Herring Creek Campground

Star3.88
17 reviews
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

"The season is prett...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

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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
Herring Creek Campground
$0.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
"No fee, no potable water, well-maintained toilet." - user review. Fees vary by activity; reservation service fees include $8 online, $9 via contact...
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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

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What Campers Say

3.88

Mixed Reviews

Based on 17 reviews

22 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanshadelocation

"User reviews underscore the campground's remote, quiet, and basic nature. Reviewers appreciated the shade, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. The vault toilets received positive feedback for being well-maintained."

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Campground Map

Herring Creek Campground

38.2448, -119.9329

Driving directions7 miles from Highway 108 on Herring Creek Road.
"Remote location. Dirt road for the last 2 or so miles." - user review; "Turn right onto Herring Creek Road off Highway 108." - authoritative source.

Best Time to Camp at Herring Creek Campground

Perched high in the mountains, Herring Creek Campground offers a brief but spectacular camping season between heavy winter snows. The area transforms into a winter wonderland with snowfall averaging over 9 inches during peak storms, accompanied by brisk winds that can reach nearly 25 mph. These dramatic weather patterns create a compressed summer season that makes each visit feel precious—a fleeting opportunity to experience this alpine paradise before nature reclaims it with a blanket of white.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Short high-elevation season; summer likely best time for reliable access and activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Should offer quiet, scenic fall conditions but season shortens as snow approaches.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Snowmelt and variable access early; late spring may be usable but conditions are mixed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground season is short; heavy winter snows limit campground usability/closure likely.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not explicitly stated.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: "The season is pretty short because of the snow." - user review.

About Herring Creek Campground

Escape to the tranquil embrace of Herring Creek Campground, where seven intimate campsites await beneath a canopy of towering mixed conifers. This rustic retreat offers an authentic back-to-nature experience, with each site thoughtfully equipped with a sturdy picnic table and stone fire ring for evening gatherings under the stars. The campground's dirt roads wind through the forest, leading to spacious parking areas that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. While modern amenities are limited—with vault toilets and no potable water on-site—this simplicity is part of the charm, encouraging visitors to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the wilderness.
The campground is suited for dispersed and primitive camping, with no formal reservation system. The campground is tailored to smaller vehicles due to its remote location and limited amenities.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

This campground is ideal for visitors seeking outdoor recreation in a serene, less-populated environment. Activities include proximity to hiking trails and natural features. User reviews emphasize the peaceful nature of the area and its appeal to smaller vehicles and dispersed camping enthusiasts.
HikingThe campground offers easy access to nearby trails, including The Trail of the Gargoyles. User javadude54 mentions its proximity to "The Trail of the Gargoyles, Herring Creek, and Herring Creek Reservoir Campground," suggesting a variety of hiking opportunities.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRemote location with dirt roads for access; no potable water; vault toilets.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Herring Creek Campground

Reviews

3.9
17 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Herring Creek Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews underscore the campground's remote, quiet, and basic nature. Reviewers appreciated the shade, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. The vault toilets received positive feedback for being well-maintained.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

Common praise includes the campground's peaceful environment, clean and functioning vault toilets, and shade from trees. The location's proximity to trails and creeks is also a highlight.
Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

No major complaints were found in the user reviews. The lack of potable water and minimal amenities were noted but are consistent with the primitive camping experience.
Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should be prepared to bring their own water, as no potable water is available. The campground is only accessible via a dirt road, so suitable vehicles are recommended.
Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is situated at 7,400 feet, limiting its usability due to snow in the winter and creating a shorter camping season.
Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Remote location. Dirt road for the last 2 or so miles. Small Creek near the campground." - Gary Kinard. "No fee, no potable water, well-maintained toilet. Easy access to The Trail of the Gargoyles,...
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Based on 17 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground has 7 sites, each equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. No specific feedback differentiating individual sites is provided.
Based on 17 reviews

Accessibility Features

No comments addressing accessibility for disabled visitors are mentioned in the user reviews.
Based on 17 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No insights regarding pet policies or experiences with pets are noted in the reviews.
Based on 17 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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