How much does camping cost at Dinkey Creek?

Camping fees at Dinkey Creek are $47 - $275/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Dinkey Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Dinkey Creek 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 Dinkey Creek before I book?

Yes! Dinkey Creek has 4 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 Dinkey Creek?

Dinkey Creek is open May 01 to October 16. 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 Dinkey Creek?

Yes, Dinkey Creek has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Dinkey Creek have?

Dinkey Creek has 200 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Dinkey Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at Dinkey Creek. 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 Dinkey Creek?

Dinkey Creek offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Dinkey Creek?

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

Dinkey Creek

Q: Can I have a campfire at Dinkey Creek?

Fire policies at Dinkey Creek: 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 High Sierra Ranger District, Sierra National Forest (559) 855-5355. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.26

633 reviews

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

CReport Card

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

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

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

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Dinkey Creek

$47.00 - $275.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $275.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $92.00 (+$4.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $47.00 (+$2.00 holiday); TENT ONLY...

Group Site Fee$275.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

559-841-2705vista@vista-rec.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Dinkey Creek

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

Nearby places

Clovis: 49 miles (~1 hour 20 minutes drive)

Fresno: 56 miles (~1 hour 30 minutes drive)

Weather at Dinkey Creek

Current alerts(7)

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.
Please Note: One RV with tow vehicle for single site or one vehicle for single tent camping. Two RV’S with tow vehicle per double site or two vehicles for double tent only camping. Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle that is not included with the reservation fee.

Best Time to Camp at Dinkey Creek

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Dinkey Creek because warm, sunny days (typically 70-85°F daytime, 40-50°F nights) make the creek's swimming holes, fishing pools, and trail networks most enjoyable. Water-based activities and family camping peak in July and August when trailheads are fully accessible and wildflower- and pine-scented forest cover provide great shade. Expect moderate to busy weekends in mid-summer, so book a site (reservations available starting June 21) and plan weekday trips for, Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Late September visits praised as quieter with warm days and pleasant conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 16. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 2 - October 12; reservations available from June 21 to October 12.

About Dinkey Creek

Dinkey Creek is a very large campground in Sierra National Forest operated by Vista Recreation, located near Shaver Lake in California's mid-elevation forest zone. The campground offers tent sites, RV sites, group camping, and cabins alongside Dinkey Creek, where families swim in natural pools and fish during the summer season. Amenities include showers, flush and vault toilets, a camp store, and educational programs, with hiking and biking trails accessible from the property.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Dinkey Creek because warm, sunny days (typically 70-85°F daytime, 40-50°F nights) make the creek's swimming holes, fishing pools, and trail networks most enjoyable. Water-based activities and family camping peak in July and August when trailheads are fully accessible and wildflower- and pine-scented forest cover provide great shade. Expect moderate to busy weekends in mid-summer, so book a site (reservations available starting June 21) and plan weekday trips for, Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5797 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground follows Dinkey Creek as it cuts through granite, forming natural pools and swimming holes. Ponderosa pines and cedars provide the canopy, though recent tree removal has opened gaps in some areas and reduced shade coverage. The creek itself offers the main scenery: smooth rock formations, clear water, and pools like Honeymoon Pool and The Slicks that are popular for swimming and fishing. The surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks rise in the distance. Elevation here keeps things cooler than the foothills, with dense mid-elevation forest typical of this part of the range.

Lodging & AccommodationsCabins are available for rental near the campground, with strong recommendations from users to consider them. 'If you have the chance to rent a cabin, you won’t regret it!' one user noted.

Programs & ActivitiesAn on-site amphitheater offers educational programs during summer weekends. Topics covered include local ecology and conservation efforts.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights within a rolling 30-day period

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy varies by site type.

Groups

The group campsite accommodates up to 50 people and provides access to standard amenities, including picnic tables and fire grills.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible sites and an amphitheater for educational programs. However, some users noted challenges with uneven terrain and restroom locations.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and capable of accommodating multiple tents or RVs. 'We had plenty of room for our 30-degree rated tents,' one user shared.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Certain loops offer more secluded spots, while others are closely packed. Reviews frequently mentioned the impact of recent tree removal on overall privacy.

Total Campsites200 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose shaded sites near creeks for cooler temperatures; avoid Loop F for privacy concerns.

Best CampsitesSite 30C works well for groups. Site 26C offers more privacy and space than average. Loops B and C sit near restrooms and water spigots. For recreation access, sites closer to Honeymoon Pool and The Slicks get you to the best swimming and fishing spots faster.

Need help booking Dinkey Creek?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Dinkey Creek Campground offers a wide range of amenities suitable for various camping preferences. The campground features paved spurs, picnic tables, and fire grills at all sites. Accessible sites are also available. Drinking water is provided, along with both vault and flush toilets. An amphitheater on-site hosts educational programs during summer weekends, and there is a picnic area on a large sandy flat above the creek. A general store and pay showers are available nearby. "This spot is perfect for families looking to relax by the creek, go hiking, or enjoy the natural water slides," one user shared.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Dinkey Creek

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.

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming4.0/5Top 21% in California

Designated swimming areas (Slicks, Honeymoon Pool); families swim in granite-carved natural pools.

Hiking3.0/5

Dinkey Creek Trail and nearby routes offer scenic, moderate hikes but no extensive trail network described.

Biking3.0/5

Mountain biking permitted on local trails, but trail difficulty and network details are limited.

Water Sports2.0/5

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Granite formations, creek pools and forest canopy create strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyFire 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 High Sierra Ranger District, Sierra National Forest (559) 855-5355

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal is available throughout the campground. Recycling bins were noted as absent by multiple reviewers, leading to user recommendations to plan for hauling recyclables home.

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

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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

633 reviews

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

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

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...

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

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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Dinkey Creek

$47.00 - $275.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $275.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $92.00 (+$4.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $47.00 (+$2.00 holiday); TENT ONLY...

Group Site Fee$275.00