Portal Forebay Campground

Star4.42
26 reviews
Portal Forebay Campground, Kaiser Pass Road, Sierra National Forest, California
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

7,300 ft

Price

$22 - $35/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens High Sierra Ranger District site

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Portal Forebay Campground
$22.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Rates vary depending on the site type: $35 per night for single sites, $65 per night for double sites. Holiday rates apply ($2 additional/night for...
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Standard Site Fee$32.00
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

4.42

Recommended

Based on 26 reviews

24 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewshikinglake

Some mention

mosquitoes

"User reviews highlight Portal Forebay's serene and scenic environment, excellent for fishing, camping, and hiking. However, accessibility to the campground via the Kaiser Pass Road is described as challenging, with some users finding it intimidating due to its narrow, winding nature."

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Campground Map

Portal Forebay Campground, Kaiser Pass Road, Sierra National Forest, California

Portal Forebay Campground

Portal Forebay Campground, Kaiser Pass Road, Sierra National Forest, California

Driving directionsTake Hwy 168 east from Clovis 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 13.6 miles northeast on the Kaiser Pass Road to Portal Forebay Campground. From Lakeshore, CA, take Huntington Lake Rd. east 0.7 miles to Mono Hot Springs sign. Turn left after sign onto Kaiser Pass Trail/Forest Rt. 80 (paved) and go 9.3 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign and go 0.2 miles to campground.
The road includes paved and dirt sections. Large RVs or motorhomes are not recommended for travel due to the roughly paved, single-lane road with numerous blind curves. Some reviews describe this as a 'white knuckle' experience.
Nearby places
Lakeshore (~10 miles), Clovis (~65 miles), Shaver Lake (~30 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, ice, and water are available at Mono Hot Springs (~25-minute drive towards Lake Edison).

Best Time to Camp at Portal Forebay Campground

The mountain climate at Portal Forebay creates a delightful paradox that seasoned campers have come to appreciate. Days welcome you with warm sunshine that invites exploration and lakeside relaxation, while evenings bring a refreshing mountain chill that makes gathering around the campfire all the more memorable. As one visitor aptly noted, 'It felt a lot hotter during the day and colder at night' – a reminder to pack layers and prepare for nature's daily temperature dance. This dramatic shift between day and night temperatures is characteristic of high-elevation camping and adds to the authentic mountain experience.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open June–Sept; summer offers hiking, fishing, boating and pleasant days with cool nights.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Season runs to ~Sept 24; early fall possible but window is short and nights cool.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Opens mid-May; limited spring window and variable early-season conditions reduce reliability.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed in winter (seasonal operation June–Sept).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June through August.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from June to September. Specific dates range from mid-May to September 24.

About Portal Forebay Campground

Tucked away along the scenic Kaiser Pass Road, Portal Forebay Campground offers an intimate escape into California's pristine wilderness. This hidden gem sits beside the tranquil waters of Portal Forebay Lake, where towering pines and fragrant cedars create a natural cathedral of shade above well-spaced campsites. Each thoughtfully positioned site comes equipped with essential amenities including a picnic table, grill, and bear-proof food storage locker to ensure both comfort and wildlife safety. While the campground embraces a back-to-nature philosophy with vault toilets and no potable water, this simplicity is part of its charm. Visitors should come prepared with their own water supplies and embrace the 'pack it in, pack it out' ethos that helps preserve this pristine mountain environment.
Portal Forebay Campground is a primitive-style campground designed primarily for tent camping. It does not support RVs or equestrian camping.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive days.

Amenities available

Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Portal Forebay Campground offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, and picnicking. Boating without power is also supported, and the area is known for its scenic beauty and wildlife.
HikingA connector trail is available to Rattlesnake/Mono Crossing, which provides access to the Ansel Adams Wilderness and an extensive network of trails for both foot and horse use.
FishingFishing is available at Portal Forebay with opportunities to catch rainbow trout.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is allowed, and Portal Forebay features carry-down boat access.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country, so proper food storage is mandatory. Mosquito repellent is recommended.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are provided at each campsite to safely store food and scented items.

Weather at Portal Forebay Campground

Reviews

4.4
26 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Portal Forebay Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Portal Forebay's serene and scenic environment, excellent for fishing, camping, and hiking. However, accessibility to the campground via the Kaiser Pass Road is described as challenging, with some users finding it intimidating due to its narrow, winding nature.
Review Summaries
Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive themes from user reviews include the beauty and tranquility of the area, good fishing opportunities, and a nostalgic appeal for individuals who have visited the site over the years. Several...
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Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints focus on the challenging access road, which is described as a 'white knuckle experience' with single-lane sections and blind curves. Another issue is the presence of meat bees, as...
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Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring mosquito repellent as the area experiences mosquitoes. Food should be stored properly to prevent bear encounters. It's advisable to bring all necessary supplies due to the lack...
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Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground operates only during the summer months, with reviews indicating that it can experience hot days and cool nights.
Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Good quiet place to fish and camp. People tend to keep to themselves but the road is a bit scary at times." - Stacy L. 2. "What a beautiful place...right in the middle of God's country." - Misty...
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Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites are described as widely spaced, with some offering views of the lake and others of the Ansel Adams Wilderness.
Based on 26 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 26 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews mention pet policies or experiences with pets.
Based on 26 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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