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Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy

2 ReviewsAdd Review

USDA Forest Service manages this 28-site campground on a steep hill across the road from Bass Lake, approximately 20 miles from Yosemite's southern entrance via county roads. Sites accommodate tents through 40-foot RVs on level pads despite the hillside terrain. Recent tree removal has left the campground with minimal shade, according to Forest Service warnings.

The campground includes restrooms and allows campfires, pets, and alcohol. Some sites sit directly adjacent to the road. Reservations through Recreation.gov are essential, with popular weekend spots booking up to six months in advance. The host station closes at night, so arriving without a reservation means being turned away. For additional options, campers can explore campgrounds around Friant.

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Location

Public Campground

Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

**From Fresno,** take Highway 41 north through Oakhurst. Turn right on Road 222 toward Bass Lake. Keep right for 3.5 miles to the campground office for check-in. Enter across from office through gate at Recreation Point.

Coordinates

37.01704924 N
119.90409575 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time

Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Corinna B.
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2018

Decent Campground Close to Yosemite, but Book Way in Advance

About 20 miles from the southern entrance to Yosemite park via random county roads, the campground and surrounding area are a recreation destination in and of itself, with the "Forks Resort" nearby, huge professional boat rentals advertising everywhere, and of course the lake itself, surrounded by the lights of hundreds of vacation homes. There are five public campgrounds, several group campgrounds, and at least one private RV resort on the lake. We were at the very first campground on the right that you come to after leaving Yosemite, called "Forks" (not to be confused with the other larger Forks campground in California).

Forks Campground on Bass Lake has 28 sites on a fairly steep hill, a bathroom, and includes sites anywhere from tent only up to a 40-foot RV. It's on the opposite side of the road from the lake and a couple of the sites are right on the road. When we arrived at night in our RV both the main office and campground host/space were all closed up for the night with just a sign that said, basically, if you don't have a reservation go away, so you'll definitely want to book a space online as early as possible. We arrived and left in the dark (it was just a stop-over site for us for the night), so didn't get any good photos, but the little we experienced of the campground was that it was a sufficient campground with level sites despite the steep hill and a smallish amount of privacy between the sites (which are all right up against the loop).

Beware: While this didn't affect us, the reservation website warns that a drastic amount of dead tress have been recently removed and "The campgrounds at Bass Lake are now exposed with very few trees. Please plan for very little shade at the campgrounds."

Tips: Book online and book early. We were told some spots book up 6 months in advance via the online recreation.gov website, especially on weekends.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy by Corinna B., June 30, 2018
  • Review photo of Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy by Corinna B., June 30, 2018
  • Review photo of Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy by Corinna B., June 30, 2018
  • (9) View All
Warren K.
Reviewed Sep. 24, 2016

Easy Camping on a Beautiful Sierra Lake

Don't let anyone tell you that you can't camp with an infant. It's actually one of the best activities that you can do with them, and it's a great break for the parents. Bass lake is the perfect campground for young family camping. There are plenty of facilities and even a restaurant. Our friends brought a boat, so we were able to go out on the lake, which was fabulous.

  • Review photo of Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy by Warren K., September 24, 2016
  • Review photo of Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy by Warren K., September 24, 2016
  • Review photo of Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy by Warren K., September 24, 2016
  • (5) View All
Showing results 1-2 of 2 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is group camping available at Bass Lake?

Group camping options may be available at Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy, though specific details about group site capacities aren't specified. For families or small groups planning to camp together, the campground is well-suited with its family-friendly layout. Contact the campground directly for current information about group reservation policies, site availability, and any special accommodations for larger parties.

Where can I find a map of Bass Lake Campground?

Maps of Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy can be obtained from the campground office upon arrival. For advance planning, check the official managing agency's website (likely the U.S. Forest Service or local recreation department) for downloadable maps. You may also find maps at visitor centers near the southern entrance to Yosemite, approximately 20 miles from the campground. Call the campground directly for the most up-to-date map information before your trip.

What recreational activities can I enjoy at Bass Lake?

Bass Lake offers abundant recreational opportunities centered around the lake itself. Boating is a major attraction with professional boat rentals available. Water activities are popular, and the lake serves as a recreation destination in its own right. Beyond water recreation, the area provides access to nearby attractions including Yosemite National Park, approximately 20 miles away via county roads from the southern entrance. The nearby Forks Resort offers additional amenities and activities, making Bass Lake an excellent hub for both relaxation and adventure.

What are visitors saying in reviews about Bass Lake Campground?

Visitors to Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy highlight its family-friendly atmosphere, noting it's perfect for camping with children of all ages, even infants. The campground earns praise for its convenient facilities and proximity to Yosemite (about 20 miles from the southern entrance). Guests appreciate the comfortable camping experience with amenities that make outdoor stays easier for families. The campground is described as a destination in itself, with visitors enjoying both the campground facilities and the surrounding recreational opportunities.

What camping facilities are available at Bass Lake Campground?

Bass Lake Recreation Area Rudy offers family-friendly camping facilities with modern amenities. The campground provides restrooms and other essential facilities to ensure a comfortable stay. There's even a restaurant on-site or nearby, making it convenient for families who may not want to cook every meal. The campground is well-maintained and designed to accommodate various camping styles, making it particularly suitable for families with young children including infants.

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