Sierra National Forest in California encompasses a range of camping areas from established campgrounds to secluded primitive sites. Dinkey Creek Campground offers tent and RV camping with proximity to swimming holes along the creek, while Camp Edison at Shaver Lake provides electric hookups and water access. Several sites throughout the forest accommodate cabin camping, with Wishon Village RV Resort featuring both cabins and yurt options approximately 40 minutes beyond Shaver Lake. Campgrounds typically operate during the warmer months, with some locations like Camp Edison and Deer Creek Campground remaining open year-round.
Camping in this region requires advance planning, particularly during peak summer months when reservations fill quickly. The forest's elevation ranges create variable weather conditions, with cooler temperatures even during summer at higher elevations. "This campground is remote and secluded there are good swimming holes, fly fishing and really beautiful area," noted one camper about Dinkey Creek. Access to more remote areas often involves driving on unpaved roads, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles. Many campgrounds offer basic amenities like vault toilets and potable water, while others provide showers and electric hookups. Cell service is limited or nonexistent in much of the forest, so travelers should prepare accordingly.
Waterfront camping areas receive consistently positive reviews, with creeks and lakes serving as focal points for recreational activities. Campers frequently mention the swimming opportunities at Dinkey Creek as highlights of their stay. Wildlife sightings are common, with one visitor noting the importance of proper food storage due to bears in the area. The region experiences seasonal challenges including yellow jackets in late summer at some locations. Several campgrounds have been affected by bark beetle infestations in recent years, resulting in fewer trees and altered landscapes. Despite these changes, visitors continue to praise the area for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Campers seeking quieter experiences may prefer weekday visits or exploring more remote forest service roads for dispersed camping options.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$40 - $105 / night
"Great campsite if you want to camp around Shaver Lake in the Sierras of California. Beautify lake, plenty of water sports. The small town has great rustic mountain vibe."
"Easy walk to lakeside and boat ramp. Nice picnic area near lake. Camped with full hookups. Nice store and hospitality center with food, drinks and stock of camp supplies."
$47 - $275 / night
"It's location had perfect weather, warm during the day and cool, but not cold, at night. You surrounded by gorgeous tall trees and have access to swimming holes about a mile away."
"I grew up going to Dinkey Creek and to the Girl Scout Camp nearby. This campground is remote and secluded there are good swimming holes, fly fishing and really beautiful area."
$48 - $99 / night
"They all kept saying it was the best camping trip they ever had.. our hosts Frank and Jamie were super sweet and welcoming.. the campgrounds are immaculate and near the water."
"The access to the lake is a little walk but not too far and the cove is perfect for relaxing with kids. Highly recommend!"
$40 - $64 / night
"I had a platform site that was next to a little stream. There is a village store on site, showers, toilets, and water. Close to Wishon Reservoir which is great for trout fishing."
"The drive to Wishon starts with a long climb to Shaver Lake. Past Shaver Lake the road becomes windy for the remainder of the drive. "
"Great little campground right next to King's River in Sierra National Forest. Twisty paved road wraps around Pine Flat Reservoir to get to the campground."
"Stayed here three nights Full moon November 2020 Being the last night There was a few other campers But plenty of space to be away from other camps Not much trail hiking to be had Campground just off"
$47 - $96 / night
"Campground is right on the lake with walking trails. Added bonus is the campground is next to the boat launch."
"Deer creek campground sits on the edge of Huntington Lake. Many of the sites have views of the lake or are right on the lake."
$47 - $121 / night
"It is a great place to stay for a week or longer and go explore all the surrounding area has to offer!"
"A well maintained campground & walking distance from the lake. Standard but roomy sites with the usual fire ring/grill & picnic table, bathrooms are clean too."
$32 / night
"Easy walk to campstore, post office, restaurant, and visitor center. Many trails close by. Very busy in summer. No reservations. Tent only loops available."
"Very quiet but some sledding and hiking activity close by. Sites are a little close to each other, but being so quiet it's not a big deal."
$34 - $72 / night
"Campsites are spread out nicely, access to bear boxes, dumpsters, and bathrooms are easy. There is 0 cell service at this site, I only had access to WiFi at Grant Welcome center, about 20 min away."
"Next to the lake and some great trails, an easy car ride to everything else. This was my first time in the Sequoia’s and we stayed for 4 days in mid-July. The weather was perfect!"
LegendIt is a good paved Road although only about 1 and 1/2 Lanes wide! It looks like there are three sizable pull-offs along the road, we went to the very last one before it becomes the private land of the Armenian Church Camp. Intermittent T-Mobile coverage. Nice views, grass (which of course means evidence of cows), and only one other car passed by all day.
Scoutthe road in was a bit tough but definitely worth it!!! So many cute animals and all very friendly. Owner is so nice and showed us around. Definitely recommend.
RangerJust a Fantastic CG, But HARD to get a site as there are only maybe 10 sites But ON THE LAKE, some people even drop there boats in and boat to the CG, very cool, you can fish and CATCH plenty of fish from your site, again VERY COOL, lots of trees, bear boxes,(and YES you need it) and fire rings and a Pretty good bathroom for this type of CG I always try to get in whe i am in the area.
LegendOne of the few campsites that is open in the park (Dorst and Buckeye Flats being closed for the 2026 season) this site books up fast. Beautiful wooded site with lots of wildlife and shade. Wildlife includes bears, but all we saw was a turkey walking through the campsite. Lots of walking trails available from there campsite. Communal water, toilets, dumpster, recycling and pump out available. Each site seems to have a fire ring with a grate, a picnic table, and a bear box. No T-Mobile coverage, but you can get Wi-Fi at the visitor station.
LegendWent down Owen's River road to a spot just passed Big springs campground. It was on the right side of the road at 2 S8 Forest road
TravelerEasy camping a short drive from the Yosemite entrance. Watch for potholes as you head up the hill. We camped in the grassy area right behind the parking lot. Quiet and beautiful. We stayed two nights and had no issues.
ScoutThis takes you to a residential spot full of cabins. The last turnoff doesn't exist and can't find parking. I got here late-ish so now I'm not sure what I'm gonna do. Not a great first experience.
GuideClean, easy to access, and fun for fishing! Bathrooms r heated and hot water! Shower costs $5 for 40 mins so overall pretty good
LegendSort of weird setup, with no same-day reservation and don't come by and see if any sites are unreserved and available. It seems you must reserve online 24 hours in advance, so it's not surprising that there are a lot of other rules here. The gates close at 9:00 p.m. The sites themselves are nice, located in a grassy meadow around a reservoir This is the most grass we have seen in several months. Water levels are high right now, and some sites are actually flooded but you can enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating in the reservoir. Each site seems to have a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill on it. Some sites have shade awnings. There are both pull through and back in and tent only sites. Communal pump out, trash, recycling, and water is available. It looks like they are using porta-John's and flush toilet facilities. The showers only run for a few seconds and you have to keep hitting the button to get more water, but it is hot. Good T-Mobile coverage. Very close to Sequoia National Park. Short drive to Three Rivers or Visalia for resupply. This campground is a bargain.
Sierra National Forest campsites range in elevation from around 1,000 feet near Pine Flat Lake to over 8,000 feet at Courtright Reservoir. Winter closures affect most higher elevation campgrounds from October through May, while lower elevation sites remain accessible year-round. Smaller campgrounds like Bretz Mill typically have fewer visitors during weekdays, even during peak summer season.
Swimming in natural pools: Dinkey Creek Campground offers access to multiple swimming areas. "This was my best camping experience ever. It's location had perfect weather, warm during the day and cool, but not cold, at night. You surrounded by gorgeous tall trees and have access to swimming holes about a mile away," notes camper Michal S.
Paddle sports on quiet lakes: Dorabelle Campground provides direct lake access for non-motorized boating. "The cove is wonderful for swimming and mostly kayaks/SUP with plenty of beach space, water temp was perfect. Happy campers all, one lady let me use her kayak," reports Margo A.
Fishing for trout: Access mountain lakes and streams for various fishing opportunities. "Wishon and Courtright. Rainbow and German Browns can be caught," notes Tom D. about fishing near Wishon Village RV Resort.
Stargazing: The high elevation and minimal light pollution create excellent conditions for night sky viewing. "Being amongst the Sierras and embracing the waters as we did was absolutely empowering. Amazing views of the stars at night," shares Raei B. about Kirch Flat.
Lakeside access: Camp Edison offers direct water access and boat facilities. "Each site has plenty of room and includes a picnic table and fire pit. It's a short walk to Shaver Lake from virtually any of the sites, and several have a nice view of the lake," explains Angela D.
Reliable campground hosts: Campground staff provide valuable assistance and maintain facilities. "The hosts were very helpful and friendly, the creek, while low, was beautiful, and the guests were courteous and friendly," says Doug about Dinkey Creek Campground.
Spacious campsites: Many Sierra National Forest camping areas offer room to spread out. "Each area has a picnic table, fire pit, and is very clean upon arrival. There are lots of cut down wood in the area," mentions Alisha C. about Deer Creek Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The forest provides opportunities to observe various animals in their natural habitat. "At night along with seeing the stars and hearing the river, you can also hear frogs," notes Darlene M. about camping near Kings River.
Road conditions vary significantly: Many campgrounds require driving on unpaved or narrow winding roads. "The road to get to campsite can get rough. It's a good 8 mile dirt road. Some parts are collapse. And others parts get muddy so make sure you got a good car," warns Miguel M. about Bretz Mill Campground.
Insect activity peaks in late summer: Yellow jackets become particularly active in August and September. "The yellow jackets. The hosts said it was quite unusual so I tried not to let it color the overall review, but damn! You would be sitting down trying to read and a few would fly around your head or land on your hands," shares Erin S. about her experience at Dinkey Creek Campground.
Cell service limitations: Most Sierra National Forest campsites have minimal to no connectivity. "No cell service with Verizon. No hook-ups. Firewood for sale (8 pieces for $8 - don't bother and just gather)," notes Erin S.
Seasonal weather changes: Temperatures can drop significantly at night, even in summer. "We went in early/mid May, before the weather shapes up, you can have the feeling of having the whole lake to yourself. Just be ready for some cold nights!" advises Daniel J. about Hume Lake.
Weekday visits for quieter experience: Consider scheduling your trip Monday through Thursday. "Our site was very clean. Fire pits cleaned out, entire site was raked when we arrived. Site was nice large size, plenty of space," mentions Stephanie about her August stay at Wishon Village.
Short hiking options: Rancheria Campground offers accessible trails suitable for younger children. "A well maintained campground & walking distance from the lake. Standard but roomy sites with the usual fire ring/grill & picnic table, bathrooms are clean too. Multiple hiking trails from campground to museum, town or around the lake," notes Makenna R.
Look for sites with direct water access: Water features provide built-in entertainment for children. "We stayed in site 15 and it was very nice. Large site with plenty of room for trailer and two big tents. Very short walk down to Huntington Lake and was ideal for swimming with the kids," shares Steven S. about Deer Creek Campground.
Bring insect protection: Especially during late summer months, prepare for bees and mosquitoes. "There were meat bees, so make sure you bring a screen tent for cooking/eating," advises Malynda S. about Hume Lake.
Campsite leveling requirements: Many mountain sites require additional equipment for proper setup. "The paved lots were so far from level that we didn't have enough leveling blocks. I am confident that these unlevel spots, G80 and G81, are the exception and not the norm," notes Doug about Kirch Flat.
Road accessibility concerns: Consider vehicle size when selecting campgrounds. "Tight roads throughout the site, wouldn't recommend a large trailer," advises Erik H. about Dorabelle Campground.
RV-friendly site selection: Some campgrounds offer better options for larger vehicles. "We have a 35 foot 5th wheel and the spots we like here are 37, 50-52, 38-41. We haven't stayed in any other sites so I'm not sure how they are for bigger trailers," recommends Tonya C. about Wishon Village.
Water and power availability: Full hookup options are limited but available. "We camped with full hookups. Nice store and hospitality center with food, drinks and stock of camp supplies," notes John G. about Camp Edison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Sierra National Forest?
Sierra National Forest offers exceptional camping experiences across diverse settings. Kirch Flat Group Campground stands out for its picturesque location alongside King's River, featuring picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. The twisty paved road around Pine Flat Reservoir adds to the adventure. For those seeking backcountry experiences, Gladys Lake Backcountry in Ansel Adams Wilderness provides epic scenery and serene solitude. Other excellent options include Dinkey Creek near Shaver Lake and Dorabelle Campground, both offering reservable sites with amenities like water and toilets. The forest's diverse campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, from developed sites with facilities to remote wilderness experiences.
Do I need reservations for camping in Sierra National Forest?
Reservation requirements vary across Sierra National Forest campgrounds. Many popular sites like Camp Edison near Shaver Lake and Deer Creek Campground accept reservations, which are highly recommended during peak summer months and holidays. Some campgrounds offer a mix of reserved and first-come, first-served sites. For instance, at Convict Lake Campground in the Eastern Sierra, visitors can find both reservation and non-reservation options. During busy periods (Memorial Day through Labor Day), securing reservations well in advance is advisable for developed campgrounds. Less developed areas and dispersed camping typically don't require reservations but may have different permit requirements. Check the specific campground's reservation policy on recreation.gov or by contacting the ranger district office before your trip.
What amenities are available at Sierra National Forest campgrounds?
Sierra National Forest campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities. At Upper Billy Creek Campground, you'll find beautiful creekside sites with hosts on-site for assistance. Dorabelle Campground provides water, toilets, and accommodations for larger vehicles. Most developed campgrounds throughout the forest typically feature picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Some sites, like those near Shaver Lake, offer additional amenities including potable water and big-rig-friendly spaces. The more remote backcountry sites in areas like Ansel Adams Wilderness provide minimal facilities, focusing instead on natural surroundings. For those seeking more comforts, RV parks in the region such as High Sierra RV Park offer additional services. Always check specific campground listings as amenities can vary significantly between locations.
What's the best time of year to camp in Sierra National Forest?
Late spring through early fall offers the best camping experience in Sierra National Forest. June through September provides warm days, cool nights, and abundant recreational opportunities. Silver Pass Lake Dispersed camping areas at higher elevations (around 10,350 feet) are typically accessible by mid-summer once snow has melted. Texas Flats is particularly beautiful in summer, offering spacious wilderness camping with ideal temperatures. Lower elevation campgrounds may be accessible earlier in spring and later into fall. Winter brings heavy snowfall, closing many forest roads and campgrounds, though some areas remain open for winter recreation. Always check current conditions before visiting, as mountain weather can change rapidly. The sweet spot for most visitors is July and August when all areas are typically accessible and weather conditions are most reliable.
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