Where Can I Camp in Sierra National Forest?

Sierra National Forest is a 1.3-million-acre outdoor playground located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of Central California. The forest offers a wide variety of recreational activities including camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating, fishing and more.

There are more than 1,500 miles of trails to explore and over 700 miles of streams and lakes for fishing. With so much to do, it can be hard to decide where to camp in Sierra National Forest.

The forest is divided into five ranger districts that each have their own distinct campgrounds. The Minarets Ranger District is home to some of the most popular campgrounds in the forest.

These include Yosemite Forks Campground, McCloud Flat Campground and Redinger Lake Campground. All three of these campgrounds offer access to hiking trails and stunning views of the High Sierras.

The Bass Lake Ranger District has a variety of lakefront campgrounds along the shores of Bass Lake and Wishon Reservoirs. These include Willow Creek Campground, Rancheria Flat Campground and Wishon Point Campground. All three offer plenty of opportunities for swimming, boating and fishing.

The High Sierra Ranger District offers several remote backcountry campgrounds located in the higher elevations of the forest. These include Rock Creek Lakes Campground, Florence Lake Campground and Courtwright Reservoir Campground. Each one provides access to some stunning alpine scenery as well as opportunities for backpacking, fishing and horseback riding.

Finally, there is the Hume Lake Ranger District which is home to numerous developed campgrounds along Hume Lake and Kings River including Hume Lake Campground, Roaring River Campground and Cold Springs Campground. All three offer easy access to fishing spots as well as breathtaking views from high above Kings Canyon National Park.

Conclusion: With so many options for camping in Sierra National Forest it can be hard to decide where to go! But no matter which area you choose you’re sure to have a great time exploring the beauty that this region has to offer! From lakefront campsites at Bass Lake or Wishon Reservoirs to remote backcountry spots in the High Sierras or developed sites near Hume Lake or Kings River there’s something for everyone when it comes to camping in Sierra National Forest!

Photo of author

Jennifer Watson