Island Park

Star4.20
537 reviews
PO BOX 117, PIEDRA, CA, 93649-0117, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

948 ft

Price

$10 - $135/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Island Park / Recreation.gov site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Island Park
$10.00 - $135.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary by site type and amenities. Additional fees include reservation service fees ($8 online, $9 contact center, $3 in-person) and late...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$135.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
559-787-2589
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What Campers Say

4.20

Satisfactory

Based on 537 reviews

224 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowerslake

"User reviews are polarized, with some campers praising the beautiful lake views, friendly park rangers, and clean facilities, while others criticize poor campsite designs, lack of shade, and unclean restrooms."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO BOX 117, PIEDRA, CA, 93649-0117, USA

Island Park

PO BOX 117, PIEDRA, CA, 93649-0117, USA

Driving directionsFrom Fresno, California, travel east on Highway 180/Kings Canyon Highway to Academy Avenue. Turn left onto Academy Avenue, and then turn right on Belmont Avenue. Continue traveling for approximately 20 miles; the entrance to Island Park Recreation Area is on the right. NOTE: Belmont Avenue becomes East Trimmer Springs Road approximately 6 miles east of the Academy Avenue intersection.
The road access includes steep grades, sharp turns, and narrow roadway conditions, particularly challenging for large RVs. User reviews emphasize caution when navigating these roads with large rigs or trailers.
Nearby places
Piedra (approx. 3 miles), Fresno (approx. 30 miles)
Nearby supplies
A small convenience store ('The I Forgot Store') is located approximately 3 miles away
groceries, fuel, and other essentials may require a drive to Fresno, about 30 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Island Park

Experience the full spectrum of California's foothill climate, where golden summers paint the landscape in warm hues, with temperatures that can soar to an impressive 115°F - perfect for those who love to dive into cool lake waters. As autumn arrives, the heat gently retreats, giving way to crisp winter mornings and refreshing spring days punctuated by occasional rain showers. Seasoned visitors often choose the shoulder seasons for their ideal blend of comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

Summers can reach ~115°F with limited shade; reviewers find summer challenging.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Reviewers prefer fall for milder weather and good lake activities.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring favored for milder temps and good lake activities per seasonal reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; winters described as quiet and mild though no snow-sport offerings.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 to December 31, 2025 (Peak Season Pricing). Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round with reservations available starting January 1, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Mid-summer heat warnings; lake access may be limited during periods of low water.

About Island Park

Nestled within the stunning Pine Flat Recreation Area, Island Park Campground beckons adventurers with 20 miles of shimmering lake views that stretch as far as the eye can see. This waterfront paradise serves as your gateway to endless boating adventures, scenic hiking trails, and wildlife encounters that make every visit memorable. Whether you're casting a line at dawn or watching eagles soar overhead, Island Park transforms ordinary camping into extraordinary experiences.
Island Park offers diverse camping options, including tent, RV, and group camping. Some sites have water and electric hookups, while others are primitive.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is anytime after 8 AM.
Check-out
Check-out before 10 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 consecutive nights during any stay.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of activities, particularly water-based recreation at Pine Flat Lake. Popular activities include fishing, boating, jet skiing, and hiking trails like the Blue Oak Trail.
HikingFamilies enjoy strolling on the Blue Oak Trail, a quarter-mile interpretive trail accessible from the campground.
FishingFishing is a major draw, with anglers targeting species like small and large-mouthed bass, spotted bass, and rainbow trout.
BoatingBoating and jet skiing are popular activities, with a boat ramp accessible for day-use visitors. Some reviewers noted challenges with lake access due to water levels.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include bobcats and red-tailed hawks, with occasional sightings of other species.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsOccasional cultural programs like bird shows have been noted by reviewers, emphasizing family-friendly activities.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRattlesnakes are frequently spotted in the area, particularly during warmer months. User reviews also mention steep roads and challenging site access.
Active AlertsMid-summer heat warnings; lake access may be limited during periods of low water.

Weather at Island Park

Reviews

4.2
537 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Island Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are polarized, with some campers praising the beautiful lake views, friendly park rangers, and clean facilities, while others criticize poor campsite designs, lack of shade, and unclean restrooms.
Review Summaries
Based on 537 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlighted positives include clean sites, scenic views of Pine Flat Lake, and friendly park rangers. Some users appreciated the availability of showers and family-oriented activities.
Based on 537 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints focus on unclean restrooms, inadequate trash maintenance, noisy neighboring campers, and poorly leveled campsites. Limited shade and extreme heat during summer months were also...
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Based on 537 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include choosing shaded sites during summer, bringing mosquito repellent and sunscreen, and avoiding sites near restrooms due to odors. RV campers should be cautious of sharp turns leading into...
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Based on 537 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors noted that summer camping is challenging due to high temperatures and lack of shade, while spring and fall are preferred for milder weather and better lake activities.
Based on 537 reviews

Camper Quotes

Direct quotes include: 'Beautiful location for camping right next to the lake,' 'Bathroom facilities are simple but clean,' and 'Some sites are pretty unlevel.'
Based on 537 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback includes: Site #41 praised for its lake views but criticized for its small gravel tent pad; Site #37 noted for its stairs, making it unsuitable for families with small children.
Based on 537 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features received mixed reviews. Vault toilets were praised for accessibility, while flush toilets were criticized for inadequate maintenance. Highly uneven campsites posed challenges...
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Based on 537 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are generally welcomed, but some reviewers warned about rattlesnakes, which could pose risks to pets. Campsites had limited grassy areas for pets to roam.
Based on 537 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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