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Camping near Sierra National Forest

1,464 Reviews

Sierra National Forest has many camping options throughout its expansive woodland, with good road access to most sites. Camp Edison sits next to Shaver Lake and works well for families who want to swim, boat, or just enjoy lake views. Dorabelle Campground is another Shaver Lake spot that gives you more privacy with its shady campsites and close hiking trails. Three Rivers Hideaway serves as a good jumping-off point for trips to nearby national parks and comes with RV hookups, tent sites, bathrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. You'll see lots of wildlife in this forest, so store your food properly - many campsites provide bear lockers to keep your supplies safe. The weather can change quickly here, often with big temperature drops at night. Spring and fall typically have the most comfortable camping weather. While you can reach most campgrounds in a regular car, some of the more remote sites might need a vehicle with higher clearance. It's always smart to check current road conditions before heading out.

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Best Camping Sites Near Sierra National Forest (364)

    1. Camp Edison

    23 Reviews
    Shaver Lake, CA
    11 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."

    "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."

    2. Dinkey Creek

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

    $47 - $275 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    3. Dorabelle Campground

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

    $48 - $99 / night

    "They all kept saying it was the best camping trip they ever had.. our hosts Frank and Jamie were super sweet and welcoming.. the campgrounds are immaculate and near the water."

    "The access to the lake is a little walk but not too far and the cove is perfect for relaxing with kids. Highly recommend!"

    4. Wishon Village RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Sierra National Forest, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 865-5361

    $40 - $64 / night

    "I had a platform site that was next to a little stream. There is a village store on site, showers, toilets, and water. Close to Wishon Reservoir which is great for trout fishing."

    "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. "

    5. Kirch Flat Group Campground — Sierra National Forest

    8 Reviews
    Dunlap, CA
    13 miles
    +1 (559) 855-5355

    "Great little campground right next to King's River in Sierra National Forest. Twisty paved road wraps around Pine Flat Reservoir to get to the campground."

    "Stayed here three nights Full moon November 2020 Being the last night There was a few other campers But plenty of space to be away from other camps Not much trail hiking to be had Campground just off"

    6. Deer Creek Campground

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

    $47 - $96 / night

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

    "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."

    7. Sierra National Forest Rancheria Campground

    5 Reviews
    Lakeshore, CA
    13 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."

    8. Azalea Campground — Kings Canyon National Park

    27 Reviews
    Hume, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 565-3341

    $32 / night

    "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."

    9. Bretz Mill Campground

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

    10. Sequoia National Forest Hume Lake Campground

    21 Reviews
    Hume, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 335-2232

    $34 - $72 / night

    "Campsites are spread out nicely, access to bear boxes, dumpsters, and bathrooms are easy. There is 0 cell service at this site, I only had access to WiFi at Grant Welcome center, about 20 min away."

    "Next to the lake and some great trails, an easy car ride to everything else. This was my first time in the Sequoia’s and we stayed for 4 days in mid-July. The weather was perfect!"

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559 Photos of 364 Sierra National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Sierra National Forest

1464 Reviews of 364 Sierra National Forest Campgrounds

Guide to Sierra National Forest

Camping near Sierra National Forest, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are campgrounds that cater to all kinds of adventurers.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Many campers rave about the beautiful hikes, with one reviewer mentioning, "The hiking and swimming around Hume Lake was great but this site was also easy driving distance to Grant Tree and General Sherman hikes."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing in the nearby lakes. One camper at Dorabelle Campground shared, "One quick stroll to our private cove for some fishing and fun."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife. A visitor at Sequoia National Forest Hume Lake Campground noted, "Lovely deer, ducks, and toads everywhere."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the breathtaking scenery. One reviewer at Camp Edison said, "Amazing weather and amazing views."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A family at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms are clean and well kept."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. A visitor at Dinkey Creek remarked, "The hosts were very helpful and friendly."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A camper at Azalea Campground pointed out, "The bathrooms were the most unattractive part."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. One reviewer at Camp Edison noted, "Only a few campers and no snow (yet). Plenty of spots to choose from."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Bears are known to roam in the area. A camper at Sequoia National Forest Hume Lake Campground advised, "Make sure you store ALL food and coolers in the bear box."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites that cater to families. A reviewer at Camp Edison said, "The entire camp site is huge, well maintained and just wonderful."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. One family at Dorabelle Campground mentioned, "We can’t wait to come back to Dorabelle!!"
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on children, especially near water. A camper at Coldwater Campground emphasized, "The campground has nice access to hiking trails, and Lake Mary."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Dinkey Creek noted, "The paved lots were so far from level that we didn't have enough leveling blocks."
  • Use Amenities Wisely: Take advantage of available hookups. A camper at Camp Edison appreciated the "electric hookups" and "showers."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Don't just stay at the campground. One RV traveler at Sentinel Campground mentioned, "So many amazing hikes and walks to do within the two parks."

Camping near Sierra National Forest, California, is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy quality time with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, there's something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Sierra National Forest?

Sierra National Forest offers exceptional camping experiences across diverse settings. Kirch Flat Group Campground stands out for its picturesque location alongside King's River, featuring picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. The twisty paved road around Pine Flat Reservoir adds to the adventure. For those seeking backcountry experiences, Gladys Lake Backcountry in Ansel Adams Wilderness provides epic scenery and serene solitude. Other excellent options include Dinkey Creek near Shaver Lake and Dorabelle Campground, both offering reservable sites with amenities like water and toilets. The forest's diverse campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, from developed sites with facilities to remote wilderness experiences.

Do I need reservations for camping in Sierra National Forest?

Reservation requirements vary across Sierra National Forest campgrounds. Many popular sites like Camp Edison near Shaver Lake and Deer Creek Campground accept reservations, which are highly recommended during peak summer months and holidays. Some campgrounds offer a mix of reserved and first-come, first-served sites. For instance, at Convict Lake Campground in the Eastern Sierra, visitors can find both reservation and non-reservation options. During busy periods (Memorial Day through Labor Day), securing reservations well in advance is advisable for developed campgrounds. Less developed areas and dispersed camping typically don't require reservations but may have different permit requirements. Check the specific campground's reservation policy on recreation.gov or by contacting the ranger district office before your trip.

What amenities are available at Sierra National Forest campgrounds?

Sierra National Forest campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities. At Upper Billy Creek Campground, you'll find beautiful creekside sites with hosts on-site for assistance. Dorabelle Campground provides water, toilets, and accommodations for larger vehicles. Most developed campgrounds throughout the forest typically feature picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Some sites, like those near Shaver Lake, offer additional amenities including potable water and big-rig-friendly spaces. The more remote backcountry sites in areas like Ansel Adams Wilderness provide minimal facilities, focusing instead on natural surroundings. For those seeking more comforts, RV parks in the region such as High Sierra RV Park offer additional services. Always check specific campground listings as amenities can vary significantly between locations.

What's the best time of year to camp in Sierra National Forest?

Late spring through early fall offers the best camping experience in Sierra National Forest. June through September provides warm days, cool nights, and abundant recreational opportunities. Silver Pass Lake Dispersed camping areas at higher elevations (around 10,350 feet) are typically accessible by mid-summer once snow has melted. Texas Flats is particularly beautiful in summer, offering spacious wilderness camping with ideal temperatures. Lower elevation campgrounds may be accessible earlier in spring and later into fall. Winter brings heavy snowfall, closing many forest roads and campgrounds, though some areas remain open for winter recreation. Always check current conditions before visiting, as mountain weather can change rapidly. The sweet spot for most visitors is July and August when all areas are typically accessible and weather conditions are most reliable.

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