Lower Chiquito Campground
3.767 reviewsLower Chiquito Campground
$23.62 - $48.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$41.00
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
Fees range from $23.62 to $48 per night. Single-site fees are $41, with discounted rates of $23.62 ($26.22 with taxes). Double-site fees are $43.24 ($48 with taxes). Additional vehicles are charged $7 per night.
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About this campground
Tucked away in a serene corner of the Sierra National Forest, Lower Chiquito Campground beckons those seeking an authentic back-to-nature experience. This intimate campground hugs the banks of babbling Chiquito Creek, where towering pines and fragrant cedars create a natural cathedral of shade. Each of the thoughtfully spaced sites comes equipped with the essentials for memorable nights under the stars—a fire ring for evening gatherings, a grill for camp cuisine, and a sturdy picnic table for meals with a view. While the campground embraces simplicity with vault toilets and no hookups, the tranquil atmosphere and pristine surroundings more than compensate. For any forgotten supplies or a change of pace, Wagner's Resort stands ready as your nearest neighbor.
The campground offers primitive camping, suitable for both tent and RV campers, though RV hookups are not available. Group sites are limited to six people per site.
Historical SignificanceWhile Lower Chiquito may not boast grand historical monuments, its true significance lies in being part of the timeless Sierra Nevada wilderness—a landscape that has inspired generations of adventurers, naturalists, and those simply seeking solace in nature's embrace.
Weather and SeasonsFrom June through September, Lower Chiquito transforms into a summer sanctuary where gentle mountain breezes rustle through the pines and temperatures remain refreshingly mild—a welcome escape from valley heat. As autumn arrives, the campground enters its quiet season, with winter bringing a dramatic transformation. Snow blankets the forest floor, sometimes accumulating nearly a foot in a single week, creating a pristine wonderland that sleeps beneath freezing temperatures until spring's return awakens the creek once more.
ElevationNestled at a mountain elevation that provides natural cooling and that quintessential pine-scented air, Lower Chiquito offers the perfect balance of accessibility and alpine ambiance.
Natural Features and SceneryHere, nature takes center stage in an intimate forest theater. Ancient cedars and stately pines form a living canopy that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The star of the show is undoubtedly Chiquito Creek, whose crystal-clear waters provide both a soothing soundtrack and endless entertainment as it tumbles over smooth granite stones. Campers consistently praise the campground's peaceful ambiance, where the only sounds competing with the creek's melody are birdsong by day and the whisper of wind through pine needles by night. This is a place where stress dissolves into the dappled shadows and time moves at nature's unhurried pace.
Geological RegionLower Chiquito Campground rests within the majestic Sierra National Forest, part of the greater Sierra Nevada range—California's backbone of granite peaks and ancient forests. This mountainous wonderland showcases classic Sierra Nevada ecology, where resilient conifers thrive in well-drained soils, and clear mountain streams like Chiquito Creek have carved their paths through millennia. The campground exemplifies the region's characteristic blend of rugged geology softened by lush forest growth, creating those postcard-perfect scenes that define California's high country.
Campsite details
Sites SizeDetailed measurements for campsite sizes are not provided. The campground is described as small and primitive.
Sites PrivacyThe campground sites are shaded by cedar and pine trees, providing natural privacy, though detailed spatial separations between sites are not given.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReviews suggest visiting during weekdays or early in the season to avoid crowds and noise. Sites near Chiquito Creek are particularly desirable.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Limited to max. of 6 guests per site.
Guests Allowed Per Site
6
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are arranged along the creek and shaded by trees. Layout specifics are not provided.
Open and Closed SeasonOperational from June to September.
Reservation PlatformsNo platforms mentioned for reservations.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground appears to operate on a walk-up basis, as no advanced reservations are mentioned.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities available at Lower Chiquito Campground include fishing and picnicking. The nearby Chiquito Creek offers opportunities for swimming and fishing. Detailed recreational infrastructure such as hiking or biking trails is not explicitly mentioned.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity in Chiquito Creek. One user noted, 'The amazing Chiquito Creek is ideal for swimming and fishing.' Another user reported small wild brown trout in the creek, though stocking has not occurred recently.Swimming
Swimming is available in Chiquito Creek. A user mentioned, 'The water is deep enough to get in and swim with the kids.'Winter Activities
Winter recreation options are not available as the campground is operational from June through September.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as paddleboarding or kayaking are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings.
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country, so proper food storage is crucial. Rattlesnakes have been noted in the area. Visitors are advised to carry mosquito repellent.
Active alertsA forest order related to dead trees may have impacted operations. Some reviews mention closures.
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Dense drizzle
Precipitation: 1.2%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 25%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Very Light Rain - (1.20% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Dense drizzle
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
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are in North Fork, including medical facilities and police services.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune to September.
Trash and recyclingThere is no trash service at the campground. Campers are responsible for packing out their trash. One reviewer emphasized, 'Very clean campground, my ONLY complaint is no trash service.'
Proximity to water featuresLocated along Chiquito Creek, which is described as ideal for swimming and fishing.
Common complaintsLack of trash service is a recurring issue. Some visitors report noise and litter left by large groups.
HostCamp hosts have been described as 'wonderful' and responsible for maintaining cleanliness.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Fresno take Hwy 41 north to Road 200. Turn right and travel east to North Fork. Continue through North Fork on the Minarets Road (Forest Road 81), and travel 35.3 miles to Road 6S71, turn right and travel 2.8 miles to Road 6S01. Turn right on Road 6S01 and travel 8/10 mile to campground.
The campground is accessible via a combination of major highways and forest roads. Forest Road 81 leads to Road 6S71 and then to 6S01. Navigation includes paved and unpaved roads, likely requiring caution for vehicles with low clearance.Nearby places
Fresno (approx. 45 miles southwest), North Fork (approx. 35.3 miles southwest via Minarets Road), Oakhurst (approx. 50 miles).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including food, gas, camping gear, and fishing equipment, are available at Wagner's Resort, the only gas station on Minarets Road.
Camper Reviews
3.8
7 reviews
Lower Chiquito Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the peaceful and beautiful environment, with shade from cedar and pine trees and the nearby Chiquito Creek as a major attraction. However, concerns include instances of trash left by previous visitors, noise from large groups, and the lack of running water and trash services. Most reviewers recommend visiting during weekdays or early in the season for the best experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
- Beautiful and peaceful environment
- Shaded campsites
- Chiquito Creek is ideal for swimming and fishing
- Campground is clean and well-maintained
- Vault toilets are noted to be in good condition
Based on 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
- No trash service
- Instances of litter in past seasons
- Lack of potable water, showers, and RV hookups
- Noise from large groups on occasion
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring mosquito repellent as mosquitoes are prevalent
- Plan to pack out all trash, as no trash service is available
- Visit during weekdays or early in the season to avoid large groups
- Bring...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that early in the season (June) and weekdays provide the most positive experiences. Summer weather and the shaded sites contribute to comfort, though mosquitoes can be an issue.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'This is one of my favorite camping spots. Great memories have been made here.' - Jeremy Belt
- 'Very peaceful and beautiful. Wide open spaces with a lot of shade and a lovely little river.' -...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site numbers or rankings are not provided, but the campground is noted for its small size and proximity to Chiquito Creek.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific feedback about accessibility features for individuals with disabilities is provided in the source materials.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific information about pet policies or pet-related experiences is mentioned.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025