Camping options within an hour of SMB West (Fresno)

[bitburger]

Previously, I had been disappointed with my camping options when staying close to SMB West.

I've tried the KOA to the south in Visalia and it wasn't great. While I don't particularly mind the smell of manure, and I appreciate being a distance from a freeway, the signs stating that the water wasn't fit for human consumption, threw me off.
However if you are so inclined, here is the link:
http://koa.com/where/ca/05180/

The last trip, I stayed at a US Army Corp of Engineers site outside Chowchilla, Codorniz campground, which turned out well.
The campground is built above the shore of Eastman Lake which is a reservoir and seemed to be big with fisherman. I went during the week in late May and it was empty. They have a few sites with electricity but these seemed to be staked out my long term RVs and trailers. They don't have laundry or internet but they have flush toilets and hot showers. I was by myself in the lake-closest section of the campground and saw a huge amount of bird life and even a coyote running through the campgrounds. I believe it was $14. It took less than an hour to make it to SMB West.
http://www.reserveamerica.com/campgroundDetails.do?subTabIndex=0&&contractCode=nrso&parkCode=codo

I see that there is another US Army Corp of Engineers campground at Pine Flats Reservoir East of Fresno.
http://www.fresnobee.com/sports/outdoors/lakes/story/6716.html
It looks somewhat closer to SMB West so I may try it next time.

Since I am usually with my family and we raise the top to sleep, I'm not inclined to stealth sleep in rest stops but if you have any other suggestions close to SMB West, I'd welcome them.

-Mark

 

[jage]

For paved boondocking there is Camping World, just make sure you're outside the gate and outside the RV lot (eg on the short road back to CW). There is security for the RV lot and it's a shaded road FWIW.

 

[BroncoHauler-SMB]

Yeah, I stealth camped on the street outside SMBw, but it's not the greatest area and there aren't many amenities nearby (critical if you don't have permanent toilet facilities). Next time I'll find somewhere else to camp nearby.


Herb

 

[charlie56]

Millerton Lake State Recreation Area is a lakeside campground northeast of Fresno. Nice rolling hills with oak trees. I think I paid $12 last year. It is a 30 minute run from the campground to SMBW.

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=587

Of course you have to remember that this is California, and who knows if the parks will be open in the future.

 

[mjeffrey-SMB]

It's a bit farther out (at about 1.5 hours) but the camping at St. Luis Reservoir is very nice. New bathrooms, nice coin showers, beautiful sites down in a valley protected from the wind. Hawks, hares, even deer and coyote (though we didn't see the last two during our stay). We stayed there mid-week in mid-May and were one of only two sites taken, with maybe 40 or 50 available. I think many of the sites aren't level, though, so pick carefully or bring leveling blocks

 

[daveb-SMB]

McConnell SRA (99 highway at Delhi) is a nice spot to camp but very busy during the weekends in the warmer weather. Lots of shade, coin showers and the CG seems to be kept up clean. Air cards work as well as cell phones. Its off the main roads so other than who's there, traffic noise is minimal. Figure the temps to be about 3 or 4 degrees cooler than Fresno. About 90 min s/o SMB.

I know its further but camping around Shaver Lake would be my choice. At least its out of the heat.

 

[geoffff]

Be sure to check out this thread: Where to camp near SMBW?

I second the recommendation for the Shaver Lake area if you can make the time to get out there.



-- Geoff

 

[BroncoHauler-SMB]

So, has anyone camped at Pine Flat Lake? Looks promising, but can't get a good sense for the driving time between the campground and SMBw.


Herb

 

[daveb-SMB]

It's kind of dry and hot. The worst part is getting through the city from there. Herb you might want to look at Table Mountain Casino. Some of those places have spots for RV's. Just a thought. Try your luck???

 

[charlie56]

So, has anyone camped at Pine Flat Lake? Looks promising, but can't get a good sense for the driving time between the campground and SMBw.


Herb

Herb
I just drove through the area on Sunday. It didn't look very inviting at all. I'd say the reservoir is at 5% capacity, must be 150' below the full waterline. Like Dave said "Dry and Hot". I didn't see any camping spots I would consider until you get all the way around the lake. Takes at least 45 minutes just to do that and another 35-45 minutes to get into town. There may have been a campground below the lake where N Pedria Rd intersects E Trimmer springs road, but it was on the other side of the river and I could not check it out.

 

[BroncoHauler-SMB]

Thanks for the info Charlie. I'll be at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area the afternoon/night of the 11th of this month. I'll provide a report on how that is.


Herb