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The Best Camping in Madera

Looking for the best camping in Madera? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Madera. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top camping spots in and near Madera

  • North Fork, California

    Camp at Smalley Cove Campground

    3.0
    / 1045 ft gain
    This campground operates on a first-come first-serve basis. Oaks and pine trees provide adequate shade. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and grill. The campground provides toilets and drinking water. Smalley Cove Campground is typically open year-round, but check with the U.S. Forest...
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  • North Fork, California

    Camp at Redinger Campground

    / 1426 ft gain
    Redinger Campground is fee-free, and operates on a first-come first-serve basis. The campground permits tent, trailer, and RV camping and offers vault toilets. Redinger campground is handicap accessible. You must obtain a permit to have a campfire. Bring enough clean water for cooking and drinkin...
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  • Bass Lake, California

    Camp at Greys Mountain Campground

    / 5293 ft gain
    From Greys Mountain Campground, Sierra National Forest is your oyster! Enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, mountain biking, boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, and more. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. The campground has vault toilets and (sometimes) potable wate...
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  • Oakhurst, California

    Camp at Nelder Grove Campground in Sierra National Forest

    0 mi / 0 ft gain
    Sites are located along Willow Creek with plenty of shape. Right out of the campground you can hike nearby Bull Buck Trail and discover the giant sequoia trees. This is a first-come first-serve campground so arrive early.Directions: Take Hwy 41 north from Fresno; continue thru Oakhurst to Sky Ran...
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  • Madera County, California

    Norris Trailhead to Jackass Lakes

    5.02 mi / 1234 ft gain
    Norris Trailhead to Jackass Lakes is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Oakhurst, California.
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  • Oakhurst, California

    Camp at Big Sandy Campground

    This campground is a great location to stay if you wish to do a day trip into Yosemite National Park or Sequoia National Park. The campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each camp site comes equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. The campground provides bathrooms, bu...
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  • Shaver Lake, California

    Camp at Swanson Campground

    5.0
    / 5709 ft gain
    Swanson Meadow Campground is a small campground that operates on a first come, first serve basis. The campground is very close to the shore of Shaver Lake and all the activities associated - fishing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, swimming, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, stargazing, and more. Boats are ...
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  • Oakhurst, California

    Camp at Fresno Dome Campground

    / 6433 ft gain
    A great day hike from this campground is to the top of nearby Fresno Dome. Fresno Dome is a great location to picnic, watch the sunset, star gaze, or simply to relax and breathe some fresh air. The trailhead is conveniently in the campground.  Fresno Dome Campground operates on a first-come, firs...
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  • Mariposa, California

    Briceburg/ Bull Creek Road Trail

    9.56 mi / 364 ft gain
    Briceburg/ Bull Creek Road Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Midpines, California.
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  • Bass Lake, California

    Climb and Camp at Shuteye Ridge

    5.0
    The Journey to your final destination can get a little tricky once you get on the dirt roads. From the Bay Area it will take you about 3 hours to get into Oakhurst, then another hour to get to the Wilderness Area simply because of the windy and not maintained roads. On that note I would suggest t...
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  • Midpines, California

    Merced River Trail

    5.47 mi / 295 ft gain
    Merced River Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Coulterville, California.
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  • Shaver Lake, California

    Camp at Bretz Mill Campground

    4.0
    / 3286 ft gain
    Bretz Mill Campground is truly one of a kind - no fee, open year round, first come, first serve. This is a wonderful campground is an oasis for those seeking to picnic, cool off during hot summer days, or explore snowy trails. This is also a great place to spend the night when many campgrounds at...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Camp at Wawona in Yosemite National Park

    Wawona offers over 90 campsites in 3 loops, including 1 group site, 2 horse sites, and RV/ camper access.Every loop has at least 1 bathroom with flush toilets, but keep in mind that there are no showers at this campground.Pets are allowed, but must be kept on leash at all times.Each campground co...
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  • Wawona, California

    Buena Vista, Royal Arch, and Crescent Lakes Loop

    26.49 mi / 5837 ft gain
    Buena Vista, Royal Arch, and Crescent Lakes Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Yosemite Valley, California.
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  • Wawona, California

    Wawona to Half Dome to Yosemite Valley

    33.37 mi / 8986 ft gain
    Wawona to Half Dome to Yosemite Valley is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Fish Camp, California.
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  • Yosemite National Park, California

    Backpack to Crescent Lake

    20 mi / 4100 ft gain
    Crescent Lake is another beautiful spot a long the Beuna Vista loop. Starting at the Chilnualna Trailhead in Wawona, you start your journey climbing about 4.6 miles and 2,300 feet to the top of Chilnualna Falls (always a good place to rest). Beyond the falls, continue a long the trail and always ...
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