College

Star4.41
105 reviews
P O BOX 152, LAKESHORE, CA 93634, USA
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

10,320 ft

Price

$47 - $92/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Open season is from ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Vista Recreation site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
College
$47.00 - $92.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates for tent-only sites range between $47-$92 nightly, with additional charges for holidays ($2-$4) and other factors such as taxes or...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$47.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$92.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
559-893-2111vista@vista-rec.com
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.41

Recommended

Based on 105 reviews

35 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlakestaff

Some mention

dustysmall

"User reviews highlight the clean and well-maintained facilities at College Campground, as well as the beautiful natural surroundings and proximity to Huntington Lake. While many appreciate the friendly staff, clean restrooms, and great location, some concerns include the small campsite sizes, occasional water system issues, and noise from nearby campers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

P O BOX 152, LAKESHORE, CA 93634, USA

College

P O BOX 152, LAKESHORE, CA 93634, USA

Driving directionsTake Hwy 168 east from Clovis to Shaver Lake. Continue through Shaver Lake to Huntington Lake. Continue around Huntington Lake for .5 miles to College Campground.
Access is via paved roads, however, some sections near Huntington Lake may have seasonal challenges such as snow or ice conditions. Fire restrictions or closures may also affect access depending on weather conditions.
Nearby places
Clovis: Approx. 65 miles (~1.5 hours). Shaver Lake: Approx. 20 miles (~30 minutes). Fresno: Approx. 75 miles (~2 hours).
Nearby supplies
A general store/restaurant/bar is approximately 5 minutes walk from the campground. Additional supplies are available in Shaver Lake (~30 minutes away).

Best Time to Camp at College

Summer brings warm, sun-soaked days perfect for lake adventures, while evenings cool dramatically, inviting cozy campfires and stargazing. The high-altitude climate delivers crystal-clear skies and refreshing mountain air during peak season. When winter's snow blankets the landscape, the campground slumbers beneath a pristine white covering, reopening when wildflowers herald summer's return.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

Peak season with warm days, lake activities and the most positive reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Early fall (around season end) can be pleasant, but campground closes early Sept limiting fall access.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Late spring (after opening) brings wildflowers and melting snow; earlier spring likely still snowy/closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonal and closed in winter (open May 16–Sept 6).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 - September 6.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season is from May 16 to September 6 during peak season.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts but campers should monitor fire conditions and verify seasonal closures.

About College

Escape to College Campground, where tent-only sites await in a pristine mountain sanctuary near the sparkling waters of Huntington Lake. Choose your perfect basecamp from secluded forest hideaways beneath towering conifers or sun-dappled sites in wildflower meadows. This beloved family destination combines the adventure of Kaiser Wilderness access with the comfort of well-maintained facilities, creating memories that last a lifetime.
College Campground is a tent-only facility located in a natural setting near Huntington Lake and the Kaiser Wilderness. The campground is designed to accommodate tent campers and does not support RVs or trailers.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay per visit is 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

College Campground offers a variety of recreational activities for its visitors. Situated near Huntington Lake, campers can enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating. The campsite is also close to the Kaiser Loop Trail, which provides access to other trails in the Kaiser Wilderness. As one reviewer stated, 'Beautiful mornings, front to the lake,' and another mentioned, 'Close to hiking trails up the mountains behind the campground.'
HikingNumerous hiking opportunities are available, including Rancheria Falls, Indian Pools, Black Point, and the Kaiser Loop Trail, which is accessible to hikers and horseback riders. The Kaiser Loop Trail is a 12-mile loop connecting to the Kaiser Wilderness trail network.
FishingHuntington Lake offers fishing opportunities. However, one user review noted that fish have been scarce in Big Creek since the 2020 fire.
SwimmingThe campground is close to Huntington Lake, which provides a safe and accessible area for swimming. One user described the lake as 'beautiful,' and another praised the proximity to water: 'So close to the water.'
BoatingCampers can moor boats near some sites, and the lake supports various boating activities, including sailing, non-motorized boating, and water skiing. One reviewer noted, 'We keep our sailboat and kayak at the short beach during our visit.'
Beach activitiesHuntington Lake offers beach-related activities. One reviewer noted that the beach was pleasant but mentioned, 'PG&E has destroyed the beach at College Campground,' referencing tree cutting and other issues.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsCalifornia Land Management sponsors summer interpretive programs and nature walks in the Huntington Lake area.
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bear activity, extreme weather conditions, and exposure to sun due to limited shade in some sites.
Active AlertsNo current alerts but campers should monitor fire conditions and verify seasonal closures.
Food Storage RequiredLockers are provided to ensure safe storage of food and discourage bear activity.

Weather at College

Reviews

4.4
105 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
College is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the clean and well-maintained facilities at College Campground, as well as the beautiful natural surroundings and proximity to Huntington Lake. While many appreciate the friendly staff, clean restrooms, and great location, some concerns include the small campsite sizes, occasional water system issues, and noise from nearby campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 105 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the campground’s cleanliness, proximity to the lake, and friendly staff. Many reviews mention the well-maintained bathrooms and the beautiful natural setting. A reviewer stated, 'Our...
Show more
Based on 105 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the small size of campsites, water system issues, and occasional maintenance lapses. One user noted, 'The water system broke and the normally potable water was polluted,' and...
Show more
Based on 105 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own firewood as it is not provided on-site. Plan to arrive early to avoid maintenance issues, and consider reserving multiple sites if camping with a large group.
Based on 105 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews tend to be more positive, emphasizing the beautiful lake views and hiking opportunities. Negative reviews during peak season often cite crowded conditions and maintenance issues.
Based on 105 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Clean campground and located very close to the lake. Bathrooms were also very well maintained.' - John Wright 2. 'The location is perfect; this is our 4th year at College, and we plan on being...
Show more
Based on 105 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 6: Noted for cleanliness and proximity to water but described as small. Site 8: Criticized for being filthy upon arrival by one user but praised for its location by others. Site 3: Described as...
Show more
Based on 105 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific user comments on accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 105 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

A reviewer mentioned the campground as a 'super awesome place for dogs and family.'
Based on 105 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to College? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds
Sierra National Forest
College