Sierra National Forest surrounds the small community of Tollhouse, California with elevations ranging from 1,000 to over 7,000 feet. Camping spots near Tollhouse, California span diverse ecosystems from foothill oak woodlands to high-country pine forests. Water levels at nearby lakes and streams fluctuate seasonally, with Pine Flat Lake and Shaver Lake experiencing significant drawdowns during late summer and fall months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Pine Flat Lake offers excellent fishing conditions for multiple species. One visitor noted that there's "outstanding fishing in the spring" at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Campground.
Water recreation: Multiple lakes provide various water activities within short driving distances. A visitor to Camp Edison shared that "taking the boat out to explore the other side of the lake offers hidden falls and rock jumping, and private beach lounging."
Hiking trails: Access forest trails directly from many campgrounds. One camper at Dorabelle Campground mentioned "multiple hiking trails from campground to museum, town or around the lake."
Winter activities: Some camping areas remain accessible during winter months. A Camp Edison visitor noted it's a "great place to be during the winter to find an easy transportation to great ski resort China peak."
What campers like
River access: Many campsites feature proximity to flowing water. A camper at Kirch Flat Group Campground shared: "It is a beautiful canyon not far from Pine Flat Lake... You can see the Kings River and hear it really well."
Spacious sites: Certain campgrounds offer larger sites with privacy between neighbors. At Dinkey Creek, a camper reported "our campsite was large, clean, with sunny and shade spots and separated from other sites by trees."
Natural soundscape: Many visitors appreciate the background sounds at area campgrounds. One camper mentioned "the sounds of the rushing water reach the campground and make for easy sleeping" at Kirch Flat.
Nighttime viewing: Clear skies provide excellent star-watching opportunities. A Camp Edison visitor mentioned "Moon rock sits in a meadow and soaks up sun all day, making it a nice warm space to star gaze at night while listening to the horses in the stable nextdoor."
What you should know
Insect activity: Bees can be problematic during warm months. A visitor to Bretz Mill Campground mentioned "the only issues were the 'meat bees' and the large amount of trash left by several camping groups."
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires driving on rough roads. Another Bretz Mill camper warned that "the road to get to campsite can get rough. It's a good 8 mile dirt road. Some parts are collapse."
Wildlife encounters: Various animals frequent campgrounds in the area. A camper at Island Park shared: "we heard stories of cars and RV's being towed out because they chewed through wiring."
Seasonal fire restrictions: Fire regulations change throughout the year based on conditions. A camper at Choinumni Park noted: "No campfires are allowed at this time. Had no way of cooking food because of it."
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom facilities: Campground restroom quality varies significantly. At Dorabelle Campground, a camper reported "bathrooms were clean" but noted "no showers, but that's what wet wipes are for."
Lake proximity: Choose campgrounds with easy water access for children. A Dorabelle visitor shared: "Walking Distance with kids to Lake Shaver, which offers Fishing, swimming and Boating. Very organized and clean, the campgrounds are spread out, private and most have shade."
Group accommodations: Some campgrounds offer specialized group sites. At Kirch Flat, a visitor noted "they have group campsites and single campsites which is great and it Is also free and you can stay for up to 14 days."
Activities for children: Some locations provide organized programs. A Camp Edison visitor mentioned the campground "has great activities during the summer season including guided educational nature walks, both day and evening, as well as kids' movies in the amphitheater."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven sites requiring additional equipment. At Island Park, a reviewer noted "very few sites are level and some so steep that leveling is not possible."
Length restrictions: Verify your RV size against site specifications before booking. An Island Park camper with a large rig advised: "we are 42' and barely fit so be careful there. Additionally, you will NOT fit here if you can't take your rig past a 90* turn safely."
Electrical connections: Most campgrounds offer limited or no hookups. A Camp Edison visitor mentioned "every site has power. The sites I saw were all dirt, not sure if they have nicer sites or not."
Dump stations: Plan ahead for waste management. One visitor noted that at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area, "there is a dump station on site and also a 'honey wagon' that will come to your site and pump out your waste water, if you desire."
