Fishing Campgrounds in California

Discover the best fishing campgrounds across California. Wake up to the sound of rushing water and spend your days casting lines in pristine fishing waters. Lake, river, and stream access for every angler.

16+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: Spring through Fall (April-October)

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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

4.8

(137)

Bishop Park Campground (Ca)

Bishop
Inyo National Forest

Cast your line directly from creekside tent sites into Middle Fork Bishop Creek, where state-stocked rainbow, brown, brook, and Alpers trout create year-round angling excitement.

Six Rivers National Forest

The Klamath River flows right beside camp, delivering legendary runs of migratory salmon and steelhead trout that draw anglers back year after year. Late summer through fall transforms the riverbank into prime fishing territory, where ten intimate campsites foster the authentic...

Bishop
Inyo National Forest

Anglers cast lines directly from upper North Fork Bishop Creek, then venture to nearby Lake Sabrina and South Lake for rainbow, brown, brook, and Alpers trout. Dawn breaks over alpine waters where multiple fishing destinations lie within easy reach of your campsite.

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About Fishing Campgrounds in California

Fishing camping California offers anglers an unparalleled diversity of experiences, from alpine trout streams in the Eastern Sierra to coastal saltwater fishing along the Pacific, with world-class campgrounds positioned at the heart of the state's most productive waters. California's geography creates distinct fishing ecosystems: the Eastern Sierra's Bishop Creek corridor and Mammoth Lakes region deliver exceptional high-elevation trout fishing with rainbow, brown, brook, and rare Alpers trout in crystal-clear mountain streams; Northern California's Klamath and Sacramento Rivers provide legendary steelhead and salmon runs; and coastal destinations like Bodega Bay offer Dungeness crab, rockfish, and halibut opportunities.

Best Time

California's diverse fishing campgrounds operate on different seasonal calendars based on elevation and target species, with late spring through early fall (May through October) offering the widest access and most consistent conditions. Eastern Sierra trout fishing peaks from late May through June after snowmelt stabilizes and again in September and October when cooler temperatures activate fish feeding, though high-elevation campgrounds like Sabrina and Bishop Park may not open until late May or early June depending on snow.

Activity Highlights

Direct lake and river access
Boat launches and marinas
Fish cleaning stations
Local fishing guides available

More Fishing Campgrounds in California

Discover 13 additional top-rated fishing campgrounds in California

4.6

(118)

Lower Twin Lakes At Bridgeport

Bridgeport
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Headquarters

Robinson Creek flows directly through camp, delivering rainbow trout to your doorstep, while a short walk brings you to Twin Lakes where Kokanee salmon and brown trout cruise beneath the surface.

Westside Regional Park Campground

Bodega Bay
Westside Regional Park

Bodega Harbor delivers year-round action with Dungeness crab traps splashing alongside lines set for rockfish, lingcod, and halibut in the same productive waters.

Old Station
Lassen National Forest

Hat Creek flows directly through camp, earning its reputation as one of the finest trout streams where rainbow, brown, and brook trout bite readily on power bait and spinnerbaits.

Sonora Bridge Campground

Walker
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

The West Walker River flows steps from your campsite, its cool waters teeming with stocked trout that rise eagerly to dry flies and spinners throughout the season. Cast directly from the riverbank or wade into crystal-clear pools where pine shadows dance across the current.

Dunsmuir
Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Anglers step directly from their riverside campsites to cast for native trout in the clear, cold waters of the Sacramento River flowing just feet away. The historic CCC-built suspension bridge provides access to prime fishing holes on both banks, where steady currents and rocky pools...

Old Station
Lassen National Forest

Hat Creek flows right past the campground, stocked twice weekly with rainbow, brown, and brook trout that keep lines tight throughout the season. Anglers wade into crystal-clear waters just steps from their tents, casting flies into pools where fresh stockings ensure consistent action for...

Brightman Flat Campground

Stanislaus National Forest

The Stanislaus River flows directly alongside camp, placing anglers just 100 yards from their tents to premier trout waters that locals describe as "off the charts." Every cast drops into cold mountain currents where rainbow and brown trout thrive in deep pools and rushing runs.

Bishop
Inyo National Forest

Rock Creek flows directly past camp, delivering five distinct trout species—brook, brown, rainbow, stocked Alpers, and the prized golden trout—to eager anglers.

Lassen National Forest

Cast your line into Hat Creek's crystal-clear waters, where trophy trout rise beneath overhanging willows just steps from your streamside campsite. The creek flows directly through the campground, giving anglers dawn-to-dusk access to some of Northern California's most productive trout habitat.

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Campground Locations

Showing top 16 campgrounds near Fishing Campgrounds in California

Map of campgrounds near Fishing Campgrounds in California

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Map Key

Bishop Park Campground (Ca)

E-Ne-Nuck Campground

Sabrina Campground

Lower Twin Lakes At Bridgeport

Westside Regional Park Campground

Bridge Campground

Sonora Bridge Campground

Sims Flat Campground

Cave Campground

Brightman Flat Campground

Aspen Group (Inyo)

Honn Campground

Boyington Mill

Christie Campground

Convict Lake Campground

Lake Mary Campground

View all 819 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Stream and creek fishing for rainbow, brown, and brook troutAlpine lake fishing from shore and small watercraftFly fishing in wild trout watersSalmon and steelhead fishing in Northern California riversCoastal saltwater fishing for rockfish, lingcod, and halibutDungeness crab fishing from harbors and bays

Tips & Recommendations

1Secure California fishing licenses before arrival (available online at wildlife.ca.gov), as most campgrounds sit miles from license vendors, and familiarize yourself with special regulations for waters like Hat Creek's catch-and-release sections and the Klamath's tribal fishing areas.
2Reserve campgrounds six months in advance through Recreation.gov for popular Sierra destinations, checking cancellations daily if your target dates show full—sites open up regularly as trip plans change.
3Pack layered clothing for Sierra fishing: mornings start near freezing even in July, afternoons warm to the 70s, and thunderstorms develop quickly in summer.
4Bring bear canisters or use provided bear boxes religiously—citations are expensive and bears are habituated to campgrounds.

16 campgrounds ranked

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Curated for Fishing Campgrounds in California

Fishing Campgrounds in California FAQ

We've ranked 16+ fishing campgrounds in California based on review ratings, lake/river access, and amenities. The top-rated options include campgrounds with boat launches, fish cleaning stations, and proximity to stocked waters.

Yes, California requires a valid fishing license for most anglers. Check the California Fish & Wildlife agency for current license requirements, fees, and regulations before your trip.

Spring through Fall (April-October) is typically the best time for fishing camping in California. Specific peak times vary by fish species and water body—check local fishing reports for current conditions.

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