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Best Campgrounds near Shaver Lake, CA

1,520 Reviews

Shaver Lake draws many campers with its mix of outdoor activities and views. Camp Edison sits just a short walk from the water, making it easy to go fishing or boating from your lakeside site. Wawona Campground in Yosemite National Park is close by and puts you near hiking trails and famous park landmarks. Fish Camp gives you a quieter camping option where you might spot local wildlife. The campgrounds in this area have different levels of facilities - some basic and others with more comforts like bathrooms and showers. You'll find electrical hookups and a store at Camp Edison if you want those conveniences. It's smart to book ahead, particularly during summer when spots fill up quickly. You can camp here in winter too, but you'll need to pack for cold weather. Shaver Lake's campgrounds work well for both short trips and longer stays, with something that fits most camping styles.

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Best Camping Sites Near Shaver Lake, California (361)

    1. Camp Edison

    23 Reviews
    Shaver Lake, CA
    2 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."

    "Shaver Lake is so beautiful! We try to get a campsite next to the water. We also reserve a boat so we can explore the lake."

    2. Dorabelle Campground

    16 Reviews
    Shaver Lake, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (559) 841-3533

    $48 - $99 / night

    "As a solo traveler, seeking a camping spot in the mountains near Shaver Lake, Dorabelle Campground was recommended to me by a long time local."

    "Well maintained campground on Shaver Lake. Tight roads throughout the site, wouldn’t recommend a large trailer"

    3. Dinkey Creek

    14 Reviews
    Shaver Lake, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 841-2705

    $47 - $275 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    4. Musick Creek Falls

    2 Reviews
    Shaver Lake, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 877-6590

    $65 - $165 / night

    "Just minutes from shaver lake and less than an hour away from so many iconic trailheads and wilderness areas.  45 mins from Snow at China Peak, 38 mins from the world's largest trees, dinky creek wilderness"

    5. Deer Creek Campground

    5 Reviews
    Lakeshore, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 893-2111

    $47 - $96 / night

    "Deer creek campground sits on the edge of Huntington Lake. Many of the sites have views of the lake or are right on the lake."

    "Campground is right on the lake with walking trails. Added bonus is the campground is next to the boat launch."

    6. Whisky Falls Campground

    7 Reviews
    North Fork, CA
    15 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. Bretz Mill Campground

    3 Reviews
    Shaver Lake, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 297-0706

    8. Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground

    19 Reviews
    Friant, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 822-2332

    $30 - $200 / night

    "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"

    9. Sierra National Forest Rancheria Campground

    5 Reviews
    Lakeshore, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 893-2111

    $47 - $121 / night

    "It is a great place to stay for a week or longer and go explore all the surrounding area has to offer!"

    "A well maintained campground & walking distance from the lake. Standard but roomy sites with the usual fire ring/grill & picnic table, bathrooms are clean too."

    10. Bald Mountain Lookout

    1 Review
    Shaver Lake, CA
    6 miles

    "If you enter from the Tamarack trail head and go down Rock Creek Rd its easy to get to the overlook tower."

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Recent Camping Photos near Shaver Lake, CA

617 Photos of 361 Shaver Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Shaver Lake, CA

1520 Reviews of 361 Shaver Lake Campgrounds

Guide to Shaver Lake

Camping near Shaver Lake, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful scenery 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 numerous trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the scenic views and the chance to see wildlife. One visitor at Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park mentioned, "It’s a stunning area of the park with the Topokah falls trail right inside the campground."
  • Fishing: Shaver Lake is known for its fishing opportunities. Campers often catch trout and other fish. A review from Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes highlights, "The sites were large and the scenery beautiful," making it a great spot for fishing enthusiasts.
  • Boating: Rent a boat or kayak to enjoy the lake. Campers at Camp Edison appreciate the easy access to the lake, with one saying, "Short walk to the lake from our campsite."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A visitor at Camp 4 — Yosemite National Park mentioned, "As of May 21, 2023, campsites will be available only by reservation via Recreation.gov one week in advance."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Wawona Campground, do not have showers or electric hookups. A camper pointed out, "It does not offer showers or hookups for RVs."
  • Wildlife Safety: Campers should be aware of wildlife, especially bears. A review from Camp 4 emphasized, "The rangers are very serious about bear/wildlife safety in Yosemite."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Camp Edison, which has spacious sites and clean facilities. One family shared, "The entire camp site is huge, well maintained and just wonderful."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Lodgepole Campground mentioned, "Lots to do with multiple trails to hike on right from the campground."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outings. A visitor at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes noted, "Definitely will bring rafts next time to tie up and hang out for the day!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review from Lodgepole Campground mentioned, "Spot 198 is the best for RVs in my opinion, but it only accommodates up to 22ft."
  • Use Dump Stations: Many campgrounds have dump stations available. A camper at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort appreciated, "The dump station is very nice and free to use."
  • Plan for Generator Use: If you need power, check the generator hours. A visitor at Upper Pines Campground mentioned, "You can use a generator 3 times per day."

Camping near Shaver Lake, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s an experience you won’t forget!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds at Shaver Lake for tent camping?

For tent camping at Shaver Lake, Dorabelle Campground is highly recommended for its proximity to the lake, making it ideal for swimming and fishing. The campground is well-maintained with accessible restrooms, though the roads throughout are tight. For a more secluded tent camping experience, Dinkey Creek offers high-altitude camping with cool summer temperatures (70s-80s) and close access to water. While some sites aren't perfectly flat and can be close together, the campground features vault toilets, camp showers, and a decent camp store. Both locations provide authentic Sierra Nevada wilderness experiences with plenty of trails and exploration opportunities.

Is RV camping available at Shaver Lake campgrounds?

Camp Edison offers excellent RV camping options around Shaver Lake. This private campground provides clean facilities and great access to the beautiful lake, making it ideal for water activities. For those looking to accommodate larger RVs, Wishon Village RV Resort can handle Class A RVs from 34' to 43' in length with tow vehicles. Although the drive to Wishon involves a long climb, it remains a favorite among RV campers. Be aware that many campgrounds in the area have tight roads, so larger rigs should check site specifications before booking.

How do I make reservations for Shaver Lake camping?

Reservations for Shaver Lake area campgrounds can be made through different systems depending on the campground. For Mono Creek, reservations are non-specific to particular sites, which works well for larger groups. Deer Creek Campground at nearby Huntington Lake requires advance bookings for its lakeside sites, which are particularly popular. Most public campgrounds in the Shaver Lake area can be reserved through Recreation.gov, while private campgrounds like Camp Edison have their own reservation systems through their websites. The most desirable sites, especially those with lake views or during summer months, should be booked 6 months in advance when reservation windows open.

What amenities are available at Shaver Lake campgrounds?

Amenities vary across Shaver Lake area campgrounds. Swanson Campground offers a complete Sierra Nevada camping experience with access to plenty of trails but features more basic amenities. For more facilities, Bretz Mill Campground provides water and toilets in a big-rig-friendly environment. Many campgrounds in the area feature vault toilets, while some like Dinkey Creek also offer camp showers and camp stores. The more developed campgrounds provide potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings. Access to recreational activities is a major amenity, with opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking readily available throughout the region.

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