1 campground with availability this weekend
Sierra National Forest offers numerous tent camping opportunities near Oakhurst, California. Fresno Dome Campground provides tent sites with picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets in a forested setting, while Recreation Point Group Campground at Bass Lake offers tent campsites with picnic tables and water access. Several primitive tent sites can also be found along forest roads, providing more secluded options for those seeking a quieter experience away from developed campgrounds.
Most tent sites near Oakhurst feature flat dirt or forest duff surfaces with minimal improvements. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans often in effect during summer and early fall due to wildfire concerns. Bear activity is common throughout the area, requiring proper food storage in designated bear boxes at established campgrounds or bear canisters in backcountry settings. Campers should bring their own water, as drinking water is available at only a few developed campgrounds like Recreation Point. The camping season generally runs from May through October, with higher elevation sites often inaccessible until snowmelt in late spring.
Walk-in tent sites offer a more immersive forest experience while still providing basic amenities. At Fresno Dome Campground, tent campers have access to vault toilets and sites with fire rings, though water must be filtered or carried in. The campground's elevation provides cooler temperatures during summer months when valley areas become hot. Sites near water features are particularly valued for both recreation and ambient sound. A recent review noted that "Beautiful expansive sites. Not too much tree cover so you get a fair amount of sun during the day (which is nice when temps are low)." For tent campers seeking backcountry experiences, the nearby trails into Yosemite's less-visited wilderness areas provide opportunities for overnight backpacking trips that escape the crowds found in more developed areas.
"We hiked the waterfall trail, which is breathtaking, but full of a lot of people! Once you get passed the 2nd huge waterfall, the crowds start to die down and its just you and the mountains."
"One of the nicest backpacking campgrounds. 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"
"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 and it’s part of all my family memories."
"2 miles from all the Tahoe action in the city and the lake is right across the street."
Available this weekend
from $131 - $397 / night
"There are usually a lot of 4x4 folks camping in the area, so if you don’t want to be harassed you’ll need to find space away from the main trails (which isn’t hard to do)."
"Not too much tree cover so you get a fair amount of sun during the day (which is nice when temps are low). They have vault toilets, which totally did the job. Bring your own water."
"The water creates a great sound dampening - perfect for midnight snore charades around the campfire."
from $20 / night
"It's a nice place real nice open large camp area pretty cool nice trail to a bridge overlooking the San Joaquin River gorge I really enjoyed it it's much more fun if you have horses to ride"
from $40 - $50 / night
GuideBeautiful spot on the side of Bass Lake. Goat Mtn trail can be accessed right from the campground. Friendly camp host. There are definitely bears, raccoons and lots of ticks - we saw all of them. We expect that when camping in the woods but some might not. Food can’t be left out at all.
GuideThe campground is very accessible and therefore can feel busy at times (visited in October). It has flushable toilets and the general store is less than 10 min away by car. The campsites are rather close to each other, so don’t expect a lot of privacy. Our site (88C) was right in front of the restrooms, which have floodlights on all night and would not recommend. Overall, it’s a pretty good campground!
TravelerThe campground is going to be starting to do their cleanup of the over growth to make campsites better. But it is a gorgeous place to camp. Veterans free, seniors get discounts and regular camping is very reasonable. Fishing in the river. Day use side and campground side. Camp host is awesome. I've been several times and we love it. Great telephone reception, potable water spigots and restrooms (either portable outhouse or regular flush bathroom). 👍
GuideLoads of space! Not many people here in October. Park lot had two trailers and the trail to the right is wide open with numerous pullouts. Lots of great trails around for the dogs.
GuideThis is actually a really nice free dispersed camping site. Once you get to the Goat Meadows sign if you go left you will find a large parking lot with bathrooms. There were probably ten rigs or so jst camping up on the parking lot. If you go right down the hill you will find multiple dispersed camping sites. They are a little obscure, but some have nice fire rings that let you know it’s a site. They are very well spaced so even when you have neighbors you will hardly see or hear them. At the top of the hill where you go left or right was a camp host looking site but not sure if it is actually, but there was a camper there with a bumper pull trailer who uses a very loud shop type cheap generator that you can literally hear all over the area. Luckily, he turned it off about 10pm but started it up around 8am. If it weren’t for him probably would have given this site five stars. Also, T-Mobile and ATT both had zero cell service our phones were both on SOS but that really wasn’t a problem for us.
RangerNot even sure i found the exact place. Go through a little neighborhood an come to a gravel road. Found a little turn around an spent the night. Didnt see anyone. Cell coverage enough to get texts.
TravelerBeautiful. Would definitely come back.
GuideIt was freezing when we went! The camp host was so nice and welcoming. The site was pretty close to the noisy highway.
GuideWe came here in October and had no issues finding a spot. We stayed in the parking lot but there are also more remote spots if you continue to the right that are suitable for vans, truck campers, and tents. This area is only minutes from the west entrance to Yosemite and Mariposa Grove and 40 minutes from the valley. The parking lot is big-rig friendly but could fill up quick during the summer. There are on-site vault toilets and dumpsters.
The Sierra National Forest surrounds Oakhurst, California with over 1.3 million acres of outdoor recreation opportunities at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 8,000 feet. Tent camping near Oakhurst provides access to both primitive backcountry sites and developed campgrounds within 30-45 minutes of town. Summer temperatures average 85°F during daytime with cool 50°F nights, while spring and fall bring temperature fluctuations requiring layered clothing.
Hike to waterfall swimming holes: At Texas Flat Group Campground area, visitors can explore natural water slides and swimming holes. "Get out of the heat and into the creek... Make sure to check out the falls that are a little below Greys Mountain campground. Tons of fun sliding on the rocks and jumping into the pools," notes Adam L.
Summit local peaks: The Sierra National Forest Summit Camp Campground offers access to high-elevation trails through sequoia groves. "Very beautiful place! Camping under the beautiful sequoia trees the smell of the pine cones. Need a 4x4 to get to the campground and it took us about 45min up the mountain," reports Conrad G.
Explore backcountry trails: Little Yosemite Valley Campground serves as a gateway for Half Dome hikers and backcountry exploration. "If you are attempting Half Dome you could exhaust yourself and hike up from base, or you could extend the trip and hike here first, stay a night, wake up early, and be the first on the Dome to watch the sunrise," suggests Kate W.
Riverside camping sites: Many campers appreciate creek and river access for natural cooling. "The main campground gets closed on occasion, but there are plenty of solid camping spots along the creek between Grey's Mountain and Texas Flats. No toilets or running water, but the creek does flow year round," reports Adam L. about Texas Flat Group Campground.
Clean bathroom facilities: Ya-gub-weh-tuh Campground maintains well-kept facilities despite its remote location. "Fee is 10$/night. Water was available when we were here in November. Pit toilets available and clean," notes Aliza N.
Proximity to Yosemite without crowds: Campers frequently mention enjoying Yosemite-adjacent experiences without the reservation challenges. "Hidden in the most often overlooked sierranational forest, this campground is a gem! There's a beautiful creek that was full in August, which flows alongside the grounds," writes Jacqui W. about Fresno Dome Campground.
Fire restrictions vary dramatically: Fire policies change frequently based on seasonal conditions and recent weather. "Bring sun screen and bug spray for sure. There are usually a lot of 4x4 folks camping in the area, so if you don't want to be harassed you'll need to find space away from the main trails," advises Adam L.
Bear activity requires preparation: Little Yosemite Valley Campground and surrounding areas have frequent bear visitors. "Watch for bears... they are common here. Otherwise, hang up your hammock and relax!" warns Esther Y.
Water sourcing responsibilities: Most tent sites require campers to bring or filter their own water. "They have vault toilets, which totally did the job. Bring your own water. They're only open for the summer--fall forest service road definitely not maintained when it snows," explains Kelly M. about Fresno Dome Campground.
Choose lakefront sites for recreation: Recreation Point Group Campground offers excellent family accommodations with lake access. "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 and it's part of all my family memories. There is great beachfront access on the lake," shares Amy E.
Pack shade structures: Tree cover has diminished in some areas, requiring additional shelter. "Like most of the lake, the majority of the pine trees have been removed, so the shade situation isn't as great as it used to be- bring all the EZ ups you can!" advises Amy E.
Plan short hikes to viewpoints: San Joaquin River Gorge offers kid-friendly trails with spectacular views. "The view is amazing if you like looking up at mountains. I noticed two campgrounds in the area. Both fee areas," reports Manny R. about San Joaquin River Gorge.
Scout roads before bringing trailers: Forest service roads can become impassable without warning. "Fortunately, was exploring with just the jeep for a campsite near south entrance yosemite. Would have had a really hard time getting turned around with teardrop trailer. Don't bother trying this spot," warns Matt K. about Summit Camp after storm damage.
Consider walk-in options for tent camping: Ya-gub-weh-tuh Campground offers a compromise for RV owners willing to tent camp. "If you are an RV'r/vanlife this place isn't the best. Although it's a beautiful area, camping here in is a parking lot. Several sites with picnic tables and fire rings but all are walk in sites for tenters," explains Aliza N.
Use lakeside parking areas: Buck Ridge provides lake views with basic amenities. "First come first serve, vault toilets, water pump by outhouse area, pic a site and make a donation, the is a camp host. Picnic tables, well used... fire pits, barbecue pits," shares Kenneth B.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Oakhurst, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Oakhurst, CA is Little Yosemite Valley Campground with a 5-star rating from 5 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 70 tent camping locations near Oakhurst, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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