Mendota, California campers can find tent sites within a 40-mile radius in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada. This region transitions from San Joaquin Valley farmland to pine forest elevations, with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F. Several campgrounds near Bass Lake offer different camping experiences, with most requiring campers to bring their own drinking water due to limited on-site resources.
What to do
Water recreation opportunities: Bass Lake Recreation Area offers boating alongside camping. According to one visitor, "About 20 miles from the southern entrance to Yosemite park via random county roads, the campground and surrounding area are a recreation destination in and of itself, with the 'Forks Resort' nearby, huge professional boat rentals advertising everywhere, and of course the lake itself" (Bass Lake Recreation Area).
Hiking access: Many campsites serve as base camps for Sierra foothill exploration. At Buck Ridge, campers can enjoy "BLM with a lake view" according to Kenneth B., who noted amenities like "vault toilets, water pump by outhouse area" (Buck Ridge).
Day trips to Yosemite: Several campsites position visitors for southern Yosemite access. One camper at Bass Lake stated it's "About 20 miles from the southern entrance to Yosemite park via random county roads," making it convenient for park visits without staying inside Yosemite's boundaries.
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Buck Ridge operates on a donation system. Kenneth B. described the process: "First come first serve... pic a site and make a donation, there is a camp host" with basic amenities like "Picnic tables, well used... fire pits, barbecue pits."
Family-friendly environments: Some sites specifically cater to families with young children. One camper at Bass Lake Recreation Area shared, "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" (Hillside Gateway to Sierras Camp).
Convenient facilities: Certain campgrounds offer more developed amenities. A Bass Lake visitor noted, "There are plenty of facilities and even a restaurant. Our friends brought a boat, so we were able to go out on the lake, which was fabulous."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Some popular sites book up months in advance. One visitor warned about Bass Lake: "When we arrived at night in our RV both the main office and campground host/space were all closed up for the night with just a sign that said, basically, if you don't have a reservation go away, so you'll definitely want to book a space online as early as possible."
Tree coverage changes: Recent forest management has affected shade at some sites. A Bass Lake visitor cautioned: "The reservation website warns that a drastic amount of dead trees have been recently removed and 'The campgrounds at Bass Lake are now exposed with very few trees. Please plan for very little shade at the campgrounds'" (Bass Lake Recreation Area).
Noise considerations: Not all sites offer complete wilderness solitude. Kenneth B. mentioned at Buck Ridge: "I am across from lake, train noise..." indicating nearby railroad activity affects some campsites.
Tips for camping with families
Best tent camping near Mendota, California for infants: Bass Lake provides facilities that make infant camping manageable. A parent shared, "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."
Advance planning required: Popular family-friendly sites fill quickly. One camper advised about Bass Lake, "Book online and book early. We were told some spots book up 6 months in advance via the online recreation.gov website, especially on weekends."
Consider campground layout: Some sites have terrain challenges for families. At Forks Campground on Bass Lake, a reviewer noted it "has 28 sites on a fairly steep hill," which could present difficulties for families with small children or mobility concerns.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility varies: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles equally. One RVer at Bass Lake detailed that Forks Campground "includes sites anywhere from tent only up to a 40-foot RV. It's on the opposite side of the road from the lake and a couple of the sites are right on the road."
Leveling challenges: Despite hilly terrain, some sites provide relatively flat parking. A reviewer noted about Forks Campground that despite being "on a fairly steep hill" it had "level sites despite the steep hill."
