Pine Flat Campground

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Pine Flat Campground
$10.00 - $135.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$30.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$135.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Facility rates vary by season and site type. Fees range from $10 to $135 depending on amenities and group size.
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Provider
559-787-2589: null

About this campground

Tucked away from the crowds, this hidden gem on Pine Flat Lake beckons adventurers seeking authentic Sierra Nevada camping. Choose between modern electric sites or traditional tent camping spots, gather your crew for memorable group camping experiences, or spend your days exploring the shimmering waters that stretch before you. This peaceful retreat offers the perfect balance of convenience and wilderness escape.
Pine Flat Campground offers a variety of camping options, including standard electric, standard non-electric, and tent-only sites. Group camping is also available, with additional recreational amenities included for larger parties.
Historical SignificanceBorn from ambitious engineering in 1954, Pine Flat Lake emerged when the mighty Kings River was tamed by Pine Flat Dam. What began as a crucial flood control project has evolved into a beloved recreational paradise, where generations of families have created lasting memories against the backdrop of California's natural splendor. Today, this reservoir stands as a testament to harmonious coexistence between human innovation and natural beauty.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the Sierra foothills' gentle climate where winter gives way to perfect camping weather. With comfortable highs around 58°F and crisp nights dipping to 39°F, you'll enjoy ideal conditions for both lakeside relaxation and forest exploration. Spring transforms the landscape as rising waters create prime conditions for fishing and boating, while rain remains refreshingly rare at just 11% chance. Summer visitors should stay alert for local wildlife, including the occasional rattlesnake warming itself on sun-drenched trails.
ElevationNestled in the rolling foothills where the Central Valley rises to meet the Sierra Nevada, this campground offers the perfect elevation for year-round comfort and accessibility.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the gentle rustle of oak leaves mingling with the whisper of pine boughs overhead. This enchanting campground rests where two worlds meet—the sturdy oaks of the foothills and the towering pines of the mountains. Pine Flat Lake sparkles through the trees, its waters reflecting the surrounding hills that roll like green waves frozen in time. Every vista offers a new perspective on the raw beauty of the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Geological RegionPerched at the gateway to the mighty Sierra Nevada, this campground occupies a magical transition zone where the gentle foothills begin their dramatic climb toward the peaks. Here in the central Sierra foothills, ancient oaks share the landscape with stately pines, creating a unique ecosystem that serves as nature's welcome mat to the legendary Kings Canyon. Just beyond, the western boundaries of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks promise even grander adventures for those ready to explore deeper into California's mountain wilderness.

Campsite details

AccessibilityOne campsite meets accessibility standards and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Total Campsites25 campsites
Recommended Campsites: null
Best Campsites: null

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Up to 14 consecutive nights per visit
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum 8 guests per individual campsite
Groups
Group camping reservations come with access to a horseshoe pit and volleyball court, providing added recreational opportunities for larger groups. Guest and vehicle limits are not specified in the provided materials.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSingle loop configuration with sites overlooking Pine Flat Lake.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round from January 1 to December 31.
Reservation PlatformsWalk-up only; not reservable through online platforms.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a walk-up, first-come-first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made before midnight 1 day prior to check-in. $10 cancellation fee applies, and the first night's fee is forfeited for late cancellations.

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Pine Flat Campground are centered around the natural features of Pine Flat Lake and its surroundings. The recreation area supports a range of water-based activities such as boating, jet skiing, and fishing, with anglers having access to species like smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, spotted bass, and rainbow trout. Families can explore the Blue Oak Trail, which is a quarter-mile interpretive trail accessible from the campground. Group reservations include access to additional recreational amenities such as a horseshoe pit and volleyball court.
Hiking
The Blue Oak Trail is a family-friendly, quarter-mile interpretive trail located within the campground. It offers an easy and accessible hiking opportunity for visitors.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Pine Flat Lake, with opportunities to catch smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, spotted bass, and rainbow trout. Anglers can explore the lake and its surrounding watersheds for a rewarding fishing experience.
Boating
Boating is a major attraction at Pine Flat Lake, supported by the availability of a boat ramp and opportunities for jet skiing. Specific details about boat rentals or docking facilities are not provided.
Wildlife viewing
The natural features of Pine Flat Lake and Kings Canyon provide opportunities to spot wildlife, including bobcats and red-tailed hawks. However, specific viewing areas or optimal times for wildlife spotting are not detailed.
Water Sports
Boating and jet skiing are popular water sports activities facilitated at Pine Flat Lake. Specific details about safety measures or equipment rentals are not provided.

Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Campfires allowed within designated fire rings and grills.
  • Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM

Hazards

General hazardsRattlesnakes frequent the area from spring through late summer. Visitors should also be cautious of the lake's low water levels affecting accessibility.
Active alertsLow water levels may limit lake access from the campground.

Weather forecast

102
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 21%

Very dry conditions, stay hydrated

Wind: 4.1 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Clear sky
7-Day Forecast

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Temperature Trends

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Precipitation Trends

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Weather Summaries

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Emergency Services

Nearest emergency services are available in Fresno (~28 miles away), including hospitals and police stations.

Good to know

Peak season datesYear-round; no explicit peak season defined.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly next to Pine Flat Lake, offering access to a boat ramp and nearby marina.
Common complaintsRattlesnakes in warmer months, occasional noise complaints during non-quiet hours.
Host: null

Campground Map

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Driving directionsFrom Fresno, California, travel east on Highway 180/Kings Canyon Highway to Academy Avenue. Turn left onto Academy Avenue, and then turn right on Belmont Avenue. Continue traveling for approximately 20 miles; the entrance to Island Park Recreation Area is on the right.
Belmont Avenue becomes East Trimmer Springs Road approximately 6 miles east of the Academy Avenue intersection. Roads are typically accessible year-round, but caution is advised for seasonal snow and flooding.
Nearby places
Fresno (~28 miles, ~40 minutes), Sanger (~20 miles, ~30 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Nearest supplies, including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials, can be found in Sanger (~20 miles away).

Camper Reviews

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0 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Pine Flat Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews were provided in the source materials, leaving the sentiment and camper experiences undocumented.
Review Summaries

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Last updated August 10, 2025

Campgrounds
Pine Flat Lake
Pine Flat Campground