Chilkoot
4.3371 reviewsQuick Facts
4,600 ftPrice
$41/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
30 campsites
Season
The campground is op...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
4,600 ftPrice
$41/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
30 campsites
Season
The campground is op...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsChilkoot
$41.00 - $41.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$41 nightly rate during the peak season, with an additional $2 holiday charge. Rates apply to both standard nonelectric and tent-only nonelectric...
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Standard Site Fee$41.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$41.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider559-297-0706clm@clm-services.com
What Campers Say
4.33
Recommended
Based on 71 reviews
120 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quietclean
"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."
Fees & Passes at Chilkoot
$41/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Cancellation: You can cancel the reservation any time before the date of your scheduled arrival. Fees include a $1...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Sierra National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Chilkoot
Summer transforms Chilkoot into an ideal mountain escape, where the 4,600-foot elevation works its magic to create perfectly temperate conditions. While valley temperatures soar, campers here enjoy refreshingly cool mornings, comfortable afternoons beneath the forest canopy, and crisp evenings perfect for campfire gatherings. Previous visitors consistently praise the campground's natural air conditioning, making it a coveted retreat during the warmest months.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 09 - September 13 (Peak Season).. 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.
- Current Alerts: No active alerts provided.
About Chilkoot
Nestled alongside its namesake creek, Chilkoot Campground invites adventurers into a serene mountain sanctuary where towering Ponderosa pines, fragrant firs, and majestic cedars create a natural cathedral overhead. At 4,600 feet elevation, this versatile camping destination welcomes both tent enthusiasts and RV travelers seeking respite from summer's heat. The gentle murmur of Chilkoot Creek provides nature's soundtrack as you settle into your perfect spot among the shade-dappled sites.
Chilkoot Campground accommodates both RV and tent campers, with some sites designated as tent-only and others tailored to small RVs.
Historical SignificanceWhile the stories of Chilkoot's past remain untold in official records, the campground stands as a gateway to the timeless Sierra Nevada wilderness, where generations of outdoor enthusiasts have found connection with California's natural heritage.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Chilkoot into an ideal mountain escape, where the 4,600-foot elevation works its magic to create perfectly temperate conditions. While valley temperatures soar, campers here enjoy refreshingly cool mornings, comfortable afternoons beneath the forest canopy, and crisp evenings perfect for campfire gatherings. Previous visitors consistently praise the campground's natural air conditioning, making it a coveted retreat during the warmest months.
ElevationPerched at 4,600 feet in the Sierra Nevada's sweet spot, Chilkoot Campground occupies that perfect elevation where summer heat surrenders to mountain coolness. This strategic height delivers comfortable temperatures without the thin air of higher altitudes, creating an accessible mountain experience that doesn't sacrifice comfort for scenic beauty.
Natural Features and SceneryExperience the diverse tapestry of Sierra Nevada landscapes at Chilkoot, where oak-studded foothills give way to dense coniferous forests. The campground's rolling terrain creates intimate camping spaces, while breaks in the canopy reveal stunning alpine vistas that remind you of the greater wilderness beyond. Chilkoot Creek weaves through the property, its crystalline waters adding both visual beauty and soothing sounds to your stay. Ancient Ponderosa pines stand sentinel alongside aromatic firs and cedars, their combined presence creating a multi-sensory forest experience.
Geological RegionChilkoot Campground claims its place on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada within the expansive Sierra National Forest. This remarkable geological position showcases nature's elevation gradient in full glory—from gentle, oak-dotted foothills that roll like golden waves, through the densely forested middle elevations where the campground resides, up to the dramatic alpine peaks that pierce the sky. This diverse terrain represents millions of years of geological artistry, creating one of California's most scenic and ecologically rich landscapes.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has limited accessibility features. A reviewer noted that "none of the sites are handicapped accessible in reality."
Sites SizeSite sizes vary, with some sites suitable for RVs and others designated as tent-only. Some sites are sloped, making them unsuitable for tents.
Sites 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 CampsitesChoose creek-side sites for tranquility and flat terrain, if available. Consider avoiding sites near the road during busy weekends.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in by noon of the following day after the scheduled arrival date to retain reservation.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12 PM.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe layout includes gravel parking spurs, picnic tables, and fire rings. Some sites are sloped, and others are tent-only. Tree cover provides ample shade.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open for reservations from May 09 to September 13. Out-of-season reservations are not available.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, with options for online, app, or contact center services.
Walk-in AvailabilityMultiple reviewers mention availability of first-come, first-served sites, although specifics are not detailed.
Cancellation PolicyYou can cancel the reservation any time before the date of your scheduled arrival. Fees include a $10 cancellation fee, reservation fees (if paid during booking), and forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
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
Hiking is available nearby, including the Buena Vista Trail. "A really fun walk to a creek/river" was noted by a reviewer.Fishing
Anglers can fish in Chilkoot Creek for channel catfish, sucker, and brown trout. "The water is filled with trout," a reviewer remarked.Swimming
Swimming opportunities exist, particularly in nearby Bass Lake. Some dammed-up areas in the stream are also suitable for relaxing in tubes.Boating
Boating activities, both motorized and non-motorized, are available at Bass Lake nearby.Wildlife viewing
The wooded and creek-side setting offers opportunities for wildlife viewing.Water Sports
Swimming, kayaking, and other water-related recreation are accessible at nearby Bass Lake.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire restrictions may apply during dry weather. Confirm conditions with the Sierra National Forest Headquarters.
- Quiet hours are posted as 10 PM, but enforcement has been noted as inconsistent by reviewers.
Hazards
General hazardsYellow jackets are noted by several reviewers as being prevalent, along with mosquitoes at certain times of the day and year.
Active alertsNo active alerts provided.
Weather at Chilkoot
55
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 75%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Partly cloudy
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Sierra National Forest Headquarters, (559) 297-0706. Emergency services are not explicitly detailed.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 09 - September 13 (Peak Season).
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are present, but at times critters have been reported. "Trash was overflowing with critters everywhere," noted a user.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Chilkoot Creek, offering opportunities for fishing and relaxation.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include the prevalence of yellow jackets, uneven campsite terrain, and a lack of running water.
HostThe campground host is available and mentioned positively in most reviews. The host offers services like firewood sales and local tips.
Campground Map
Driving directionsDirections from Fresno: Take Highway 41 through Oakhurst, California. Turn east on Forest Road 222 (Bass Lake turnoff) and continue on for 7 miles. Turn left onto Beashore Road, follow Beashore Road for 4 miles to the Chilkoot Campground.
The campground can be accessed via paved roads, with no mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain in the provided details.Nearby places
Bass Lake (~10 minutes drive), Yosemite National Park (~1 hour drive).
Nearby supplies
Bass Lake area has supplies, as mentioned by reviewers, including firewood available from the camp host.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.3
71 reviews
Chilkoot is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 71 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 71 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include the lack of water, some sloped campsites making tent setup difficult, and noise from other campers during busy times.
Based on 71 reviewsPro 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 71 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Positive reviews during summer highlight the shaded sites and cooler elevation, while winter reviews note closures or limited amenities.
Based on 71 reviewsCamper 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 71 reviewsShow more
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 71 reviewsAccessibility Features
Limited accessibility features. Several users note difficulties stemming from sloped sites.
Based on 71 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Two pets are allowed per site, and they must be leashed. Some users complained about barking dogs disrupting the peace.
Based on 71 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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