California / Madera County

Hidden View

Open — Open year-round for reservations via Recreation.gov. Entrance gate automatically closes at 10:00 p.m. and reopens at 6:00 a.m. Late arrivals or early departures must park in the boat parking lot until the gate reopens.

About

Hidden View Campground is situated on the shores of Hensley Lake in the oak woodlands of the Sierra Nevada foothills in central California, 50 miles north of Fresno. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the campground offers 53 campsites including two group sites, with some sites featuring electric hookups. All campsites are within walking distance of the 1,500-acre lake and boat ramp. Sites vary considerably in size and amenities, with options ranging from tent-only sites to larger sites that can accommodate RVs. The lake was created by the construction of Hidden Dam on the Fresno River and features over 20 miles of shoreline. Recreation opportunities abound, including boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, and hiking. Lake fishing is particularly productive in the coves, where anglers target largemouth black bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. Rainbow trout are stocked each winter. A swim beach, disc golf course, and trails for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use are available on the opposite side of the lake. One hiking trail is accessible from the campground. The area holds historical significance as traditional territory of the Miwok and Yokut tribes. The campground is well-positioned for exploring California's iconic national parks, with Yosemite National Park about one hour north and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks approximately 1.5 hours southeast. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov. Note that Hensley Lake is a reservoir feeding the Madera Irrigation System, so water levels are highest in spring and can drop significantly by mid-summer.

Directions

From south of Fresno: Take SR 99 to SR 41 north and go 21 miles to SR 145. Turn left on 145 and go 8.4 miles to Road 33. Turn right on Road 33, and go one mile to Road 400. Take a right onto 400 and go 7.1 miles to Road 603. Turn left and go 1 mile to Road 407. Take a right on 407 and drive 1.7 miles to the campground. From south of Madera: Take SR 99 north to exit 153B. Bear right onto Madera Ave. and go 0.3 miles to Gateway. Turn left and drive 0.2 miles to the traffic light at Yosemite Ave. (SR 145). Turn right and go 7.2 miles to Road 33. Turn left on Road 33, and go 1 mile to Road 400. Take a right onto 400 and go 7.1 miles to Road 603. Turn left and go 1 mile to Road 407. Take a right on 407 and drive 1.7 miles to the campground. From north of Madera: Take State Route 99 south to exit 153B. Exit onto Olive Ave. Turn left onto Madera Ave. and go 0.3 miles to Gateway. Turn left and drive 0.2 miles to the traffic light at Yosemite Ave. (SR 145). Turn right and go 7.2 miles to Road 33. Turn left on Road 33, and go one mile to Road 400. Take a right onto 400 and go 7.1 miles to Road 603. Turn left and go 1 mile to Road 407. Take a right on 407 and drive 1.7 miles to the campground.

Nearby Campgrounds