240 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon region near Elk, California encompasses a variety of developed campgrounds with mountain forest settings and water access. Campgrounds like Riverbend RV Park offer full hookups for RVs, while more primitive settings can be found at Pine Flat Campground. The region features multiple campgrounds with tent, RV, and even glamping options, particularly around Shaver Lake, where Camp Edison provides electric hookups and water access, and near Kings Canyon National Park, where tent-focused sites predominate in a forest setting.
Road access to many campgrounds requires careful planning, with some areas accessible only by high-clearance vehicles. Most established sites in the region require reservations during peak summer months, especially at popular destinations like Lodgepole Campground in Sequoia National Park. Summer temperatures typically remain comfortable due to higher elevations, though facilities vary widely between basic and more developed campgrounds. Several campgrounds offer bear boxes for food storage, a critical safety feature when camping in this region. A visitor noted, "If you're looking to camp in California, Sequoia National Park should be one of your top destinations...I recommend camping during the less touristy times in early Spring and Fall."
Waterfront camping areas receive particular praise from visitors, with several campgrounds situated near rivers or lakes. The Kings River flows through some camping areas, providing swimming opportunities and scenic views. Wildlife sightings, particularly bears, are common throughout the region's mixed-use campgrounds and should be anticipated by properly storing food. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, privacy between campsites varies significantly, with some campgrounds described as offering "well secluded" sites while others have sites "right on top of each other." Campgrounds at higher elevations offer relief from summer heat, with one camper noting they "appreciated this site at higher elevation with the chilled air at night." Many developed campgrounds feature amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, with showers available at select locations like Camp Edison and some Kings Canyon facilities.
"Place has grass, dog park, lots of kids play areas, adults game areas, fishing pond, creek and river next to property is very pretty. We really enjoyed it."
from $75 - $85 / night
Check Availability"Excellent 4xx4 close by"
"Pine Flat is a beautiful place close to home yet far enough to find a peaceful getaway at the lake. Campgrounds are clean, restrooms and showers are close to campaign if you are tent camping."
"It was a bit of a nightmare getting turned around to back in here (we have a 42’ toy hauler and a 3500 ram DRW with an Andersen hitch), BUT we’ve had an incredible week here."
"The only thing was neighbors were very, very near. But our neighbors were quiet so it wasn't bad. End of March was rainy, so be prepared for rain if you go during that time."
from $10 - $135 / night
Check Availability"Typical California foothills hardpan and dead grass sites - large and able to accommodate very long combo rigs and have enough width to disconnect and park adjacent to the towable."
"There are many ways to arrive here, but the most direct and easiest is on California State Highway 180. The park is open, but the office is not, so it’s find a spot and check yourself in."
from $40 - $55 / night
Check Availability"The county is underfunded and a parks management company is in talks to take over 3 nearby parks including this one."
"It was cool to hear and watch the local bats flying around. Very little smoke from the fires."
"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 Availabilityfrom $60 / night
Check Availability"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"Easy walk to campstore, post office, restaurant, and visitor center. Many trails close by. Very busy in summer. No reservations. Tent only loops available."
"Very quiet but some sledding and hiking activity close by. Sites are a little close to each other, but being so quiet it's not a big deal."
from $32 / night
Check Availability"Quiet, clean, family friendly, walking distance to the lake, lots of non threatening wild life ."
GuideGreat area, has bathrooms & water, near by is a convenient store with a laundry mat & showers and the water is warm but it takes a few quarters the mini mart has all types of food and gifts can’t go wrong with the area, a lot of hikes and places to explore near by as well as a transit system to take you through the park
RangerWe had a spot on the farthest loop, which was beautiful on a ridge but set us about 600 yards/steps from the nearest restroom, which means going to the loo, brushing your teeth or doing the dishes (there are signs not to do these things at the water taps that are closer) all set you back at least 10 minutes if you're not self-contained. Also note the campground has no showers.
GuideMy first camping experience here was truly remarkable. Similar to my previous trips to the eastern Sierras, this campground offered a convenient location near amenities and right on the lakefront. The campsites were beautifully designed, with ample space between them, ensuring a comfortable and spacious stay. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at this campground.
GuideQuiet, clean, level paved pads. Restrooms are locked, Porta Potties instead. Dump station locked up. Great for dry stop.
ScoutThe ground is very compacted. Getting ANY stakes down is a mission. The sunsets and starry nights make it worth it
GuideSpent a weekend at Rancheria and it delivered exactly what we wanted— a quiet, low-key few days at Huntington Lake with nothing much to do but be there.
Site Selection Tips: We were in the 110's section and I'd steer people there. It feels noticeably less crowded than the other loops, with good spacing and shade. If you want a quieter stay, aim for the higher-numbered sites rather than the ones packed in closer to the middle of the campground.
Lake Access: The lake is a short, easy walk— convenient if you want to get in the water. Getting into the water is the harder part. The shoreline near the campground is thick with downed logs and trees right up to the edge, so finding a clean entry point takes some scouting. Doable, just not a walk-in sandy beach.
Amenities: Potable water and restrooms were easy to get to and clean the whole time we were there. Standard fire ring, table, and bear box at the site. No showers.
Camp Host: Very diligent and visibly present. He was on top of keeping the grounds in good shape, which showed.
Cell Service: Essentially nonexistent at the campground. I'm told you may pick something up over near the marina on the far side of the lake, but plan on being out of contact for the weekend. Bring satellite if you need to stay reachable.
Activities: There's plenty out there, but nearly all of it requires getting in the car. We drove out to Mono Hot Springs— about 75 minutes each way through the mountains on a one-lane road. Worth doing, but go in knowing it's a real drive, not a quick errand. Same goes for most of what's in the area: the lake is what's at your doorstep, everything else is a trip.
Noise& Ambience: The campground itself is quiet. There happened to be a concert across the lake on Sunday— we went over for it, and coming back to camp afterward with the music still carrying faintly over the water made for a nice festive ambience. A pleasant bonus rather than a disturbance.
Overall: Recommend it if the intent is a low-profile weekend. There isn't much within walking distance beyond the lake itself, which is the appeal. Come for the quiet, and plan a drive if you want more.
ScoutThis would be a wonderful spot but you have to plan ahead for the perfect time. Spring insect population is not for the faint of heart. Ants everywhere and wolf spiders are prevalent. This season the river is COLD and not safe to swim in.
Summer Heat is almost unbearable there and they are strict about fire restrictions with rangers checking frequently. The whole area is very dry during this time and there would be little to no early warning system if a wildfire was headed towards your area. Be sure to check water levels prior to visiting, not worth coming unless you can cool off in the river.
Suggest bringing poles and warm clothes for a winter stay and fish the river. I will not consider revisiting unless it’s during this season moving forward.
TravelerOur camp spot was great exactly as pictured, quiet and peaceful. Bathhouse and laundry room filthy and you had to pay to take a shower like a car wash. Just saying if you’re going to charge people to take a shower you could at least clean it. As much as they charge per night shouldn’t be charging anyways . But the spot was nice.
ScoutHuntington Lake is a bit cool, but it’s less traffic than Shaver. We caught several brown trout and had a great time with the kids.
Campgrounds near Elk, California provide diverse camping experiences throughout the Kings Canyon area, with options including RV parks, lakefront sites, and state recreation areas. Pine Flat Campground offers lakeside camping and accommodates tent and RV camping, while Riverbend RV Park provides full hookups and grassy sites for larger rigs. Most campgrounds in the region are established facilities rather than dispersed camping areas, with amenities varying from basic toilets to comprehensive water, electric, and sewer connections.
Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the area, with some campgrounds like Sequoia RV Park operating only from May to September, while others remain open year-round. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly at popular destinations like Camp Edison and Millerton Lake State Recreation Area. Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F in lower elevations, making spring and fall more comfortable for camping. Water levels at Pine Flat Lake fluctuate significantly, affecting boat launches and swimming areas. "Water was really low but still had a blast on my kayak and with my dogs and trying to catch fish. It's by reservations only and we stayed 3 nights," noted one camper at Pine Flat Campground.
Kings Canyon area campgrounds receive high ratings for their water access and natural surroundings. Several visitors mentioned the peaceful atmosphere at Pine Flat Lake, where night sounds include frogs and morning birdsong. Campgrounds with river proximity, like Choinumni Park and Riverbend RV Park, provide fishing opportunities and cooler temperatures than surrounding areas. As one camper at Riverbend RV Park described, "FHU with large pull through spots. Quiet place that was nice to spend a few days at while exploring Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Place has grass, dog park, lots of kids play areas, adults game areas, fishing pond, creek and river next to property is very pretty." Developed campgrounds in the region typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and basic restroom facilities, though shower availability varies between locations. Mixed-use campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some offering specialized amenities for different camping styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Elk, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Elk, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 240 campgrounds and RV parks near Elk, CA and 29 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Elk, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elk, CA is Riverbend RV Park with a 3.7-star rating from 7 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elk, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 free dispersed camping spots near Elk, CA.
What parks are near Elk, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Elk, CA that allow camping, notably Pine Flat Lake and Sierra National Forest.
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