Shake Camp Campground is in the Mountain Home Demonstration State Forest east of Porterville. The campground is about 21 miles northeast of Springville, much of the way via a narrow and winding road. However, the beauty of the Mountain Home area makes it worth the drive.
Mountain Home is known for its wonderful groves of Giant Sequoias, archaeological sites, interesting hiking trails, and fishing. Visitors to the campground with horses can take advantage of nearby public corrals. The corral nearest to the campground appears to be used most often, while those closer to the pack station have been neglected. Great riding trails lead out from the campground to destinations in Sequoia National Park such as Summit Lake, Maggie Lakes, and Hockett Meadows.
Shake Camp Campground has 11 sites for tents, and for small RVs and trailers. Horse trailer parking and campsites are available near the corrals. Picnic tables, fire rings, piped water, and pit toilets are provided. All campsites are first-come, first served.
| Shake Camp Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Shake Camp Campground Location: | From just north of Springville on Hwy. 190 follow Balch Park Rd. 3½ miles to Bear Creek Rd. Go 17½ miles on Bear Creek Road, turn right and follow signs to campground. |
| Elevation: | 6,490 feet |
| Mileage from Gateway City: | Visalia - 68 miles
Bakersfield - 88 miles |
| Number of Sites: | 11 |
| Camping Season: | Usually open mid-May through October, weather permitting |
| Max. People per Site: | Campsites: 6 |
| Vehicles per Site: | 1 ($5 per night fee for 2nd vehicle) |
| Pets: | On leash, always attended | Operated by: | Mountain Home State Demonstration Forest |
| Mountain Home State Forest: | (559) 539-2321, summer 539-2855, winter |
| Reservations | |
|---|---|
| No Reservations available: | All campsites at Shake Camp Campground are first-come, first-served. |
| Wheelchair Accessible Sites: | Some facilities are accessible |
| Maximum RV/trailer length: | 20 feet |
| Fees: | Campsites $15 |
| Check-in, check-out: | 2:00 PM, check-out Noon |
| Shake Camp Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, fire ring with grill, bear-proof food locker; no hook-ups |
| Campground: | Vault toilets, tap water |
| Showers: | No |
| Dump station: | No |
| Attractions near Shake Camp Campground: | Follow trails north up the Tule River and into Sequoia National Park. Arrange trail rides or pack trips with neighboring Balch Park Pack Station. Explore the Tule River, visiting the falls and finding good fishing spots. Hike along the river trail connecting Moses Gulch to Hidden Falls. Drive to Balch Park and spend time in the Balch Park museum. Fish for trout in one of the two Balch Park ponds. Tour groves of Giant Sequoias.
Drive or hike to nearby Hedrick Pond. Visit the Giant Sequoia Mercantile at the Springville Visitors Center. Drive north on the Great Western Divide Highway to Dome Rock and views of the Needles Rock formation. Hike or mountain bike the 2-mile Needles Lookout Trail.
Trout Fishing Best Sellers |
Shake Camp Equestrian Site
Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.
In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.
Shake Camp Campground
Mountain Home State Demonstration Forest contains nearly 5,000 acres of forest and streams adjacent to Sequoia National Forest east of Porterville. Campers at Shake Camp Campground can keep their horses at nearby public corrals.
