Shaver Lake sits at 5,500 feet elevation in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, where summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during the day and 45-55°F at night. The area's coniferous forests provide natural shade at many camping locations, with sites filling quickly during summer months when the lake's recreation opportunities are most accessible. Higher elevation campgrounds like Wishon Village remain cooler than valley floor options.
What to do
Swimming and fishing access: Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort provides water recreation options with one camper noting, "We walked to pines village and got some souvenirs and ice cream. Great weather too. The river is also right in front of where we parked but it did not have much water." The resort sits approximately 30 miles from Shaver Lake.
Hiking trails: Trails around Shaver Lake range from easy lakeside paths to more challenging forest routes. A guest at Sequoia RV Ranch shared their experience: "The area was beautiful. I love the cold and it didn't disappoint for a trip in December. We are definitely going back there." Many campgrounds offer direct trail access.
National park visits: Several RV parks serve as convenient bases for day trips to nearby national parks. "This place was awesome. Only a 15 min hike to the lake and a 30 min drive into Yosemite. We spent the weekend in site 126 it was a level site with limited shade and full hookups," notes a camper at Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness varies widely between RV parks near Shaver Lake. A camper at Yosemite RV Resort mentioned, "Bathroom are the best I've seen by far. Large dog run which was amazing. Personal just a bit expensive 100 ish for a rv spot with 30 amp an water."
Spacious sites: Site sizes differ significantly between parks. One reviewer at High Sierra RV Park reported: "We stayed in the premium sites at this camp ground. The premium sites include full hook-ups — water, electric and sewer. We were in site 43." However, another noted: "Sites are very crowded. You gotta love your neighbor."
Convenient location: Location often influences campground selection. A camper at Sequoia RV Ranch stated, "The campground is fine, but not five stars. As others have noted, this campground is close to the entrance of Sequoia NP and close to the town of Three Rivers which has a few restaurants and markets."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Summer weekends fill quickly at most RV parks Shaver Lake and surrounding areas. Book several months in advance for peak season stays.
Variable site sizes: Site dimensions differ significantly between parks and within the same facility. One RVer at Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground observed: "I really enjoyed tent camping here. I'm not a fan of the trailer camping because it's all cement and everyone is close together, but it's doable if need be. When tent camping, you're under beautiful trees which I love!"
Weather fluctuations: Mountain weather can change rapidly, even in summer. "It was also pretty chilly for what we thought was still the fall season, only 30 degrees when we arrived and 22 when we woke up in our tent the next morning," reported one Mammoth Mountain RV Park camper.
Fire restrictions: Fire rules vary by location and season. At Sequoia RV Ranch, a visitor noted: "We had a good stay here. It's a smaller campground but met our needs. We ended up camping in a dry site as it had more space and was at the end of the park under some oaks."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several RV parks feature playgrounds and recreational facilities. A visitor to Yosemite RV Resort shared: "Large clean pool with a shallow lounging section. Playground. Bathrooms/showers were freshly renovated and clean. Laundry on site. Clubhouse and small provisions."
Swimming options: Riverbend RV Park offers water features appreciated by families: "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."
Evening activities: Some parks organize family-friendly evening events. "Bingo night was awesome and the staff was very friendly. Would highly recommend," reported a Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection factors: At many RV parks Shaver Lake California visitors recommend requesting specific sites based on access needs. "We are in spot 116 a bit unlevel but we managed. Check in was quick and easy. Hook ups were easy. Kinda tight we are a Odessey 26D with a jeep gladiator. Verizon is three bars and WiFi works great," noted one Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort visitor.
Road conditions: Mountain roads around Shaver Lake require careful navigation. A camper at Sequoia RV Park reported: "Big rig friendly with full hook ups. Lots of room to get around. Grassy large spots with full hook ups. Close to King Canyon and other attractions."
Internet availability: Connectivity varies widely by location. A visitor at High Sierra RV Park observed: "We had a heck of a time getting out. Our spot was also very hard to try and level our trailer. We never did quite get it leveled the way we would've liked." While connectivity was adequate for some, others found limitations.
