Swanson Campground

Star3.40
7 reviews
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

5,758 ft

Price

$32 - $67/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open May through Sep...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Sierra National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions
Swanson Campground
$32.00 - $67.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single sites are priced at $32-$35 per night, and double sites range from $63-$67 per night. Additional vehicles are charged $10 per night.
Standard Site Fee$32.00
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

3.40

Mixed Reviews

Based on 7 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacysites

"User reviews describe Swanson Campground as a secluded and peaceful location with minimal facilities. It is appreciated for its tranquil atmosphere and spacious sites."

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Campground Map

Swanson Campground

37.0941, -119.2782

Driving directionsTake Hwy 168 east from Clovis to Shaver Lake. Before you get to Shaver Lake, turn right on Dinkey Creek Road. Travel 3 miles east to Swanson Meadow Campground.
Paved and dirt roads provide access to the campground; suitable for vehicles up to 25 feet.
Nearby places
Shaver Lake (3 miles, approximately 5 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Shaver Lake Town (3 miles) offers restaurants, gas, grocery, fishing supplies, and cell phone service.

Best Time to Camp at Swanson Campground

From May through September, Swanson Campground awakens from its winter slumber to welcome outdoor enthusiasts. Early season visitors in May might encounter crisp mountain mornings with occasional frost, perfect for cozying up to a crackling campfire. As summer unfolds from June through September, the campground basks in warm, sun-drenched days ideal for lake adventures and cool, star-filled nights that invite storytelling around the fire ring. The dry summer climate means rain rarely interrupts camping plans, making this the perfect basecamp for your Sierra Nevada adventure.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May–Sept; peak season June–September and well-suited for summer visits.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open through September; early fall possible but limited season length.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens in May; early-season crisp mornings and possible frost noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Snow and cold limit use; campground closed outside May–September.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June - September. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May through September; peak season is June through September.
  • Current Alerts: Hazard Tree Removal is ongoing.

About Swanson Campground

Tucked away in a cathedral of towering pines, Swanson Campground offers an intimate escape into the heart of Sierra National Forest. This hidden gem provides just the right blend of wilderness solitude and modern convenience, with each thoughtfully spaced campsite featuring its own picnic table, fire ring, and grill for memorable outdoor meals. Adventure beckons just minutes away at the sparkling waters of Shaver Lake, where days can be spent casting lines for trout, exploring hidden coves by boat, or discovering scenic hiking trails that wind through the surrounding forest.
Swanson Campground is a rustic facility shaded by dense pine trees, offering options for tent and possibly RV camping based on the vehicle length restriction.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum Length of stay = 14 days

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Swanson Campground offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, particularly near Shaver Lake. Fishing, boating, hiking, and picnicking are available. Trails through meadows and dense pine forest are accessible from the campground.
HikingUser reviews note 'great trails through meadows from the campgrounds,' making it a good spot for hiking enthusiasts.
FishingFishing opportunities are available at nearby Shaver Lake, approximately 3 miles from the campground.
BoatingBoating activities can be enjoyed at Shaver Lake, located close to the campground.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"This is Bear Country. Please store food properly and don’t feed the bears. Bring mosquito repellant."
Active AlertsHazard Tree Removal is ongoing.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Swanson Campground

Reviews

3.4
7 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Swanson Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe Swanson Campground as a secluded and peaceful location with minimal facilities. It is appreciated for its tranquil atmosphere and spacious sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the privacy and seclusion of the campsites. One review mentioned, 'There's only like 8-ish campsites so there's never a ton of people.' Another stated, 'So glad we stayed here...
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Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

A recurring complaint was the condition of the vault toilets, described as 'pretty stinky.'
Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors are advised to bring mosquito repellent and potable water, as there is no drinking water on-site. Another recommendation from a user is to pay the camping fee despite the campground being...
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Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground is busiest on holiday weekends, such as Labor Day. The weather data indicates that snowfall and cold temperatures could impact use outside the summer season.
Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We stayed at Swanson Meadows because everywhere else was booked. I'm so glad we chose this campground.' 2. 'The pit toilets were pretty stinky, but other than that, we loved this site.' 3....
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Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One user noted that the campground is small, with approximately 8 campsites, which helps maintain its sense of seclusion.
Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

No mentions of accessibility features or experiences in the user reviews.
Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

One user mentioned bringing their dogs and letting them run off-leash, which suggests pets might be welcome, but there is no official confirmation.
Based on 7 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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