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.…
Supervisor's Office: Temporary Closure
In compliance with the 48-notice received from the City of Clovis, the Sierra National Forest Supervisor’s Office, located at 1600 Tollhouse Road, will be temporarily closed during a cape seal road project on Friday, June 5. For convenience, many SNF staff will remain remotely available.…
Wilderness Use Restrictions
Order 05-15-00-26-04 is part of the Sierra National Forest's responsibility to implement Designated Wilderness Use policies. The purpose of the Order is to protect natural resources and wilderness values while also providing for public safety. The Order is renewed every two years in accordance…
Food and Refuse Storage
Food and Refuse Storage orders require that all unattended food and garbage within Developed Recreation Sites on the Sierra National Forest be secured in bear‑resistant containers.
Wilderness Food and Refuse Storage
The Wilderness Food and Refuse Storage orders require that all overnight visitors in Wilderness areas must use approved hard‑sided bear canisters or properly counter‑balance their food at least 15 feet above the ground and 10 feet horizontally from the trunk of a tree.
Rec Site Road Trail Closure Order
Effective through July 27, 2026 allowing for the continuation of repair efforts to respective recreation sites, roads, and trails (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…
Wilderness Campfire Restrictions Order
Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Campfire Restrictions within the Sierra National Forest
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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