College

Star4.59
42 reviews
P O BOX 152, LAKESHORE, CA 93634, USA
College
$47.00 - $92.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates for tent-only sites range between $47-$92 nightly, with additional charges for holidays ($2-$4) and other factors such as taxes or...
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Standard Site Fee$47.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$92.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$139.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
559-893-2111vista@vista-rec.com

About this campground

Escape to College Campground, where tent-only sites await in a pristine mountain sanctuary near the sparkling waters of Huntington Lake. Choose your perfect basecamp from secluded forest hideaways beneath towering conifers or sun-dappled sites in wildflower meadows. This beloved family destination combines the adventure of Kaiser Wilderness access with the comfort of well-maintained facilities, creating memories that last a lifetime.
College Campground is a tent-only facility located in a natural setting near Huntington Lake and the Kaiser Wilderness. The campground is designed to accommodate tent campers and does not support RVs or trailers.
Historical SignificanceStep into the storied landscapes of the Sierra Nevada, where generations of adventurers have sought solace and inspiration. The legendary Kaiser Wilderness stands as a testament to nature's raw power, its namesake ridge carved by ancient forces into a dramatic backdrop of peaks and valleys. This protected sanctuary preserves the rugged beauty that has captivated explorers, naturalists, and families for over a century.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings warm, sun-soaked days perfect for lake adventures, while evenings cool dramatically, inviting cozy campfires and stargazing. The high-altitude climate delivers crystal-clear skies and refreshing mountain air during peak season. When winter's snow blankets the landscape, the campground slumbers beneath a pristine white covering, reopening when wildflowers herald summer's return.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 10,320 feet, College Campground offers a true high-alpine experience where the air is crisp and the stars seem close enough to touch. This lofty setting rewards visitors with cooler temperatures and spectacular vistas, though newcomers should pace themselves as they adjust to the thinner air. The elevation transforms ordinary camping into an extraordinary mountain adventure.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient pines and fragrant firs create a natural cathedral, their branches filtering golden sunlight onto the forest floor. Beyond the treeline, alpine meadows burst with seasonal wildflowers, while the jewel-like waters of Huntington Lake beckon with promises of refreshing swims and peaceful paddle sessions. This diverse ecosystem offers endless opportunities for discovery and connection with nature.
Geological RegionDiscover the dramatic tapestry of Sierra National Forest, where nature has painted a masterpiece across three distinct elevation zones. From gentle, oak-studded foothills through dense conifer forests to the raw, granite beauty of the High Sierra, each level tells its own geological story. The mighty Kaiser Ridge serves as nature's dividing line, creating microclimates and ecosystems that showcase the incredible diversity of California's mountain wilderness.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityThere is no specific mention of accessibility features for individuals with disabilities at College Campground.
Sites SizeSites are generally small and suitable for one large tent or two small tents. One reviewer stated, 'The sites are small but loved camping,' while another noted, 'Small campsite. Enough for 1 large tent or 2 small.'
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies depending on the site, with some offering good privacy due to bushes and shrubs, while others are in close proximity to neighboring sites. One reviewer mentioned, 'Campsite had enough bushes and shrubs for privacy,' but others described the sites as 'pretty small and crowded.'
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites closer to the lake for views and water proximity (e.g., Site 008). Site 003 is recommended for its clean facilities and privacy.
Best CampsitesSites 003 and 008 are frequently praised for their cleanliness, proximity to restrooms, and lake views.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay per visit is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to two tents can fit in most sites—ideal for families or small groups.
Groups
No specific information about group sites is provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground features compact sites with one vault toilet and one flushing restroom. Sites are arranged for maximum proximity to water and restrooms.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season is from May 16 to September 6 during peak season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are held until noon the following day of the reservation. Sites not occupied after this time are released to walk-up guests.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations or modifications can be made up to 12:00 a.m. local time on the day before check-in for individual campsites. A $10 service fee applies along with forfeiture of the first night's use fee for late cancellations.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

College Campground offers a variety of recreational activities for its visitors. Situated near Huntington Lake, campers can enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating. The campsite is also close to the Kaiser Loop Trail, which provides access to other trails in the Kaiser Wilderness. As one reviewer stated, 'Beautiful mornings, front to the lake,' and another mentioned, 'Close to hiking trails up the mountains behind the campground.'
Hiking
Numerous hiking opportunities are available, including Rancheria Falls, Indian Pools, Black Point, and the Kaiser Loop Trail, which is accessible to hikers and horseback riders. The Kaiser Loop Trail is a 12-mile loop connecting to the Kaiser Wilderness trail network.
Fishing
Huntington Lake offers fishing opportunities. However, one user review noted that fish have been scarce in Big Creek since the 2020 fire.
Swimming
The campground is close to Huntington Lake, which provides a safe and accessible area for swimming. One user described the lake as 'beautiful,' and another praised the proximity to water: 'So close to the water.'
Boating
Campers can moor boats near some sites, and the lake supports various boating activities, including sailing, non-motorized boating, and water skiing. One reviewer noted, 'We keep our sailboat and kayak at the short beach during our visit.'
Beach activities
Huntington Lake offers beach-related activities. One reviewer noted that the beach was pleasant but mentioned, 'PG&E has destroyed the beach at College Campground,' referencing tree cutting and other issues.
Cultural and Educational Programs
California Land Management sponsors summer interpretive programs and nature walks in the Huntington Lake area.
Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are listed for the campground, though it is closed during the off-season.
Water Sports
Huntington Lake is an excellent location for water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and water skiing.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Fire restrictions may be imposed during dry conditions. Campfires and charcoal fires may be prohibited.
  • Quiet hours are enforced but occasionally disturbed by nearby campers.

Hazards

General hazardsPotential hazards include bear activity, extreme weather conditions, and exposure to sun due to limited shade in some sites.
Active alertsNo current alerts but campers should monitor fire conditions and verify seasonal closures.

Weather forecast

54
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Humidity: 31%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 1.6 mph

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Nearest emergency services include High Sierra Ranger District in Prather (~1 hour drive), Sierra National Forest Ranger Station (~1 hour drive), and hospitals in Fresno (~2-hour drive).

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 16 - September 6.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not specifically described in the sources. Users are advised to keep the campground clean and use bear-proof containers for food storage.
Proximity to water featuresHuntington Lake is within walking distance, offering swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsSome reviews highlight small campsite sizes, dusty lots, lack of privacy, and pricey firewood.
HostHosts are described as friendly, helpful, and proactive in maintaining cleanliness.

Campground Map

P O BOX 152, LAKESHORE, CA 93634, USA
Driving directionsTake Hwy 168 east from Clovis to Shaver Lake. Continue through Shaver Lake to Huntington Lake. Continue around Huntington Lake for .5 miles to College Campground.
Access is via paved roads, however, some sections near Huntington Lake may have seasonal challenges such as snow or ice conditions. Fire restrictions or closures may also affect access depending on weather conditions.
Nearby places
Clovis: Approx. 65 miles (~1.5 hours). Shaver Lake: Approx. 20 miles (~30 minutes). Fresno: Approx. 75 miles (~2 hours).
Nearby supplies
A general store/restaurant/bar is approximately 5 minutes walk from the campground. Additional supplies are available in Shaver Lake (~30 minutes away).

Camper Reviews

4.6
42 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
College is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the clean and well-maintained facilities at College Campground, as well as the beautiful natural surroundings and proximity to Huntington Lake. While many appreciate the friendly staff, clean restrooms, and great location, some concerns include the small campsite sizes, occasional water system issues, and noise from nearby campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 42 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the campground’s cleanliness, proximity to the lake, and friendly staff. Many reviews mention the well-maintained bathrooms and the beautiful natural setting. A reviewer stated, 'Our...
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Based on 42 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the small size of campsites, water system issues, and occasional maintenance lapses. One user noted, 'The water system broke and the normally potable water was polluted,' and...
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Based on 42 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own firewood as it is not provided on-site. Plan to arrive early to avoid maintenance issues, and consider reserving multiple sites if camping with a large group.
Based on 42 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews tend to be more positive, emphasizing the beautiful lake views and hiking opportunities. Negative reviews during peak season often cite crowded conditions and maintenance issues.
Based on 42 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Clean campground and located very close to the lake. Bathrooms were also very well maintained.' - John Wright 2. 'The location is perfect; this is our 4th year at College, and we plan on being...
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Based on 42 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 6: Noted for cleanliness and proximity to water but described as small. Site 8: Criticized for being filthy upon arrival by one user but praised for its location by others. Site 3: Described as...
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Based on 42 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific user comments on accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 42 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

A reviewer mentioned the campground as a 'super awesome place for dogs and family.'
Based on 42 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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