Portal Forebay Campground
Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from June through September, with exact opening dates dependent on snow conditions and road accessibility along Kaiser Pass Road.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
SNF Rec Site Road Trail Closure Order
Forest Order No. 05-15-00-26-01 will be effective from March 25, 2026, through July 27, 2026. It allows for the continuation of repair efforts to respective recreation sites, roads, and trails and supersedes Forest Order No. 05-15-00-25-19.
Occupancy limitations
The Sierra National Forest has issued Forest Order 05-15-00-25-20 to address occupancy limitations and challenges caused by extended stays and unattended property, which can lead to resource damage, safety hazards, and reduced access for other visitors. The order prohibits camping, parking, or…
Temporary Fire Restrictions from Order 05-15-00-25-07 Lifted
Effective October 11, 2025, the Sierra National Forest is lifting temporary fire restrictions placed into effect by Forest Order 05-15-00-25-07 on June 27, 2025. Criteria for enacting and the lifting of fire restrictions through forest orders are based on National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS)…
Wilderness Campfire Restrictions Order
Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Campfire Restrictions within the Sierra National Forest
Wilderness Use Restrictions
Wilderness use restrictions within the Ansel Adams, John Muir, Kaiser, Dinkey Lakes, and Monarch Wildernesses located in the Sierra National Forest
Food Refuse Storage Order
Possessing or storing any food or refuse within a Developed Recreation Site in a manner that allows bears or other wildlife to gain access is prohibited
About
Portal Forebay Campground is a primitive Forest Service campground located at Portal Forebay Lake along Kaiser Pass Road in Sierra National Forest. The campground sits at high elevation in a forested setting, with sites shaded by pine and cedar trees. Each campsite includes a picnic table, grill, and bear-proof food storage locker. The campground provides vault toilets but no potable water, so campers must bring their own drinking water. Kaiser Pass Road is a narrow, winding mountain road not recommended for large RVs or motorhomes. The seasonal operating period runs from June through September, depending on snow conditions. Recreation opportunities include fishing at Portal Forebay Lake and hiking the Portal Forebay Trail, a faint foot trail descending approximately 2 miles to the San Joaquin River where it connects with the Doris and Tule Lake trail system. Wilderness permits are required for backcountry travel in the adjacent wilderness areas.
Directions
Take Highway 168 east from Clovis to Shaver Lake. Continue through Shaver Lake to Huntington Lake. At the east end of Huntington Lake, turn right onto Kaiser Pass Road at the Eastwood Visitor Center. Travel 13.6 miles northeast on Kaiser Pass Road to Portal Forebay Campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $32 - $61 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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