How much does camping cost at Chilkoot?

Camping fees at Chilkoot range from $41-$43/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Chilkoot first-come first-served or reservation?

Chilkoot accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Chilkoot before I book?

Yes! Chilkoot has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Chilkoot?

Chilkoot is open May 08 to September 11. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Chilkoot?

Chilkoot does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Chilkoot have?

Chilkoot has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Chilkoot?

Yes, pets are allowed at Chilkoot. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Chilkoot?

Chilkoot offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Chilkoot?

Popular activities at Chilkoot include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Chilkoot

Q: Can I have a campfire at Chilkoot?

Fire policies at Chilkoot: Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Sierra National Forest Headquarters, (559) 297-0706.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.29

173 reviews

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,600 ft

Price

$41 - $43/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Sierra National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,600 ft

Price

$41 - $43/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Sierra National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Chilkoot

$41.00 - $43.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $41.00 (+$2.00 holiday); Single: $41.00 (+$2.00 holiday); TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $41.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

559-297-0706clm@clm-services.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Chilkoot

37.3675, -119.5374

Nearby places

Bass Lake (~10 minutes drive), Yosemite National Park (~1 hour drive).

Weather at Chilkoot

Current alerts(8)

Be bear aware; keep all food out of site in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating; always keep a clean camp and do not feed any wild animals.
Click here to learn more about the Sierra National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Drinking water is not provided at this campground

Best Time to Camp at Chilkoot

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit because the 4,600 ft elevation keeps temperatures comfortable while Bass Lake and Chilkoot Creek are at their most inviting for boating, swimming, and fishing. Expect cool mornings around 50–60°F, warm afternoons in the mid-70s to mid-80s, and crisp evenings in the 40s–50s; this makes hiking and wildlife viewing pleasant all day. Campground services are fully available May 9–Sept 13, but anticipate higher use on holiday weekends and mid-summer weekends—reservable Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season; shaded sites keep temps in mid-70s/80s and reviews praise summer stays.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 11. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open for reservations from May 09 to September 13. Out-of-season reservations are not available.

About Chilkoot

Chilkoot sits in Sierra National Forest at 4,600 feet, a short distance from Bass Lake. This small, moderately priced campground offers tent and RV sites along Chilkoot Creek, where visitors fish, swim, and boat during the summer season. The camp host is known for being helpful, and the creek-side setting stays quiet despite the nearby lake activity.

Chilkoot Campground accommodates both RV and tent campers, with some sites designated as tent-only and others tailored to small RVs.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit because the 4,600 ft elevation keeps temperatures comfortable while Bass Lake and Chilkoot Creek are at their most inviting for boating, swimming, and fishing. Expect cool mornings around 50–60°F, warm afternoons in the mid-70s to mid-80s, and crisp evenings in the 40s–50s; this makes hiking and wildlife viewing pleasant all day. Campground services are fully available May 9–Sept 13, but anticipate higher use on holiday weekends and mid-summer weekends—reservable Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation4600 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies the densely forested middle elevation zone of the Sierra Nevada's western slope, where oak-dotted foothills transition to coniferous forest. Ponderosa pines, firs, and cedars provide heavy tree cover across the rolling terrain. Chilkoot Creek flows through the property. The dense woods create a sense of enclosure at most sites, with occasional breaks revealing the alpine peaks above. At 4,600 feet, you're positioned between the golden foothill grasslands below and the dramatic high country.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no indication of hotel-style lodges or similar accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information is available on cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to six individuals per site, per reviewer information.

Groups

No group sites are specifically mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, with options for online, app, or contact center services.

AccessibilityThe campground has limited accessibility features. A reviewer noted that "none of the sites are handicapped accessible in reality.

Site SizeSite sizes vary, with some sites suitable for RVs and others designated as tent-only. Some sites are sloped, making them unsuitable for tents.

PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy. "The campground is pretty densely wooded so most sites feel very private," said one user.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose creek-side sites for tranquility and flat terrain, if available. Consider avoiding sites near the road during busy weekends.

Best CampsitesSites close to the creek get positive mentions in reviews. Site 3 and Site 27 are specifically recommended. Dense tree cover means most sites feel private, though this varies. Arriving early gives you better options, as some sites have sloped ground unsuitable for tents.

Need help booking Chilkoot?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Chilkoot Campground is described as a rustic site located at an elevation of approximately 4,600 feet, shaded by Ponderosa pine, fir, and cedar trees. The campground is equipped with a host, vault toilets, gravel parking spurs, picnic tables, and fire rings. "This campground has the cleanest restrooms, the best host, the most true-to-camping form place I’ve been to in years," according to user Nicole Evans. However, it does not offer running water: "Wish there was a potable water source, but still a very nice campground," noted another camper. "Bring your own water," emphasizes multiple reviews.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is located near Bass Lake, allowing for activities such as motorized and non-motorized boating, swimming, sailing, and water skiing. Fishing is popular in Chilkoot Creek, which is home to channel catfish, sucker, and brown trout. There are nearby trails, such as the Buena Vista trail, and opportunities for paddling on Willow Creek.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are present; the campground features vault toilets described as "well-kept" by several reviewers.

Fire PolicyFire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Sierra National Forest Headquarters, (559) 297-0706.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are present, but at times critters have been reported. "Trash was overflowing with critters everywhere," noted a user.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is either minimal or unavailable. Nicole B. notes, "Had almost zero cell service for Sprint and T-Mobile, so beware."

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

173 reviews

Satisfactory

Chilkoot is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Chilkoot Campground are mixed, with many praising its natural beauty, clean facilities, and knowledgeable hosts, while others highlight issues such as noise and the lack of water.

Review Summaries

Based on 173 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include the quiet, scenic environment, clean vault toilets, and relaxing creek-side setting. Many users commend the camp host for being knowledgeable and helpful.

Based on 173 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the lack of water, some sloped campsites making tent setup difficult, and noise from other campers during busy times.

Based on 173 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 27 is praised as being next to the river and close to restrooms. Other reviewers highlight spot 3 as level and near the creek.

Based on 173 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water, arrive early to choose a better site, and consider bug spray due to yellow jackets reported by some.

Based on 173 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Positive reviews during summer highlight the shaded sites and cooler elevation, while winter reviews note closures or limited amenities.

Based on 173 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The absolute best camping place in all of CA!" - Nicole Evans. 2. "Wish there was a potable water source, but still a very nice campground." - Codeman Radiohead. 3. "It was fun sleeping under the...

Based on 173 reviews

Accessibility Features

Limited accessibility features. Several users note difficulties stemming from sloped sites.

Based on 173 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Two pets are allowed per site, and they must be leashed. Some users complained about barking dogs disrupting the peace.

Based on 173 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a quieter alternative to lakefront crowds with creek access and don't need running water.

Skip if

You're sensitive to yellow jackets or require level sites and modern restroom facilities.

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Greys Mountain Campground

Bass Lake Ranger District, Sierra National Forest, California

Greys Mountain Campground sits at 5,400 feet along Willow Creek in Sierra National Forest, offering 24 primitive tent sites split between two distinct sections. The left section has a rustic, dispersed feel with excellent privacy. Sites run $26.22-$82 per night and operate first-come, first-serve during the summer season.

Chilkoot

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Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Chilkoot

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Chilkoot

Planning Tips

About Chilkoot

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Chilkoot?

Amenities available

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Go if

Skip if

Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

RV information

Directions

Plan a trip to Chilkoot

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Chilkoot

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Chilkoot?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews