Swanson Campground
01 reviewSwanson Campground
$32.00 - $67.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$32.00
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
Single sites are priced at $32-$35 per night, and double sites range from $63-$67 per night. Additional vehicles are charged $10 per night.
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About this campground
Tucked away in a cathedral of towering pines, Swanson Campground offers an intimate escape into the heart of Sierra National Forest. This hidden gem provides just the right blend of wilderness solitude and modern convenience, with each thoughtfully spaced campsite featuring its own picnic table, fire ring, and grill for memorable outdoor meals. Adventure beckons just minutes away at the sparkling waters of Shaver Lake, where days can be spent casting lines for trout, exploring hidden coves by boat, or discovering scenic hiking trails that wind through the surrounding forest.
Swanson Campground is a rustic facility shaded by dense pine trees, offering options for tent and possibly RV camping based on the vehicle length restriction.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, Swanson Campground awakens from its winter slumber to welcome outdoor enthusiasts. Early season visitors in May might encounter crisp mountain mornings with occasional frost, perfect for cozying up to a crackling campfire. As summer unfolds from June through September, the campground basks in warm, sun-drenched days ideal for lake adventures and cool, star-filled nights that invite storytelling around the fire ring. The dry summer climate means rain rarely interrupts camping plans, making this the perfect basecamp for your Sierra Nevada adventure.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where ancient pines create a natural canopy overhead, filtering golden sunlight onto the forest floor below. The campground's unique position at the edge of a wildflower meadow offers the best of both worlds - cool forest shade and open sky views. Morning visitors often spot deer grazing in the meadow mist, while keen-eyed campers might glimpse the occasional black bear foraging for berries (proper food storage required). The symphony of nature plays continuously here, from chattering squirrels to the melodic calls of mountain birds echoing through the pines.
Geological RegionNestled within the majestic Sierra National Forest, Swanson Campground sits in a remarkable transition zone where dense coniferous forests meet rolling mountain meadows. This unique geographical position showcases the diverse ecosystems of the Sierra Nevada, where granite peaks rise in the distance and ancient pine forests tell the story of centuries past. The surrounding landscape bears the subtle marks of glacial activity that shaped these mountains, creating the perfect natural amphitheater for your camping experience.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information on accessibility features is provided.
Sites SizeMost of the sites are described as spacious and secluded by user reviews.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews highlight that campsites are far apart, providing a good degree of privacy—'Campsites are far away from each other (most are at least).'
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews recommend Swanson Campground over busier sites like Edison and Dora Belle for a private camping experience.
Best CampsitesUser reviews suggest Swanson Meadows is a hidden gem due to limited campsites and seclusion.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum Length of stay = 14 days
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum group size = 6 per site
Groups
No details about group sites are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSwanson Campground is compact with eight campsites that are spread out and provide privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May through September; peak season is June through September.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Swanson Campground offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, particularly near Shaver Lake. Fishing, boating, hiking, and picnicking are available. Trails through meadows and dense pine forest are accessible from the campground.
Hiking
User reviews note 'great trails through meadows from the campgrounds,' making it a good spot for hiking enthusiasts.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available at nearby Shaver Lake, approximately 3 miles from the campground.Boating
Boating activities can be enjoyed at Shaver Lake, located close to the campground.Winter Activities
The weather data suggests cold periods and snow during certain weeks, but no specific winter recreational activities are detailed.Water Sports
The proximity to Shaver Lake implies potential for non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or canoeing, though this is not explicitly detailed.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Each site has a fire ring and grill.
Hazards
General hazards"This is Bear Country. Please store food properly and don’t feed the bears. Bring mosquito repellant."
Active alertsHazard Tree Removal is ongoing.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
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
Peak season datesJune - September
Trash and recyclingNo details available about trash or recycling facilities on-site.
Proximity to water featuresNear Shaver Lake, offering fishing and boating opportunities.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention the pit toilets being "pretty stinky."
HostA Campground Host is onsite.
Campground Map
Driving directionsTake Hwy 168 east from Clovis to Shaver Lake. Before you get to Shaver Lake, turn right on Dinkey Creek Road. Travel 3 miles east to Swanson Meadow Campground.
Paved and dirt roads provide access to the campground; suitable for vehicles up to 25 feet.Nearby places
Shaver Lake (3 miles, approximately 5 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Shaver Lake Town (3 miles) offers restaurants, gas, grocery, fishing supplies, and cell phone service.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Swanson Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe Swanson Campground as a secluded and peaceful location with minimal facilities. It is appreciated for its tranquil atmosphere and spacious sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the privacy and seclusion of the campsites. One review mentioned, 'There's only like 8-ish campsites so there's never a ton of people.' Another stated, 'So glad we stayed here...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
A recurring complaint was the condition of the vault toilets, described as 'pretty stinky.'
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors are advised to bring mosquito repellent and potable water, as there is no drinking water on-site. Another recommendation from a user is to pay the camping fee despite the campground being...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campground is busiest on holiday weekends, such as Labor Day. The weather data indicates that snowfall and cold temperatures could impact use outside the summer season.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'We stayed at Swanson Meadows because everywhere else was booked. I'm so glad we chose this campground.' 2. 'The pit toilets were pretty stinky, but other than that, we loved this site.' 3....
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Site-Specific Reviews
One user noted that the campground is small, with approximately 8 campsites, which helps maintain its sense of seclusion.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No mentions of accessibility features or experiences in the user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
One user mentioned bringing their dogs and letting them run off-leash, which suggests pets might be welcome, but there is no official confirmation.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025