Wishon Point
Sierra
California
Date filmed:2024-06-30
Number of sites:47
GPS:37.2976725, -119.5346659
Max vehicle length:26 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
Accessible Sites
Flushing Toilets
Trash Collection
Lake Access
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.

Explore Yosemite's surroundings with side stops like Mono Lake's mesmerizing tufa towers, the ghost town of Bodie frozen in time, and the scenic Hetch Hetchy Valley, showcasing a reservoir amid stunning granite cliffs. Mono Lake is a majestic saline lake located in California. It is renowned for its otherworldly tufa towers, formed by the interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water. The lake is a critical habitat for millions of migratory birds, such as eared grebes and California gulls. Despite facing ecological challenges, including water diversions, Mono Lake has become a symbol of environmental conservation and restoration efforts. Bodie is a well-preserved ghost town in the Bodie Hills east of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. This once-thriving gold-mining town is now a state historic park, offering visitors a glimpse into the California Gold Rush era. Its abandoned buildings, including the Standard Mill and Boone Store, stand as a testament to the town's former prosperity. Bodie provides a fascinating opportunity to explore the remnants of a bygone era and experience the essence of the Old West. Hetch Hetchy Valley, located in Yosemite National Park, was once a breathtaking glacial valley, comparable to the renowned Yosemite Valley. However, it was dammed in the early 20th century to provide water and hydroelectric power to the city of San Francisco. The damming of Hetch Hetchy remains a topic of controversy, as it led to the submersion of a stunning natural landscape. Despite this, the valley still offers striking beauty and serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human needs and environmental preservation.

A Morning in Mammoth, California

Magical Morning Moments

Featured: Cedar Bluff, Chilkoot, Forks, Hodgdon Meadow, Lower Pines, Upper Pines, Wishon Point

Discover nature's wonders at Devil's Postpile, explore Mammoth Lakes' outdoor treasures, and savor the charm of Schatz Bakery – a perfect trifecta for an unforgettable adventure! The Devil's Postpile National Monument is a unique geological formation located near Mammoth Lakes, California. The monument showcases a striking display of basalt columns that were formed around 100,000 years ago when a lava flow cooled and contracted, creating hexagonal columns. The result is a breathtaking formation resembling a gigantic pipe organ. The area is renowned for its natural beauty and offers visitors the chance to explore not only the Postpile but also the scenic Rainbow Falls and the surrounding pristine wilderness. Mammoth Lakes, situated in the Eastern Sierra region of California, serves as the gateway to numerous outdoor adventures. Known for its stunning alpine scenery, Mammoth Lakes attracts visitors year-round. Winter enthusiasts flock to the area for world-class skiing and snowboarding, while warmer months offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, and mountain biking. The town itself is a charming mountain community with a range of amenities, from cozy cabins to upscale dining, making it a popular destination for those seeking both outdoor recreation and a peaceful mountain retreat. In the heart of Mammoth Lakes, Schat's Bakery is a local institution that has been delighting residents and visitors alike since 1903. Known for its artisanal bread, pastries, and sandwiches, Schat's Bakery has become a beloved gathering spot. The aroma of freshly baked goods wafts through the air as patrons enjoy a cup of coffee and indulge in a variety of delicious treats. The bakery's commitment to quality and tradition has made it a cherished part of the Mammoth Lakes experience, providing a taste of comfort and community amidst the stunning natural surroundings.

Campground Overview

Wishon Campground (Wishon Point) – Bass Lake, Sierra National Forest, California

Wishon Campground, commonly referred to as Wishon Point, is a scenic lakeside campground located on Bass Lake in the Sierra National Forest. Set among tall pines and granite terrain along a prominent point of land extending into the lake, this campground offers excellent water access, shaded campsites, and classic Sierra Nevada scenery. Its combination of forest setting and immediate lake proximity makes it a popular choice for campers who want to be close to Bass Lake’s boating and shoreline recreation.

Location & Setting

The campground is situated on the southern portion of Bass Lake at Wishon Point, providing open views across the water and easy access to the shoreline. The surrounding landscape features mixed conifer forest, exposed granite, and gently sloping terrain that leads down to the lake. At roughly 3,400 feet in elevation, the area enjoys warm summer days, cooler evenings, and excellent night skies. Its lakeside position gives the campground a more open feel than many inland forest campgrounds.

Campground Overview

Wishon Campground offers a moderate number of campsites suitable for tents, vans, trailers, and some RVs. Site sizes and layouts vary, with several campsites positioned close to the water or within a short walk of the shoreline. The campground’s layout takes advantage of the point’s natural shape, providing a mix of shaded forest sites and more open areas with filtered lake views. Its popularity increases during summer weekends due to its prime location on Bass Lake.

Amenities

Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and potable water during the main camping season. There are no electrical hookups, showers, or dump stations within the campground. Additional services such as boat rentals, marinas, stores, dining, and fuel are available nearby around Bass Lake. Fire restrictions may be in effect during dry periods, and campers should always follow current Sierra National Forest regulations.

Activities & Nearby Recreation

Bass Lake is the main draw at Wishon Campground, offering excellent opportunities for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and fishing. Anglers commonly target bass and trout from shore or by boat. The surrounding forest provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic walks, while nearby forest roads and trail systems lead to additional recreation throughout the Sierra National Forest. Sunsets and stargazing from the lakeshore are highlights of camping at Wishon Point.

Naming Note

This campground is commonly referred to as both Wishon Campground and Wishon Point due to its location on Bass Lake. It should not be confused with Wishon Campground in the Sequoia National Forest, which is a separate and unrelated campground located farther south.

Summary

Wishon Campground at Bass Lake delivers a classic Sierra Nevada lakeside camping experience, combining forested campsites, easy water access, and scenic lake views. Its position on Wishon Point makes it especially appealing for campers who want to spend their days on the water and their evenings relaxing among the pines. For visitors seeking a well-located campground on Bass Lake with strong recreational appeal, Wishon Campground is a reliable and enjoyable choice.

Nearby Campgrounds