277 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping areas near Prather, California range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites across the Sierra National Forest. Camp Edison at Shaver Lake provides tent and RV sites with electric hookups, showers, and drinking water, while Dorabelle Campground offers more primitive camping with boat-in access. The region includes several mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some locations like Yosemite RV Resort also offering cabin and glamping options within driving distance of Prather.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, particularly on routes to higher elevation sites. Many campgrounds are accessible via Kaiser Pass, though visitors should be prepared for challenging driving conditions. "The road is steep, narrow, and has blind corners," noted one camper about access to Sample Meadow Campground. The San Joaquin River Gorge area requires careful navigation, especially after weather events that may cause mudslides or fallen trees. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from late May through October. Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night, particularly at higher elevations where summer days remain comfortable due to abundant shade but nights can drop to the 40s.
Campers consistently mention the natural water features as highlights of the region. Several campgrounds provide access to lakes and creeks, with fishing opportunities in crystal-clear alpine waters. The Dinkey Creek area receives positive reviews for its clean facilities and proximity to hiking trails. "The smell of the trees and the sound of the creek behind our campsite is just perfect," wrote one visitor about Billy Creek Campground. Sites near water tend to fill quickly during summer months. While some campgrounds like Camp Edison offer full amenities including showers and electric hookups, others provide a more rustic experience with vault toilets and no potable water. Bear activity is common throughout the region, and proper food storage is essential at all camping locations.
"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."
from $40 - $105 / night
Check Availability"Bathrooms were so-so with regard to cleanliness but most sites had its own access to water which was awesome!"
"Had a fun time with the family, had accesible restroom and showers, had picnic table so we could put our things, shade, place where we could set our tent with our truck next to us, and we were able to"
from $30 - $200 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $48 - $99 / night
Check Availability"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."
"A few miles out of town, store close by. Usually mostly empty and good privacy"
from $25 / night
Check Availability"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"
"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."
"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."
"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"
"It's location had perfect weather, warm during the day and cool, but not cold, at night. You surrounded by gorgeous tall trees and have access to swimming holes about a mile away."
"I grew up going to Dinkey Creek and to the Girl Scout Camp nearby. This campground is remote and secluded there are good swimming holes, fly fishing and really beautiful area."
from $47 - $275 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $52 - $54 / night
Check Availability"Excellent 4xx4 close by"
"One of the boat launch ramps was right there in the camp ground and the other was really close at lake view."
TravelerThe Forest Service route 14S11 in Sequoia National Forest has quite a few areas that identified for camping. We found a fairly large area, with several campfire rings and is fairly flat and has an amazing view south to a beautiful ridge line.
The spots on this road are mixed of options for tent or smaller RVs. We drove into Big Meadows and came back to the spot we found - because of the view.
TravelerAbout 30 minutes from the park entrance, there were tons of spots. We got there mid day on a Monday and easily found a great spot for the tent, hammock and fire ring. 10/10 would go again
ScoutVery friendly staff. The sites are rather narrow but even. Restrooms are far away. Propane is available.
GuideHume Lake Campground was a beautiful place to stay in the Sierra Nevada. The campground is surrounded by tall pines and has a peaceful mountain atmosphere that makes it easy to relax. The lake is just a short walk away and offers great views, especially in the morning and evening.
The campsites were well maintained and felt fairly private thanks to the trees. Temperatures were much cooler than down in the valley, which was a welcome change during the summer. Wildlife was active around the campground, and there were plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring the surrounding area.
Overall, Hume Lake is a great choice if you’re looking for a quiet mountain campground with easy lake access and beautiful scenery. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay an extra day.
TravelerOverall great experience. Lots of tree coverage, with a beautiful lake just a walk away. If you want a more secluded area, I’d recommend getting a site closer to the 100’s area. Not a fan of how close our campsite at 79 was to another site. I felt guilty being outside past 10, with them going to sleep. There was no firewood for sale at the time we went ( early June ) and our campsite host was “off” for the duration of our stay which made getting a trailer out of our parking a bit difficult initially. We also found out they don’t allow amplifying speakers ( any speaker ) as we had a complaint made against us for having the music on. Which in our defense, in the morning when we played it, we didn’t believe it to be too loud. Other than a few hitches, it was an overall good experience, and I’d highly recommend it if you want a wooded camping experience!
ScoutThe Sites are in the woods and there is enough room. Restrooms are far. There is not everywhere potable water available.
ScoutFriendly staff. Free usage of a gas grill. Free usage of the washing machine.
ScoutI made a campsite reservation, later changed the dates, and ultimately had to cancel. The cancellation was made both by phone and email more than 7 days before the scheduled arrival date.
I understand and accepted the $5 reservation change fee and the $10 cancellation fee outlined in their policy. However, instead of refunding the remaining balance, they kept the entire amount and issued no refund whatsoever.
As a result, I have initiated a credit card dispute. I would strongly recommend reviewing their cancellation policies and billing practices carefully before booking.
ScoutWe stayed at SKP Park of the Sierras for two months during April and May and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. To use the park, you'll need an Escapees membership(about$50), which we found well worth the cost given the quality of the facilities and amenities.
Originally, we were only able to reserve one month at a time, but when our circumstances changed, the office staff were incredibly understanding and worked with us to extend our stay. The staff throughout the park were welcoming, friendly, and helpful.
Our site was spacious, shaded by mature trees, and included full hookups and a concrete patio area that was perfect for setting up chairs and relaxing outdoors. The grounds were well maintained, and the park was surprisingly quiet during our stay. The amenities were excellent. The clubhouse hosted daily activities, and there was a library, games, fitness area, coffee station, and a donation-based thrift shop section. The laundry facilities were clean and well maintained, and quarters were available for purchase in the office during business hours.
Traveling with dogs, we especially appreciated the dog park. It featured separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, water spigots, covered areas for rainy weather, and even a heater for chilly mornings.
The shower facilities were clean and comfortable. They sold propane onsite. Fuel was conveniently located just down the road at the casino, often at reasonable prices. For our longer stay we would drive into Oakhurst or Fresno for groceries, so it's worth planning ahead for larger grocery runs.
One of the biggest advantages of this park is its location. It served as an excellent home base for exploring Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Monterey Bay, San Francisco, and Pinnacles National Park,(we don’t mind a long drive!).
We used Starlink throughout our stay and were pleased by how well it worked. Even with a tree-filled site, it was able to find enough open sky to maintain a reliable connection.
A few things future guests should know: some of the roads have tighter curves, but the staff are very knowledgeable about matching RVs to appropriate sites. Our 25-foot trailer had no issues. Mail and package delivery can also require some planning. As guests, we had mail sent to General Delivery at the Coarsegold Post Office. However, we later learned that FedEx would not deliver there, so packages shipped by different carriers may require different delivery addresses. It's worth confirming shipping methods before ordering anything important.
Overall, SKP Park of the Sierras exceeded our expectations. The spacious sites, excellent amenities, quiet atmosphere, friendly staff, and central location made it one of our favorite long-term stays. We would gladly return and highly recommend it to other RV travelers.
Dispersed camping near Prather, California offers options across multiple ecosystems, from lower elevation sites at 1,000 feet to alpine locations above 7,000 feet. The region connects Sierra and Sequoia National Forests, creating varied terrain with granite formations, alpine meadows, and mixed conifer forests. Most dispersed sites near Prather lack facilities, requiring campers to pack in water and pack out waste.
Swimming in alpine waters: Dorabelle Campground provides access to clear mountain lakes ideal for cooling off during summer months. "The cove is wonderful for swimming and mostly kayaks/SUP with plenty of beach space, water temp was perfect," reports a camper. The swimming areas are typically less crowded during weekdays.
Fishing opportunities: Catch trout and bass at Pine Flat Campground where the lake offers productive fishing spots. "Outstanding fishing in the spring," notes one visitor. Fishing licenses are required and can be purchased in nearby towns or online before arrival.
Hiking trails: Several well-maintained paths offer day hikes for all skill levels. "We enjoyed hiking around the area. Our dogs loved the water," shared a camper about trails near the San Joaquin River. Most trails are accessible from May through October, with early morning starts recommended during summer heat.
Winter recreation: The higher elevation sites transform during winter months. "Great place to be during the winter to find an easy transportation to great ski resort China peak," explains a visitor at Camp Edison. Lower elevation sites often remain accessible year-round.
Natural water features: Camp Edison receives consistent praise for its lakeside setting. "Plenty of campsites, must reserve in advance due to being popular. Easy walk to lakeside and boat ramp. Nice picnic area near lake," writes one camper. The lake shoreline provides multiple access points for water activities.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer the best opportunities to spot deer, various bird species, and occasionally bears from a safe distance. Always maintain proper food storage as bears frequent the area.
Night skies: The higher elevation camps provide exceptional stargazing conditions. "Moon rock sits in a meadow and soaks up sun all day, making it a nice warm space to star gaze at night while listening to the horses in the stable nextdoor," describes a camper about Camp Edison.
Fire rings and picnic areas: Most established sites include fire rings and picnic tables. "Each site has plenty of room and includes a picnic table and fire pit. It's a short walk to Shaver Lake from virtually any of the sites," reports a regular visitor. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, particularly during late summer.
Seasonal closures: Most high-elevation campgrounds operate from late May through September. "We stayed for one night but wish we could have stayed longer. The campground is not on the water but is close enough," notes a visitor to Millerton Lake State Recreation Area. Check recreation.gov for current opening dates.
Insect activity: Mosquitoes and yellow jackets can be problematic, particularly in early summer. "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," reports a camper at Dinkey Creek. Bring repellent and food covers.
Water availability: Many campgrounds have limited potable water. "The water coming out of the spigots near the restrooms was not good even after running it through a filter. Strong metallic aftertaste," notes a camper at Spring Cove Campground. Bring water or purification systems.
Terrain challenges: Many campsites feature uneven ground. "The sites I saw were all dirt, not sure if they have nicer sites or not. The site wasn't level but was manageable," comments a visitor to Camp Edison. Bring leveling blocks for RVs and scout tent sites carefully.
Accessible facilities: Dinkey Creek offers family-friendly amenities. "This campground is clean an well maintained. This is our new favorite place," reports a family visitor. The campground provides vault toilets and some sites have closer access to facilities than others.
Swimming safety: When camping with children, select sites with calmer water access. "Dinkey Creek is perhaps my new favorite place to camp. It is majestic. Being amongst the Sierras and embracing the waters as we did was absolutely empowering," shares a visitor. Many creeks have strong currents after snowmelt through early summer.
Recreation options: Look for campgrounds with open spaces for games. "Camp Edison has great activities during the summer season including guided educational nature walks, both day and evening, as well as kids' movies in the amphitheater," explains a regular visitor. These programs typically run from June through August.
Emergency planning: Cell service is limited throughout the region. "No cell service with Verizon," notes a camper at Dinkey Creek. Download offline maps and bring a first aid kit suitable for common outdoor injuries.
Site selection: At Yosemite RV Resort, choose sites based on your specific needs. "RV spaces have many different location styles, secluded, views, groups etc.," explains one visitor. Reserve early for prime spots, especially during summer weekends.
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are limited in the region. "Sites 120 - 144 offer full hookups. However, the sites are arranged on a parking lot. We were able to get our 43' Blue Bird completely onto site 138," notes an RVer at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area.
Water management: Most campgrounds have dump stations but limited sewer hookups. "There is a dump station on site and also a 'honey wagon' that will come to your site and pump out your waste water, if you desire," explains a camper at Camp Edison. Plan water usage accordingly for longer stays.
Ground maintenance: Be aware of wildlife that may affect vehicles. "We would not stay here again until the park gets control of the ground squirrels. We heard stories of cars and RV's being towed out because they chewed through wiring," warns an RVer about Millerton Lake. Consider protective measures for electrical components.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Prather, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Prather, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 277 campgrounds and RV parks near Prather, CA and 40 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Prather, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Prather, CA is Camp Edison with a 4.7-star rating from 25 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Prather, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 40 free dispersed camping spots near Prather, CA.
What parks are near Prather, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Prather, CA that allow camping, notably Pine Flat Lake and Hensley Lake.
Keep Exploring
