How much does camping cost at Dorabelle Campground?

Camping fees at Dorabelle Campground range from $48-$99/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Dorabelle Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Dorabelle Campground 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 Dorabelle Campground before I book?

Yes! Dorabelle Campground 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 Dorabelle Campground?

Dorabelle Campground is open May 15 to October 10. 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 Dorabelle Campground?

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

How many campsites does Dorabelle Campground have?

Dorabelle Campground has 60 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Dorabelle Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Dorabelle Campground. 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 Dorabelle Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Dorabelle Campground?

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

Dorabelle Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Dorabelle Campground?

Fire policies at Dorabelle Campground: 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.

4.60

596 reviews

Top 16% in CASummer

Pet FriendlySwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Northern California#3 Best Campgrounds California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,500 ft

Price

$48 - $99/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

60 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 3% in state

RV Friendly

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,500 ft

Price

$48 - $99/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

60 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 3% in state

RV Friendly

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Dorabelle Campground

$48.00 - $99.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $95.00 (+$4.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $48.00 (+$2.00 holiday); TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $95.00 (+$4.00...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

559-841-3533vista@vista-rec.com

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Dorabelle Campground

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Campground Map

Dorabelle Campground

37.1117, -119.3123

Nearby places

Clovis, CA (49 miles, approximately 1 hour drive).

Weather at Dorabelle Campground

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.
No all-terrain or off-highway vehicles allowed in the campground

Best Time to Camp at Dorabelle Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the fullest access to Shaver Lake and Dorabelle's shoreline — warm, sunny days (typically in the low 60s to upper 70s°F) and cool nights (40s–50s°F) make it ideal for boating, swimming, fishing, and day hikes. All campground facilities and roads are open, and wildflower-lined trails and clear lake water are at their peak. Expect the busiest weekends in July–August, so book reservations early and plan for some crowding on holiday weekends. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CA

Peak season: best weather, lake warm for swimming, wildflowers on trails; busiest time to visit.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 10. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations from May 16 to October 12 annually. Out-of-season bookings are unavailable.

About Dorabelle Campground

Dorabelle Campground sits on the shore of Shaver Lake in Sierra National Forest, managed by Vista Recreation. Mid-elevation forest sites accommodate tents, RVs, and primitive camping, with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers fish, swim, boat, and hike from spacious sites near the water.

Dorabelle Campground caters to both tent and RV campers, with options for single and double sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the fullest access to Shaver Lake and Dorabelle's shoreline — warm, sunny days (typically in the low 60s to upper 70s°F) and cool nights (40s–50s°F) make it ideal for boating, swimming, fishing, and day hikes. All campground facilities and roads are open, and wildflower-lined trails and clear lake water are at their peak. Expect the busiest weekends in July–August, so book reservations early and plan for some crowding on holiday weekends. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryTowering pines dominate the campground, filtering sunlight through dense canopy and providing varied shade across the loops. Some sites open toward Shaver Lake's blue water, visible through the trees. The lake itself sits just a short walk from most campsites, its surface calm enough for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. At this middle elevation, the forest stays thick with conifers rather than the oaks lower down or the alpine rock higher up. Privacy depends on which loop you're in. The first loop near the lake trades some tree cover for water views.

Lodging & Accommodations"No hotel-style lodging is available; this is a traditional campground with tent and RV accommodations."

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no mentions of cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limits include 14 consecutive nights at the campground and 14 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 guests per single site
double sites permit 12 guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or the mobile app.

Site SizeCampsites range in size, with mentions of large and spacious sites, as well as smaller ones not suitable for all setups. For example, "Site 7 was spacious, while site 15 was described as too small for setting up a tent on level ground.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary; some sites are well-spaced and shaded, while others lack privacy. A user noted, "The campsites are big and spacious, with plenty of space and trees between adjacent campsites.

Total Campsites60 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy, choose sites in the first loop closer to foliage. Sites near restrooms (#41, #43) provide convenience but may encounter odor issues during busy weekends. Consult camp hosts on quieter site options.

Best CampsitesSite 33 gets mentions for its proximity to the lake and decent shade. Site 7 offers more space and better privacy than average. The first loop near the water draws campers who prioritize lake views and easy access over deep forest seclusion. Avoid site 15 if you need level ground for a tent. Larger, well-spaced sites with trees between neighbors exist throughout the campground, but you'll want to review the site map when booking since privacy levels vary significantly.

Need help booking Dorabelle Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Dorabelle Campground provides a variety of amenities designed for a comfortable camping experience. Each site is equipped with a dirt parking spur, a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill. Vault toilets and drinking water are available, and the campground is surrounded by dense pine forest at an elevation of 5,500 feet.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Dorabelle Campground offers a wide array of recreational activities. Highlights include hiking on five nearby trails, fishing, various water sports on Shaver Lake, and wildlife viewing.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; campers must use vault toilets. Many campers remarked that while the vault toilets were clean, they were "buggy," and one camper described them as having an ammonia smell toward the end of their stay.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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 and recycling facilities are available, but some reviews mention that trash receptacles can become overfilled, especially during busy weekends.

Cell CoverageUser reviews mention that cell coverage is available for AT&T and T-Mobile users, with one camper noting, "Full cell service for AT&T and T-Mobile."

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

596 reviews

Top-Rated

Dorabelle Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Dorabelle Campground is highly praised for its cleanliness, proximity to Shaver Lake, and friendly camp hosts. Common highlights include the well-kept vault toilets and the variety of recreational activities.

Review Summaries

Based on 596 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms, friendly staff, proximity to the lake, spacious campsites, and numerous recreational activities were frequently praised by users.

Based on 596 reviews

Common Concerns

Occasional overcrowding, noise from nearby campers, and maintenance issues such as overfilled trash receptacles and buggy vault toilets were noted by users.

Based on 596 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Many users provided specific site reviews, noting that Site 7 was spacious, Site 15 lacked shade, and Site 50 was a short two-minute walk to Shaver Lake.

Based on 596 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend booking well in advance, bringing bug spray for the vault toilets, and choosing shaded sites to avoid direct sun exposure.

Based on 596 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during summer, with occasional complaints about noise and overfilled trash bins. Off-peak seasons see quieter stays.

Based on 596 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The camp hosts are always lovely, and the campgrounds clean." - Angelica R. "Bathrooms were nice and clean. Close to the lake." - Raymond H. "Very clean campground; the camp host was very friendly...

Based on 596 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is described as pet-friendly, with one user noting, "We were able to bring our two dogs, and they loved the water."

Based on 596 reviews

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Go if

You want lakefront camping with boating, swimming, and fishing access during summer months.

Skip if

You need heavily shaded sites or prefer quieter campgrounds away from group activity.

Nearby Campgrounds

Sierra National Forest

Swanson Campground offers eight tent sites tucked into Sierra National Forest, about three miles from Shaver Lake. The small size keeps things quiet. Reviewers appreciate the seclusion and note there's never a ton of people. Sites run $32-67 per night and are reservation-only from May through September. Expect vault toilets and no drinking water on-site.