Dinkey Creek

Star4.29
633 reviews
53001 Dinkey Creek Rd, Shaver Lake, CA, 93664, USA
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

5,797 ft

Price

$47 - $275/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

200 campsites

Season

Open May 2 - October...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Vista Recreation 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
Dinkey Creek
$47.00 - $275.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary by site type: Individual sites range from $47 to $92 per night during peak season; group sites are $275 per night. Holiday surcharges apply...
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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$275.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
559-841-2705vista@vista-rec.com
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What Campers Say

4.29

Satisfactory

Based on 633 reviews

210 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousstafffriendly

Some mention

noise

"User reviews of Dinkey Creek Campground are largely positive, highlighting the natural beauty, friendly staff, and well-maintained facilities. However, some complaints about restroom maintenance, tree removal, and occasional noise issues were noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

53001 Dinkey Creek Rd, Shaver Lake, CA, 93664, USA

Dinkey Creek

53001 Dinkey Creek Rd, Shaver Lake, CA, 93664, USA

Driving directionsFrom Clovis, California, travel east on Highway 168 to Shaver Lake. Turn southeast onto Dinkey Creek Road and travel 13 miles to the campground.
Accessible via paved roads. Some user reviews mentioned that navigation was straightforward, but road conditions might vary seasonally.
Nearby places
Clovis: 49 miles (~1 hour 20 minutes drive)
Fresno: 56 miles (~1 hour 30 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Nearest grocery and camping supplies: Dinkey Creek Inn General Store located within walking distance
Shaver Lake stores (~13 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Dinkey Creek

Summer transforms Dinkey Creek into a sun-dappled paradise where warm days invite leisurely swims and cool mountain evenings call for campfire gatherings. While recent wildfires have opened up the canopy in places, creating a patchwork of sun and shade throughout the grounds, the resilient forest continues to provide refuge from the heat. When winter arrives, the surrounding peaks don heavy blankets of snow, transforming the landscape into a frozen wonderland that sleeps until spring's return.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers warm days ideal for swimming but is busiest with occasional overcrowding.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall is quieter and scenic, though some facilities may be limited as season wanes.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring is quieter per reviews but the site opens May 2, so late-spring access is limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; main season runs May 2–Oct 12.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 2 - October 12. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 2 - October 12; reservations available from June 21 to October 12.
  • Current Alerts: No potable water available in some seasons; fire restrictions common during dry conditions.

About Dinkey Creek

Escape to Dinkey Creek Campground, where towering Ponderosa pines and aromatic cedars create a natural cathedral in the heart of California's high country. This mountain sanctuary beckons adventurers with its crystal-clear swimming holes, pristine fishing spots, and miles of trails that wind through ancient forests. Here, the rhythm of rushing creek water sets the pace for days filled with exploration and nights spent under star-studded skies.
Dinkey Creek Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent camping, RVs, and group camping. It offers a scenic and family-friendly atmosphere in the Sierra National Forest.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in available until noon the following day.
Check-out
Check-out by noon.
Stay Limit
14 nights within a rolling 30-day period

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Dinkey Creek Campground offers a variety of activities suitable for all ages. Visitors can enjoy swimming in natural pools, hiking on scenic trails, fishing, and biking. The campground's high country setting provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and recreational exploration. 'The creek's natural water slides and hiking trails are the highlight,' one camper shared.
HikingThe Dinkey Creek Trail provides scenic views and moderate hiking opportunities. Nearby trails also lead to the Honeymoon Pool and Slicks, offering unique natural features. 'Take the various hikes so you don’t miss the beautiful water features,' one user advised.
FishingFishing is popular in Dinkey Creek, with brown and rainbow trout frequently caught. 'My son caught his first fish in the Honeymoon Pool,' a user shared. Note that fishing conditions vary depending on water levels.
SwimmingThe Slicks and Honeymoon Pool are designated swimming areas featuring granite-carved pools. Campers described them as refreshing and family-friendly.
BikingMountain biking is permitted on trails within the area, though detailed information about trail difficulty is not provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is abundant, with deer and other animals frequently spotted. 'Seeing deer scurry around the campsite was a highlight,' one camper noted.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsAn on-site amphitheater offers educational programs during summer weekends. Topics covered include local ecology and conservation efforts.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are frequently reported in Loop B and C; user reviews emphasize the lack of bear-proof lockers. Yellowjackets are prevalent during summer months.
Active AlertsNo potable water available in some seasons; fire restrictions common during dry conditions.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Dinkey Creek

Reviews

4.3
633 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Dinkey Creek is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Dinkey Creek Campground are largely positive, highlighting the natural beauty, friendly staff, and well-maintained facilities. However, some complaints about restroom maintenance, tree removal, and occasional noise issues were noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 633 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include scenic natural pools, clean facilities, spacious campsites, and friendly staff. Many families appreciated the educational programs and proximity to the creek.
Based on 633 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include maintenance issues with restrooms, lack of potable water, and overcrowding during peak seasons. Some users also reported negative experiences with campground hosts.
Based on 633 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing potable water, shade structures, and insect repellents. Many suggest reserving sites near restrooms or the creek for added convenience.
Based on 633 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that summer is the busiest season, with high levels of activity and occasional overcrowding. Visitors in spring and fall noted a quieter experience, though some facilities may be...
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Based on 633 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The bathrooms were cleaned 3 times a day!' 2. 'Natural water slides were the highlight of our trip.' 3. 'Friendly camp hosts made our stay more enjoyable.'
Based on 633 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #64 in Loop F was praised for its privacy and proximity to the creek, while Site #35E received criticism for being too close to vault toilets and dumpsters.
Based on 633 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews from users with disabilities highlighted the convenience of accessible sites but noted the uneven terrain as a challenge.
Based on 633 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and the campground is described as dog-friendly. 'This is a very dog-friendly campground so bring your pooches!' one camper mentioned.
Based on 633 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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