Lower Chiquito Campground

Star4.00
25 reviews
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

4,872 ft

Price

$23.62 - $48/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Operational from Jun...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Sierra National Forest site

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Lower Chiquito Campground
$23.62 - $48.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $23.62 to $48 per night. Single-site fees are $41, with discounted rates of $23.62 ($26.22 with taxes). Double-site fees are $43.24...
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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

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What Campers Say

4.00

Satisfactory

Based on 25 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanshadewell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the peaceful and beautiful environment, with shade from cedar and pine trees and the nearby Chiquito Creek as a major attraction. However, concerns include instances of trash left by previous visitors, noise from large groups, and the lack of running water and trash services. Most reviewers recommend visiting during weekdays or early in the season for the best experience."

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Campground Map

Lower Chiquito Campground

37.4131, -119.3845

Driving directionsFrom Fresno take Hwy 41 north to Road 200. Turn right and travel east to North Fork. Continue through North Fork on the Minarets Road (Forest Road 81), and travel 35.3 miles to Road 6S71, turn right and travel 2.8 miles to Road 6S01. Turn right on Road 6S01 and travel 8/10 mile to campground.
The campground is accessible via a combination of major highways and forest roads. Forest Road 81 leads to Road 6S71 and then to 6S01. Navigation includes paved and unpaved roads, likely requiring caution for vehicles with low clearance.
Nearby places
Fresno (approx. 45 miles southwest), North Fork (approx. 35.3 miles southwest via Minarets Road), Oakhurst (approx. 50 miles).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including food, gas, camping gear, and fishing equipment, are available at Wagner's Resort, the only gas station on Minarets Road.

Best Time to Camp at Lower Chiquito Campground

From June through September, Lower Chiquito transforms into a summer sanctuary where gentle mountain breezes rustle through the pines and temperatures remain refreshingly mild—a welcome escape from valley heat. As autumn arrives, the campground enters its quiet season, with winter bringing a dramatic transformation. Snow blankets the forest floor, sometimes accumulating nearly a foot in a single week, creating a pristine wonderland that sleeps beneath freezing temperatures until spring's return awakens the creek once more.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open June–September; summer is peak season with mild temps, shaded comfort, and creek access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open through September only; early fall (Sept) is fine but season is brief.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site typically opens in June; spring season (pre-June) is outside operational window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside June–September; winter use is not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June to September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Operational from June to September.
  • Current Alerts: A forest order related to dead trees may have impacted operations. Some reviews mention closures.

About Lower Chiquito Campground

Tucked away in a serene corner of the Sierra National Forest, Lower Chiquito Campground beckons those seeking an authentic back-to-nature experience. This intimate campground hugs the banks of babbling Chiquito Creek, where towering pines and fragrant cedars create a natural cathedral of shade. Each of the thoughtfully spaced sites comes equipped with the essentials for memorable nights under the stars—a fire ring for evening gatherings, a grill for camp cuisine, and a sturdy picnic table for meals with a view. While the campground embraces simplicity with vault toilets and no hookups, the tranquil atmosphere and pristine surroundings more than compensate. For any forgotten supplies or a change of pace, Wagner's Resort stands ready as your nearest neighbor.
The campground offers primitive camping, suitable for both tent and RV campers, though RV hookups are not available. Group sites are limited to six people per site.
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Stay Limit
Limited to max. of 6 guests per site.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Activities available at Lower Chiquito Campground include fishing and picnicking. The nearby Chiquito Creek offers opportunities for swimming and fishing. Detailed recreational infrastructure such as hiking or biking trails is not explicitly mentioned.
FishingFishing is a popular activity in Chiquito Creek. One user noted, 'The amazing Chiquito Creek is ideal for swimming and fishing.' Another user reported small wild brown trout in the creek, though stocking has not occurred recently.
SwimmingSwimming is available in Chiquito Creek. A user mentioned, 'The water is deep enough to get in and swim with the kids.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country, so proper food storage is crucial. Rattlesnakes have been noted in the area. Visitors are advised to carry mosquito repellent.
Active AlertsA forest order related to dead trees may have impacted operations. Some reviews mention closures.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Lower Chiquito Campground

Reviews

4.0
25 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Lower Chiquito Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the peaceful and beautiful environment, with shade from cedar and pine trees and the nearby Chiquito Creek as a major attraction. However, concerns include instances of trash left by previous visitors, noise from large groups, and the lack of running water and trash services. Most reviewers recommend visiting during weekdays or early in the season for the best experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 25 reviews

What Campers Love

- Beautiful and peaceful environment - Shaded campsites - Chiquito Creek is ideal for swimming and fishing - Campground is clean and well-maintained - Vault toilets are noted to be in good condition
Based on 25 reviews

Common Concerns

- No trash service - Instances of litter in past seasons - Lack of potable water, showers, and RV hookups - Noise from large groups on occasion
Based on 25 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring mosquito repellent as mosquitoes are prevalent - Plan to pack out all trash, as no trash service is available - Visit during weekdays or early in the season to avoid large groups - Bring...
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Based on 25 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that early in the season (June) and weekdays provide the most positive experiences. Summer weather and the shaded sites contribute to comfort, though mosquitoes can be an issue.
Based on 25 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'This is one of my favorite camping spots. Great memories have been made here.' - Jeremy Belt - 'Very peaceful and beautiful. Wide open spaces with a lot of shade and a lovely little river.' -...
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Based on 25 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site numbers or rankings are not provided, but the campground is noted for its small size and proximity to Chiquito Creek.
Based on 25 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific feedback about accessibility features for individuals with disabilities is provided in the source materials.
Based on 25 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific information about pet policies or pet-related experiences is mentioned.
Based on 25 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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