open yet but one looks like it is in the near future. They do have snacks, cold drinks, coffee, ice cream and Ice in the front office for purchase. I took the short hike up the hill to see the solar array, while up there I discovered a most amazing triple Labyrinth circle walk that was very mindful experience. I have never seen such a neat labyrinth as this. Truly an amazing stay, I will be back.
Guide
This time I brought a friend who hadn't been here before.
As usual, the staff was great! Very friendly at our arrival and in the evening while performing their drive-by checks.
This time I actually tried the showers and I was not disappointed. Great water pressure, plenty warm and cleaner than you might expect. Sure, there are some bugs that get in, but it was way nicer than showering in my van.
The bathrooms are well maintained and stocked with paper towels and tp. They really do a nice job here.
The riding was great. We were in awe of how empty it was. Father's Day weekend and we never came across anyone else on the trails.
We did have to relocate. My buddy couldn't get his RV into the hillside spot we'd reserved - M49 I think it was.
ScoutStopped by to get out of the California valley heat. Haven’t been to Bass Lake for years. Missed out on this little piece of heaven. Will be back.
Scout
Tent only camping for us. Quiet. Shower and toilet accessible. The only thing was neighbors were very, very near. But our neighbors were quiet so it wasn't bad. End of March was rainy, so be prepared for rain if you go during that time.
GuideA quiet, large space for setting up.
GuideThis spot is great, right outside the YNP, but the mosquitos will suck ever last drop of blood out of you! This was the very back spot but also a quiet spot.
GuideGot there late at night, around midnight. Had to find a spot but very quiet. Will stay there again!
GuideThis is a good location right near the south entrance of the park, but still about an hour from the valley. It was a little crowded and pretty bumpy road to get into the sites. But it worked well for staying for the night.
Traveler
super accessible spot right by the entrance (10 min drive max) to yosemite np !! not sure why some of these reviews are complicated lol but just go up mount raymond road like the directions tell you to then once you get to the end i just went to the turn out on the right ! super lowkey, fire pits, and beautiful scenery 🌱
Nestled in the heart of California, Madera offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Madera, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Madera, CA is Wildcat Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore with a 4.8-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Madera, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Madera, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
