Sierra National Forest

Recreation Areas

Bass Lake

This popular recreation area is nestled in pines at 3,400 feet in elevation above Oakhurst. Bass Lake is a 1 1/2 hour drive north of Fresno on Hwy 41 and Road 222. Bass Lake provides camping, boating, fishing, hiking, day use and group areas. Accessible facilities are available at Lupine-Cedar Bluff Campground, Recreation Point (picnic) and Wishon Boat Launch.

Bass Lake

Beasore Road

This area accesses a beautiful part of the Forest above Bass Lake. To get there take Hwy 41 north from Fresno to Road 222. Follow Road 222 around the north side of Bass Lake to Beasore Road. Beasore Road meanders through the forest passing by beautiful meadows, creeks and streams. It's a great place for fishing and to get away from all. Accessible restrooms are available at Cold Springs Summit.

Campgrounds | Fishing | Picnic Sites | Group Sites | OHV | Map

Clover Meadow

This area is a popular starting point for access to the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness areas. To get there take Hwy 41 North from Fresno. Turn on Road 200 to North Fork. Follow Road 200 until it turns into the Minarets Road (also known as the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway). Continue on Road to Clover Meadow. Clover Meadow has a visitor information station open during the summer that provides wilderness information and permits. There are two campgrounds, Clover Meadow and Granite Creek. Located nearby is a Pack Station which provides backcountry services.

Campgrounds | Map | Pack Station/Horseback Riding | OHV

Courtright/Wishon

This backcountry area is known for its beautiful lakes, picturesque domes and geological formations. To get there take Hwy 168 northeast of Clovis to the Dinkey Creek Road (just before your get to Shaver Lake). Follow the Dinkey Creek Road east to Dinkey Creek. At Dinkey Creek take the McKinley Grove Road toward Courtright and Wishon. At Wishon Reservoir you will find a campground, a group campsite and several picnic areas that provide fishing access. At Courtright Reservoir you will find several campgrounds and picnic sites. Accessible facilities are available at Trapper Springs Campground, Wee-Mee-Kute picnic area and Maxson Trailhead. Courtright and Wishon Reservoirs are open May through November.

Courtright/Wishon Reservoir

Dinkey Creek

Located along beautiful Dinkey Creek this area has one campground and a picnic area. To get there take Hwy 168 east of Clovis to the Dinkey Creek Road (just before your get to Shaver Lake). Follow the Dinkey Creek Road east to Dinkey Creek. At Dinkey Creek is a Forest Service Ranger Station that is open in the summer, Thursday through Monday. There are privately owned businesses (store, cabins) in the local area that provide public services. There are accessible facilities at Trails End Picnic Area, Dinkey Creek Campground and McKinley Grove Botanical Area. There is also a public horseback riding stable available.

Campgrounds | Horseback Riding | Map | Picnic Sites | Fishing | OHV

Edison Lake/Florence Lake Area

A number of developed and dispersed camping areas dot this beautiful high country region, which is surrounded by the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Areas. To get there take Hwy 168 east from Clovis to Huntington Lake. At Huntington Lake take the Kaiser Pass Road east to Florence and Edison Lakes. Mono Hot Springs and Mono Creek Campgrounds are located along the Lake Edison Road and Vermilion Campground is located at Edison Lake. Fees are charged at all three campgrounds.

Ward Lake and Jackass Meadow Campgrounds are located on the Florence Lake Road approximately 8 miles from the High Sierra Ranger Station. A picnic area is located at Florence Lake next to the boat ramp.

Both Edison and Florence Lakes offer boat rentals and ferry service for hikers who are entering the John Muir Wilderness area. Horseback riding is available at Vermillion Resort and the John Muir Trail Ranch. Guided Pack trips are available.

Edison Lake | Florence Lake

High Sierra Area

A number of developed and dispersed camping areas dot this beautiful high country region, which is surrounded by the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Areas. To get there take Hwy 168 east from Clovis to Huntington Lake. At Huntington Lake take the Kaiser Pass Road east to Florence and Edison Lakes. Campgrounds include Sample Meadow and West Kaiser along the Stump Springs Road, Portal Forebay and Bosillo, along the Kaiser Pass Road. The Kaiser Pass Road is open seasonally from May through November. A fantastic overview of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range is located by driving a short distance from the Kaiser Pass Road to White Bark Vista. High clearance vehicles are recommended. Accessible facilities are located at the turnoff to White Bark Vista on Kaiser Pass Road. Mono Hot Springs, Mono Creek and Jackass Campgrounds offer accessible camping.

Campgrounds | Fishing | Map

Huntington Lake

This high country lake is located at 7,000 feet in elevation and is a popular area for fishing, hiking and sailing. To get there take Hwy 168 east from Clovis to Huntington Lake. There are a total of seven campgrounds along the north shore of Huntington Lake. Accessible restrooms are available at Dam III, Huntington Lake Boat Launch, Rancheria, Deer Creek, Kinnikinnick Campgrounds and Bear Cove Picnic Area. There are three picnic areas in the Huntington Lake Basin along the north shore of the lake. Boat launching facilities are available as well as boat rentals and mooring. There are numerous privately owned resorts and businesses in the local area that provide public services. Horseback riding and backcountry guided services are available. At Billy Creek, on the north side of the lake, a museum highlighting the area's local history is open to the public.

Huntington Lake

Kings River

Located on the upper Kings River above Pine Flat Reservoir, this area is popular for fishing, whitewater rafting and camping. There are several campgrounds in the area on both sides of the river. Several whitewater rafting companies provide guided rafting trips. On the south side of the river, a historic Forest Service Cabin is available for overnight rentals.

Kirch Flat Campground offers accessible sites and facilities and there are accessible toilets at Camp 4 1/2, Camp 4, Mill Creek and Garnet Dike on the river. There are also several compacted dirt sites along the river that may be accessible depending upon your strength and need for assistance.

Campgrounds | Map | Whitewater Rafting | Group Sites | Cabin Rental

Mammoth Pool

Mammoth Pool Reservoir is located on the San Joaquin River above North Fork. To get there, take Hwy 41 north from Fresno to Road 200. Take Road 200 east to North Fork. Follow Road 200 until it turns into the Minarets Road (also know as the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway). Follow the Minarets Road to Mammoth Pool. Mammoth Pool is a popular area for fishing, camping, boating and hiking. Mammoth Pool is closed to the public from May 1 until June 16 to allow deer migration. Several campgrounds and picnic sites are available.

Mammoth Pool

Merced River

Located just west of Yosemite National Park, the Merced River Canyon area provides campgrounds, picnic sites, fishing, swimming and whitewater rafting. To get there take Hwy 41 north of Fresno to Oakhurst. At Oakhurst take Hwy 49 west to Mariposa. At Mariposa take Hwy 140 north towards Yosemite National Park. Dirt Flat and Dry Gulch Campgrounds offer accessible facilities as to McClendons Beach and Cranberry Launch. The Indian Flat Day Use area is also equipped with accessible toilets.

Campgrounds | Fishing | Map | Picnic Sites | Boating | Whitewater Rafting

McKinley Road

The McKinley Road provides access to one of two giant sequoia groves on the Sierra National Forest. This grove is worth the visit and provides uncrowded access to beautiful Giant Sequoias. To get there take Hwy 168 east of Clovis to the Dinkey Creek Road (just before your get to Shaver Lake). Follow the Dinkey Creek Road east to Dinkey Creek. At Dinkey Creek take the McKinley Grove Road east to McKinley Grove. At McKinley Grove there are two campgrounds, Gigantea and Buck Meadow and a picnic site. At McKinley Grove you will find an easy, accessible interpretive trail around the giant sequoias.

Campgrounds | Map | Picnic Sites

Shaver Lake

This popular recreation area near the community of Shaver Lake has several campgrounds, picnic areas and marinas. To get there take Hwy 168 east from Clovis. Campgrounds include Dorabelle, Swanson Meadow, and Camp Edison. There are several day use picnic areas. Camp Edison is operated by Southern California Edison Company and can be contacted at 559-841-3134. There are numerous privately owned resorts and businesses in the local area that provide public services. There is a public horseback riding stable at Shaver Lake. Accessible facilities are available at the boat launch and Camp Edison Campground.

Shaver Lake

Sky Ranch Road

The Sky Ranch Road provides access to a beautiful uncrowded part of the Forest that includes the Nelder Grove of Giant Sequoias. To get there take Hwy 41 north from Fresno. Follow Hwy 41 through Oakhurst. Just past Oakhurst, approximately 5 miles, turn east on the Sky Ranch Road. Along Sky Ranch Road you will find Nelder Grove. This area of Giant Sequoias is managed to preserve the uniqueness and historical significance of the area. The Bull Buck Tree is located in the grove and is considered to be one of the world’s largest Giant Sequoias. There is a self-guided trail located in the grove.

Camping sites are available, and several additional campgrounds along the Sky Ranch Road access good fishing areas. They include Fresno Dome, Kelty Meadow and Big Sandy. Take a hike out to Fresno Dome and on a clear day you can get a great view of the San Joaquin Valley.

Campgrounds | Fishing | Group Sites | Map