Best Tent Camping near Wishon, CA

Tent camping opportunities in the Sierra National Forest near Wishon, California include several established campgrounds with varying levels of amenities. Little Yosemite Valley Campground provides hike-in tent sites with vault toilets but no drinking water, while Recreation Point Group Campground offers tent sites with access to drinking water, toilets, and trash services.

Most tent sites in this area are accessible via drive-in access, though several require boat-in or hike-in approaches. Sample Meadow Campground, located along Kaiser Creek, features well-spaced primitive tent sites with picnic tables and fire pits but requires visitors to filter water from the creek. Sites may lack grading and often have forest duff surfaces. Many campgrounds in higher elevations close seasonally, with typical operating seasons from May through October. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, particularly in drought years. Most campgrounds provide vault toilets, though facilities at primitive sites are limited.

In early summer, tent campers find abundant wildflowers and vibrant greenery throughout the area. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "the campsites are far enough apart to feel like you are all alone in the woods," making this region ideal for those seeking seclusion. Many sites provide creek access, which offers cooling relief during summer months but requires proper water filtration for drinking. Tent sites in the area frequently include bear boxes for food storage, an essential feature given the local wildlife. Campers seeking more rustic experiences can find walk-in tent sites at Little Yosemite Valley and Recreation Point campgrounds. Higher elevation tent sites provide cooler temperatures during summer but may experience cold nights even in peak season, requiring appropriate sleeping gear.

Best Tent Sites Near Wishon, California (78)

    1. Little Yosemite Valley Campground

    5 Reviews
    North Fork, CA
    7 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"

    2. Recreation Point Group Campground

    3 Reviews
    Bass Lake, CA
    3 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."

    "2 miles from all the Tahoe action in the city and the lake is right across the street."

    3. Texas Flat Group Campground

    1 Review
    Fish Camp, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 966-3638

    "There are usually a lot of 4x4 folks camping in the area, so if you don’t want to be harassed you’ll need to find space away from the main trails (which isn’t hard to do)."

    4. Fresno Dome Campground

    2 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 966-3638

    $20 / night

    "Not too much tree cover so you get a fair amount of sun during the day (which is nice when temps are low). They have vault toilets, which totally did the job. Bring your own water."

    "The water creates a great sound dampening - perfect for midnight snore charades around the campfire."

    5. San Joaquin River Gorge

    2 Reviews
    Prather, CA
    15 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"

    7. Ya-gub-weh-tuh Campground

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

    8. Sample Meadow Campground

    3 Reviews
    Lakeshore, CA
    22 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."

    10. Sno-Park Huntington Lake Parking

    1 Review
    Lakeshore, CA
    21 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"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 78 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Wishon, CA

1378 Reviews of 78 Wishon Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Anna C.
    Sep. 28, 2017

    Hetch Hetchy Backpacker's Campground — Yosemite National Park

    Hetch Hetchy Walk-in Established Sites

    We stayed the night at one of the Hetch Hetchy reservable sites (first come, first served) before our trek through the backcountry of Yosemite. The sites were just a quick walk in from the parking lot and featured picnic tables, bear boxes, bathrooms and established fire rings. A permit is required to stay in the area as well as a $6 per person fee and you're able to check-in with your reservation right at the Hetch Hetchy entrance. The sites are well maintained and do feature scenic vistas, though it appears that the best views offered by Hetch Hetchy are found farther in the backcountry and we wish we had the time to really explore the area. The campground served as an easy spot to hike in, set up and prepare for a long trek ahead, although, if you're not pressed for time or resting up for a big hike, I'd recommend continuing on past the established sites into the more scenic backcountry. One major advantage of Hetch Hetchy is that you'll avoid the major crowds in Yosemite Valley which can't be beat in my book.

  • 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!

  • Soggy Bottoms Camper G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lake George Campground

    Love Lake George!

    Lake George was the perfect camp spot for our 4 night stay. It is first come first serve. We stayed in site 14 - the mountain side or tree side is better because it’s not windy at all! All the spots with lake view are very windy and it can be cold even in the summer! The bathrooms are super clean and have real toilets. No showers though! There is lots to do in the area and Lake George isn’t nearly as busy as Lake Mary/ Pine City camp. Although there is day use areas and it can be busy with fishing. Lots of wildlife in the area, so use the Bear box and keep food in containers. Even the chipmunks, birds, and mice will get into your stuff. I saw chipmunks trying to break into tents. This site is small RV/Trailer friendly - we stayed in our truck camper. This is NOT for big rigs or class A RVs. Also no hookups but they have a water spyket. Beware of elevation if you are not used to it - it’s at a whopping 9,250 feet and I was sick for 2 days. It’s $34 a night and quiet hours are 10pm-6am. Generators are aloud just not during quiet hours. Bring your paddle board or kayak and hit the water! It’s so beautiful here.

  • Kiley S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2021

    Sherwin Creek

    Lovely Spot Near Mammoth Lakes

    On our way from Reno to Vegas we drove into a serious thunderstorm, so while we weren’t planning to stop, we were thrilled to find this campground when we did! Close off the Highway and very close (~2 miles) from grocery, gas etc. in town, yet feels secluded and is very quiet. Clean vault toilets. Picnic table, water spigot, fire ring, BBQ pit and bear box at each site. Despite the rain we were happy to find a covered, honor-system firewood stack ($7 in the bucket) so we could still have a fire. Great spot for getting up and heading to hike at the many awesome trails surrounding. Lots of people had their OHVs along too- must be good trails for that too! Gotta pay on rec.gov.. no cash ranger box.

  • L
    Sep. 1, 2018

    Lower Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    Great Location

    Typical campground set up with fire rings and bear lockers at each campsite. Flush toilets, but no showers. There is a dedicated sink to wash dishes at by the bathrooms along with a faucet for drinking water and a water bottle filling station. You can take a shower at Half Dome village right down the road for $5/person. They provide towels, shampoo, and body wash. The campground is conveniently located right next to a shuttle stop which makes it easy to get around the valley, but it’s also very noisy at times if you have a campsite right next to the road so just keep that in mind. Both Half Dome Village and Yosemite Village have large general stores that sell firewood and anything you could possibly need so if you forget something you can most likely find it there. No WiFi and very limited cell service. You can get LTE coverage outside Lower Yosemite Falls if you absolutely need to get ahold of someone or read an email. My only warning is about the pine sap! The pine trees are great for shade but get pine sap all over everything so just be prepared to clean it off your car and camping gear. Also a good idea to bring something to cover the seats of your picnic bench when you sit down, otherwise you stick to them.


Guide to Wishon

Tent camping sites near Wishon, California sit within Sierra National Forest's rugged terrain, typically at elevations between 4,000-7,000 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, with summer daytime averages in the 70s-80s°F. Most campgrounds require visitors to travel on narrow mountain roads with limited cell service, and many maintain bear-resistant food storage requirements.

What to do

Wilderness hiking access: Kaiser Wilderness trails connect directly from Sample Meadow Campground, offering hikers multiple route options. "The roads nearby can take you to Kaiser Wilderness and Kaiser Peak," notes reviewer Darlene M., who adds that "by car it's only assessable between June and October."

Swimming in natural pools: Summer visitors can cool off in creek-fed swimming holes. At Little Yosemite Valley Campground, campers enjoy "a clean blue river perfect for swimming," according to reviewer Wutang P. The nearby waterfalls below Greys Mountain provide another option, where Adam L. describes "tons of fun sliding on the rocks and jumping into the pools."

Mountain biking routes: Several unused forest roads and trails provide cycling opportunities. Collin recommends "the road that continues through the campground over a bridge. It is closed to vehicles but climbs to views and remnants of historic tungsten mining."

What campers like

Creek-side camping spots: Many campers seek sites adjacent to moving water. At Texas Flat Group Campground, Adam L. notes "there are plenty of solid camping spots along the creek between Grey's Mountain and Texas Flats" and mentions the creek "does flow year round."

Stargazing opportunities: Minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. Darlene M. reports from Sample Meadow that "the stars are beautiful and the site is free too," making it worth the challenging road access.

Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the well-spaced sites. At San Joaquin River Gorge, Manny R. notes "the view is amazing if you like looking up at mountains" with two separate campground areas available.

What you should know

Road conditions: Access roads to many campgrounds require careful driving. When visiting Sierra National Forest Summit Camp Campground, Conrad G. notes you "need a 4x4 to get to the campground and it took us about 45min up the mountain to find the place."

Water availability: Most sites require visitors bring water or filter from natural sources. Aliza N. reports that at Ya-gub-weh-tuh Campground, "water was available when we were here in November" but this isn't typical for all sites year-round.

Temperature fluctuations: Mountain elevations create significant day-to-night temperature drops. Darlene M. warns "it also gets extremely cold at night so make sure to bring warm clothes and have a good tent and sleeping bag."

Tips for camping with families

Water play areas: Creeks provide natural entertainment for children. Regina P. says at Sample Meadow Campground, "The Kaiser Creek provides hours of fun for the kids and you are close enough to trail heads for the adventure seekers in your group."

Insect protection: Mosquitoes can be problematic in wet areas. "I would also suggest bug spray of some type because the mosquitoes are pretty relentless there," advises Darlene M. about Sample Meadow.

Bear awareness: Fresno Dome Campground and other sites require proper food storage. Kelly M. explains sites are "first come first served" and "they have vault toilets, which totally did the job," but reminds visitors to follow forest protocols for bear safety.

Tips from RVers

Parking limitations: Most tent camping areas have limited RV accommodation. At Recreation Point Group Campground, Amy E. notes "these are group sites, but they are the best sites on the whole lake in my opinion" while recommending "bring all the EZ ups you can" due to limited shade.

Scout ahead: Forest roads often present unexpected challenges for larger vehicles. Matt K. warns about fallen trees: "Would have had a really hard time getting turned around with teardrop trailer. Don't bother trying this spot. It will take many many months for the road to be cleared."

Seasonal access: Higher elevation sites close completely during winter months. Robert S. mentions that even during open months, expect "cold night and cool days in the summer" at Huntington Lake areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wishon, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wishon, CA is Little Yosemite Valley Campground with a 5-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 78 tent camping locations near Wishon, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.