Best Glamping near Tollhouse, CA

Hot showers, no burn-ban, and they have yurts! Cell connection is not a thing there.

Many options to stay! Rv, bring your own tent, yurts, safari tents,, cabins. RV spaces have many different location styles, secluded, views, groups etc.

Large clean pool with a shallow lounging section. Playground. Bathrooms/showers were freshly renovated and clean. Laundry on site. Clubhouse and small provisions.

Easy access to Bass Lake and Yosemite entrance as well as local Town food and markets.

Great place to stay. With clean sites and plentiful amenities, you can camp comfortably while seeing the sites that California has to offer.

The staff/owners were awesome even in a semi-crisis. This was during the California wildfires. I would recommend this RV park/campground they have ample space for both. Every site has a bear box. The one night I stayed there were at least 2-3 bear incursions into the grounds.

Of all the places we took our kids on their first camping road trip (Grand Canyon, Yellowstone etc)it was right here in California that they found their favorite here at Kings; big trees ( and fallen giants you could walk through) cave tours, hikes, rivers .. they loved it. So much to cover its best to go to Recreation.gov and choose your camp area. Highly recommended by this family !

We have stayed at this campground many times and recently revisited in September’24. This COE is on a small lake that is used for irrigation during the summer resulting in a much lower water level than in the spring. Fishing is good. The Corps have added more electric sites over the years and there were 5-6 that fit our 43’ Blue Bird. We marked this as “big rig” friendly. Springtime has the grasses green with abundant wild flowers in late Feb through early March. Summer can be hot as the elevation is low in the California Central Valley and the grasses are brown. Sites are asphalt. Many sites may take some time to level. Back in and pull through are available. A nice dump stations is available within the COE park. Fall has a Tarantula migration and you will definitely see them. Coyote, Bobcat, and deer are frequently seen. Codorniz is 21 miles from Chowchilla. One way in and one way out cuts down on traffic.

Thousand Island Lake is a trek to get to but once you get there, well you don’t really want to leave. This view is absolutely beautiful, and it changes rapidly with the rising and setting sun so make you have your camera ready for it. This is completely back country so you gotta pack it all in. There are some rules you have to follow while camping at this lake, 30 feet off of the trail and then another 100 feet away from the water. This can be hard to do as your camp may be on a slant or in the wide open, however you have plenty of space to choose from at this location. There is another rule about camping past a certain peninsula but from everyone we talked to they had no idea which peninsula the map was actually referring to, so you just walk past a couple of them and hope you’re in the right spot. The water is very cold but still feels great after a long hike all day.

There are multiple routes to getting to this lake, you can come. The John Muir trail and the PCT lead to this location, also Mammoth California has a trail that leads here as well. We even encountered mule train options on our way in if you prefer that type of transportation. But this is definitely somewhere you want to visit.

This is a really cool little campground near the entrance of Sequoia National Park. The sites are tent only, so no hookups or anything like that. Pretty nice sites though, a lot of space. I think there can be fire restrictions in the summer since it can get so dry, so just be aware of that. As far as places go, it wasn't too pricey. I think we paid about $20 a night. There are bathrooms with running water, and the sites have picnic tables and fire rings. Each site also has storage lockers for your food, so be sure to lock it up in order to keep the bears from getting into it.

As for stuff to do around here, you obviously have to check out the trees. Go look at General Sherman and all the other Sequoia trees. They're so amazing and honestly it humbles you a little. Also check out Moro Rock Trail. The view from the top is amazing. You'll also probably see a fair amount of wildlife while you're hiking around, so be careful of the bears. Out of all my trips to California, I've seen the most bears here in Sequoia. They are super cool creatures, just keep a respectful distance and of course don't feed them.

Twin lakes is Located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains near the town of Mammoth Lakes, California. Upper and lower twin lakes are a fantasic place to set up base camp and explore the sierras. This Review is specific to the lower loop which is on the east side of the lake just past the tamarack lodge and store. The store (open 7-7) offered a variety of amenities from clothes to souvenirs. Also available at the store were showers ($6 per person and from 7am to 6pm) and boat rentals($20 per hour) . The restrooms had sinks and flushing toilets that were immaculate!We had an awful bear Problem during our visit with other campers not securing their food in the provided bear boxes but other than that we had a truly enjoyable time! The Campsites are very spacious and shaded. The amount of shade in the campground did keep things on the cooler side all day. There is Plenty to do in the area from a lengthy bike path that covers the entire lake basin to the numerous hiking trails that cover the mountain sides. You’ll want to make sure you check out the visitor center as you come into town for a fascinating history lesson and tips to make the most of your trip! Mammoth mountain itself offers a variety of entertainment during the summer from concert series in the village to zip lining across the mountain. You’ll want to head to Main Lodge for any ticket purchases for mammoth mountain activities. In my pictures you’ll find the transit schedule for the free trolly that runs up around the lake basin and throughout the town of Mammoth along with a map of the campground!

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.

Spent a four-day weekend here in the Jeffrey Pine Loop, we loved it. Hit a good weekend, this loop was sparsely occupied, which made it extra peaceful. 

Grounds are well-kept, and this facility is huge! Bathrooms near our site were clean, and water spigots are plentiful throughout. 

Camp Edison is a great campground, super clean! Shaver Lake is so beautiful! We try to get a campsite next to the water. We also reserve a boat so we can explore the lake. We went for the first time a couple years ago and it is now an annual trip that we plan on taking for life, it's that fun! Great for family and friends. Bring the dogs. Enjoy!

I always looked forward to my yearly week long summer camp trip at Camp Edison in Shaver Lake, CA. 

Nestled in the Sequoias, this beautiful lakeside campground hosts several amenities such as boating with rentals and launch ramps, full showers and well maintained bathrooms, large campsites, nearby horse back riding trails and hiking. 

Our group always got the group sites 42-44, which are lakeside and butt-up to what we call Moon rock. 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. 

Taking the boat out to explore the other side of the lake offers hidden falls and rock jumping, and private beach lounging. 

Some of my favorite memories were from camping trips at Camp Edison and recommend at least 4 days.

Love it here, can't wait to return!

We stayed at drive thru site 103 which is a medium size site with PLENTY of space. It was fairly level and we had electric hook-ups for 30 & 50 amp service. The water spigot was a little ways away so we filled up on our way in. We were situated across the bathrooms and showers which were very clean. Make sure you get your shower card when you check in otherwise you have to go back to the kiosk. I think you get 40 minutes for 5 dollars.

There is also a service that drives through the loops to sell wood which was really convenient. Make sure you have cash on hand. If you miss it, check with your host. They can see if they are still on site and send them your way or you can buy wood from the store but they close early.

The burn scar is heart breaking to drive through but I'm grateful the campsite survived. It makes you appreciate nature from a different point if view.