Dinkey Creek Campground Sierra National Forest California
Dinkey Creek Overview
Dinkey Creek campground has 123 single-family campsites set among very large Ponderosa pines and cedars in the Sierra National Forest. Most campsites are fairly large and some are next to the creek. Each campsite also has a table, fire ring and grill. Hookups are not available. Campsites can have up to 6 people and 2 vehicles per site (but 2nd vehicle has an extra fee) site. The maximum vehicle length is 55 feet. Check in time is 2pm and check out is 12pm. You have up until 2pm the following day of your first day to occupy the site. A group campsite is also available (up to 10 vehicles and 50 people).
The campground has a drinking water, vault and flush toilets. There’s also an amphitheater and campground host. The Dinkey Creek Inn (on-site) offers a payphone, hot showers ($), small grocery store, fishing supplies and a lunch counter. Firewood is also sold at the store. A few overflow parking spots are also available.
Dinkey Creek Chalets (small cabins) are also available for rent by clicking HERE. You can also call the general store to reserve the chalets at 559-841-3435.
Dinkey Creek – Area Recreation
Outdoor activities in the area include swimming (two swimming areas: Slicks and Honeymoon Pool), fishing, hiking, biking, hunting, horseback riding, OHV riding, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Shaver Lake is about 12 miles from the campground and offers a variety of water sports including boating, fishing, water skiing, kayaking and swimming .McKinley Grove is so 6 miles away and is famous for its giant Redwoods.
Dorabelle Campground is another option and located just above Shaver Lake. You may also like Camp Edison.
Make a Reservation for Dinkey Creek
Amenities
- Amphitheater
- Bait Shop
- BBQ Grills
- Camp Store
- Campfire Center
- Campground Host
- Campsite Tables
- Cell Service - None
- Comfort Station
- Drinking Water
- Dump Station
- Equestrian trail
- Fire Pit
- Fire Rings
- Firewood Available
- Food Storage Locker
- Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
- Grills
- Grocery Store
- Group Camping
- Ice
- Overflow Parking
- Pay Phone
- Pets OK
- Picnic Tables
- Ranger Station
- Restaurant
- Restrooms (Flush Toilets, Vault Toilets)
- Showers
Activities
- Biking
- Bird Watching
- Creek
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Mountain Biking
- Nature Trails
- OHVing
- OTV Trails/Riding
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Stargazing
- Swimming
- Walking Trails
- Wilderness Area
- Wildlife Viewing
Shaver Lake, California 93664
559 841-2705
Lat / Long:
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Campsite Types
- ADA
- Group
- RV
- Tent
- Trailer
# of Campsites:
123
Campsite Vehicle Size:
Up to 55 feet.
Season:
End of May – October
Elevation:
5,819
Dinkey Creek Comments & Reviews
Visited Dinkey Creek Campground lately? We'd love to hear about your adventure. Did you find us useful? Did we forget something? Anything our community should know before heading out to Dinkey Creek?
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Have a 25 ‘ trailer need to camp near camp Fresno by my family . They have a cabin starting July 7 th for one week at Camp Fresno.
Can you Help.
Hi James,
Click on the ‘Make A Reservation’ button to check availability, pricing and make reservations at Dinkey Creek. It may already be sold out for that time period, but you can keep checking back for cancelations. Best of luck!
You may also check out Millerton Lake Recreation Area or Choinumni Recreation area campgrounds for availability. There’s fairly close to the Fresno area.
I am trying to find out about reserving Dinkey Creek Chalets. Are you affiliated with the chalets as well? Been leaving voice mails and no response.
Thank you
Hi Arlena,
Dinkey Creek Chalets (small cabins) are also available for rent by clicking HERE. You can also call the general store to reserve the chalets at 559-841-3435.
Great time! We had three 12 year olds and an 8 year old in tow. Stayed in site #98 and loved it. With the exception of the work thinning trees, the campground is beautiful. Quiet time was quiet time without issue. Honeymoon pool and the slicks were a blast! We were unaware of bringing something to sit on to enjoy the slicks, but trashbags worked great for the tush rash that could occur sliding down the “slides” over and over again like our kiddos did. We are def going back this year and will bring cheap yoga mat cut into thirds for our tush. When the area became crowded, we just wandered down stream to an amazingly beautiful, quiet spot all to ourselves. Everything is super kid friendly (honeymoon pool not so much for toddlers though) the staff was friendly and helpful and restrooms were clean. One of our new favorite spots for sure.
Hi, Sounds like fun! Question: Were you tent camping or RV? Thinking about reserving #98 for our camping trip next month, but not sure how private it is, being so close to RV sites.
I just realized that the spot I reserved #55, is between 2 RV sites.
I reserved #55 for tent camping, but now realize that #52 and #54 are both RV accessible and right next to this campsite. Would #98 be a better spot as far as privacy for tent camping?
Thanks, Mary Anne B
Was wondering if I am able to take my tent trailer (15ft) to the group camp site A loop DINK
Hi Leni,
You’ll need to have a group campsite reservation at Dinkey Creek to be able to use and/or park your ten trailer.
Is someone able to tell me which sites are closer to the creek? I see comments about those sites being ideal, but I’m only able to find a hand drawn map and there isn’t much detail included.
Hi Aeril,
If you click not the ‘Campground Map’ button you’ll see that loops E, F and J have campsites closest to Dinkey Creek. Have fun!
Has there been much fish catching lately? We have small kids 7, 5, 3 that would love to fish.
Hi Sheri,
We’re not sure how the fishing is going at Dinkey Creek lately. You can click HERE for possible fishing reports.
Are dogs allowed?
Hi Mel,
Yes dogs are allowed at Dinkey Creek, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
Do children under 1 count as a person?
Technically yes, but you should be fine if the little 1-year old puts you over the maximum # of people allowed per campsite at Dinkey Creek.
If we reserve site for for 2 nights10 people and only 9 go will be fine ? Also can 2 tents be put up and also can we check in after 2pm or have to at that time ?
Hi Jacob,
Dinky Creek campsites can have up to 6 people per site (including children). The maximum vehicle length is 35 feet. Check in time is 2pm and check out is 12pm. You have up until 2pm the following day of your first day to occupy the site. You can also put up two tents on a campsite provided both tents fit in your campsite space/area.
Do you have photos of the group site A
Hi Gina,
Sorry, we did not get a photo of group site A at Dinkey Creek. We will try and get that later in the year.
Hello
I’m trying to find the campsite next to creek.
Most of best campsite you mentioned above are next to creek?
Hi Mimi,
The Dinkey Creek campsites closest to the creek are 47-69.
Hi,
I was wondering what the maximum number of vehicles are allowed in a single campsite? Also, is there an additional parking lot for extra vehicles?
Hi Melissa,
At Dinkey Creek, you can have up to 6 people and 2 vehicles per site (but 2nd vehicle has an extra fee) site. The maximum vehicle length is 35 feet.
There isn’t an overflow parking area.
Hi, I was wondering if there is cell service at the campground? If not, where would be the closest place for cell phone coverage (ATT). Thanks!!
Hi Kilo,
There is no cell phone coverage/service at Dinkey Creek campground. You’ll need to Shaver Lake to get reception.
Does the campsite come with food storage bins?
Hi Tony,
The Dinkey Creek campsites do not have food storage bins/lockers.
I’m planning on going mid/late October. How is the weather like during that time? Will it be to cold to swim?
Hi Christa,
Temperatures in October will be mid 60s for a high to low/mid 30s for the low. Creek (and Shaver Lake) water should be chilly (mid to high 50s).
I was wondering if you had a area that I could store a truck and car trailer for 6 days while I leave to dry camp in surrounding area or do I just need to reserve a site that I won’t be staying in. Also it could be several people as I belong to a 4×4 club.
Hi Dwayne,
Dinkey Creek / US Forest Service requires that you reserve a campsite in order to store a truck and car trailer in the campground/area. I’m pretty sure there isn’t any parking areas next to the campground and if there were, you’d probably get towed.
I noticed on the USDA website (and in the comments above) that up to 2 vehicles are allowed per site and the second vehicle is $10. I booked a campsite yesterday for June 2021 and the website only allowed me to select 1 vehicle. Are they still allowing 2 vehicles per site and they add/charge the second vehicle in person upon check-in? Or is this a change due to COVID-19? I just want to make sure my second vehicle is not turned away.
Hi Francine,
That’s a good question. On the individual site detail descriptions (Rec.gov), it shows as a maximum of one vehicle per campsite. However, in the ‘Facility Information’ tab it says you can have a 2nd vehicle (in single-family campsites), but it will cost an additional $10 per night. I am not aware of any changes as a result of COVID. I would assume (like previous years), you can park two vehicles in single-family campsites.
HI, we just booked campsite #82 and are planning on bringing a 33 ft trailer. Will there be enough room for our SUV and our trailer to pull in? Will there be any way for us to somehow squeeze our vehicles in?
Hi Brittany,
The maximum RV length for Dinkey Creek campsite #82 is 40 feet. That doesn’t include the hangover off the back of the site. There is (or was) a log back there. If still there and you can clear it (should be able to), that should give you another 3-4 feet. There is also a little wiggle room out front where you can park your SUV at a slight angle to fit in the site’s parking area. Have fun!
The campsite description mentions bears frequent the area but bear boxes are not provided with the campsite. What is the policy for storing food? Leaving it in the vehicle sounds a bit risky.
Hi Brian,
That is correct – there campsites at Dinkey Creek do not have food/bear proof storage lockers. Bears do come through now and then, but they have not been too frequent. With that said, probably your best bet for storing food would be in your vehicle. Just make sure it’s covered with a towel/blanket or something. They may still smell it, but not being able to see it helps.
Not sure if anyone has had this come up. My family has a trip planned in a few weeks to Dinkey Creek, staying in space 8 & 9, but one of the RVs we rented cancelled on us last minute, so we’ve been looking for a different one. The problem is that I can’t find a close trailer under 25’, so I’m wondering if there’s any wiggle room to fit a 26-28’ trailer in either of these spaces? The campground allows 35’, but if I understand correctly, these sites only fit 25’ 🙁
Does this include the length of our car too?
Hi Monica,
Sorry to hear the one RV rental cancelled on you. You can try looking for other possible RVs by clicking on our ‘RV Rental’ tab. With that said, #9 doesn’t look to have much wiggle room because of the barrier off the back. Unfortunately we didn’t get a good photo of campsite #8 so I can’t speak to that. FYI – we will taking new photos later this fall. Sorry I wasn’t much help.
Hi I read the comment about parking and seen you said there is no over flow parking for the other cars. What do you recommend we do if we have a 3rd car? Have family coming from out of town so they can not come in the other 2 cars with us. Please help
Hi Nikole,
We double checked and apparently there are a few overflow parking spaces at Dinkey Creek campground. These should be located on Dinkey Creek Road next to the campground.
Can we bring our own grill? and our own fire place ?
Hi Nancy,
Portable gas-powered grills and fire rings are okay at Dinkey Creek. Fire restrictions may change though depending on conditions. Currently, campfires are allowed in campfire rings and portable (gas-powered) rings.
Plan on going here September of 2022. How is the weather this time of year?
Also, we have a 12 teardrop. Would site 47, 48, or 49 accommodate that?
Hi Phil,
September is usually a very nice time of year to visit Dinkey Creek. Weather should be clear with temps in mid 80s during the day and mid 50s at night. Campsites 47, 48 and 49 will all fit your 12-foot teardrop and towing vehicle. Site 47 is 50 feet deep, site 48 is about 35 feet deep and site 49 is 40 feet deep. FYI – campsite #49 is a handicap site. Hope you have a great time!
Can you clarify, for the group A sites, what’s allowable?
It says 10 vehicles max, max length 25. For example, if we have 4 travel trailers, and 4 vehicles, thats allowable at 8 vehicles total? Also are there any pics of the group site?
Hi Christy,
You are correct – a towing vehicle is one vehicle and a trailer is one vehicle. So 4 vehicles and 4 trailers = 8 vehicles. Unfortunately we did not get photos of the group campsites at Dinkey Creek. I hope to add those later this year.
Hi! Wondering which sites will offer the most privacy for tent camping.
Hi Laura,
We don’t have anyone on site to check, so I can’t really give you an answer other than looking at the photos to get an idea. Sorry about that.
Are there any campsites with hook-ups?
Hi Mary,
Hookups are not available at any Dinkey Creek campsites.
Hi I saw that site 38 shows as only tent. We are 5 people 1 tent 2 cars and one rooftop tent. Would that work for this site ?
Thank you
Hi Patrick,
There’s actually room for more than one tent in campsite #38 so not sure why they limit it to one. Rec.gov also says 1 vehicle, but two vehicles are okay (40 foot parking spur). So – one tent and a rooftop tent is okay in that site.
Hi, I made a reservation for site 53 prior to purchasing our trailer. Will we be able to stay in the site with our 21 ft. trailer and SUV?
Thank you!
Hi Trish,
Congrats on your new trailer! It will fit in the parking area for campsite #53. Have fun!
Good day. I just want to ask what is the max size of tent and vehicle to use on site 57? Size was “0” when I checked the info on recreation.gov app.
Hi Bill,
You can have up to 1 vehicle and 6 people in campsite #57. The parking spur looks to be about 20 feet and you have a decent sized area for a tent (probably 10×12 max). Hope this helps!
As far as the sites that are closest to the creek.. approx how close are they? Like 50 yds, 100 yds etc.
Hi Daniel,
Not positive, but I think about 1/4 mile.
Good morning, Just wondering if there are any pictures of Group Site A yet? Thank you!
Not yet, but we hope to photograph the group campsite this fall. Sorry for the delay!
Hi! Am I able to park 2 cars in site 96, 97 or 98?
Hi Robert,
On Rec.gov all three campsites allow for up to 1 vehicle + a trailer. However if you don’t have a trailer, you can add a 2nd vehicle (for an extra charge) as long as both vehicles fit on the paved parking surface. Campsite #96 = 50 feet. Campsite #97 = 40 feet. Campsite #98 = 30 feet.
In accordance with standard industry practices, Sierra Recreation will be assessing a $10 additional vehicle fee per day on the second vehicle in each single family campsite, and on the third and fourth vehicle in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to the first vehicle by a hitch and towed onto the site.
Can I use my tent trailer on spot 30 or 31?
Its says 40ft available.
Truck plus tent trailer is right at 35ft
Hi Andrew,
Site #30 has a maximum vehicle length of 35 feet and site #31 is 40 feet. You can definitely fit your truck and trailer (parked side by side in the parking spur), and even connected. Keep in mind that site #31 is a handicapped (ADA) site. Both sites are rated as ‘double’ sites – 2 vehicles and 10 people max.
I reserved site 78 for tent camping. Is it a shady site? Is the site flat to pitch a tent on ? I truly don’t like sleeping on an incline. Is it super close to other sites? Thinking of changing it to 38, 53 or 63 if these are shady, flat and spacious.
Hi Nikki,
Dinkey Creek campsite #78 is spacious, has some nice shade and is away from neighboring campsites (so good privacy). It also has a level parking spur (paved) that is about 55 feet long. Although the area by the table and fire ring is pretty level, the rest of the (dirt area) is sloped and not to level. As for the other sites your considering – #38 has a large (paved) parking spur, is level/spacious (dirt / camping area) and has a good amount of room between neighbors. It has less shade than the other sites you mention. Campsite #53 is one of our favorites – large, level, spacious, but has some sun exposure. Site #63 has some good privacy, but is a little rocky and uneven. Camping area isn’t as large as the other sites you mentioned. Hope this helps!
Hi. I just reserved Campsite #68 for this weekend. How far is the walk to the creek? And how far is the walk to Honeymoon pool from our site?
Hey Casey,
As the crow flies I’d said campsite #68 is about 800 feet from the creek. Going by trail, it’s probably about 1,100 feet. The Honeymoon Pool is about 3/4 of a mile up the road (from your loop) and then another 350 feet from the road to the pool.