Vermillion

Star4.08
155 reviews
StargazingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

7,717 ft

Price

$37/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

37 campsites

Season

Open season: May 23,...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Vista Recreation site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Vermillion
$37.00 - $37.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Reservations require $37 daily rates during peak season (May 23, 2025, through September 06, 2025) with a holiday surcharge of $2. Reservation fees...
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Standard Site Fee$37.00
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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Provider
559-893-2111vista@vista-rec.com
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What Campers Say

4.08

Satisfactory

Based on 155 reviews

41 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanhiking

Some mention

small

"User reviews of Vermillion Campground are mixed, with many praising its remote location, scenic beauty, and spacious sites, while others note challenges such as difficult road access, low water levels in Edison Lake, and bear activity."

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Campground Map

Vermillion

37.3777, -119.0139

Driving directionsFrom Clovis, take Highway 168 east to Shaver Lake. Continue through Shaver Lake to Huntington Lake. At the east end of Huntington Lake, turn right on the Kaiser Pass Road (at Eastwood Visitor Center). Travel 17 miles to the Edison Lake Road. Turn left toward Edison Lake and travel 7 miles to the campground.
The road to Vermillion Campground involves narrow, single-lane roads with blind curves and potholes. Multiple reviews emphasize the challenging nature of the drive. For example, one review states, 'The road to get there is barely paved and big enough for 1.5 cars.' Another notes, 'It’s about 20 miles/90 mins of rocks, blind corners, and praying.' RVs and motorhomes are discouraged due to the road conditions.
Nearby places
Nearby cities and distances are not explicitly provided.
Nearby supplies
Limited supplies and pay showers are available at the Vermillion Valley Resort, which is within walking distance.

Best Time to Camp at Vermillion

Mountain weather here dances to its own rhythm, keeping visitors on their toes with its delightful unpredictability. Summer days might surprise you with a sudden afternoon hailstorm that clears to reveal crystal-clear skies, while evenings consistently deliver that crisp mountain air that makes sleeping under the stars irresistible. Pack layers and embrace the Sierra's ever-changing moods – from sun-drenched mornings to those exhilarating afternoon thundershowers that roll through the peaks.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Peak season for access and trails, but recurring low lake levels and active bears reduce summer appeal.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground season ends around Sep 6; largely closed during fall months.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 23; late-spring access limited and weather can be unpredictable at elevation.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed for winter; not available for winter recreation.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 6, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: May 23, 2025. Reservable season: June 22, 2025 - September 6, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: No current warnings or alerts stated.

About Vermillion

Nestled along the pristine northwest shores of Edison Lake, Vermillion Campground offers an intimate Sierra Nevada experience where towering Ponderosa pines frame breathtaking views of two legendary wilderness areas. This hidden gem in Sierra National Forest welcomes tent campers and small RV adventurers to a world where John Muir and Ansel Adams found their inspiration. Each thoughtfully positioned campsite comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables, welcoming campfire rings for evening gatherings, and essential bear-proof food lockers that speak to the wild nature of this magnificent setting.
Vermillion Campground offers sites tailored to tents and small RVs, with options for standard nonelectric camping. The campground is described as ideal for those seeking a remote and rustic experience.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time is noted as noon on the following day of arrival.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Vermillion Campground provides a variety of recreational opportunities, taking advantage of its location near Edison Lake and the Sierra National Forest. Activities include fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking. Educational and cultural programs like summer campfire events are also offered.
HikingNumerous trails are available, with access to the John Muir and Ansel Adams Wilderness. Reviews highlight the Devil's Bathtub hike as a standout.
FishingFishing is a popular activity, with opportunities to catch rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Some users noted that low water levels impacted fishing quality.
SwimmingSwimming is possible at Edison Lake. However, low water levels may require a lengthy walk to access the lake.
BoatingThe campground features a public boat launch, and canoeing and kayaking are popular activities near the shoreline.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as bears, chipmunks, and squirrels are commonly observed. Bear activity is especially noted, and campers are advised to use bear-proof storage.
Beach activitiesThe campground provides sandy beaches for lake access, although low water levels have limited these activities.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity is frequently noted. Food must be stored properly to avoid conflicts. Narrow roads and lack of signage are also hazards.
Active AlertsNo current warnings or alerts stated.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredEach site includes a bear-proof food storage locker, although some reviews mention that these lockers are too small to fit standard coolers.

Weather at Vermillion

Reviews

4.1
155 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Vermillion is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Vermillion Campground are mixed, with many praising its remote location, scenic beauty, and spacious sites, while others note challenges such as difficult road access, low water levels in Edison Lake, and bear activity.
Review Summaries
Based on 155 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive comments include the breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada, cleanliness of the facilities, and proximity to hiking trails. The camp host, Robert, receives frequent praise for his...
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Based on 155 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include the poor condition of Kaiser Pass Road, lack of water in Edison Lake, and bear activity. Some campers also raised concerns about noise from neighboring sites or the nearby...
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Based on 155 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing plenty of water, as on-site water must be boiled. They also suggest driving cautiously on the narrow, pothole-filled access road. Visiting Devil's Bathtub and stopping at...
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Based on 155 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Low water levels in Edison Lake are a recurring issue in summer. Bears are particularly active during warmer months, and road conditions are cited as consistently challenging year-round.
Based on 155 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The Vermillion Valley Resort next door is a gem with plenty of cold beer, food, and interesting people.' - Olivia Montesano. 'The road getting there is barely paved and big enough for 1.5 cars.' -...
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Based on 155 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site reviews highlight issues such as sloped or rocky conditions (e.g., site 28), proximity to clean toilets (e.g., sites 30 and 31), and bear activity (e.g., site 10).
Based on 155 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews note that some sites are sloped and unsuitable for individuals with mobility issues. The camp host has been praised for assisting campers in finding suitable sites.
Based on 155 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but users have raised concerns about off-leash dogs and their interactions with wildlife.
Based on 155 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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