Millerton Lake State Recreation Area State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Millerton Lake is an artificial lake that was created in 1944 by the construction of the Friant Dam. Located 20 miles northeast of Fresno, CA, it is a popular destination for residents of that city. Many visitors opt to enjoy a day outdoors at Millerton Lake and then spend the evening at the nearby Table Mountain Casino for gambling, dining, and live performances. In the height of summer, you can expect temperatures to reach over 100°F, and Millerton Lake is the go-to spot for locals to cool off with swimming and water sports during the hot months.
Nearby Cities:
Friant, CA
Fresno, CA
Prather, CA
Madera, CA
Spring 41-83 F
Summer 55-100 F
Fall 41-91 F
Winter 36-61 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Millerton Lake State Recreation Area State Park
Campground Accommodations
North Shore Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 36 feet
Other amenities: Fire rings with grills, picnic tables, restrooms, and showers
Blackstone North RV Park
Located within 21 miles of Millerton Lake is Blackstone North RV Park. There are both paved and gravel sites that accommodate 65-foot-long RVs. The daily rate is $43-$50 with weekly rates of $209-$234 and monthly rates of $699. The owners offer a 10% discount for senior citizens.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Cable TV, laundry facility, security patrol service
Yosemite RV Resort
Located within 25 miles of Millerton Lake is Yosemite RV Resort. Both pull-through and back-in sites accommodate all RV class sizes. The park offers a luxurious swimming pool, a fireside table, food and an on-call concierge. Call for the nightly rate and extended-stay rate.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Laundry facility, swimming pools, hot showers, fire ring, picnic table
SKP Park of the Sierras
Located within 22 miles of Millerton Lake is SKP Park of the Sierras. The RV sites can accommodate up to 40-foot-long rigs. The park has a 12,000-square-foot clubhouse that offers a billiard room, a library, a craft room and exercise equipment. The daily rate is $21 with a weekly rate of $112, and the monthly rate is $420.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Laundry facility, cable TV, dump station
What to Do at
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area State Park
Millerton Lake offers over 40 miles of shoreland, which allows for a wide variety of activities for everyone. For example, having a simple walk around a section of the lake is a popular pastime. During your stroll, you are likely to spot wildlife such as mule deer, badgers, ground squirrels, and cottontails. Guided bald eagle boat tours are available during the winter. If you are feeling like taking a hike, there are numerous hiking trails throughout the park for all skill levels, including equestrian trails. Alternatively, thrill seekers can rent a jet ski to race across the water.
Watersports enthusiasts and people who want to explore the outdoors on land will have exciting adventures at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area State Park.
Inside Millerton Lake State Recreation Area State Park
With over 40 miles of shoreline for recreational water sports, this state recreation area offers boating, swimming and fishing. The hillside that surrounds the lake ranges from low-intensity hiking areas to challenging mountain bike trails. The lake is great for bald and golden eagle as well as other wildlife viewings; some mammals you may see are ground squirrels, badgers and mule deer. The staff also offers interpretive programs to help educate visitors about the geography, history and natural resources in the area.
Fishing
The best areas to find catfish, crappie, bluegill, and bass are along the banks and in the shallows of the coves. Anglers seeking trout can take a boat trip up the San Joaquin River. You will need a California fishing license to fish at the park.
Geocaching
There are several geocaches at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area. You can use your smartphone or GPS device to find them. Once you do, you can grab a prize from the container, but remember to leave a family-friendly item behind for the next treasure hunter.
Nature Watching
There are six trails at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area that are specifically geared towards bird-watching. The best of these trails is Pincushion Mountain Peak, which is 2.8 miles long and has an elevation gain of 994 feet. If you are looking to make your nature walk as long as possible, the longest hike in the park is the San Joaquin River Trail, which is around 14.5 miles long.
Stargazing
Stargazing is a popular activity at Millerton Lake State Recreation Area. It is an ideal location for curling up in a sleeping bag, staring up into the night sky, and spotting constellations. For more formalized stargazing experiences, there are star parties that occur throughout the year, where telescopes are set up along the boat ramps, and visitors use them for viewing the heavens.
Flora and Fauna
If you want to see beautiful wildflowers at Millerton Lake, the best time to do so is in April, when they reach their peak. The summer is an ideal period for taking in the majesty of live oak and blue oak trees that dot the brown hills. This is also a great time to check out a dense forest of Ceanothus, manzanita, and other chaparral that grow in the river canyon.
Hiking
There are several hiking trails available in the park. The difficulty of the trails ranges from easy to hard, so there is something available for all skill levels. For an easy hike, check out the Blue Oak Trail. This trail is 6.9 miles out-and-back and is open year-round. Nearly the entire trail hugs the shoreline and works its way over rolling hills with oak woodland, chaparral, and grassland environments to view.
Boating
Boating is very popular at Millerton Lake, and there are rental companies that can provide you with everything from kayaks to pontoons nearby.
Swimming
Swimming is encouraged at Millerton Lake, and the water can get very warm during the summer. On high solar gain summer days, you can expect the water to hit temperatures as high as 82 F.
Climbing
There are multiple routes in Millerton Lake State Park that are noted for granite boulder climbing. A couple of the highest-rated climbs are Miller Chill and The Leviathan.
Biking
Mountain biking is common at Millerton Lake State Park, and there are several well-regarded biking trails. One of the most popular for experienced bikers is Pincushion Mountain Peak Trail, which provides a direct route to the summit.
How to Get to
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area State Park
From Friant, CA, you will head north on Friant Rd. and then turn left onto North Fork Rd. Continue onto Road 206 for about 1.5 miles and then turn right onto CA-145 N. In 1.4 miles, you will need to turn right to stay on CA-145. After this right, you will reach Millerton Lake State Recreation Area State Park in about 2.4 miles.
By Car
Entering Millerton Lake State Recreation Area State Park
Parking is available at the entrance and near the beach. It costs $10 per vehicle to enter.
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area State Park Per Vehicle : $10.0
We're pleased to hear that you're planning a trip to Millerton Lake State Recreation Area. Once you've explored the lake, there are some great things to do and see outside of the park. When you're posting your favorite photos on your social media accounts, tag RVshare or send an image and a few details of your trip to [email protected]. If you share your trip experience with us, we may choose your story and snapshot to place on our blog or social media profile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Millerton Lake State Recreation Area State Park
Any time of the year is a great time to visit Millerton Lake. The winter is best for a bald eagle boat tour, the summer is perfect for swimming, and the spring is ideal for seeing wildflowers in bloom.
Along with bald eagles, you can find migratory birds and waterfowl. Skunks, badgers, and possums also make this area their home. Hikers often spot larger animals like bobcats, mountain lions, and deer.
There are designated RV spots, many with full hookups. The maximum RV length is 36 feet.
Reservations are required and can be made two days in advance or up to six months ahead of time. Spots are $30 a night for regular sites and $40 a night for those with hookups.
Pets are welcome at the park. However, they must be on a leash during the day, and it is mandatory that your pet stays inside a tent or a vehicle during quiet hours.