The best camping near Hensley Lake

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Hensley Lake adventure.

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Discover the scenic beauty of Hensley Lake, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Hensley Lake

Public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Hensley Lake

Exciting place to visit! Love how much there is to do and the atmosphere.

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Hidden View Campground

55 sites · RVs, Tents In Hensley Lake

Top-rated campgrounds near Hensley Lake

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Yosemite Westlake Camp

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Coulterville, CA

Located on the John Muir Historic route to Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Westlake Campground and RV Park is convenient to all things Yosemite. Between here and the park is Rainbow Pool, a well-known swimming hole that campers here often visit on their way back to the campground for a refreshing dip in the cool waters. Coulterville was started as a gold-rush town. You can visit the museum and visitor center even try your hand at panning for gold.

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Musick Creek Falls

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

Musick Creek Falls: A Carbon-Negative Legacy of Gold, Wilderness & Renewal Perched at 4,800 feet near Shaver Lake, this 40-acre sanctuary is where California’s soul stirs. Named for the Musick family, whose 1848 gold strike here sparked the Gold Rush, this very property played center stage for millennia—from the Nuimmu (Mono) people to pioneers, loggers, and innovators. Today, we’re rewriting its legacy as the areas first carbon-negative campground, blending agro-tourism, conservation, and sustainability into every aspect. This place is like no other. There is only 4 sites to ensure groups will have ample space , each site with its own waterfall. Shaver Lake is just a few minutes away and is absolutely stunning and is a MUST SEE!, as well as Dinky Creek wilderness area , and so many other iconic Sierra Nevada destinations. The night sky absent a moon will provide a truly remarkable night sky as is was 1000 years ago. Explore three cascading waterfalls, trails, and climbing routes framed by wild Sierra Manzanita, cedars, and meadows of Indian paintbrush. Rock climbing Borrow kayaks, gear, or blankets onsite, then just 7 minutes away Shaver Lake for fishing, skiing at China Peak, Mono Hotsprings, Mamoth Pools and so so much more. Honoring the Past, Building Anew Walk paths where Nuimmu hunters, Gold Rush dreamers, and Louis L’Amour’s heroes once tread. This land witnessed triumph, tragedy, and reinvention—stories we share to inspire Please note that there is no host on-site during winter months (December–April), and access depends on weather conditions. Visit musickcreekfalls.com for updates and additional details. This property holds profound historical significance, having witnessed pivotal events like the California Gold Rush, the timber and mining booms, and the rise of early electric companies. Inspiring stories in Louis L’Amour novels. It has also borne witness to more somber chapters in history, including acts of genocide. More about its remarkable past can be explored at musickcreekfalls.com We are thrilled to share with you Musick Creek Falls so so much more than just a campground. Come recharge your soul, and feel the magic of the falls. You will never look at camping the same.

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Yosemite Colfax Spring

11 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Groveland, CA

Welcome to Yosemite Colfax Spring! Home to a basecamp for river rafting trips during the summertime, we are located 15 minutes driving distance to the entrance to Yosemite National Park. If you are staying with us between May - September and want to come rafting, ask us about our river trips! Our camp sits on a ridge with views down into the Tuolumne River Canyon. The Tuolumne River begins at 13,000 feet of elevation in the High Country of Tuolumne Meadows and provides drinking water for over 2.7 million people in San Francisco. With cedar and pine trees, manzanita bushes, and wildflowers in the spring, enjoy the Sierras' flora and fauna. Our family has been operating our river rafting company for over 50 years, the last 11 of those years being here at Colfax Spring. Conveniently located off Highway 120, we are in close proximity to swimming holes, hikes, and more. Enjoy the privacy of our campsite and getting world-class views to yourself, with all of the amenities (flushing toilets, wi-fi, showers.) Make sure to check the Yosemite National Park website for information about reservations to visit the park!

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Hidden Falls Yosemite Camp

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.

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Ace's Yosemite Hide Out

3 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Coarsegold, CA

Ace's Yosemite Hide Out Is close to Yosemite National Park South entrance on a 30 acre Ranch and is very privately located at the base of a mountain in Coarsegold Ca. with beautiful oak trees and lots of wildlife. There is a barbecue pit, picnic table, sink to wash dishes and hands and a propane fire pit at each campsite You can walk or drive a short distance to the outside shower from the campsite Take a beautiful short hike and see the horses and miniature Donkeys Yosemite Park South entrance is 27.5 miles, Takes about 50 minutes Yosemite valley is a 1 1/2 hr beautiful drive. Chukchansi casino is 5 miles. Bass Lake is on the way to Yosemite with excellent restaurants swimming and day camping by the lake! Lots of biking and hiking trails

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Nolla A-Frames Near Yosemite

5 sites · Lodging45 acres · Colfax Springs, CA

Welcome to our A-Frame Nolla Cabins at the doorstep to Yosemite! Our property is conveniently located off Highway 120 and 15 minutes outside of the entrance to Yosemite National Park. While amenities such as the town of Groveland, restaurants, and gas stations are nearby (15 minutes away), you will truly feel like you are off the beaten path at this campsite. Featuring our A-Frame cabins in partnership with Nolla from Finland, sleep on a comfy mattress on a bed looking out through a floor-to-ceiling window where you may see deer grazing nearby, cedar and pine trees, and big sky with stars at night. Each cabin has a picnic table outside, a Yeti cooler of water, as well as clean composting toilets. The cabin has a solar battery, enough to charge your devices and plug in a fan or light. Hot showers are available across the road at our sister property! These cabins are off-grid - there is no wi-fi, most cell service should work. You will feel like you are camping in the wilderness, while in a cozy bed! Note that we do allow fires in pre-approved propane fire rings, which you can add on in the extras. Please be sure to check the Yosemite website for details on Park Reservations ahead of time if you plan to go Yosemite!

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Camping At Yosemite's Doorstep

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Groveland, CA

Reserve your tent site on 15 exclusive, wooded-acres only 10 minutes from the entrance to Yosemite National Park. Once you've set up camp, you can explore the walking trails on the property and if you make it to the top, why not enjoy a lovely picnic with beautiful mountain views? Conveniently located across the highway from a gas station and a general store, you never have to worry about running out of ice or forgetting to bring the bug spray. If our base package isn't enough, as an "extra" we can have a tent set up and ready for you when you arrive. Whatever you're looking for, Yosemite's Doorstep is ready to provide the ideal camping experience to suit your needs.

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Outdoorsy Yosemite

152 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Bass Lake, CA

Immerse yourself in the splendor of California’s High Sierra and enjoy the comfort of a campground designed to welcome guests year-round. For your comfort and convenience • Wi-Fi • Showers and restrooms • Laundry facilities • Convenience store with souvenirs, ice, and other necessities • Picnic area • Basketball

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Camp ikigai Animal Sanctuary 501c3

37 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents72 acres · Yokuts 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 inclusive space for solo female travelers. 30 minutes from park entrance, 20 min from nearby lakes, 50 minutes from Fresno. 3 hours 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 - raising livestock - medicinal plant growing + onsite apothecary (Come volunteer build the food forest and medicinal garden) Come book a cabin, park a bus or RV, bring a tent, bring your cat/dog!

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Sierra Foothills Ranch -722 acres

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents722 acres · Springville, CA

Swimming in North Fork Tule River, miles of hiking trails on ranch. River Ridge Ranch 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.

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Golden Arrow Gold Claim

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Buck Meadows, CA

Bring the whole family out for a relaxing weekend of gold panning or metal detecting on my 20 acre claim just down the road from the west entrance to Yosemite national park. Just a stones throw off of highway 120 and a few short miles east of Rush Creek Lodge and spa! Camp here at Golden Arrow and hide out under the trees along soldier creek during the heat of the day! If you don’t feel like panning there are several good fishing holes to be found across the claim along the approximately 1400ft stretch of soldier Creek. Plenty of level space to park your RV, Travel Trailer, or Conversion Van… It’s rare to find an active claim that is accessible by 2wd and even more rare to find someone willing to welcome you to pan on their claim and keep what you find! Take advantage of this rare opportunity and try your luck at hunting down some gold on your next vacation!!

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San Pedro Ranch

11 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Coarsegold, CA

Escape to Nature at Our Private Yosemite-Area Ranch Welcome to your ultimate outdoor retreat! Nestled on 80 private acres of pristine forest, rolling hills, and a flowing river, our ranch offers an unforgettable camping experience just a short drive from Yosemite National Park. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, our secluded paradise is the perfect escape. What We Offer: • Spacious Campsites – Set up your tent or park your RV under towering trees, with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the wilderness. • Breathtaking Views – Wake up to panoramic mountain landscapes, hike through scenic trails, and unwind by the peaceful river. • On-Site Adventures – Explore miles of private hiking trails, go fishing in the river, or rent an ATV or motorcycle for an off-road thrill. • Luxury Glamping (Optional) – Upgrade your stay with a cozy, fully-furnished glamping tent featuring comfortable beds and rustic charm. • Campfire Nights – Enjoy starlit evenings around the firepit, complete with s’mores and storytelling. Why You’ll Love It: ✔ Total Privacy – Unlike crowded campgrounds, this is your own private oasis in nature. ✔ Perfect for Groups & Families – Whether it’s a solo getaway, a romantic retreat, or a group adventure, there’s something for everyone. ✔ Close to Yosemite – Just a short drive to one of the most breathtaking national parks in the world. Disconnect from the noise and reconnect with nature. Book your stay today and experience raw beauty, adventure, and relaxation—all in one place!

The best camping near Hensley Lake guide

Overview

About

Fifty miles north of Fresno in the Central California foothills, Hensley Lake has become a popular vacay spot for families. It contains 20 miles of shoreline and is enveloped by the oak woodlands of the Sierra Nevada foothills (hooray shade!).

This park is outdoor fun galore. Visitors enjoy camping, boating, water skiing and fishing with black bass, bluegill, catfish and crappie on the reel. Rainbow trout are stocked in the lake each winter. Kris-Krossing to the other side of the lake will make you wanna jump with hiking, biking, disc golf, swimming and equestrian trails. Oh and remember, this park is just an easy drive to Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park, plus the Sierra National Forest.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Hensley Lake is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer brings warmth perfect for water activities, though it can be quite hot. Winters are cooler and quieter, offering a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the bustle.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Be aware of any seasonal closures or special alerts by visiting the official Hensley Lake website.
Life jackets are a must for all water activities – safety first!
Pack out what you pack in to keep the park pristine for all visitors.
Accessible facilities are available, but it's best to confirm ahead for specific needs.

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