Pine Flat Lake camping sites range between 1,000-2,000 feet in elevation, sitting at the western edge of the Sierra Nevada foothills. The surrounding landscape features rolling hills and oak woodlands transitioning to pine forests at higher elevations. Free-range cattle roam parts of the area near Kirch Flat Campground, where campers may encounter wildlife crossing through their sites.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing on calm waters: Shaver Lake provides excellent paddling opportunities with protected coves away from powerboats. A visitor to Dorabelle Campground notes, "The cove is wonderful for swimming and mostly kayaks/SUP with plenty of beach space, water temp was perfect. Happy campers all, one lady let me use her kayak."
Hiking nearby trails: Several campgrounds offer access to trails without needing to drive. At Azalea Campground, "There were TONS of trails immediately accessible from most camp sites, and a short walk from the rest. Campground has potable water, flush toilets, sinks for doing dishes, dumpsters/recycling, and Verizon service was fair/good throughout our stay."
River swimming in natural pools: Kings River offers multiple swimming areas with cold, refreshing water. A camper at Kirch Flat Group Campground shares: "Great little campground right next to King's River in Sierra National Forest. Twisty paved road wraps around Pine Flat Reservoir to get to the campground... The river is cold and moving quickly, the sounds of the rushing water reach the campground and make for easy sleeping."
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: Weekdays offer significantly less crowded experiences than weekends. According to a visitor at Island Park: "Nice place to get away for the week. There are only two sites that have full hook ups. Site 4 is not one of them. The restrooms were not very clean and the cleaning crew really needs to be replaced. Camp sights were busy with one day visitors. Weekend camping was busy with lots of noise, but the weekdays were quiet."
Clean facilities at select campgrounds: While maintenance varies across the region, some campgrounds maintain high standards. A visitor to Dorabelle Campground reported, "The campgrounds are beautiful and well maintained! The bathrooms are the cleanest I've ever seen at a campground and down by the lake is beautiful!"
Stargazing opportunities: The elevation and distance from major cities provides excellent night sky viewing. At Camp Edison, visitors can "plant vegetables and herbs, ride the 4-wheeler, climb trees, use the jungle gym and trampoline, kayak on the pond, and making her own fire. The whole area felt peaceful, safe, and full of nature and stars at night."
What you should know
Extreme summer heat: Temperatures regularly exceed 100°F during summer months, making spring and fall more comfortable. A camper at Sequoia RV Park notes, "We had a flat tire on a Sunday morning and permanent resident was more than helpful with taking the tire off and giving us a ride to the tire place to get it fixed and put back on. Beautiful view of the mountains and very close to the park."
Lake water levels fluctuate significantly: Water levels can change dramatically between seasons and years. At Kirch Flat Campground, a visitor warned: "Like most NPS and forest campgrounds lately, you drive all this way and run into orange ROAD CLOSED signs. Come on guys why is every campground in USA closed lately. Anyway, if you keep driving less than a mile over the next bridge you'll find some great dispersed campsites along the river."
Yellow jacket issues in late summer: These wasps can become problematic particularly at wooded campgrounds. A visitor to Dinkey Creek Campground reported: "The yellow jackets. The hosts said it was quite unusual so I tried not to let it color the overall review, but damn! You would be sitting down trying to read and a few would fly around your head or land on your hands. As soon as the food came out, they would swarm."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with playground equipment: Some campgrounds provide additional recreation options for children. A review of Dunlap Canyon Retreat mentions, "My daughter had unforgettable experiences: planting vegetables and herbs, riding the 4-wheeler, climbing trees, using the jungle gym and trampoline, kayaking on the pond, and making her own fire."
Pack extensive sun protection: The intense summer sun requires multiple protection strategies. One visitor advises, "It was extremely hot and none of the sites have shade. Can't swim in the lake and not much to do nearby. Showers were nice but that's about it."
Consider site spacing when booking: Some campgrounds have closely packed sites while others offer more privacy. A Pine Flat Campground visitor observed, "Family camp. If you not offended by noisy kids, you can stay here. The river is a plus!"
Tips from RVers
Check site lengths carefully: Many sites are shorter than advertised. A camper at Island Park warns: "This park is absolutely stunning this time of year. There are wildflowers everywhere and the weather was a perfect low 70s in the daytime and 50s at night. We stayed in spot 33 which says for 53' or less... we are 42' and barely fit so be careful there. Additionally, you will NOT fit here if you can't take your rig past a 90° turn safely."
Most sites not level: Prepare with extra leveling equipment as many sites require significant adjustment. A reviewer noted: "Sites vary in length, there were only a few that would have fit our rig. Some are only parking spaces that lead to tent platforms. Very few sites are level and some so steep that leveling is not possible."
Limited full hookup options: Most campgrounds offer only partial hookups or none at all. A visitor reports: "Camped three nights during the week in early May 2021 in a 24-foot travel trailer. Site 007 was shaded with lake view, but narrow and barely long enough for our trailer. Electric, water and sewer, all for Federal Golden-pass rate of $15!"
