Best Camping in and near Sierra National Forest

92% (171 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Sierra National Forest adventure.

“Secret Yosemite” offers scenic beauty, rugged forests, and outdoor recreation with smaller crowds.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Sierra National Forest

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Sierra National Forest

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(2)

Portal Forebay Campground

11 sites In Sierra National Forest

Kirch Flat Campground

18 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

100%

(1)

Dorabelle Campground

61 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

You have to past Incline Road and Dry Glutch Campground to get this one. I missed it when I checked in at 10PM.

100%

(3)

Dirt Flat Campground

2 sites In Sierra National Forest

Redinger Campground

1 site · RV, Tent In Sierra National Forest

Tent with a view: site 10 doesn't offer much privacy, but it's hard to beat waking up to this scenery.

Marmot Rock Campground

15 sites In Sierra National Forest

Dinkey Creek Campground

123 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

67%

(3)

Lupine Campground

50 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

Mono Creek Campground

11 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

One of the concrete tubs fed by natural hot springs across the river from the campground.

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(23)

Mono Hot Springs Campground

23 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

100%

(4)

Vermillion Campground

30 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

100%

(1)

Billy Creek, Upper Campground

41 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

67%

(3)

College Campground

10 sites In Sierra National Forest

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(2)

Deer Creek Campground

27 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

Kinnikinnick Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

Rock Creek Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

100%

(1)

Fish Creek Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

Sweetwater Campground

9 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

75%

(3)

Forks Campground

27 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

Kelty Meadow Campground

7 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

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(6)

Soquel Campground

9 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

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(3)

Chilkoot Campground

11 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

Lower Billy Creek Campground

12 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

Wishon Point Campground

46 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

100%

(3)

Summerdale Campground

22 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

88%

(4)

Dry Gulch Campground

4 sites In Sierra National Forest

Whiskers Campground

8 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

from

$18

/ night

China Bar Camping Area

6 sites In Sierra National Forest

100%

(1)

Clover Meadow Campground

7 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

Granite Creek Campground

20 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

100%

(1)

Little Jackass Campground

5 sites In Sierra National Forest

Lower Chiquito Campground

7 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

Placer Campground

8 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

Soda Springs Campground

18 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

from

$18

/ night

McCabe Flat Campground

14 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

from

$10

/ night

Railroad Flat Campground

9 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

Willow Placer Campground

8 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

from

$10

/ night

Smalley Cove Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

Big Sandy Campground

18 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

from

$19

/ night

Greys Mountain Campground

26 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

from

$19

/ night

Nelder Grove Campground

7 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

Lily Pad Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

from

$24

/ night

Trapper Springs Campground

70 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

Voyager Rock Camping Area

14 sites In Sierra National Forest

Buck Meadow Campground

10 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

from

$20

/ night

Gigantea Campground

10 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

Sample Meadow Campground

16 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

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(4)

Badger Flats Group Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

West Kaiser Campground

10 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

100%

(3)

Black Rock Campground

10 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

Sawmill Flat Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

100%

(1)

Bretz Mill Campground

10 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

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(2)

Catavee Campground

24 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

100%

(4)

Rancheria Campground

125 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

88%

(4)

Jackass Meadow Campground

44 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

Swanson Campground

8 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

Upper Chiquito Campground

20 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

100%

(1)

Whisky Falls Campground

14 sites In Sierra National Forest

Jerseydale Campground

10 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

Fresno Dome Campground

15 sites In Sierra National Forest

Spring Cove Campground

61 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

96%

(17)

Mammoth Pool Campground

43 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

100%

(3)

Ward Lake Campground

17 sites · RVs, Tents In Sierra National Forest

from

$17

/ night

Bolsillo Campground

3 sites In Sierra National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Sierra National Forest

98%

(570)

River Ridge Ranch -722 acres

14 sites · Lodging, Tents722 acres · Springville, CA

Swimming in North Fork Tule River, miles of hiking trails on ranch. River Ridge goes from 1,000' elev. to 3,000' elevation. Hike right on the ranch. We are between Sequoia National Park (about an hour) and the Giant Sequoia National Monument (16 miles to groves up Hwy 190 and no entrance fee). Choose from individual tent sites, group tent sites, tiny cabins. the 5-acre Compound or the Entire Ranch. There are 33 giant sequoia groves in our Southern Region of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, some easily driven to, and some remote. Our ranch is a nature preserve and an education demonstration site, teaching sustainable and regenerative land use practices. River Ridge Institute, our non-profit, hosts a variety of events for the public. Please note: you are expected to leave the ranch and kitchen area as you found it, i.e., dishes washed thoroughly and dried and put away, recycling separated from trash, food scraps in compost buckets, sticky marshmallow removed from forks and surfaces (ick!). Thank you. Enjoy: The Kitchen has a 3-burner cooktop, large fridge, microwave, full dishes and utensils and pots and pans with a big washing area in the back. Propane barbecue grill.. There's a River Barn to use as a remote space and Turtle Cove for swimming. Saturday morning Farmer's Market in downtown at 9 AM - Noon. Ancestral land of the Foothill Yokuts tribe. Homesteaded in 1859, owned by the Negus family from 1909-2000. Barbara and I bought it to save it from subdivision and it's now protected by a Conservation Easement and acts as a community center for the arts, music, poetry, gatherings and outdoor education. We're both biologists, so, just ask us. Please see the Rules and Safety section to review our Waiver of Liability.

98%

(200)

Musick Creek Falls

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Shaver Lake, CA

Musick Creek Falls is 40 acres and lies just south of Shaver Lake. At an elevation of, 4800 feet (1.46 km). The land is in a green and lush state of regrowth following the Creek Fire four years ago. Exhibiting novel and intriguing wildflowers such as Sierra Manzanita, sweet peas, Indian paintbrush, and cedars. The terrain is natural, beautiful, and rugged. This property boasts three exquisite cascading waterfalls, hiking trails, rock climbing, mountain biking, and stargazing opportunities. With proximity to Shaver Lake and China Peak Ski Resort, you are just minutes from any outdoor activity imaginable. Including, but not limited to, hiking, water and snow skiing, fishing, boating, stargazing, and sooo much more. The road into the property, although being maintained by us and the community, is still a dirt and gravel road. There are a few potholes and water bars. If you've rented a new Lamborghini, you should probably park on the asphalt, or use the Helicopter pad. The spigot provides excellent spring water. The water is flown in daily, condensed against Musick Mountain and filtered through acres of underground granite aquifers, where the minerals are added, raising the PH to around 9. The high PH helps rid the body of pollutants. I feel it is essential to the whole Musick Creek experience. We want you to leave here healthier and happier than when you arrived. There is trash and a composting outhouse on site. My wife and I stay here on site as long as the dog will allow it. We are at your service serve out heaping amounts of privacy or hospitality as we know how to read the room. Please explore everywhere. Be sure to check out all three waterfalls and Shaver Lake. Don't stay gone too long, though, as just about every night, there is an unforgettable sunset and the sounds and smells of the Sierra Nevada. The experience is supernatural. There is powerful medicine here, and it is undeniable. The weather is very mild most of the year, where a sweatshirt is perfect most nights and not too hot during the day We have kayaks available for use free of charge. Musick Creek Falls offers an affordable option compared to campgrounds and cabins in the area, which are often booked up and very expensive. Most cell phones have good reception throughout the property. We also have spare tents, camping gear, blankets, etc. if you forget something. Musick Creek borders on a Nature Conservancy, The Musick Creek Confluence. Since nearly all proceeds from your support go to the preservation of the area and its ecosystem, It is crucial that we respect our downstream neighbors. Unfortunately, there was an incident where a large family had trash blowing downstream. I know that this is not the norm for Hipcampers. As we are the most respectful and best looking of all the camping crowd. Though some are better at the leave no trace policy than others. It is critical that we deposit all trash into the receptacle. There are garbage bins for your use next to the shipping container, and one can be put at your site upon request. Sasquatch has been known to rip the limbs clean out of the sockets of campers he/she/it has suspected of littering. I scolded the squatch one year bravely, I mustard up the courage to look him is his glowing eyes and demand he return those arms immediatly but when he/she/it tried handing back the arms to the campers... well Im sure you can see the problem there. Please be courteous to our neighbors, as the golden rule is the law of the land. We appreciate your support more than you know, and we are thrilled to share this amazing place with our Hipcamp community. Please be careful during your stay. Rocks can be slick in the water, and when the moon is small, it is very dark. Some nights can be cold, and there are timber rattlers. Timber rattlers get huge and are green. Now if you've ever seen a pissed off rattlesnake coiled up and ready to strike, these are not them. They are not responsible for any bites dog or human year in and year out. I steped on a big one at night and it looked at me like it could not believe how rude and clumbsy I was to the point I took my hat off and apologized red cheeked and ashamed Now The Golden Bears or these new hybrid species that are caused from big bears having to migrate south due to environmentalism and bigger bears are mating with smaller bears making new species They will eat your skin first while the rest of you watches! Lol Im so only totally mostly kidding Please be advised that in the winter months of December through April, there will be no host on site, and access will be limited as weather permits. For more info, visit https://musickcreekfalls.com. I just have to add, for anybody still reading, that Hipcampers are truly an amazing group of people. Maybe it's just that I get to meet you when you're on Vacation and down for anything, but I have not met a single Hipcamper I didn't like, which is incredible as I live out in the wilderness because I don't like people. You all have given me a renewed sense of community, and I am grateful for you all. There is absoloutly nothing I wouldnt do for you, and while you are my guests you are under mine and the forest protection. Protection from bordom , cold, hunger ,danger , mechanical mishap and Dick Cheney ,If you are friends of the falls, then you are my family. What's mine is yours, and the Falls is ours. The responsibility of preserving this place and this planet belongs to all of us as well. Thank you for your support, and thank you for being you, exactly as you are.

91%

(16)

Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping

39 sites · Lodging36 acres · Mariposa, CA

Wildhaven Yosemite offers glamping tents and cabins on a beautiful property with mountain views in Mariposa, CA, just outside Yosemite National Park. Our glamping experience provides the comfort, cleanliness, and customer service of a hotel while keeping everything you love about a night outdoors in nature. Our extra-large, safari-style tents feature comfortable beds with linens, electricity, heaters, and all the furnishings needed for a memorable night outdoors. Looking for a little more structure in your night outdoors? Our larger glamping cabins provide a kitchenette, bathroom & shower, AC and heating, improved sound insulation, upgraded views, large windows, and a private patio to get you the fresh air you need. Your stay includes more than just a comfortable place to sleep. Guests are treated to hiking trails, communal spaces to socialize, trip planning help, Wi-Fi, and on-site activities such as yoga, wine tasting, and live music (spring through fall). The 36-acre hillside property is the star attraction, providing sweeping views towards the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas, down onto scenic Mariposa, and across miles of rolling hills.

99%

(113)

Dunlap Canyon Retreat

43 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents22 acres · Dunlap, CA

22 acres of camp sites and another 40 acres nextdoor to a hang gliders and paragliders landing. We have restrooms with showers attached to a geodesic dome on property. BBQ , water at sites. A seasonal 2 acre pond. We are about 25mi from sequoia and Kings Canyon right off the Highway 180 and a close drive from restaurants, stores. Beautiful views. We strive to make sure you have an amazing experience in the outdoors. We are still working on making the campground 100% so sorry in advance but what we are lacking we will make up for it with making your experience memorable hope to meet everyone soon P.S I got 6 things ask you to do while you are here 1.Enjoy your time here 2. If you need anything or have concerns say something ( I will try to accommodate the best I can) 3.Have fun 4. Only TP in toilets please 5. Make memories 6. Be respectful to your neighbors ( Get to know them. I don’t really have quite hours just keep in mind some ppl might be waking up early to hike in the park)

98%

(24)

Sequoia Highland Camp

17 sites · Lodging120 acres · Dunlap, CA

Discover Sequoia Highland Camp nature retreat, perched at almost 5000 feet altitude, offering breathtaking views of a valley on one side and snow-capped peaks on the other. Nestled on 120 acres of pristine forest in the Sierra Nevada mountains, this haven is conveniently located near Kings Canyon, a mere 200 miles from both San Francisco and Los Angeles. It serves as an accessible and idyllic base for exploring Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks. Sequoia Highland Camp is home to a variety of cabins and yurts, surrounded by a landscape that includes a pond, meadows, and a forest, providing an immersive experience in the untouched Sierra wilderness. Enhance your stay by booking additional facilities such as the Bungalow (recreation and bar), the Cloud room (yoga and workshop space), the Cloud (yoga and workshop space in a dome), a yoga deck, a sunset spot (no need to book), and a stargazing structure (no need to book). Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains and create lasting memories in this serene and well-appointed camp.

96%

(256)

Hudson and Wendy's Land

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Oakhurst, CA

Welcome to Hidden Falls Yosemite Camp. Come and enjoy our beautiful and private micro climate, created by the cascading waterfalls from Nelder and Lewis Creek. Camp by the creekside and fall asleep to the sound of the meandering creek, with absolutely incredible views of the stars overhead. Both creeks feed into the head of the Fresno river next to the campsite. You'll be surrounded by Oaks, Alders, Pine and Cedar trees. Take a day trip to Yosemite, hike/bike in the mountains, or explore the nearby towns of Oakhurst and Bass Lake. The south gate to Yosemite is approx. 20 minutes and Bass Lake is 5 minutes by car.

92%

(587)

Kings Canyon Campground

21 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Wilsonia, CA

This rustic campground is located in Kings Canyon on hwy 180, 16 miles past the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Park entrance. Ten Mile Creek running thru the property. Magnificent views of Kings Canyon from the property. Google plus code for maps R497+877 Hume Station, California Campground sites with picnic tables. Flushing toilets on site. Water and sewer hookups available at some sites. 6 miles to the mighty Kings River, 12 miles to Grant Grove and the Giant Sequoia’s, 16 miles to Cedar Grove, 22 miles to “Roads End” and trail head for the endless backcountry trails including the Pacific Crest trail. Easy access to General’s Hwy for Sequoia National Park access The Sequoia & Kings Canyon area has a long history of being visited. Even in the pioneer days, before the road, people had heard tales of the majestic canyon, wild rivers and of the groves of gigantic trees, that many thought to be a hoax. Folks would make the difficult trip up into the mountain to see for themselves. This site, in the early 1900’s was a farmstead providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the areas loggers, ranchers, hotels and backcountry explorers. During the construction of the new highway In the 1920’s the site was used as a labor camp. During the highway construction days a lodge and gas station was built and was known as “Barton Flat”. In the 1950’s the property was sold and became the “Kings Canyon Lodge”. In 2015 the historic lodge and some of the other cabins were destroyed in the “Rough” fire, by a miracle the original 1928 visible gas pumps survived the fire and are still being used to this day. We are hopeful to eventually rebuild a lodge to serve the many visitors.

89%

(18)

Camp ikigai Animal Sanctuary 501c3

37 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents72 acres · Squaw Valley, CA

Camp ikigai is a 72 acre farm/ranch stay near Sequoia-Kings (SEKI) Canyon Nat'l Parks. Rescued/EOL horses, sheep, chickens, and ducks freely roam the property. The property has a communal clubhouse with a fully stocked kitchen, washer/dryer, firepit, hot/cold showers, compost and pit toilets, and an above ground swimming pool. Our business is committed to inclusivity and respect for people from all backgrounds and a safe space for solo female and LQBTQIA+ travelers. 30 minutes from park entrance, 20 min from nearby lakes, 50 minutes from Fresno. 3 hrs from SF, 3.5 from LA. We have running hot/cold water for our outdoor shower but NO flushable toilets. We have pit and compost toilets filled with cedar shavings for now! Our priorities: 1. Wildfire prevention 2. Community building 3. Environmentalism and Sustainability If you're coming July-Mid August please know it is HOT (95 average/75 night) and wildfires are a consistent threat. With that, wildfire prevention is a high priority. We have a lot of projects we have started and could use all the help we can get! Some of those are: - invasive species management - tiny home building - gardening/greenhouse building - event space building - vertical agriculture - chicken farming (underway and we have a lot of eggs to eat and share!) - raising livestock - medicinal plant growing + onsite apothecary - bus conversion site - tool and machinery share/rental Come book a cabin, park a bus, bring a tent, bring your cat/dog! We know the world is dark right now and we are just trying to bring a little light.

100%

(4)

Sunset Vista - Sierra Forest

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Oakhurst, CA

Nestled on the edge of the national forest, just 10 minutes from Bass Lake and 15 minutes from the entrance to Yosemite National Park, this serene camping property offers the perfect blend of nature and adventure. With expansive space for tent camping, guests can immerse themselves in the tranquility of the surrounding wilderness. A seasonal spring nearby adds to the property's natural charm, offering the soothing sounds of flowing water during the right times of the year. The property also features a unique treehouse equipped with a bathroom, providing a cozy and elevated camping experience. For those who love to explore, there are numerous hiking trails right from your tent, leading deep into the forest. A newly planted orchard grows nearby, promising fresh fruit in the future and adding to the natural beauty of the site. Whether you're seeking peace, outdoor activities, or proximity to the wonders of Yosemite, this property offers it all.

97%

(55)

Blissful Retreat

2 sites · Lodging4 acres · Oakhurst, CA

You deserve to have an adventure, and pamper yourself at the same time. We have an authentic Vintage/Retro Travel Trailer nestled on a wooded property. Prepare yourself for a unique experience, filled with wildlife and amazing views. Luxurious amenities like, Hot indoor shower, private toilets. Outdoor is in her cast-iron bathtubs amongst a beautiful view. Trails to hike and walk along, dozens of desirable seating areas throughout the property to enjoy a conversation, or to find your own personal reset button. In the summer months, it could be quite warm in the Sierras. There is no cooling system available, just like camping in a tent or an isolated cabin. Be prepared for hot days. As the months grow colder, it is important to be prepared for low temperatures. There is no electricity in the trailers. No source of heat. There are extra blankets available. But just as you would be camping in a tent or isolated cabin there is no source of heat, we suggest you come prepared with warm pajamas, even a beanie for your head. In the Glamping Central area and bathroom facilities there is always hot water and coffee with toaster oven and cooking area.

91%

(17)

Thistledew Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent69 acres · Miramonte, CA

Secluded, private, semi-dry camping at 4000 ft. with an RV accessible pull thru. Located 15 minutes from Sequoia National Park entrance. The view to the east is the western edge of the Sequoia National Forest. This campsite is the only one on the property. Typical weather is sunny with low humidity and moderate temperatures.

96%

(12)

Yosemite Foothills Camp

1 site · RV1 acre · Mariposa, CA

Yosemite Foothills Camp is a nearly 1 acre residential, yet wild Sierra Foothills lot that features a large private undeveloped pad (~25ft. x 60ft.) with full hookups. The lot sits down a quiet residential road and features a single site. Located just ~15 minutes from downtown Mariposa and ~60 minutes from the Arch Rock (Valley) entrance of Yosemite National Park makes this the perfect home base for your Yosemite vacation. Please enjoy. Site details: - Full hookups - 50 amp service (adapter required for 30 amp service) - No dumpster on property; garbage must be packed out - Fire ban in effect - absolutely no fires, charcoal grills, gas firepits, gas BBQ, gas stove, smoking, fireworks, generators, or other open flames permitted - Site borders a neighbor's backyard

The best camping near Sierra National Forest guide

Overview

About

In the western Sierra Nevada between Yosemite and Kings Canyon national parks, Sierra National Forest is an outdoor lover’s dream. With a diverse landscape spanning rolling foothills to towering peaks, the forest is also home to five wilderness areas, two wild and scenic rivers, two national scenic byways, two nationally designated trails, and numerous lakes. Hiking, climbing, biking, horseback riding, off-roading, fishing, swimming, boating, paddling, and rafting are all popular activities. With more than 60 developed campgrounds and plenty of space for dispersed camping, campers have options for spending a few days exploring the region’s riches.

Notable campgrounds

Best for Shaver Lake access: Dorabelle Campground is the only forest service campground at Shaver Lake.
Best for hot springs: The Mono Hot Springs Campground is located near several natural hot springs; amenities can be found at the Mono Hot Springs Resort nearby.
Best for exploring the Ansel Adams Wilderness: Set on the shores of Lake Thomas Edison, Vermillion Campground is just a ferry ride away from trails.

Tips for snagging a campsite

During peak summer season, plan to reserve a campsite as soon as you know your dates. Reservations can be made at least three days and up to six months in advance.
If you don’t have a reservation, arrive first thing in the morning to grab a site at a first-come, first-served campground.
Be sure to check on seasonal opening and closing dates, which vary by campground.

When to go

Summers are the most popular times for camping in the forest. Although the forest is less crowded than many area parks, popular campgrounds fill up early. Visit in the spring and early summer for wildflowers and rafting, and fall for colorful foliage. Winter activities, including downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing, are also popular and snow dependent. Snow and ice can also affect road and trail access.

Know before you go

Permits are required for backpacking in the Ansel Adams, John Muir, Dinkey Lakes, and Kaiser wildernesses. Permits go on sale in March for dates six months ahead.
Campfire permits are required outside of developed campsites. Some areas do not permit any fires, even when fire regulations are not in place.
Forest products, including mushrooms, bracken fern, and firewood, require permits.
Be bear aware and store scented items outside your tent in a bear-proof container.
Fishing licenses are required for anglers 16 and older. Special regulations apply to wild and scenic rivers.
Motorboats must be registered to access Bass Lake.

Nearby attractions

Experience the tranquility of riverside camping near the Merced River. With its clear waters, abundant fishing opportunities, and scenic surroundings, the Merced River camping experience blends adventure and relaxation in California's serene wilderness.
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting and relaxing fishing sessions when camping near Tuolumne River. With ruggedly beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife, the Tuolumne River camping experience is truly one for the outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list.