Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Shaver Lake, CA

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. I made a reservation after looking over maps to ensure walking distance to lake for swimming and fishing. A fairly close rest room was important too. I reserved a corner space with a nearby toilet and water spigot. I was please to find the walk to the lake was less than 5 minutes. What really impressed me was 1. Very friendly check in kiosk (who gave me fresh grapes) . 2. Very clean, including the restrooms . 3. My campsite was large , clean, with sunny and shade spots and separated from other sites by trees . 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. The cost to camp is very reasonable at 35$ for a big tent site compared to the larger more commercial campground up the road. Yes, smaller with narrow one way roads, but quiet at night, easy access from Shaver Lake businesses and food and nicely kept sites. I’ve been camping for 50 years and I haven’t come home and raved about a campground in a long time ! A four star rating for lack of showers/place to wash dishes.

Before my trip here, I was worried about the lack of reviews. It was the first time my in-laws were going to be out in the wild!

However, I enjoyed this campground. It was a perfect place for stargazing! Reservations for the sites are non-specific. I'm thankful my big family got a double site (#14). It was huge. My family and I were in awe of the view the entire drive there. Bring dramamine and roll your windows down if you get motion sickness. I loved how spaced out each site was from each other. A lot of bats love to fly around at night. No cell service for some providers, but AT&T had service. Bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking, washing, etc.

This campground is about 1.5-2 hours from Shaver Lake, about 15 minutes from Edison Lake, 20 minutes from Mono Hot Springs(they have a store with ice), a short walk to the small creek. I'm not sure if you can swim in the creek--I wouldn't--but I saw an employee adding nets of fish inside. 

FYI: A bear cub even walked through the campground searching for food one afternoon. Throw your trash away and don't leave food out. When dumping your trash, please lift the entire lid. During my stay here, the front half was stuffed and the back half was empty.

  We stayed at this campground may years ago (2006-2008) and it has remained one of our favorites.

  Our most recent stay was for a small rally of 8 class A RVs from 34' to 43' in length all with tow vehicles. Wishon was able to accommodate all of us. The drive to Wishon starts with a long climb to Shaver Lake.  Past Shaver Lake the road becomes windy for the remainder of the drive.  Expect at least a 40+ minute drive from the Shaver lake turn off. On the way you will pass a grove of Giant Sequoia trees with a pull out to walk or picnic among them.

  All sites are gravel and have full hook ups.  Some sites have 50 amp service but it will rarely be needed because of the elevation of 6800 feet. All sites will accommodate the RV, vehicle, boat, and more. Wishon also has tent sites with or without platforms. 

  There are many activities available from this campground. Hiking, mountain bike riding, Jeep trails (Dusy-Ershim Trail), and fishing.   Two reservoirs are nearby, Wishon and Courtright. Courtright at 8200' opens later than Wishon at 6600'. Rainbow and German Browns can be caught.

  Wishon Village has a nice store with most necessities and sells fishing licenses.