Spring Cove
39900 ROAD 222, BASS LAKE, CA, 93604, USA
Spring Cove
$52.00 - $52.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season standard non-electric sites are $52 per night with an additional $2 holiday fee. Fees apply for extra vehicles and are collected at the...
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Standard Site Fee$52.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$52.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider559-642-3212clm@clm-services.com
About this campground
Nestled beneath a canopy of towering trees, Spring Cove Campground invites you to experience the Sierra Nevada's natural splendor just steps from the sparkling waters of Bass Lake. This intimate forest retreat caters perfectly to tent campers and small RV adventurers seeking an authentic mountain escape. While larger rigs may find the cozy sites challenging, those who arrive with modest setups are rewarded with modern amenities including flush toilets and fresh drinking water, all wrapped in the tranquil embrace of California's magnificent woodlands.
Spring Cove Campground caters primarily to tent camping and small RVs. It is not suitable for large trailers or RVs due to tight turns and small sites.
Historical SignificanceYour stay at Spring Cove places you at the doorstep of one of America's most treasured landscapes. Just a scenic drive away lies Yosemite National Park, where millennia of Native American heritage meets the birthplace of the American conservation movement. This proximity allows campers to explore the same dramatic vistas that inspired John Muir and Ansel Adams, while returning each evening to the peaceful sanctuary of Spring Cove's forest setting.
Weather and SeasonsSpring Cove transforms with the seasons, offering campers a climate that feels tailor-made for outdoor adventures. Summer brings those perfect Sierra days where warm sunshine filters through the forest canopy, inviting endless hours of lakeside recreation, while evenings cool down just enough to make campfire gatherings and stargazing irresistible. Past visitors consistently rave about the ideal conditions for swimming, fishing, and hiking during the peak season, when mountain air stays refreshingly crisp even as the valley below swelters.
ElevationPerched at 3,400 feet in the Sierra Nevada, Spring Cove occupies that sweet spot where mountain magic begins. This elevation gifts campers with noticeably cooler temperatures than the Central Valley below, offering natural air conditioning courtesy of the mountain breeze. The altitude creates an invigorating atmosphere where morning coffee tastes better, afternoon naps feel deeper, and evening campfires burn brighter against the crisp mountain air.
Natural Features and ScenerySpring Cove weaves its sites through an enchanting tapestry of California's native forest, where stately oaks mingle with fragrant pines and majestic cedars to create a living cathedral overhead. From this 3,400-foot perch, campers enjoy front-row seats to nature's daily performances – perhaps catching sight of bald and golden eagles soaring above Bass Lake's azure waters. The campground itself offers a sanctuary of dappled sunlight and gentle breezes, where the only sounds competing with your conversation are chirping birds and rustling leaves.
Geological RegionSpring Cove sits proudly within the Sierra National Forest, occupying a spectacular position on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada range. This remarkable landscape tells a story written in stone and forest, transitioning from gentle, oak-studded foothills through densely forested middle elevations where your campground rests, all the way up to dramatic alpine peaks. The varied terrain creates a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with each elevation zone offering its own unique beauty and recreational opportunities.
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Campsite details
AccessibilitySpring Cove Campground includes accessible flush toilets and parking. Some sites are more accessible than others due to natural features and terrain.
Sites SizeSites are described as small, with short parking spurs. Some reviews mention difficulty accommodating larger vehicles.
Sites PrivacySite privacy is limited, with campsites "too close to each other" as noted in several reviews. Some sites offer slightly better spacing and privacy.
Total Campsites64 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites recommended for lake views: #13; for shade: #9; for privacy: Site #6.
Best CampsitesSite #13 for lake views; Site #3 for proximity to bathrooms and shade; Sites #9 and #6 for group camping with connected pathways.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in at noon.
Check-out
Check-out by noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights in a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Up to 6 guests per site
- strict enforcement.
Groups
No designated group sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are tightly clustered and often sloped or shaded. Loops are small, with narrow pathways.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 18, 2025 to September 6, 2025; closed for reservations outside of these dates.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are held until noon on the day following the reservation date. Walk-up availability depends on occupancy levels.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations or changes must be made through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night’s fee. Refunds must be requested within 14 days of departure.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Spring Cove Campground offers a variety of recreational activities centered around its proximity to Bass Lake. Popular activities include swimming, boating, hiking, and fishing. The campground also hosts educational programs during summer weekends.
Hiking
The 2.6-mile Spring Cove Trail is accessible from the campground, and other nearby trails include Willow Creek (2.7 miles), Goat Mountain (2.6 miles), and the Way-of-the-Mono Interpretive Trail (1 mile).Fishing
Bass Lake is known for its diverse fish population, including bass, trout, bluegill, and catfish. Various reviews highlight fishing as a key activity.Swimming
The lake offers clear, comfortable water for swimming, though sandy beaches are limited. Some reviews recommend arriving early to secure spots.Boating
Activities include motorized boating, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, and sailing. A boat ramp is available at Bass Lake.Wildlife viewing
The area is home to bald and golden eagles, deer, and wild turkeys. Some campers reported bear activity near campsites.Beach activities
Limited sandy beaches are available, but the lake has several coves and day-use areas for relaxation.Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational programs are offered on summer weekends, though specific topics are not detailed.Winter Activities
No winter activities are mentioned as the campground is closed during off-peak seasons.Water Sports
Popular water sports include kayaking, canoeing, and water skiing. Jet ski rentals are available nearby.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire restrictions may be imposed during dry conditions. Campfire rings provided at each site.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include bears (requiring food storage lockers), poison oak near campsites, and mosquito presence after sunset. Fire restrictions may apply during dry conditions.
Active alertsNo current alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
50
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 78%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Bass Lake Ranger District Office: ~4 miles away; Sierra National Forest Headquarters: ~20 miles from the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 18, 2025 - September 6, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available onsite. Some reviewers noted issues with overflowing dumpsters, which attracted wildlife, including bears.
Proximity to water featuresAcross the street from Bass Lake, which offers a beach and boat ramp with swimming, fishing, and boating activities.
Common complaintsComplaints include noisy neighbors, small campsites, lack of bathroom maintenance, and enforcement of campground rules.
HostCamp hosts are praised for their friendliness and helpfulness. Hosts patrol sites, enforce rules, and assist campers with requests.
Campground Map
39900 ROAD 222, BASS LAKE, CA, 93604, USA
Driving directionsFrom Highway 41, take Bass Lake turn-off (Road 222). Head southeast about 3.5 miles to the Bass Lake Campground registration office for check-in (keep to right). The campground is southeast another 4 miles.
The route to the campground includes winding and bumpy roads with tight turns. The facility’s short parking spurs are paved and dirt-surfaced, making it unsuitable for large RVs or trailers.Nearby places
Bass Lake, CA (~0 miles)
Yosemite National Park (~20 miles).
Nearby supplies
Millers Landing Resort (~5-minute drive): Provides groceries, firewood, boat rentals, and showers.
Camper Reviews
4.5
191 reviews
Spring Cove is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, proximity to Bass Lake, and friendly camp hosts. Common issues include small campsites, noise from other campers, and occasional maintenance problems.
Review Summaries
Based on 191 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean restrooms, friendly and accommodating camp hosts, proximity to the lake, and beautiful natural surroundings are frequently praised.
Based on 191 reviewsCommon Concerns
Small campsites, lack of privacy, noise during quiet hours, and maintenance issues such as unkempt weeds and faulty restroom facilities are commonly noted.
Based on 191 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring earplugs for noise, arrive early for better lake access, and consider sites with more shade. Use bear boxes for food storage.
Based on 191 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is the peak season, with positive comments on accessibility to recreational activities. Noise complaints and crowding are more frequent during weekends and holidays.
Based on 191 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The restrooms are incredibly clean!" "Campsites are too close together." "It’s a short walk to the lake, and the sunset views are stunning." "Bring earplugs—there can be loud music from nearby...
Based on 191 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #53 is noted for being spacious but close to dumpsters. Site #60 is well-reviewed for its size and proximity to the lake. Sites #28 and #29 are recommended for larger groups due to their...
Based on 191 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Some accessible features like flush toilets and parking are available, but terrain challenges may limit usability for some visitors.
Based on 191 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Reviews generally do not detail pet-specific experiences.
Based on 191 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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