Wishon, California serves as a gateway to camping and outdoor recreation at 3,500 feet elevation in the Sierra National Forest. Located approximately 15 minutes from Bass Lake, this area features a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed options with varied terrain. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-90°F while dropping to 40-50°F at night.
What to do
Hiking trails around Whisky Falls: Whisky Falls Campground provides access to numerous hiking trails through Sierra National Forest. "There are plenty of trails to hike during the day, as well as dirt roads to explore," notes a camper at Whisky Falls Campground. The trails accommodate various skill levels, with options for both casual walkers and experienced hikers.
Swimming in natural pools: Soquel Campground features natural swimming areas formed by rock formations. According to a reviewer, "The creek is cold, but the rock formations create natural pools great for swimming." The creek runs directly through many campsites, providing convenient water access for cooling off during hot summer days.
Stargazing in remote areas: Big Sandy Campground offers exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. "The stars at night are incredible. It's about a 40 minute drive from Yosemite," reports one visitor to Big Sandy Campground. Clear nights reveal the Milky Way and numerous constellations, making this an ideal spot for amateur astronomers.
What campers like
Access to waterways: Many campgrounds in the Wishon area feature streams or lake access. At Soquel Campground, "almost all campsites are creekside. The host is knowledgable and helpful, gave us good directions for swimming hole near by, and lots of free firewood." These water features provide natural cooling during summer months.
Proximity to Yosemite: For those seeking day trips to Yosemite, dispersed camping options near the park entrance offer convenience. A reviewer of Yosemite "Boondock National" Dispersed Camping states it's "super accessible spot right by the entrance (10 min drive max) to yosemite np!!" This allows campers to avoid in-park accommodation costs while maintaining reasonable access.
Secluded camping environments: Several campgrounds provide privacy between sites. A camper at Lupine/Cedar Bluff Campground notes, "The campsites are relatively close together but not so close you can hear other people's conversations. Bathrooms were clean." This balance of seclusion with basic amenities appeals to those seeking a middle ground between primitive and developed camping.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating rough roads. At Big Sandy Campground, "The 6 mile road to get into it is rough. With high rain season, you have to cross the creek and it may require a lifted type vehicle like a truck." Four-wheel drive vehicles may be necessary for accessing certain areas after rain.
Seasonal operation: Most glamping close to Wishon, California operates seasonally. Whisky Falls typically remains open from May through November, with weather determining exact dates. Winter snowfall makes many roads impassable from December through April.
Limited amenities at remote sites: Many campgrounds have vault toilets but no running water. A visitor to Lupine/Cedar Bluff Campground shares, "Bathrooms were clean. The woman who came and checked us in and gave us our parking tag was very friendly." Campers should bring sufficient water for drinking, cooking, and washing.
Tips for camping with families
Rope swing activities: High Sierra RV Park offers unexpected water features for families. One parent reports, "The creek, waterfalls & rope swing over the swimming hole was unbelievable!! The kids enjoyed the rope swing while the mom enjoyed the walk back to the falls & thru the shallow waters." The natural playground elements provide entertainment beyond standard camping activities.
Group-friendly configurations: Some campgrounds accommodate larger family gatherings. A camper at Bass Lake at Yosemite RV Resort explains, "We booked this last minute over the phone, we were very impressed with the spot, next to the pool, clubhouse, fire pit." The resort offers amenities that help keep children entertained during downtime.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy observing local wildlife at safer distances. Near Yosemite "Boondock National" camping, one camper shared, "It was quiet and a sweet deer came by as we were setting up. She wasn't afraid of us at all, just minding her business eating away." Morning and evening hours typically provide the best wildlife viewing times.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring leveling equipment. At High Sierra RV Park, a visitor reports, "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." Bringing additional leveling blocks can help address this common issue.
Limited navigation space: Larger RVs may struggle with tight turns at some campgrounds. According to one RVer at High Sierra RV Park, "To leave with a 26' travel trailer I had to pull out and back down another road just to exit the park." Calling ahead to confirm site dimensions and turning radius limitations helps prevent difficult parking situations.
Seasonal temperature fluctuations: Evening temperatures can drop significantly, even during summer months. An RVer at Bass Lake notes, "At approximately 3500 ft elevation. Cool summer nights near Bass Lake Recreational area so fishing and boating are a main attraction." Preparing for 30-40°F overnight temperature drops ensures comfort throughout your stay.
