How much does camping cost at Swanson Campground?

Camping fees at Swanson Campground range from $32-$67/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Swanson 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 Swanson Campground before I book?

Yes! Swanson Campground has 1 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 Swanson Campground?

Swanson Campground is open June - September. 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 Swanson Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Swanson Campground?

Fire policies at Swanson Campground: Each site has a fire ring and grill.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Swanson Campground have?

Swanson Campground has 8 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Swanson Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Swanson Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Swanson Campground?

Swanson Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Swanson Campground?

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

Swanson Campground

2.43

7 reviews

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Forest Camping California

Quick Facts

5,758 ft

Price

$32 - $67/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

May - September

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,758 ft

Price

$32 - $67/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

May - September

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Swanson Campground

$32.00 - $67.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single Site: $32 per night Double Site: $61 per night Additional Vehicle Fee: $10 per vehicle per night

Standard Site Fee$32.00

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Swanson Campground

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Campground Map

Swanson Campground

37.0941, -119.2782

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.

Weather at Swanson Campground

Current alert: Hazard Tree Removal

Best Time to Camp at Swanson Campground

The campground operates May through September. Summer brings daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s with cool nights dropping into the 40s and 50s. Trails clear of snow by June, and the lake warms up for swimming. Weekends from June through August see the heaviest use, so book ahead if you want one of the eight sites. Late summer can bring fire restrictions and smoke from regional wildfires.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May–Sep; summer highs mid-60s to mid-80s and trails/lake are accessible.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June - September. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May - September

About Swanson Campground

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.

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.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground operates May through September. Summer brings daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s with cool nights dropping into the 40s and 50s. Trails clear of snow by June, and the lake warms up for swimming. Weekends from June through August see the heaviest use, so book ahead if you want one of the eight sites. Late summer can bring fire restrictions and smoke from regional wildfires.

Natural Features and SceneryDense conifers provide solid shade and privacy between sites. The campground sits at 5,758 feet where the forest opens into rolling meadows. Reviewers mention the thick tree cover and proximity to trails. You're close enough to Shaver Lake for boating and fishing access, though the campground itself feels secluded in the pines. Deer pass through occasionally, and one reviewer noted the mosquitoes can be aggressive.

Geological RegionNestled within the majestic Sierra National Forest, Swanson Campground sits in a remarkable transition zone where dense coniferous forests meet rolling mountain meadows. This unique geographical position showcases the diverse ecosystems of the Sierra Nevada, where granite peaks rise in the distance and ancient pine forests tell the story of centuries past. The surrounding landscape bears the subtle marks of glacial activity that shaped these mountains, creating the perfect natural amphitheater for your camping experience.

Scenic ViewsDense pine tree cover with views of meadow landscapes and surrounding forest.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are mentioned as available on-site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are indicated.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum Length of stay = 14 days

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum group size = 6 per site

Groups

No details about group sites are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutEight sites spread through the pines, most with good spacing. The compact footprint means you won't drive far to your spot, but tree cover creates privacy.

Site SizeMost of the sites are described as spacious and secluded by user reviews.

PrivacyUser reviews highlight that campsites are far apart, providing a good degree of privacy—'Campsites are far away from each other (most are at least).

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesUser reviews recommend Swanson Campground over busier sites like Edison and Dora Belle for a private camping experience.

Best CampsitesReviewers say most sites sit far apart, though a few are closer together. No specific site numbers mentioned in feedback, but the general consensus is that seclusion beats the packed loops at nearby Edison or Dora Belle campgrounds.

Need help booking Swanson Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"This is Bear Country. Please store food properly and don’t feed the bears. Bring mosquito repellant."

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

Rate Swanson Campground

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From Booking Sources

2.4

7 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...

Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

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

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

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...

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....

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

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Tent campers who want seclusion without driving far from civilization: Shaver Lake's restaurants, groceries, and cell service are 3 miles out, but back at camp you'll hear mostly wind and meadow trails start right from the sites.

Skip if

Hauling in all your drinking water is a dealbreaker, or the vault toilet smell bothers you, or your rig runs over 25 feet. No hookups, no water, and rangers do come around for fees even when the booth looks empty.

Nearby Campgrounds

Sierra National Forest

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.

Swanson Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Swanson Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Swanson Campground

Best Time to Camp at Swanson Campground

Planning Tips

About Swanson Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Swanson Campground?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to Swanson Campground

Best Time to Camp at Swanson Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Swanson Campground?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews