Portal Forebay Campground
4.426 reviewsPortal Forebay Campground, Kaiser Pass Road, Sierra National Forest, California
Portal Forebay Campground
$22.00 - $35.00 / 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
Rates vary depending on the site type: $35 per night for single sites, $65 per night for double sites. Holiday rates apply ($2 additional/night for single sites, $4 additional/night for double sites). A $10 fee is charged for each additional vehicle.
About this campground
Tucked away along the scenic Kaiser Pass Road, Portal Forebay Campground offers an intimate escape into California's pristine wilderness. This hidden gem sits beside the tranquil waters of Portal Forebay Lake, where towering pines and fragrant cedars create a natural cathedral of shade above well-spaced campsites. Each thoughtfully positioned site comes equipped with essential amenities including a picnic table, grill, and bear-proof food storage locker to ensure both comfort and wildlife safety. While the campground embraces a back-to-nature philosophy with vault toilets and no potable water, this simplicity is part of its charm. Visitors should come prepared with their own water supplies and embrace the 'pack it in, pack it out' ethos that helps preserve this pristine mountain environment.
Portal Forebay Campground is a primitive-style campground designed primarily for tent camping. It does not support RVs or equestrian camping.
Weather and SeasonsThe mountain climate at Portal Forebay creates a delightful paradox that seasoned campers have come to appreciate. Days welcome you with warm sunshine that invites exploration and lakeside relaxation, while evenings bring a refreshing mountain chill that makes gathering around the campfire all the more memorable. As one visitor aptly noted, 'It felt a lot hotter during the day and colder at night' – a reminder to pack layers and prepare for nature's daily temperature dance. This dramatic shift between day and night temperatures is characteristic of high-elevation camping and adds to the authentic mountain experience.
ElevationPerched at 7,300 feet above sea level, Portal Forebay Campground delivers the crisp, clean air and refreshing temperatures that make High Sierra camping so appealing. This elevated position provides a natural escape from summer heat, offering cooler days and star-filled nights that seem impossibly close in the thin mountain air. The altitude creates an ideal climate for those seeking respite from valley heat while providing access to alpine adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryNature has painted a masterpiece at Portal Forebay, where granite boulders punctuate a landscape adorned with aromatic manzanita shrubs and stately Jeffrey pines mixing with ancient cedars. Select campsites offer coveted views overlooking the serene waters of Portal Forebay Lake, where morning mist dances across the surface and evening light transforms the water into liquid gold. Other sites provide stunning vistas of the legendary Ansel Adams Wilderness, offering glimpses into the very landscapes that inspired one of America's most celebrated photographers. The diverse terrain creates a rich tapestry of textures and colors that shift with the changing light throughout the day.
Geological RegionPortal Forebay Campground rests within the majestic Sierra National Forest, part of California's iconic High Sierra region where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary beauty. The campground's unique setting showcases the region's diverse ecology, from sandy soils that tell stories of ancient lakebeds to resilient manzanita shrubs that thrive in this mountain environment. Massive granite boulders scattered throughout the area serve as reminders of the powerful glacial forces that shaped these mountains, while groves of Jeffrey pine and cedar create a living testament to the forest's enduring resilience. This remarkable geological diversity makes every campsite feel like its own distinct microenvironment within the greater Sierra ecosystem.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned, and wheelchair-friendly toilets are not available.
Sites SizeCampsites are spacious and scattered along the shore of Portal Forebay, offering good privacy.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are widely spaced, providing excellent privacy. Some sites overlook the lake, while others have views of the Ansel Adams Wilderness.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites 13 and 14 are across from the campground and offer privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Unknown
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe sites are widely spaced for privacy and scattered along the lake shore.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from June to September. Specific dates range from mid-May to September 24.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations. All sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation options.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation options available, therefore no cancellation policies.
Amenities available
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Portal Forebay Campground offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, and picnicking. Boating without power is also supported, and the area is known for its scenic beauty and wildlife.
Hiking
A connector trail is available to Rattlesnake/Mono Crossing, which provides access to the Ansel Adams Wilderness and an extensive network of trails for both foot and horse use.Fishing
Fishing is available at Portal Forebay with opportunities to catch rainbow trout.Boating
Non-motorized boating is allowed, and Portal Forebay features carry-down boat access.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not applicable as the campground is open seasonally from mid-May to September.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are supported.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed, but visitors must ensure safety and compliance with local regulations.
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country, so proper food storage is mandatory. Mosquito repellent is recommended.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
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
High Sierra Ranger Station, approximately 3 miles past the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune through August.
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to pack in and pack out all trash as no trash and recycling facilities are available.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Portal Forebay, a small 10-acre lake.
Common complaintsSome complaints include mosquitoes and 'meat bees.'
Campground Map
Portal Forebay Campground, Kaiser Pass Road, Sierra National Forest, California
Driving directionsTake Hwy 168 east from Clovis to Shaver Lake. Continue through Shaver Lake to Huntington Lake. At the east end of Huntington Lake, turn right on the Kaiser Pass Road (at Eastwood Visitor Center). Travel 13.6 miles northeast on the Kaiser Pass Road to Portal Forebay Campground. From Lakeshore, CA, take Huntington Lake Rd. east 0.7 miles to Mono Hot Springs sign. Turn left after sign onto Kaiser Pass Trail/Forest Rt. 80 (paved) and go 9.3 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign and go 0.2 miles to campground.
The road includes paved and dirt sections. Large RVs or motorhomes are not recommended for travel due to the roughly paved, single-lane road with numerous blind curves. Some reviews describe this as a 'white knuckle' experience.Nearby places
Lakeshore (~10 miles), Clovis (~65 miles), Shaver Lake (~30 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, ice, and water are available at Mono Hot Springs (~25-minute drive towards Lake Edison).
Camper Reviews
4.4
6 reviews
Portal Forebay Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Portal Forebay's serene and scenic environment, excellent for fishing, camping, and hiking. However, accessibility to the campground via the Kaiser Pass Road is described as challenging, with some users finding it intimidating due to its narrow, winding nature.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive themes from user reviews include the beauty and tranquility of the area, good fishing opportunities, and a nostalgic appeal for individuals who have visited the site over the years. Several...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints focus on the challenging access road, which is described as a 'white knuckle experience' with single-lane sections and blind curves. Another issue is the presence of meat bees, as...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should bring mosquito repellent as the area experiences mosquitoes. Food should be stored properly to prevent bear encounters. It's advisable to bring all necessary supplies due to the lack...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground operates only during the summer months, with reviews indicating that it can experience hot days and cool nights.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Good quiet place to fish and camp. People tend to keep to themselves but the road is a bit scary at times." - Stacy L.
2. "What a beautiful place...right in the middle of God's country." - Misty...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites are described as widely spaced, with some offering views of the lake and others of the Ansel Adams Wilderness.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews mention pet policies or experiences with pets.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025