How much does camping cost at Vermillion?

Camping fees at Vermillion are $37 - $39/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Vermillion first-come first-served or reservation?

Vermillion 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 Vermillion before I book?

Yes! Vermillion has 5 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 Vermillion?

Vermillion is open May 22 to September 11. 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 Vermillion?

Yes, Vermillion has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Vermillion?

Fire policies at Vermillion: Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Vermillion have?

Vermillion has 37 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Vermillion?

Yes, pets are allowed at Vermillion. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Vermillion?

Vermillion offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Vermillion?

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

Vermillion

4.11

170 reviews

CReport Card

Featured in:Swimming Camping California

Quick Facts

7,717 ft

Price

$37 - $39/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

37 campsites

Season

Open season: May 23,...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,717 ft

Price

$37 - $39/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

37 campsites

Season

Open season: May 23,...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Vista Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Vermillion

$37.00 - $39.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $37.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

559-893-2111vista@vista-rec.com

I manage this campground

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Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

Vermillion

37.3777, -119.0139

Nearby places

Nearby cities and distances are not explicitly provided.

Weather at Vermillion

Current alerts(7)

Be bear aware; keep all food out of site in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating; always keep a clean camp and do not feed any wild animals.
Click here to learn more about the Sierra National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

Best Time to Camp at Vermillion

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable window for lake-based activities — expect daytime highs roughly 65–80°F and crisp nights around 35–45°F at 7,700 ft. Boating, swimming, fishing, and day hikes into the adjacent wilderness areas are all at their peak, with snow largely melted from trailheads and access roads open. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends and afternoon thunderstorm risks (sometimes brief hail), so plan early starts, carry layers, and reserve a site during the June 22–Sept Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Crisp nights and scenic peaks make fall appealing; fewer crowd specifics but weather favorable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 11. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 23, 2025. Reservable season: June 22, 2025 - September 6, 2025.

About Vermillion

Vermillion sits at 7,700 feet in Sierra National Forest, offering tent sites, RV spots, primitive camping, and cabins near a high-alpine lake. Vista Recreation operates this mid-sized campground with showers, potable water, and a camp store during the summer season. Visitors hike into adjacent wilderness areas, fish and boat the lake, and swim when water levels cooperate.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable window for lake-based activities — expect daytime highs roughly 65–80°F and crisp nights around 35–45°F at 7,700 ft. Boating, swimming, fishing, and day hikes into the adjacent wilderness areas are all at their peak, with snow largely melted from trailheads and access roads open. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends and afternoon thunderstorm risks (sometimes brief hail), so plan early starts, carry layers, and reserve a site during the June 22–Sept Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation7717 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines frame views of Edison Lake and the surrounding wilderness peaks. The landscape shifts from forested middle elevations near camp to exposed alpine granite above, creating the dramatic contrasts the Sierra Nevada is known for. When lake levels cooperate, the water reflects morning light off the surrounding ridges. When they don't. A common complaint in recent reviews. Exposed shoreline and mud flats dominate the scene. The forest itself stays thick enough to provide decent shade and separation between sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe nearby Vermillion Valley Resort provides additional lodging options such as small cabins, though detailed information is not provided.

Programs & ActivitiesCampfire programs are offered during summer months, providing an opportunity to learn about the local environment and history.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Groups

Information about group sites is not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are limited. Some campsites are reportedly sloped, making them unsuitable for people with mobility issues.

Site SizeCampsites are generally spacious according to user reviews. Some sites can accommodate large tents, but sloped and rocky conditions were noted at specific locations.

PrivacyCampsites are described as well-spaced, offering a good level of privacy. However, some reviews mention issues with noise from neighboring sites.

Total Campsites37 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy and tent space, site 23 is praised. Site 30 and 31 are ideal for large families. Selecting sites farther from the Vermillion Valley Resort is recommended to avoid noise.

Best CampsitesSite 23 gets mentioned for space. It handles large tents without issue. Site 20 came recommended in reviews for similar reasons. Expect some sites to have sloped or rocky tent pads, with parking spurs set back from the actual sleeping area.

Need help booking Vermillion?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Vermillion Campground offers a range of amenities amidst the natural beauty of the Sierra National Forest. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, campfire ring, and bear-proof food storage locker set away from the parking spur. There are vault toilets and eight water spigots on-site; however, users are advised to boil the water. Supplies and pay showers are available at the nearby Vermillion Valley Resort, noted by users as 'rustic' and 'well-stocked'.

Showers

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Vermillion

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Access to John Muir & Ansel Adams Wilderness; Devil's Bathtub hike cited as a standout.

Fishing3.5/5

Boating3.5/5

Campground has a public boat launch; canoeing/kayaking popular though lake levels fluctuate.

Water Sports3.5/5

Canoeing and kayaking are noted as popular activities near Edison Lake; launch available.

Swimming3.0/5

Swimming is possible at Edison Lake, but low water often requires a lengthy walk to reach water.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation, remote Sierra location and frequent praise for quiet, beautiful nights.

Photography4.0/5Frequent mentions of breathtaking views, reflective morning light on the lake and alpine backdrops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsThe campground only has vault toilets, which are described as clean and well-stocked with toilet paper in user reviews.

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.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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 Vermillion

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From Booking Sources

4.1

170 reviews

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 170 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...

Based on 170 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...

Based on 170 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 170 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...

Based on 170 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 170 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.' -...

Based on 170 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 170 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

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

Based on 170 reviews

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Vermillion

$37.00 - $39.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $37.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

559-893-2111vista@vista-rec.com

Go if

You want a summer base camp for lake activities and wilderness day hikes with the convenience of showers and a camp store.

Skip if

You need guaranteed high water levels or prefer paved access roads and minimal bear precautions.

Nearby Campgrounds

Sierra National Forest

Mono Creek sits at 7,500 feet in Sierra National Forest, offering spacious, private sites for tent and RV camping with vault toilets and picnic tables. Vista Recreation operates this small campground seasonally during peak months, with a 14-day stay limit. Campers hike, fish, and boat from this alpine base, with Mono Hot Springs nearby.

Vermillion

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Vermillion

Campground Map

Weather at Vermillion

Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Vermillion

Planning Tips

About Vermillion

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Vermillion?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Vermillion

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

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Ask Camp Sage about Vermillion

Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Vermillion

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Vermillion?

Amenities available

Things to do at Vermillion

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews