Upper Billy Creek Cg
4.5025 reviewsP O BOX 152, LAKESHORE, CA 93634, USA
Quick Facts
Price
$3 - $10/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
The campground is cu...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
$3 - $10/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
The campground is cu...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Upper Billy Creek Cg
$3.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation.gov charges $10 for cancellations and $3-$9 for reservations depending on booking method.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider559-893-2111vista@vista-rec.com
What Campers Say
4.50
Top-Rated
Based on 25 reviews
7 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanhikinglakefriendly
"Reviews for Upper Billy Creek Campground are generally positive, with an average sentiment rating of 4.28 for campgrounds-specific reviews. Users frequently highlight the cleanliness of facilities, the natural beauty of the area, and the range of recreational activities. Some complaints focus on site overcrowding and inaccuracies in online maps."
Fees & Passes at Upper Billy Creek Cg
$3 - $10/night
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit or within a rolling 30-day period.
Cancellation: Reservations can be canceled through Recreation.gov. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeitu...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Vista Recreation website.
Best Time to Camp at Upper Billy Creek Cg
Experience nature's dramatic seasonal transformation at Upper Billy Creek. Summer unveils the campground's full splendor, with crystalline blue skies and perfectly temperate days that invite endless exploration. While late July occasionally brings a gentle reminder of the ecosystem's vitality in the form of mosquitoes, they're a minor note in summer's grand symphony. When winter arrives, the landscape transforms into a wonderland buried beneath Sierra Nevada's legendary snowpack, creating a completely different but equally mesmerizing world.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: The campground is currently closed due to hazard trees.
- Current Alerts: The campground is closed until further notice due to hazard trees.
About Upper Billy Creek Cg
Tucked away in the heart of Sierra National Forest, Upper Billy Creek Campground beckons adventurers to discover a pristine mountain sanctuary where towering cedar, fir, and pine trees create a natural cathedral. Just moments from the sparkling waters of Huntington Lake and the untamed beauty of Kaiser Wilderness, this forested haven serves as your gateway to endless outdoor pursuits. History comes alive at the nearby Billy Creek Guard Station Museum, where tales of early forest rangers and indigenous peoples echo through time, adding depth to your wilderness experience.
Upper Billy Creek Campground offers options for tent and group camping and is well-suited for visitors seeking a semi-developed camping experience in a natural setting.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at the Billy Creek Guard Station Museum, where the layered stories of Huntington Lake unfold like pages in a living history book. Here, the rich heritage of Native American peoples who first called these mountains home intertwines with tales of early Forest Service rangers who protected these lands. The museum stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between humans and this spectacular landscape, offering visitors a deeper connection to the land beneath their feet.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's dramatic seasonal transformation at Upper Billy Creek. Summer unveils the campground's full splendor, with crystalline blue skies and perfectly temperate days that invite endless exploration. While late July occasionally brings a gentle reminder of the ecosystem's vitality in the form of mosquitoes, they're a minor note in summer's grand symphony. When winter arrives, the landscape transforms into a wonderland buried beneath Sierra Nevada's legendary snowpack, creating a completely different but equally mesmerizing world.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable elevation in the Sierra Nevada's sweet spot, Upper Billy Creek offers the perfect balance of mountain atmosphere without the challenges of extreme altitude.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape painted by nature's finest brush. Ancient cedar, fir, and pine giants stand as sentinels over your campsite, their canopy filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Billy Creek whispers its mountain melodies nearby, while glimpses of Huntington Lake's sapphire waters peek through the trees. In season, wildflower meadows burst with color, creating a tapestry that changes weekly. This slice of the Sierra Nevada showcases the range's incredible diversity, from gentle forest groves to dramatic mountain vistas.
Geological RegionUpper Billy Creek Campground sits proudly on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada, within the vast embrace of Sierra National Forest. This remarkable geological region tells a story millions of years in the making, where ancient granite peaks give way to densely forested middle elevations draped in evergreen splendor. Below, oak-studded foothills roll toward the valley, while above, the stark and stunning alpine wilderness of the High Sierra pierces the sky. It's a landscape that captures the full majesty of California's backbone, offering campers a front-row seat to one of North America's most spectacular mountain ranges.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground provides accessible facilities, but specific details, such as ADA-compliant features, are not mentioned.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, with some reviewers noting their suitability for larger groups and others finding them a bit cramped.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is mixed, with some reviewers describing the sites as 'too on top of each other' while others appreciated the spacing.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 7 is recommended for smaller groups (8 people max despite being advertised for 12).
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit or within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Site capacities vary
- one RV with tow vehicle or one vehicle for single tent camping allowed.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features dirt parking spurs and sloped terrains with campsites tightly spaced.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is currently closed due to hazard trees.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov, app, or phone (+1-877-444-6777).
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability not specifically mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled through Recreation.gov. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's fee. Emergency closures will result in full refunds.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Upper Billy Creek Campground offers a range of activities, especially centered around the nearby Huntington Lake and surrounding trails. Visitors can enjoy hiking, water sports, and wildlife viewing, among other recreational opportunities.
Hiking
Numerous hiking trails are accessible from the campground, including Rancheria Falls (1 mile), Indian Pools (1 mile), and Black Point (0.7 miles). The 12-mile Kaiser Loop Trail offers additional opportunities for both hikers and horseback riders.Fishing
Fishing is popular at Huntington Lake, although one reviewer noted that 'fishing wasn't as great as in previous years.'Swimming
Swimming is available in Huntington Lake, providing a refreshing option for campers.Boating
Boating activities include sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and water skiing on Huntington Lake.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is highlighted by reviewers who enjoyed seeing local fauna. One camper mentioned their kids observing wildlife in the area.Cultural and Educational Programs
California Land Management sponsors interpretive programs and nature walks during summer, often held at the campground amphitheater.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, but the campground is set in the High Sierra region, which may offer winter recreation outside the campground.Water Sports
Visitors can engage in kayaking, canoeing, and water skiing on Huntington Lake.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires may be restricted during hot, dry weather. Check with High Sierra Ranger District.
- Quiet hours specified as post-11 PM with occasional enforcement lapses noted in reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsBears frequent the area. The entrance is steep, posing risks for trailers. Seasonal hazards include minor mosquito issues in summer and heavy snow in winter.
Active alertsThe campground is closed until further notice due to hazard trees.
Weather at Upper Billy Creek Cg
54
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Emergency Services
Emergency services can be accessed at the High Sierra Ranger District in Prather, CA and nearby hospitals in Fresno (~70 miles).
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available. Specific details about pickup schedules or locations are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresHuntington Lake is across the road, offering swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Billy Creek runs through the campground.
Common complaintsComplaints include tight campsite layouts, steep entrance/exit causing trailer damage, and inaccurate online maps.
HostCamp hosts are consistently praised for keeping the campground and facilities immaculate.
Campground Map
P O BOX 152, LAKESHORE, CA 93634, USA
Driving directionsTake Highway 168 east from Clovis to Shaver Lake. Continue through Shaver Lake to Huntington Lake. Continue around Huntington Lake for 3.2 miles to Upper Billy Creek Campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. However, the entrance and exit are steep, and the backend of trailers may scrape, causing damage. Users have noted navigation challenges, particularly for large trailers.Nearby places
Clovis (~70 miles, approx. 1.5 hours), Shaver Lake (~20 miles, approx. 30 minutes), Lakeshore (~3 miles, approx. 5 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be found in Lakeshore (~3 miles) and Shaver Lake (~20 miles), both offering groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
25 reviews
Upper Billy Creek Cg is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Upper Billy Creek Campground are generally positive, with an average sentiment rating of 4.28 for campgrounds-specific reviews. Users frequently highlight the cleanliness of facilities, the natural beauty of the area, and the range of recreational activities. Some complaints focus on site overcrowding and inaccuracies in online maps.
Review Summaries
Based on 25 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean and well-maintained facilities; friendly camp hosts; proximity to Huntington Lake and hiking trails; variety of recreational activities; family-friendly environment.
Based on 25 reviewsCommon Concerns
Small and crowded campsites; steep entrance causing damage to trailers; bright lights and noise from nearby restrooms; map inaccuracies on Recreation.gov.
Based on 25 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bug spray; consider a canopy for shade; check in early to secure a preferred site; verify details with the camp host upon arrival.
Based on 25 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is highlighted as the most popular season, with activities like fishing, hiking, and water sports in full swing. Late July may have minor mosquito issues, but they are only a problem at dusk.
Based on 25 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Camp hosts keep the place IMMACULATE!!!' - spocheld. 2. 'We hiked to Rancheria Falls, and it was a nice easy hike with some great views of the waterfall.' - RANDY S. 3. 'Fishing wasn't as great...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 015 is described as 'perfect' by a reviewer, citing its lack of neighbors and proximity to the creek. Site 7 is criticized for being too small for its listed capacity of 12 campers, with one...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
The campground's facilities are well-maintained and accessible, but no specific reviews address experiences of users with disabilities.
Based on 25 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, with a limit of two per site. They must be leashed at all times. No specific reviews elaborate on pet-related experiences.
Based on 25 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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