Trapper Springs Campground
Courtright Reservoir

Courtright Reservoir, California
Courtright Reservoir, California

Trapper Springs Campground
Courtright Reservoir


Trapper Springs Campground

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Trapper Springs Campground is on the west side of Pacific Gas and Electric Company's Courtright Reservoir in the Sierra National Forest. Visitors are drawn to the area for fishing, boating, and hiking. The lake has a 10 MPH speed limit, making it a good place for kayaking and canoeing. Trails lead into the Dinkey Creek and John Muir wildernesses.

Bring your camera for stunning photos of this beautiful mountain lake. The long drive to the campground deters some campers. It is 35 miles from Shaver Lake to the campground.

Trapper Springs Campground has 70 campsites in 3 loops. Although there are no lake view campsites, the campground is close to a boat launch ramp. Campsites can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. A 2-night minimum stay is required when making reservations.

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Trapper Springs Campground Basics
Trapper Springs Campground Location: West shore Courtright Reservoir, 1½ miles north of dam
Elevation: 8,200 feet
Mileage from gateway cities: Fresno - 85 miles
Camping Season: Open late June through early October, weather permitting
Check exact opening-closing dates:
PG&E Campgrounds - Opening, Closing, Fees
Number of Sites: 70
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 ($5 fee per night for 2nd vehicle)
Pets: On leash, always attended $2 per night
Operated by Pacific Gas and Electric
Information: High Sierra Ranger District:
(559) 855-5355
PG&E: (559) 442-5576

Reservations at Trapper Springs Campground
Reservations available Late May through early September
Booking Window: See PG&E's Reservation Information below
Maximum Vehicle Length: 35 feet
Wheelchair accessible sites: none designated, but many flat areas and accessible features
Fees: $30 per night
Reservations: Trapper Springs Campground Reservations
Plus an $8 reservation fee
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 11:00 AM

Trapper Springs Campground Amenities
Campsite amenities: Picnic table, grill, bear-proof food storage locker; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, potable water
Showers: No
Dump Station: No
Campground Map: Trapper Springs Campground Map
Nearby facilities: Wishon Village, 10 miles to the south with store and boat rentals
Attractions near Trapper Springs Campground: Try the Wee-Mee-Kute Fishing access. Fish for brown, rainbow and brook trout. Hike 6 miles to Dinkey Lakes. Follow trails to John Muir Wilderness. Go 4-wheeling. The Maxson Trailhead is the beginning of the 31-mile Dusy-Ershim off highway vehicle route.

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Trapper Springs Campground, Courtright Reservoir, CA

Trapper Springs Campground

Pacific Gas & Electric Company
Campground Reservation Information for 2024

PG&E has updated its reservations dates for 2024.
April 15, 8:00 AM - Reservations become available for camping dates one week or longer.
April 22, 8:00 AM - Reservations become available for stays less than one week.

Many PG&E campgrounds (except group campgrounds), including those with reservations available, also have some first-come, first-serve sites.


Map of campgrounds at Courtright Reservoir and Wishon Reservoir, including Lily Pad Campground, CA



Applegate Lake, Oregon.

Applegate Lake

Trapper Springs Campground, Courtright Reservoir, CA

Trapper Springs Campground

High Sierra Lakes Attractions

Pacific Gas and Electric Corporation operates Courtright and Wishon reservoirs. The two lakes are part of PG&E's hydroelectric facilities. Visitors to Trapper Springs Campground at Courtright Reservoir are close to interesting hiking destinations and good fishing.

  • Test your skill fishing for brown trout at Courtright and Wishon reservoirs.
  • Hike down to fish the Kings River below the dam.
  • Make the drive to other nearby mountain lakes in the area:
  • Drive south to Black Rock Reservoir.
  • From Courtright Reservoir, hike out the trail to Maxson Meadow or to Cliff Lake.
  • Go 4-wheeling from the Maxson Trailhead out the Dusy-Ershim trail and camp at Voyager Rock Camping area.
  • Set out on a trail ride with D & F Pack Station at Huntington Lake or Shaver Stable at Shaver Lake, or take an extended pack trip with High Sierra Pack Station at Lake Thomas A. Edison
  • Visit China Peak for scenic chair lift rides, mountain biking, disc golf, and more
  • Visit the beautiful McKinley Grove of Giant Sequoias.

Key Trapper Springs Campground Regulations

  1. Personal/portable outside showers are not allowed within the campground.
  2. Dogs must be on leash and attended at all times in the campground.
  3. Campfires must be confined to the provided fire ring.
  4. Quiet time extends from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM.
  5. Avoid bringing in invasive pests by obtaining firewood locally.

    Check PG&E - Trapper Springs Campground for any campground updates.

Nearby Campgrounds

Courtright and Wishon Reservoirs


Dinkey Creek


Shaver Lake


Huntington Lake


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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