California's Central Valley stretches for 450 miles from north to south and 60 miles across, encompassing 15 million acres of land. It has been called California's last frontier, although it is among the world's most fertile valleys and Fresno County is the nation's most productive county for agriculture. Fresno city lies at the heart of the valley and offers several campgrounds, whether you are looking for a basic site to rest for the night or a full-facility RV resort with all the home comforts for a longer stay.
Geography
Fresno sits in the middle of the wide San Joaquin Valley, about 200 miles north of Los Angeles. Once inhabited by Youkut Indians, it takes its name from the Spanish for "ash tree" on account of the abundant ash trees that line the San Joaquin River. Its location at the epicenter of such major attractions as Yosemite National Park, the Sierra National Forest and Sequoia National Park makes for attractive camping options with convenient vehicle access along Highway 41 and Highway 99. Highway 99 is the main route linking Fresno to Sacramento, 170 miles farther north.
Private Campgrounds
You will find a couple of privately run RV resorts in Fresno. The Fresno Mobile Home and RV Park has been operating for about 50 years and offers 59 shady hookup spaces with wireless Internet and cable TV. The New Horizons RV Park sits in a large park with a grassy common. Cool off in the swimming pool or challenge your buddies to a game of foosball in the recreation room. The 64 full-hookup sites include wireless Internet and can accommodate big rigs. Water ski or fish at Pine Flat Lake, east of Fresno, where the Lakeridge Camping and Boating Resort has space for both RV and tent camping. Amenities include hot showers and a neighboring marina.
Millerton Lake State Park
Fresno's proximity to the Kings Canyon National Park provides abundant primitive camping opportunities, but Millerton Lake State Park is closer to downtown and has various camping options. Located 20 miles northeast of the city center, it features 40 miles of shore and lake for water sports and hiking. The campground permits RVs up to 36 feet long, and there is an area for in-boat camping. Take guided boat tours to spot bald eagles in the winter, or enjoy the bike and equestrian trails year-round.
Activities
Enjoy a range of seasonal activities in Fresno, including ice skating and skiing in winter and BMX trails year-round at the BMX Trails and Dirt Jump Park in north Fresno's Woodward Park, where you can also wander around the Shinzen Japanese Gardens. There are more recreational facilities at Kearney Park, the city's largest park, where a Civil War reenactment takes place each year. Stroll around the city center to discover 29 buildings of various styles that have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
When To Go
Fresno's semi-arid climate makes for hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters that can bring thick fog. High rainfall in spring can be a deterrent to camping, but if you remain undaunted, you will find most campgrounds stay open year-round. Pack layers, even in the best months for camping, such as September when the daily high of 89 degrees F falls to a low of about 60 degrees F at night.
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