Crane Valley Group Campground
Bass Lake

Bass Lake, California
Bass Lake, California

Crane Valley Group Campground
Bass Lake


Crane Valley Group Campground

Notice: "Crane Valley will be closed the entire 2019 - 2028 camping season due to a massive hazard tree removal."

Crane Valley Group Campground is at the north end of Bass Lake in the Sierra National Forest. Bass Lake has long been a popular mountain recreation destination, offering fishing, boating, waterskiing, and hiking. Groups at Crane Valley have access to nearby beaches and swim areas, picnic areas, resorts, marinas, launch ramps, and trails.

Crane Valley Group Campground has 7 group campsites set in a cedar, pine, and oak forest about ½ mile back from the lake. Campsites are well shaded, but are rather spartan. Most sites have a couple of tables and a fire pit. Restrooms are portable toilets. Those looking for more appealing group sites might first consider nearby Recreation Point Group Campground. A 2-night minimum stay is required at Crane Valley on weekends and 3 nights on holiday weekends.

  • Site A up to 30 people and 8 vehicles. Room for several RVs. $142.50 per night plus tax
  • Site B up to 30 people and 8 vehicles. Remote location, spacious, room for 4-5 RVs. $142.50 per night plus tax
  • Site C up to 12 people and 4 vehicles. Room for 1 RV. $57.00 per night plus tax
  • Site D up to 24 people and 8 vehicles. Room for several RVs. $114.00 per night plus tax
  • Site E up to 30 people and 8 vehicles. Spacious area, room for 3-4 RVs. $142.50 per night plus tax
  • Site F up to 12 people and 3 vehicles. Room for several RVs. $57.00 per night plus tax
  • Site G up to 18 people and 5 vehicles. Large flat area for tents, room for 1 RV. $57.00 per night plus tax

Check in at Bass Lake Recreation Office before proceeding to campground. The office is located at west end of the lake near Recreation Point.


Crane Valley Group Campground Basics
Crane Valley Group Campground Location: Off Highway 222 at the north end of Bass Lake
Elevation: 3,470 feet
Mileage from gateway cities: Fresno - 53 miles
Merced - 71 miles
Camping Season: Open year-round, depending on weather
Number of Sites: 7
Max. People per Site: groups from 12 to 30
Vehicles per Site: Varies, see above
$10 per night fee for each untowed additional vehicle
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by: California Land Management for the Sierra National Forest
Bass Lake Ranger District: (559) 877-2218

Reservations at Crane Valley Group Campground
Reservations Recommended: whenever campground is open
Booking Window: Reservations can be made from the current date up to 12 months in advance of arrival date.
Maximum Vehicle Length: 40 feet
Wheelchair accessible sites: None designated
Fees: $57.00 to 142.50 plus tax (see details above)
Reservations: Crane Valley Group Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, Noon

Crane Valley Group Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic tables, large pedestal grill, stone fire ring; no hook-ups
Campground: Portable restrooms, no potable water
Sketch Map of Campground: Crane Valley Group Campground Map
Showers: No
Dump Station: Nearby
Attractions near Crane Valley Group Campground: Take advantage of Bass Lake with its marinas, boat rentals, boating, waterskiing, and fishing. Head into the forest for hiking and mountain biking. Visit nearby interpretive sites. Enjoy a day at Lakeside Picnic Area or Wishon Cove. Discover Way-of-the-Mono Interpretive Trail, Angel Falls and Devils Slide Falls Trail. Try not to miss the Bass Lake Fishing Derby in early May.


Crane Valley Group Campground toilets, Bass Lake, Sierra National Forest, CA

Crane Valley Group Campground Toilets


map of campgrounds at Bass Lake, including Cedar Bluff Campground, CA



Crane Valley Group Campground, Bass Lake, Sierra National Forest, CA

Crane Valley Group Campground

Bass Lake Attractions

Bass Lake is in the Sierra National Forest south of Yosemite. The lake has long been a popular recreation area. Groups who stay at Crane Valley Group Campground enjoy being close to the water and many popular lake attractions.


Key Crane Valley Group Campground Regulations

  1. Dogs must be on leash and attended at all times. No more than 2 pets are permitted per campsite.
  2. Fires must be confined to the provided fire ring.
  3. To avoid the spread of invasive pests, firewood should be obtained locally.

    Check Sierra National Forest - Crane Valley Group Campground for any campground updates.


General Camping Information

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.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate