Best Campgrounds near North Fork, CA

Camping options in the Sierra National Forest near North Fork, California range from developed campgrounds to rustic dispersed sites. Located approximately one hour south of Yosemite National Park, the Bass Lake area provides several established camping facilities including Spring Cove Campground and Wishon Point. Many sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, while places like Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort offer cabin rentals. Goat Meadow offers free dispersed camping for those seeking a more primitive experience, while Whisky Falls Campground provides a middle ground with basic amenities in a secluded setting.

Seasonal availability varies significantly throughout the region, with many campgrounds operating from late spring through early fall. Spring Cove Campground typically opens in May and closes in September, while some lower-elevation sites remain accessible year-round. Water sources can be limited at primitive sites, requiring campers to bring their own supply. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, and permits may be required for dispersed camping on national forest land. Bear-resistant food storage is necessary throughout the area, with many established campgrounds providing bear lockers. A camper noted that "Spring Cove isn't a super special campground, but it's well-maintained, good for car camping, clean, in a beautiful area, and with easy amenities nearby."

Several visitors highlight the proximity to Bass Lake as a major advantage for campers. The lake provides swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities with convenient boat ramps and day-use areas accessible from nearby campgrounds. Developed sites generally offer clean restroom facilities, though amenities vary greatly between locations. Camp Edison and Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort provide full hookups for RVs, while more remote areas offer greater privacy but fewer services. Crowds can be significant during summer weekends, especially at waterfront locations. One reviewer mentioned that "The campground wasn't particularly quiet the night we stayed, but we sort of expected that. It wasn't overly loud and people weren't up super late." Wildlife sightings are common, with campers frequently reporting deer and occasional bear activity in the area.

Best Camping Sites Near North Fork, California (339)

    1. Camp Edison

    24 Reviews
    Shaver Lake, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +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. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    42 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    19 miles
    Website

    "After accidentally driving to this location following the directions of another reviewer for the “Yosemite Boondocks” campground across 41 (which we never found) we were very happy with this location."

    "Great spot about 5 minutes away from Yosemite entrance. Only a few other campers nearby but plenty of space to where they were only seen from a distance."

    3. Spring Cove Campground

    12 Reviews
    Wishon, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 642-3212

    $52 - $54 / night

    "Some of them are secluded and separated from others by distance and foliage (including a few with lake views!)"

    "Clean drinking water very close walking distance from any site. Water is very close so you can just walk your paddle board or kayak. Clean bathrooms! With real toilets that actually flush."

    4. Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    Bass Lake, CA
    7 miles
    +1 (559) 642-3145

    "We booked this last minute over the phone, we were very impressed with the spot, next to the pool, clubhouse, fire pit."

    "While we were there, they played movies at sunset next to the pool. Close to Yosemite, the Sugarpine railroad and a decent-sized town. Temps were in the 80's."

    5. Dorabelle Campground

    16 Reviews
    Shaver Lake, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +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!"

    6. Whisky Falls Campground

    7 Reviews
    North Fork, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 966-3638

    "Let me start by saying it was worth driving six and a half hours to get here."

    "The lakes are stunning, and there are a LOT of campsites to choose from. I also appreciated the space they provide at campsites to store food that are bear proof."

    7. High Sierra RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Oakhurst, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 683-7662

    $13 - $50 / night

    "The campsite was 39 and it was right next to the bathroom. To leave with a 26’ travel trailer I had to pull out and back down another road just to exit the park."

    "Good access to Yosemite. We prefer less neighbors but overall it was nice."

    8. Yosemite RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Oakhurst, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 683-7855

    "RV spaces have many different location styles, secluded, views, groups etc.
    Large clean pool with a shallow lounging section. Playground. Bathrooms/showers were freshly renovated and clean."

    "You’re 25 miles from the park entrance, on a straight path. The sites were a great space and the pool and playground was a lot of fun of the kids. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful."

    9. Sierra National Forest Forks Campground

    7 Reviews
    Bass Lake, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 642-3212

    $52 - $106 / night

    "Lovely view of the lake. Close by for easy access. Clean bathrooms!"

    "I love that it's walking distance to the resort and the burgers there are soooo good! Lake is beautiful and campground is very nice, bathrooms have sinks and flush toilets too."

    10. Outdoorsy Yosemite

    6 Reviews
    Bass Lake, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 642-3145

    $42 - $288 / night

    "Stopped 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."

    "Close to the lake plenty of activities in the area Boats jet ski rental fishing etc"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 339 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near North Fork, CA

1491 Reviews of 339 North Fork Campgrounds


  • T
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Tenmile Road Camping Area

    Beautiful

    Incredibly beautiful area in nature. Unfortunately a bit a small trash from others. I’ve been there in July, Sept, & Oct. Many spots for fires (need permit). Perfect spot for enjoying Sandy Cove at Hume Lake.

  • A
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Indian Flat RV Park

    Great site

    If Traveling with kids make use of their fire pit and roast marshmallows

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Evergreen Rd Dispersed camping

    Great little spot to boondock

    Firstly, the spots aren’t actually on Evergreen; they’re on an easily missed dirt road near Aspen Valley Rd. There are two spots at the end of the very short road - each with a fire pit and ample space. There’s tons of dead/dry wood around for fires. It’s close to the road but there isn’t much traffic and it’s very close to the Yosemite entrance.

  • April B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Glass Creek

    Crabby Host

    The campground itself is very nice and clean.

    The host basically demanded that we pay the ten dollar donation (which we had planned to do), so it's not a free place to camp. Then he complained because we were in a double site. There wasn't any indication that it was a double site, and the campground was basically empty, so we weren't keeping anyone from the site. We gladly would have moved if someone wanted it!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    Great Campsite

    This site is just about four minutes away from Yosemite entrance. We stayed here two nights. The sites are really spread out, which is super nice!

    Unfortunately, we did find a lot of toilet paper and human waste.

    There were also a lot of ground bee nests. Our dogs pretty much all got stung when they were running around the campsite.

    The road around the campground is super bumpy and it was a little challenging to find a level spot. But there were enough areas to find something level to sleep on.

    We really enjoyed our stay here, though! The spots are nestled in the trees with a lot of privacy and separation from other campers. We were able to let our dogs off and run around, which was a huge plus. Great place to camp!

  • D
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Mariposa Fairgrounds

    Huge campground on the way to Yosemite

    Nice big campground on our way to Yosemite. Its a self check-in, first come first serve campground. However, we have been welcomed by the very nice and friendly host, who told us everything we needed to know. Restrooms and shower are quiet clean and the Wifi is extremely good.

  • J
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Camp Edison

    Most beautifull place

    This campground was the most beautifull place I have ever seen of all my trips around the world! During our stay we were almost alone at our campsite area. The friendly ladies at the entrance gave us the perfect site very close to the lake - thanks for that!

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

    Nice spot

    We ended up on the “outside” of the spots in the trees. But, we did not have anyone in either side of us. Huge spot. It’s pretty here. No nearby grocery so have what you need. The Yosemite village store has quite a selection but it is an hour away. Easy access to the park. No cell service. Have to drive about 4 miles to west to get signal. Sporadic signal in the park. WiFi is subscription at sites. It was $14.95 fir a weak. Very intermittent.


Guide to North Fork

Camping near North Fork, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails in the area. Many campers rave about the nearby hiking opportunities, with one reviewer from Upper Pines Campground saying, "We camped here late February to capture the firefall."
  • Fishing: The lakes and rivers around North Fork are great for fishing. A visitor at Wawona Campground mentioned, "We brought some river tubes, walked upstream a bit to tube through the mini streams."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Camp 4 noted, "Absolutely love the views and the animals running around smells so fresh."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the breathtaking scenery. One happy camper at North Pines Campground said, "Beautiful campground with a view. The sites are big and although it is a big campground it never felt like it."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Dorabelle Campground shared, "The campgrounds are immaculate and near the water."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. A reviewer at Dinkey Creek mentioned, "The hosts were very helpful and friendly."

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Booking a spot can be tricky. A camper at Upper Pines Campground said, "Great place, amazing position with astonishing views, but almost impossible to book."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack certain facilities. A visitor at Wawona Campground expressed frustration, stating, "Not a fan of this place, had to pay $35 upon entry to Yosemite park and then another $28 to stay at the only open campground."
  • Wildlife Safety: Be cautious about food storage. A camper at Camp 4 warned, "The rangers are very serious about bear/wildlife safety in Yosemite."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites that offer amenities for kids. A family at Camp Edison enjoyed, "Amazing weather and amazing views. Short walk to the lake from our campsite."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games or activities to keep everyone entertained. A reviewer at Wawona Campground mentioned, "I can come here and play online games with my family."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A camper at Lower Pines Campground noted, "We enjoy our stay and will be back next Summer!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Dinkey Creek found, "The paved lots were so far from level that we didn't have enough leveling blocks."
  • Look for Hookups: Some campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a game-changer. A reviewer at Camp Edison said, "The bathroom facilities are clean and stocked well."
  • Plan for Crowds: Expect busy campgrounds during peak season. A camper at North Pines Campground mentioned, "The campground was expectedly crowded."

Camping near North Fork, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a little planning and the right campground, you can have an unforgettable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near North Fork, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, North Fork, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 339 campgrounds and RV parks near North Fork, CA and 58 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near North Fork, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near North Fork, CA is Camp Edison with a 4.7-star rating from 24 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near North Fork, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 58 free dispersed camping spots near North Fork, CA.

What parks are near North Fork, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near North Fork, CA that allow camping, notably Hensley Lake and Sierra National Forest.