Vermilion
Sierra
California
Date filmed:2024-06-28
Number of sites:31
GPS:37.3793813, -119.0097462
Max vehicle length:30 Feet
Check in:2:00 pm
Check out:12:00 pm
Quiet hours:10:00 pm - 6:00 am

Amenities and Activities

Amenities
Drinking Water
Fire Ring
Picnic Table
RVs
Tents
Vault Toilets
Trash Collection
Shade
Lake Access
Water Spigot
Activities
Fishing
Hiking
Boating
Swimming
Photography

Things to Do

Kaiser Pass Road in California's High Sierra winds through stunning alpine scenery, leading to remote lakes, trails, and campsites. Its narrow, steep sections challenge drivers, but the breathtaking views make it worthwhile. Kaiser Pass Road in the High Sierra of California is a rugged and scenic route that takes travelers deep into the heart of the Sierra Nevada. Winding through pine forests and granite peaks, the road offers stunning views of pristine alpine lakes and lush meadows. Starting near Huntington Lake, it climbs steadily to over 9,000 feet, leading to remote destinations such as Florence Lake, Edison Lake, and Mono Hot Springs. For outdoor enthusiasts, this road is a gateway to some of the region’s best hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities. The road is narrow, with steep drop-offs and hairpin turns, making it a challenging drive, especially for larger vehicles. Despite its difficulties, Kaiser Pass Road attracts those seeking solitude and natural beauty. In winter, snow closes the road, making it accessible only during the warmer months. Whether you’re heading to the backcountry or simply taking in the breathtaking vistas, Kaiser Pass Road offers a unique and memorable journey through California’s High Sierra wilderness.

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

Vermilion Campground – Sierra National Forest, California

Vermilion Campground is a scenic lakeside campground located along the shores of Edison Lake in the Sierra National Forest, offering expansive mountain views, cool alpine air, and direct access to some of the most iconic high-country terrain in the central Sierra Nevada. Often used as a basecamp for hikers, anglers, and travelers heading deeper into the backcountry, Vermilion Campground provides a relaxed, remote setting paired with proximity to well-known Sierra landmarks.

Location & Setting

The campground sits at approximately 7,600 feet in elevation near the eastern end of Edison Lake, along Kaiser Pass Road. Surrounded by rugged granite slopes, alpine forest, and wide-open lake views, the setting feels distinctly high-Sierra and remote. Edison Lake stretches out below the campground, creating a dramatic landscape that changes with seasonal water levels and snowmelt. Despite the isolation, the area remains accessible by road during the summer season and offers a true mountain escape away from more developed corridors.

Campground Overview

Vermilion Campground features a modest number of campsites arranged along the lakeshore and forest edge. Sites are suitable for tents, vans, and small to mid-sized trailers, with a layout that emphasizes views, open space, and natural surroundings rather than dense forest cover. The campground’s relaxed spacing and quiet atmosphere make it especially appealing to campers who value scenery, solitude, and access to wilderness over extensive on-site infrastructure.

Amenities

Amenities at Vermilion Campground are simple and rustic, including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Potable water is typically available during the main camping season, though availability can vary depending on conditions. There are no electrical hookups, showers, or dump stations, and visitors should plan to be self-sufficient. Nearby services, supplies, and seasonal dining are available at the Vermilion Valley area when operating, adding convenience without detracting from the campground’s remote feel.

Activities & Nearby Recreation

Edison Lake offers excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and shoreline exploration, with trout being a popular catch. The campground is also well positioned for hikers and backpackers, serving as a gateway to high-country routes and wilderness areas in the surrounding Sierra National Forest. Scenic drives over Kaiser Pass, wildlife viewing, photography, and stargazing are all highlights of the area, with dark night skies and expansive views making the location especially rewarding for outdoor enthusiasts.

Naming Note

This campground is spelled Vermilion Campground here to reflect the correct spelling of the geographic name. However, it is commonly listed as “Vermillion Campground” on some official sources such as USDA Forest Service and Recreation.gov listings. Both spellings refer to the same campground and location along Edison Lake in the Sierra National Forest.

Summary

Vermilion Campground offers a quiet, high-elevation lakeside camping experience in one of the Sierra Nevada’s most scenic and remote regions. With its dramatic mountain setting, access to Edison Lake, and proximity to wilderness trails and scenic drives, it appeals to campers seeking solitude, scenery, and authentic Sierra backcountry atmosphere. For those looking to camp deep in the mountains with room to explore, Vermilion Campground is a memorable and rewarding destination.

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