About VERMILLION
Overview Vermillion Campground is located on the northwest shore of Edison Lake, in a shady stand of Ponderosa pine. Most sites provide lake views. The campground is ideal for tents, as well as small RVs. Visitors can enjoy mountain views of the surrounding John Muir and Ansel Adams Wilderness areas.Recreation Edison Lake has a free public boat launch. Canoeing and kayaking near the shoreline are popular activities. Anglers can fish for rainbow, brown or brook trout. Sandy beaches within the campground provide lake access for swimming. Campfire programs are offered throughout the summer. Numerous hiking and equestrian trails are in the area.Facilities Each campsite has a picnic table, campfire ring and bear-proof food storage locker, all set off a bit from the parking spur. Some sites are sloped and not suitable for tent camping. Vault toilets are provided. There are 8 water spigots in the campground with potable drinking water.Limited supplies and pay showers are available at the Vermillion Valley Resort, which is within walking distance. Natural Features The Sierra National Forest, located on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada, is known for its spectacular mountain scenery and abundant natural resources. The terrain includes rolling, oak-covered foothills, heavily forested middle elevation slopes and the starkly beautiful alpine landscape of the High Sierra. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (559) 893-2308. Nearby Attractions Vermillion Campground is an excellent base for exploring the Ansel Adams or John Muir Wilderness Areas. The Vermillion Valley Resort offers ferry rides across the lake to trails within the Ansel Adams Wilderness.Charges & Cancellations Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
How to Get There
From Clovis, take Highway 168 east to Shaver Lake. Continue through Shaver Lake to Huntington Lake. At the east end of Huntington Lake, turn right on the Kaiser Pass Road (at Eastwood Visitor Center). Travel 17 miles to the Edison Lake Road. Turn left toward Edison Lake and travel 7 miles to the campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 13 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
- 🌡
Layers for swings
Daily temp range is wide (44°F low → 66°F high). Pack layers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 9)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to VERMILLION
Heading to VERMILLION? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for VERMILLION?
No central reservation system listed for VERMILLION. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232806) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to VERMILLION?
From Clovis, take Highway 168 east to Shaver Lake. Continue through Shaver Lake to Huntington Lake. At the east end of Huntington Lake, turn right on the Kaiser Pass Road (at Eastwood Visitor Center). Travel 17 miles to the Edison Lake Road. Turn left toward Edison Lake and travel 7 miles to the campground.
How do I contact VERMILLION?
You can reach the park at phone: 559-893-2111 or email: vista@vista-rec.com.
References & Official Resources
