For Californians seeking a true retreat into the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains, away from the more crowded tourist spots, Upper Dinkey Creek Campground near Shaver Lake, CA, offers a refreshingly authentic outdoor experience. This beautiful and well-loved campground, often described as a "hidden gem," provides a serene setting amidst towering trees and the soothing sounds of nature. It’s an ideal destination for those who cherish quiet evenings, scenic views, and ample opportunities for exploration, all while being a welcoming spot for your furry companions.
Upper Dinkey Creek Campground is more than just a place to park your tent or RV; it's a gateway to the stunning natural beauty of the Sierra National Forest. With its several loops, some nestled along the creek and others at the base of mountains, it offers diverse settings to suit different preferences. Imagine waking up to cool mountain air, stepping out of your tent or RV to fabulous views, and having a wildlife path leading directly to the creek. This campground appeals to those who appreciate a blend of accessibility to trails and amenities, coupled with a sense of peaceful seclusion that is increasingly hard to find.
One of the most compelling aspects of Upper Dinkey Creek, as highlighted by long-time visitors, is its ability to offer a deeply immersive mountain experience. Campers have fondly recalled discovering this spot decades ago and returning for its consistent charm. The opportunity to bike throughout the campground, visit the nearby store, or explore the historic Dinkey Creek Bridge speaks to the engaging activities available right on your doorstep. For the adventurous, the "Slicks" at trails end and the scenic walk to Honeymoon Pools offer further exploration, truly making it a destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
The dedication of the camp hosts is another recurring theme in positive reviews, indicating a well-managed and friendly environment where campers feel supported. While some minor improvements, like filling potholes, might be suggested, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, focusing on the beauty and tranquility of the location. The experience of visiting during the shoulder seasons, such as late September, reveals a secret benefit: fewer campers and an even more profound sense of peace, allowing for a truly undisturbed connection with nature.
For California locals, Upper Dinkey Creek Campground represents an accessible yet wonderfully remote mountain escape. It’s a chance to unplug, breathe in the fresh Sierra air, and create lasting memories amidst some of the state’s most breathtaking landscapes. Its dog-friendly policy ensures that no family member is left behind, making it an even more appealing choice for a complete outdoor adventure. Whether you're a seasoned camper or looking to discover a new favorite spot in the Sierra Nevada, Upper Dinkey Creek promises a rewarding and tranquil retreat.
Location and Accessibility:
Upper Dinkey Creek Campground is located near Shaver Lake, CA 93664, USA, deep within the Sierra National Forest. Its specific location within the Dinkey Creek Recreation Area places it amidst a network of natural attractions. Access to the campground typically involves driving on mountain roads that, while scenic, require careful navigation. These roads lead you deeper into the forest, away from major highways, contributing to the campground's serene and secluded atmosphere. While it feels remote, it's still within a reasonable driving distance for many California residents, making it an ideal destination for weekend trips or longer vacations. The various loops within the campground are spread out, providing a sense of spaciousness, and it offers convenient access to Dinkey Creek itself, as well as several popular hiking trails and landmarks like the Dinkey Creek Historic Bridge. Its distance from urban centers ensures minimal light pollution, making it an excellent spot for stargazing.
Services Offered:
Features / Highlights:
Contact Information:
Address: Shaver Lake, CA 93664, USA
As Upper Dinkey Creek Campground is part of the Sierra National Forest, specific contact information for the campground itself is typically managed by the U.S. Forest Service or through the Recreation.gov website for reservations and inquiries. For general information about the Sierra National Forest or specific ranger district information (e.g., High Sierra Ranger District, which manages this area), you can use the following:
Sierra National Forest Headquarters (Fresno, CA): (559) 297-0706
It's always recommended to check the Recreation.gov website for reservation status, opening dates, and any alerts or closures before planning your trip, as conditions in national forests can change due to weather or other factors.
Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals
For Californians, Upper Dinkey Creek Campground is an ideal and highly suitable destination for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its location deep within the Sierra National Forest offers a genuine escape into the mountains, providing a stark contrast to the daily hustle of urban life. This allows locals to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in nature without needing to travel across state lines, making it a perfect spot for weekend getaways or longer, rejuvenating breaks.
Secondly, the campground's reputation for being dog-friendly means that no member of the family has to be left behind, enhancing the overall outdoor experience for pet owners. The spacious, clean sites and the presence of helpful camp hosts contribute to a comfortable and welcoming environment. Furthermore, the diverse recreational opportunities, from exploring scenic hiking and biking trails to discovering landmarks like the Dinkey Creek Historic Bridge and Honeymoon Pools, cater to a wide range of interests, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Finally, for those who cherish peace and quiet, especially during the shoulder seasons, Upper Dinkey Creek offers a level of serenity that is increasingly rare. It provides an authentic mountain camping experience with stunning views, clean air, and dark skies perfect for stargazing. For California residents seeking a true wilderness immersion, combined with convenience and a family-friendly atmosphere, Upper Dinkey Creek Campground stands out as a hidden gem waiting to be explored and cherished.
Onsite services
Picnics
RV camping
Hiking
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Restroom
Tent sites
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
On-site parking
Beautiful place to camp. There are not much mosquitos but bees. The camp area is nice and clean. It's a dog friendly place too.
We found this hidden gem of a campground about 20 years ago. Dinkey Creek Campground has several loops, some above Dinkey Creek, some along mountain bases. This trip we stayed in E loop, site # 47. Great campsite with fabulous views and a wildlife path to the creek. We rode our bikes throughout the campground, to the store, and to Dinkey Creek Historic Bridge. The Slicks are at trails end by loop J & K. We walked the stairs to Honeymoon Pools across from loop I. We drove on 4WD road to Dinkey Creek Trailhead. Camp hosts were very nice. The only suggestion is to have the potholes filled in. It was nice being at Dinkey Creek Campground at the end of September because there were fewer campers than during summer season.
My first time and it was an awesome experience. When I have children of my own I would gladly bring them here to enjoy some fresh air.
A great place to have some fun. The slick rocks are a blast, and there are little trout in the creek to catch, even on the fly. The thing that is tough about this place is the campground has removed so many of the trees in the the camp sites due to bark beetles and there isn't much shade in the campsites. There are better camp sport in the general area but I think this place is the most fun.
This place is great. The camp sites are really close. They have several bathrooms close to the campsites. They have trash cans and recycling containers. They stream/river is walking distance to the campsites. The hikes down to the water are steep. We had two boys age 5 and 2 they fell down and skinned their knees walking down to the water. Just use caution. They site doesn't offer much in the way of entertainment besides what mother nature provides. Some campsites have zip lines and places to explore. I did observe several people fishing and they seemed to have luck too. When I visited several trees around the camp sites were recently cut down. Their is a store at the entrance of the campsite in case you forgot anything but expect higher prices.