College
Sierra
California
Date filmed:2024-06-28
Number of sites:10
GPS:37.2526426, -119.1703373
Max vehicle length:30 Feet
Check in:12:00 pm
Check out:12:00 pm
Quiet hours:10:00 pm - 6:00 am

Amenities and Activities

Amenities
Drinking Water
Fire Ring
Picnic Table
Tents
Accessible Sites
Flushing Toilets
Vault Toilets
Lake Access
Activities
Fishing
Hiking
Boating
Swimming
Wildlife Viewing
Photography

Things to Do

Experience Yosemite’s beauty from the valley floor to Glacier Point. Stop at iconic spots like El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Tunnel View before ascending to breathtaking panoramas overlooking Half Dome and the vast wilderness beyond. Yosemite National Park is a place of awe-inspiring beauty, and no visit is complete without experiencing both the valley floor and the breathtaking views from above. Driving through the valley, you’re surrounded by towering granite cliffs, lush meadows, and roaring waterfalls. Stops at iconic locations like El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Sentinel Meadow offer different perspectives of the park’s grandeur. Tunnel View, one of Yosemite’s most famous overlooks, provides a classic postcard-worthy scene of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall all in one stunning panorama. As you ascend toward Glacier Point, the scenery transforms. The winding road climbs high above the valley, revealing sweeping vistas of Yosemite’s dramatic landscape. At the summit, Glacier Point offers one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the park, with a commanding view of Half Dome, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and the vast wilderness stretching into the distance. From this vantage point, you gain a whole new appreciation for the scale and majesty of Yosemite. Whether exploring the valley’s tranquil meadows and towering cliffs or gazing down from the heights of Glacier Point, this journey showcases Yosemite’s incredible diversity. The contrast between the intimate, immersive experience of the valley floor and the sweeping, bird’s-eye perspective from above makes for an unforgettable adventure.

Welcome to a campground overview video. Kelty Meadow Campground in the Sierra National Forest is a beautiful and quite little campground in a dense pine forest, bordered by meadows. The campground sits at the base of the Fresno Dome, and is less than an hour from the south gate of Yosemite National Park. Bass Lake, another scenic area in the National Forest, is also about a half an hour away, with other National Forest Campgrounds in the area. Kelty Meadow is a horse-friendly campsite, as evidenced by the hitching posts found in each site. And of course, chances are you'll have heard of cows wander through your campsite during your stay!!!

Journey from Whitney Portal to Yosemite National Park, exploring the Manzanar National Historic Site, the surreal Crowley Columns, and the serene Tuolumne Meadows. This ride blends history, unique geology, and breathtaking Sierra Nevada scenery. Embark on an unforgettable journey from Whitney Portal to Yosemite National Park, a route that weaves together breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, and unique geological wonders. Nestled at the base of Mount Whitney, Whitney Portal is the perfect starting point, offering dramatic views of the Sierra Nevada and serving as a gateway to adventures in California's high country. A short drive north brings you to the Manzanar National Historic Site, where you can explore the somber history of one of ten internment camps that housed Japanese Americans during World War II. The visitor center provides exhibits and personal stories, while reconstructed barracks and gardens offer a glimpse into the lives of those who endured this chapter of American history. Continuing north, a stop at the Crowley Columns is a must. These rare volcanic formations, carved into towering pillars, showcase the power of geological forces over thousands of years. The columns are tucked away near Crowley Lake, and the short hike to view them reveals their intricate patterns, making them a photographer’s dream. As you approach Yosemite, the serene Tuolumne Meadows welcomes you with its open expanse of alpine beauty. Surrounded by granite peaks and meandering streams, this subalpine meadow is a peaceful contrast to the towering cliffs of Yosemite Valley. Here, you can explore trails, relax by the Tuolumne River, or simply soak in the tranquility of this pristine landscape. This ride from Whitney Portal to Yosemite is not just a drive but an exploration of California’s rich tapestry of history, geology, and natural beauty, offering memorable stops along the way.

Embark on a stunning ride from Belknap Campground to the breathtaking Kings Canyon. Journey through towering sequoias, winding mountain roads, and scenic vistas, capturing the essence of nature's grandeur in every twist and turn. Join us on an unforgettable ride-along as we journey from the serene Belknap Campground to the majestic Kings Canyon. This route offers a unique blend of towering ancient sequoias, winding mountain roads, and breathtaking vistas that perfectly capture the beauty and grandeur of California’s wilderness. From the moment you leave the campground, the towering giants of the forest welcome you, their massive trunks and sprawling branches creating a natural cathedral that has stood for millennia. As you wind your way through the forest, the road opens up to reveal sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The contrast between the dense, shaded forest and the bright, sunlit peaks creates a mesmerizing landscape, each turn offering a new perspective on this diverse and dynamic environment. Along the way, you'll pass through a variety of ecosystems, from the lush greenery of the lower elevations to the rocky outcrops and alpine meadows higher up. The journey culminates in Kings Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in North America. Here, the towering cliffs and rugged terrain serve as a dramatic backdrop to the tranquil rivers and waterfalls that carve their way through the landscape. This natural wonder is not just a destination but a journey through time, where every mile traveled reveals new stories etched into the rock and soil by the forces of nature. Whether you’re an adventurer at heart or simply seeking a moment of peace in nature, this ride-along offers a window into one of California’s most iconic and awe-inspiring landscapes. So, sit back, relax, and let the beauty of the High Sierra unfold before your eyes. Whether you’re planning your next outdoor adventure or simply dreaming of one, this journey from Belknap Campground to Kings Canyon is sure to inspire and captivate.

Campground Overview

College Campground – Huntington Lake, Sierra National Forest, California

College Campground is a scenic lakeside campground located on the northern shore of Huntington Lake in the Sierra National Forest. Set among tall pines and granite terrain at high elevation, this campground offers direct access to one of the Sierra’s most popular mountain lakes. With its combination of cool summer temperatures, forested campsites, and immediate lake access, College Campground is a favorite for families, anglers, paddlers, and anyone seeking a classic high-Sierra lake camping experience.

Location & Setting

The campground sits along Huntington Lake Road near the Lakeshore community at approximately 7,000 feet in elevation. Huntington Lake dominates the landscape, providing expansive water views framed by conifer forest and rolling granite hills. The area feels distinctly alpine, with crisp air, star-filled night skies, and cooler temperatures compared to lower-elevation Sierra campgrounds. Its location places campers close to marinas, trailheads, and forest roads while still maintaining a relaxed, lakeside atmosphere.

Campground Overview

College Campground offers a moderate number of campsites spread through a forested layout near the lake’s edge. Sites accommodate tents, vans, and small to mid-sized trailers, though there are no hookups. Many campsites are within easy walking distance of the shoreline, making it simple to launch kayaks, fish from shore, or enjoy lakeside sunsets. The campground tends to be popular during summer, especially on weekends, due to its prime location on Huntington Lake.

Amenities

Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Potable water is typically available during the main season. There are no showers or dump stations within the campground, but additional services — including marinas, small stores, and seasonal dining — are available nearby around Huntington Lake. Fire restrictions may be in effect during dry periods, and visitors should always follow current forest regulations.

Activities & Nearby Recreation

Huntington Lake is the centerpiece of recreation at College Campground. Fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and swimming are all popular activities, with rainbow trout being a common catch. Nearby marinas provide boat rentals and lake access. Hiking trails and forest roads in the surrounding Sierra National Forest offer opportunities for scenic walks, mountain biking, and exploration toward Kaiser Pass, Mono Hot Springs, and higher-elevation wilderness areas. The open skies and high elevation also make this area excellent for stargazing.

Summary

College Campground delivers a classic high-Sierra lakeside camping experience on the shores of Huntington Lake. With cool mountain air, forested sites, and immediate access to water-based recreation, it’s an ideal destination for campers looking to relax, explore, and enjoy one of the Sierra National Forest’s most beloved alpine lakes. For visitors seeking scenic lake camping with convenient access to outdoor adventure, College Campground is a standout choice.

Nearby Campgrounds