Bretz Mill Campground
4.5913 reviewsBretz Mill Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No Fees are required for this site.
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About this campground
Nestled beneath a canopy of towering pines and ancient oaks, Bretz Mill Campground offers a tranquil escape along the babbling waters of Big Creek. Whether you're seeking a creekside camping spot where you can fall asleep to the gentle sounds of flowing water, or looking for a refreshing mountain retreat when summer temperatures soar, this year-round haven provides the perfect basecamp. While higher elevation campgrounds remain buried in snow, Bretz Mill welcomes adventurers with its accessible location and cool creek waters that offer natural relief from the heat.
Bretz Mill Campground accommodates various camping preferences, including creekside sites and shaded areas, suitable for picnicking and overnight stays.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of all four seasons at Bretz Mill, where the campground remains open year-round for your outdoor adventures. Summer brings warm days perfect for creek play and evening campfires, though the lush environment also attracts mosquitoes – so pack your repellent along with your sense of adventure. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures ideal for hiking and relaxation, while winter provides a peaceful, crowd-free camping experience.
ElevationSituated at a comfortable 640 feet elevation, Bretz Mill provides easy access and mild conditions throughout the year, making it an ideal destination when mountain passes are snowed in and higher campgrounds are inaccessible.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground's stunning natural amphitheater showcases a diverse forest ecosystem where majestic pines reach skyward while sturdy oaks spread their branches in a protective embrace. Big Creek winds through the property, its crystal-clear waters creating a soothing soundtrack and providing both scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. The interplay of sunlight filtering through the mixed forest canopy creates an ever-changing tableau of light and shadow across the creek and camping areas.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo details about accessibility features are provided in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe source materials do not specify campsite sizes.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews indicate that sites provide shade from an abundance of trees, which may suggest some level of privacy, but definitive details about site privacy are not available.
Total Campsites18 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose creekside sites for better views and access to Big Creek.
Best CampsitesSome sites are located on the creek.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum group size is 6 per site.
Groups
Group site details are not provided in the authoritative content.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen all year.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst come-first serve camping
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational opportunities at Bretz Mill Campground focus on OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) camping, which is popular among visitors seeking outdoor adventure.
Fishing
While fishing opportunities are confirmed in user reviews, the creek is described as shallow, making it not ideal for fishing in certain areas. One user review states, "Not a fishing spot," while another mentions, "Good fishing in the creek too."Swimming
According to user reviews, the creek is shallow and suitable for children to enjoy safely. One review highlights, "Its very shallow so our children can enjoy the stream, within eye-distance, worry-free."Winter Activities
No information about winter-specific activities is available.Water Sports
Water sports are not mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire pits provided.
Hazards
General hazardsBring mosquito repellant. Proper food storage is necessary as animals are present. No garbage service; pack out what you pack in.
Weather forecast
90
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not available at Bretz Mill Campground. Campers must adhere to a pack-in, pack-out policy as emphasized in the authoritative content: "No garbage service - Please pack out what you pack in."
Proximity to water featuresBig Creek runs alongside the campground.
Common complaintsDrought and bark beetle problems have downed a lot of trees.
HostMaintained by Mountain Toppers 4 WD club.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Fresno travel east on Hwy 168 through Prather to 4 way stop (there will be a park and ride on right side of road). Turn left toward Shaver Lake, travel 8.8 miles, turn right on Tollhouse road, travel .7 mile turn left on Peterson Road, travel 10.7 miles to road 10S02 (Peterson road turns into 10S02), travel 4 miles then left into the campground.
Access to facility is paved.Camper Reviews
4.6
13 reviews
Bretz Mill Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Bretz Mill Campground are predominantly positive, praising its natural beauty, cleanliness, and suitability for families. The creekside location is frequently mentioned as an advantage, especially for activities like swimming and fishing.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
1. Campground cleanliness: "Very clean restrooms" and "clean camp sights," as noted in multiple reviews.
2. Natural setting: "Plenty of big shade trees" and "beautiful night stars weather temperature...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
1. Lack of potable water: "Bring plenty of drinking water. No water source other than the creek available," is a common complaint among reviewers.
2. Remote access: "Very remote location" and "A bit...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
1. Bring mosquito repellent: One authoritative source explicitly advises campers to combat mosquitoes.
2. Plan for water needs: "Bring plenty of drinking water" is repeatedly emphasized in user...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews do not offer specific insights into seasonal trends, but the authoritative source confirms the campground is open year-round.
Based on 13 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Never crowded. Good fishing in the creek too!" - User review.
2. "Beautiful and never crowded. Nice well maintained grounds and bathroom." - User review.
3. "Such a beautiful place to camp." -...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site numbers or descriptions of the best and worst campsites are not provided in the reviews.
Based on 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not mentioned directly, but one user noted the creek's proximity and suitability for children: "Its very shallow so our children can enjoy the stream, within eye-distance,...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Pet-Friendly Features
No specific mentions of pet policies or pet-friendly features are included in the reviews.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025