Pine Flat Campground

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations accepted. Due to drought conditions, lake access from the campground may be limited depending on water levels.

About

Pine Flat Campground is a small, primitive campground operated by the U.S. Forest Service at the eastern end of Pine Flat Lake in Fresno County, California. Situated along the Kings River in the Sierra Nevada foothills at approximately 900 feet elevation, this rustic facility offers 17 campsites suited for both tent camping and RVs up to 30 feet in length. The campground provides basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and grills at each site, along with vault toilets, but campers must bring their own water as none is available on-site. The location serves as a popular take-out point for Kings River rafters navigating Class III rapids upstream, making it a favorite spot for river recreation enthusiasts. Pine Flat Lake, created in 1954 with the completion of Pine Flat Dam, spans 20 miles in length with 67 miles of shoreline and offers excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and waterskiing. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted, and camping is free year-round. Due to ongoing drought conditions, water levels at Pine Flat Lake can vary significantly, and lake access from the campground may be limited during low-water periods. Campers should be prepared for a back-to-basics camping experience in a scenic foothill setting with oak trees and rolling terrain, approximately 35 miles east of Fresno.

Directions

From Fresno, take Highway 180 east to Academy Avenue. Turn left on Academy Avenue, then right on Belmont Avenue. Continue approximately 20 miles; the entrance to Island Park Recreation Area is on the right. Note: Belmont Avenue becomes East Trimmer Springs Road about 6 miles east of Academy Avenue.

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