4.50737 reviewsSelect a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$2 - $18/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
60 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
No Pets
Select a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$2 - $18/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
60 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
No Pets
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29.0879, -82.4221
Paddlers, snorkelers, and bass fishers get the most out of this place: the river access is steps from camp, water clarity is exceptional, and spring and fall weekday bookings keep the headspring crowds manageable. Family sites with water and electric run just $18.
Campers who've seen reviews describing uncomfortable interactions with other visitors should know that a few past guests outside the local cultural mainstream reported unwelcoming encounters here, which may affect whether the trip feels relaxing. Also: no pets, no dump station, a
Context for the broader area surrounding Fort Cooper State Park Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.
<A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/dataweb/dams/ca10166.htm">Little Panoche Dam</A> is a feature of the <A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/dataweb/html/casanluis.html">Central Valley Project - San Luis Unit</A>. The area is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Access by foot only. Parking lot provided. Nearest main highway, I-5. Nearest community, Los Banos (18 miles north of Dam). Birdwatching, sightseeing, picnicking, and nature study allowed. Hunting of all game species in season. Fishing allowed in the pool. Predominate species are black bass, bluegill, and white catfish.
Site is about 5 miles west of I-5 on Little Panoche Road in Western Fresno County.
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Spring brings the best camping: air temps between 65–85°F pair with that constant 72°F spring water for comfortable swimming, snorkeling, and paddling. Wildflowers bloom along trails and water clarity peaks for fishing and wildlife viewing. Summer weekends turn the headspring swim area into a crowded bottleneck with long entrance lines, though early-morning visits beat the rush. The 72°F water feels refreshing in summer heat but chilly on cooler fall and winter days, when crowds thin and hiking conditions stay pleasant. Late fall through winter works well if you're paddling or walking more than swimming.
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.
Family campsites include an in-ground grill, picnic table, water and electric and have access to a centrally located bathhouse. Secondary sources and visitor reports note flush toilets, shower facilities, picnic tables, fire rings/grills, potable water spigots, and a campground store/gift shop near the office. A campground kayak/canoe launch and river access are available but may require a cart or a walk from the parking/drop-off area.
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