How much does camping cost at Smalley Cove Campground?

Camping fees at Smalley Cove Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Smalley Cove Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Smalley Cove Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Smalley Cove Campground?

Smalley Cove Campground is open Open year-round. 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 Smalley Cove Campground?

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

Is there cell service at Smalley Cove Campground?

Cell phone service at Smalley Cove Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Smalley Cove Campground have?

Smalley Cove Campground has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Smalley Cove Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Smalley Cove Campground. 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 Smalley Cove Campground?

Smalley Cove Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Smalley Cove Campground?

Popular activities at Smalley Cove Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Smalley Cove Campground

4.64

22 reviews

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,050 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

Book on PGERecreation Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,050 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

Book on PGERecreation Official Website

Get Directions

Smalley Cove Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Smalley Cove Campground

37.1511, -119.5127

Weather at Smalley Cove Campground

Best Time to Camp at Smalley Cove Campground

Summer delivers hot, sunny days ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing. Daytime highs often reach 85–100°F, with nights cooling to 55–65°F. The reservoir is at its most inviting and boating access is easiest. Wildlife viewing is excellent around dawn and dusk. Weekends fill quickly despite only five sites, so arrive early or visit midweek. The campground stays open year-round, with winter temperatures dropping to around 30°F. Visitors report rattlesnake sightings in warmer months.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring offers pleasant temps and fewer visitors; lake and trails available for outings.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round

About Smalley Cove Campground

Smalley Cove sits on the shore of Kerckhoff Reservoir at 1,050 feet in Sierra National Forest, 26 miles northeast of Clovis. Five tent-only sites operate first-come, first-served, with vault toilets, picnic tables, and potable water. The lake sits steps from camp.

Small, lake-adjacent campground primarily used for tent camping and day use.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers hot, sunny days ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing. Daytime highs often reach 85–100°F, with nights cooling to 55–65°F. The reservoir is at its most inviting and boating access is easiest. Wildlife viewing is excellent around dawn and dusk. Weekends fill quickly despite only five sites, so arrive early or visit midweek. The campground stays open year-round, with winter temperatures dropping to around 30°F. Visitors report rattlesnake sightings in warmer months.

Natural Features and SceneryThe sites occupy a grassy, lightly forested area shaded by scrub oaks and gray pines above Kerckhoff Reservoir. Light tree cover provides partial shade while maintaining views of the water. The shoreline sits close enough for easy walk-in access. Wildlife includes mule deer, black bears, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, marmots, porcupines, and quail. The reservoir holds eastern brook trout, smallmouth bass, bluegill, catfish, rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and German browns.

Geological RegionSierra National Forest

Scenic ViewsViews of Kerckhoff Reservoir from campsites close to the shoreline.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsFirst-come, first-served (no reservations)

Total Campsites5 campsites

Best CampsitesAll five sites sit close to the lake with picnic tables and grills. Reviewers describe them as clean with easy walk-to-water access, but offer no preference for specific sites.

Amenities available

Basic, lakefront campground amenities with vault toilets, picnic tables and grills. Limited services and no modern hookups or on-site WiFi.

Potable water

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Lakefront day-use and overnight recreation focusing on water-based activities and short hikes; popular with anglers and families looking for a quiet lakeside setting.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRattlesnakes have been reported; typical Sierra wildlife (including deer and potentially bears) may be present. Cell service may be limited in the area.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

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).

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

From Booking Sources

4.6

22 reviews

Top-Rated

Smalley Cove Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors describe a small (about 5 sites), scenic lakeside campground with clean vault toilets and friendly hosts. The site is praised for fishing and quiet setting but has limited space, can be very hot in summer, and occasional noise from day users and boats.

Review Summaries

Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean campsites and restrooms; helpful and friendly hosts; close proximity to the reservoir for fishing, boating and scenic picnics; small, intimate site with easy walk-to-water access.

Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early (sites are first-come, first-served). Bring a fishing license and appropriate gear; expect limited services and pack water if needed. Gate reported open dawn to dusk; pet fee has been...

Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

“You don't need a reservation to camp; it's first come, first served. Arrive early because space is limited.” — visitor review; “The host is super nice and does a great job keeping it clean.” —...

Based on 22 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Anglers and swimmers who can arrive on a weekday morning will find a lakefront spot with brook trout, smallmouth bass, and kokanee salmon right off the shore, all for free.

Skip if

Jet-ski noise and triple-digit summer afternoons frustrate a good chunk of reviewers, and with only five first-come sites, showing up Friday evening almost guarantees you're turned away.

Nearby Campgrounds

Sierra National Forest

Redinger Campground sits near the dam in Sierra National Forest at 1,450 feet elevation. This primitive single-site campground draws visitors who want quiet dry camping with lake access. It has vault toilets but no water, and reviews consistently mention the peaceful atmosphere and opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking.