Best Tent Camping near Shaver Lake, CA

Several tent campgrounds dot the forested areas surrounding Shaver Lake, California, within Sierra National Forest. Sample Meadow Campground offers tent sites with creek access and bear boxes at higher elevations, while Bretz Mill Campground provides a more secluded tent camping experience about 8 miles down a dirt road. Both locations feature vault toilets and fire rings suitable for tent campers seeking a traditional forest camping experience.

Road conditions to tent sites vary significantly, with Bretz Mill requiring higher clearance vehicles to navigate the rough 8-mile dirt access road that can become muddy during wet weather. Most tent campgrounds provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, though campers report varying cleanliness levels. Bear boxes are available at several sites, particularly at Sample Meadow, where proper food storage is essential. Seasonal access restrictions apply to higher elevation campgrounds like Sample Meadow, which is typically only accessible between June and October due to snow conditions on Kaiser Pass Road.

Tent campers at Sample Meadow appreciate the spacious, well-separated sites that provide privacy among the trees. The creek running through several campsites offers both ambient sound and a water source that requires filtering. Higher elevation tent sites experience significant temperature drops at night, even during summer months. One camper noted, "The campsites are far enough apart to feel like you are all alone in the woods! The Kaiser Creek provides hours of fun for the kids." Mosquitoes can be prevalent near water sources, so insect repellent is recommended for tent campers. Most tent sites in the area lack cell service, creating a true disconnect from urban life while providing excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution.

Best Tent Sites Near Shaver Lake, California (70)

    1. Bretz Mill Campground

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

    "Good supply of wood clean restrooms clean creek water , definitely going back"

    2. Little Yosemite Valley Campground

    5 Reviews
    North Fork, CA
    18 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "One of the nicest backpacking campgrounds. 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"

    3. San Joaquin River Gorge

    2 Reviews
    Prather, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 391-6000

    "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"

    4. Sno-Park Huntington Lake Parking

    1 Review
    Lakeshore, CA
    13 miles
    +1 (559) 855-5355

    "Awesome camping on the lake with many activities from fishing and hiking to water sports and boating.

    Cold night and cool days in the summer"

    5. Sample Meadow Campground

    3 Reviews
    Lakeshore, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 855-5355

    "It is a beautiful campground located off Kaiser Pass Road. Even in June there was so many wildflowers and vibrate green. There was bathrooms and each site had a picnic table, fire pit, and bear box."

    "There is no water unless you use the creek. Please report any trash or other issues to the Prather Ranger Station."

    6. Ya-gub-weh-tuh Campground

    1 Review
    Prather, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 391-6000

    7. Recreation Point Group Campground

    4 Reviews
    Bass Lake, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 642-3212

    $131 - $397 / night

    "These are group sites, but they are the best sites on the whole lake in my opinion. My family has been camping here for 78 years and it’s part of all my family memories."

    "It’s still our favorite spot on the lake for my weekends and the hosts are wonderful. These are group sites, and honestly, I think they’re the best on the entire lake."

    8. Musick Creek Falls

    Be the first to review!
    Shaver Lake, CA
    2 miles
    Website

    $68 - $85 / night

    9. Voyager Rock Campground

    1 Review
    Sierra National Forest, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 297-0706

    "4x4 with a lift is highly recommended if you plan on driving into the campsite, but its not so bad that you couldn’t hike if you wanted to."

    10. Camp 4 Campground

    1 Review
    Dunlap, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 338-2251

    $10 / night

    "Great little spot close to a lot of nice trail heads and close to all of the amenities of Yosemite. Was recommended this spot by a friend who works for the park and was so glad!"

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Tent Camping Reviews near Shaver Lake, CA

1418 Reviews of 70 Shaver Lake Campgrounds


  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2021

    Big Pine Creek Campground

    Creek side paradise

    I stayed here May 10-12th with my two dogs. I chose a site right along the creek which was wonderful to fall asleep to the sounds of rushing water. Many sites are quite spacious and offer a sandy area for tent set up. Most sites have a picnic table, fire pit, & metal bear box for food storage. Vault toilet available that were surprisingly clean. Camp host was friendly and had firewood on site available for purchase for $8/bundle. The website lists nightly rate as $21/night but when I arrived the sign had been updated to $23/night. This was the perfect basecamp for some day hikes up Big Pine Creek Trail to some beautiful blue lakes.

  • J
    Oct. 13, 2023

    Wawona Campground — Yosemite National Park

    Great campground

    I really recommend this campground. I can come here and play online games with my family. The campground offers both reservable and first-come, first-served campsites. The sites are relatively spacious and provide a mix of shade and sun. Each campsite typically includes a fire ring, picnic table, and food storage locker. It provides basic amenities such as restrooms with flushing toilets and drinking water. However, it does not offer showers or hookups for RVs. There are no electrical or water connections at individual campsites. The campground's location provides access to various outdoor activities. Nearby attractions include the Mariposa Grove, where you can explore giant sequoias, and the Wawona Golf Course. Additionally, there are hiking trails, scenic drives, and opportunities for wildlife viewing in the area.

  • Erin S.
    Nov. 1, 2019

    North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    Ranger Review: Wenzel Grand Basin 10 tent at North Pines

    North Pines is one of three campgrounds on the floor of Yosemite Valley. Across the Merced River from the other two campgrounds and adjacent to the horse stables, it is relatively isolated with no major roads running by it. Nevertheless, it is well connected to the rest of the valley amenities, with a quick walk to the bus station, a longer walk (1 mi) to the visitor center via the Valley Loop Trail, or a drive (if you don't mind braving traffic and searching for parking spaces). 

    The sites are not well defined. You have a place to park and besides that, it is a little of a free-for-all with the adjacent sites as to where you set up your gear. Despite that, we had plenty of room to set up our large 10 person tent, without feeling crowded or that we were overspilling our space. We were there the last weekend it was open (Oct 26/27) and all sites were booked. There are no hook-ups, and the comfort stations only have toliets and sinks (no showers), a fresh water faucet, and a disposal "toliet" for dish water. All dishes must be washed at camp. The facilities were fairly clean, though the disposal toilet often backed up.  Being late October, I was expecting very cold conditions. But the weather was great! 70s during the day and 40s at night. Clear skies. Absolutely beautiful. 

    Our site was located right next to the comfort station, and in hindsight I wish we had found a place a little farther away. But besides the proximity, our site was nice with a fire pit and picnic table. Quiet hours are from 1000-0600, and we had to remind our neighbor campers who came back drunk at midnight to shut it, but that seems to be more the normal than abnormal these days. There were mostly tents in the campground, with a few small RVs and trailers. Generators are allowed during limited hours, but the noise wasn't overwhelming, since they were few and far between.

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. This weekend I got to test the Wenzel Great Basin 10 tent (https://wenzelco.com/great-basin-10/). Overall, my impression of this tent is that it is a solid and reliable tent. Yes, it has a few design items that could be improved for ease of use, but overall it served us well and I look forward to using it again. The tent is a domed center-opening design, with two side "rooms" that can be separated by zipped curtains, making three interior spaces total. My husband and I filled up on room with two large cots facing length wise (we had them oriented along center line and still had enough room to move along the sides). The other side has more than ample room for my daughter's small cot, which ran the width of the tent along the side window. Very comfortable for three people. 

    Yes, this is a huge tent. Can it be set up by one person? Probably, if that person is patient and tenacious. Two people work much better. A few design items we found annoying were the pole connections, which would frequently catch on the tent pole sleeves and center strap. Also, the zipper flap on the tent's door would frequently get caught in the zipper, making it almost a necessity to use two hands to open and close the tent. Besides these two small inconveniences, the tent worked great. The rain fly fits snug against the tent roof. The construction felt sturdy and we liked the design of the three interior rooms. 

    Overall, we had a fun two nights in Yosemite. We might make a tradition out of going for the closing weekend each year.

  • Margo A.
    Oct. 8, 2020

    Dorabelle Campground

    Solo or family friendly campground by Shaver Lake

    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.

  • Dave V.
    Sep. 7, 2018

    Thousand Island Lake Backcountry

    Solitude, Splendor, Serenity!

    Thousand Island Lake is a backcountry camping area located at 9,839 feet elevation in Ansel Adams Wilderness within the Inyo National Forest, California.

    If you desire 360 degree mountain beauty, a cool lake to fish, float, swim or reflect by, epic sunrises and sunsets, star-filled night skies...or just desire the unearthly quiet of being unplugged and being a speck in rugged vastness...this is for you!

    This incredible dispersed backcountry camping area must:

    1. Be hiked into
    2. Possess a permit
    3. Use approved bear canisters
    4. Leave No Trace

    There are a few methods of getting to Thousand Island Lake...all involve backpacks and hiking. First, if you are hiking the Pacific Crest Trail NOBO or SOBO, you will at some point of your journey reach Thousand Island Lake. Second, if you are hiking the John Muir Trail NOBO or SOBO, you will reach Thousand Island Lake during your journey. Third, you can choose a beautifully scenic 14.3 mile out and back from Mammoth, CA...the shortest of the three options. Fourth, there are horseback/mule train options.

    We happened to reach Thousand Island Lake as part of our August 2018 SOBO John Muir Trail attempt.

    Choosing to hike in by any of the options takes planning and preparation. This is beautiful country, but it is also rough and unforgiving. The trails are wonderfully cared for, but not groomed and flat...know this and adequately prepare.

    Every hiking/camping group must possess a permit, which for a short hike directly into Thousand Island Lake is secured through the Inyo National Forest office. PCT and JMT permits are primarily lottery based (although several walk-in permits are granted each day on site...but that's a gamble).Inyo National Forest website page states: "Groups cannot be larger than 15 people (includes day use). Quota of 30 people permitted to start overnight trips each day from May 1 to November 1."

    This is active black bear country, so you must use approved bear canisters for food and odoriferous items (toothpaste, soap, lip balm, insect repellent, etc). Stiff fines by rangers (and they do backcountry patrols) await if you foolishly ignore this law...worse yet, you might receive a catastrophic visit from Yogi or Boo-Boo. We did not see any bear or evidence of their presence but I’m sure they saw us.

    Leave No Trace...pack it in...pack it out. Yes, that means everything. Know the rules and abide by them. Nothing more distasteful and damaging to pristine wilderness are those that believe they are the exception to this rule and leave trash...worse, waste and TP dotting the landscape. Unfortunately, I found myself burying selfish stranger's waste. So bring a small shovel (www.tentlab) and a Ziploc freezer baggie to pack out your TP.

    There is signage at Thousand Island Lake advising where to camp, which is far away from the main JMT trail. Again, abide by the rules and camp at least 40 feet away from the trail and 100 feet from the lake. Read and obey the list of rules on the website.

    We camped on the northwest area of the Lake. Numerous hikers were there, some groups that hiked in for a day or two, others were thru-hikers. I enjoy the "community" of backcountry backpacker's. Day hikers can bring "Fido."

    It is unnecessary to pack in hordes of water, as there seems to be streams and lakes aplenty. I'd recommend a reliable water filter or boiling the water to ensure a parasite free thirst quencher. We used a simple Sawyer Squeeze, which was both lightweight and effective.

    Once camp is set, hike around the trails of this pristine wilderness and soak it all in...or just pull out your sleeping pad and relax.

    I have read and been admonished to use 100% DEET for the mosquitoes on the JMT...particularly June-July, and though prepared, we experienced none in mid-August, nor at this elevation. The elevation should not be bothersome healthwise, as it is not above 10,000 ft. As Floridian Flatlanders, we had no adverse altitude maladies...other than being out of breath while climbing passes. June and early July hikers may experience snow at this elevation depending on the winter accumulations.

    Several notable peaks shadow Thousand Island Lake, Banner Peak being one of them.

    For those securing a day hike permit, search out several websites/blogs for the best starting locations (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/thousand-island-lake-pct).

    If you are looking for the best bang for your buck in backcountry short trips, file this one away as a "must do!" There are others in the eastern Sierra Nevadas...but that's for another post.

  • Heather P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 14, 2019

    Twin Lakes Campground

    crowded and sites are close together

    This campground seems more fitted to those using campers more so than those tent camping.

    I saw very few tent campers and the RV's and tow behind campers were the majority here.

    I managed to grab a decent site, I think it was 36.  Tucked in a wooded area not far from the restrooms.  Which are flush toilets and running water.  Clean and well maintained.

    Site was a bit muddy and wasn't that easy to find a level spot for a tent.  A bit of garbage was left on site and trash in the bear box.  All sites have a picnic table, fire ring and bear box.

    Noise level was higher than I prefer but then again if I'm not just hearing nature, it's too loud for me.

    Pretty lakes, waterfalls and a nice area to venture around.

    Traffic in Mammoth can get pretty busy.

  • Erin M.
    Jul. 16, 2018

    Minaret Falls Campground

    Backcountry car camping!

    Wonderful campground with gorgeous views that won’t disappoint! Plenty of shade and spacious camp sites. Restrooms and water were also available. You can also purchase firewood from the camp host. I had no cell phone service in the Reds meadow valley. There is plenty to do in the area with hikes to the Devils postpile which is a National Monument, and Rainbow falls. You can see them both on a 4 mile loop that leaves from the postpile parking lot. There is also river access In the campground for great fishing. You will need to purchase an adventure pass on your way into the valley either from the mammoth mountain adventure center or the guard station upon entering the park for 10$. Take plenty of water on your hikes and remember to leave no trace on trails. Also remember to properly store food in the provided bear boxes this is very active bear country!

  • Caroline N.
    Jun. 20, 2021

    Sunset Campground — Kings Canyon National Park

    Wonderful Campground, Avoid 32 &34

    Great location, centrally located for exploring both Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks.

    Nicely shaded spots and the higher elevation is nice for cooler nights during the hot summer months.

    Great views of the sunset from the back of the campground.

    Grant Grove Village is very close by with market and restaurant.

    We stayed in site 32 which was probably the worst spot in the campground. Very hilly spot with one flat spot for a tent right next to neighbors picnic table and fire pit. Both 32 & 34 are tent only spots and right on top of each other. The other sites nearby were much more flat and looked much nicer.

  • Mary S.
    Feb. 18, 2021

    Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park

    Campsite 13

    We camped at site 13 between 2/12 and 2/14. There were restrooms and a large sink that is useful to dump bear attracting water located pretty close.

    The campsite itself is fairly large. I would say it lends itself more to tent camping than car or RTT camping. The site is located on a significant slope, this includes the paved parking area and the grass. There are a fire pit, bear box and picnic table located at the site. Be wary, when we went there were numerous large holes that were definitely a trip hazard.

    While there were rangers and employees of the park driving around, there were no actual rangers at the kiosk. Additionally, there wasn't a reservation list posted.


Guide to Shaver Lake

Tent camping near Shaver Lake, California, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Explore Local Attractions

  • The Little Yosemite Valley Campground serves as a gateway to the stunning Half Dome, attracting campers eager to tackle this iconic hike.
  • Bretz Mill Campground is nestled in the Sierra National Forest, providing access to beautiful trails and the serene Shaver Lake area.
  • At Sample Meadow Campground, visitors can enjoy the vibrant wildflowers and scenic views while being close to Kaiser Wilderness.

Tent Camping Amenities

  • Ward Lake Campground features pit toilets and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those looking to unwind by the lake.
  • Campers at Musick Creek Falls can enjoy amenities like drinking water and picnic tables, making it a comfortable spot for families.
  • Voyager Rock Campground offers a free camping experience with fire rings and picnic tables, ideal for a rustic outdoor adventure.

Activities for Tent Campers

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Shaver Lake, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Shaver Lake, CA is Bretz Mill Campground with a 3.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Shaver Lake, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 70 tent camping locations near Shaver Lake, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.