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FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

SWEETWATER

Bass Lake, California · Madera County · Campground

Overview Sweetwater Campground remains closed due to the 2020 Creek Wildfire Sweetwater Campground is laid out in a single loop along Chiquito Creek, shaded by pine, oak and cedar trees. Most sites overlook the creek or a brook that also runs by the campground. Recreation The campground attracts visitors primarily for …

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37.36500, -119.35222
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5-Day Forecast

Weather at SWEETWATER

Live forecast for the park. Plan your visit accordingly.

Avg High79°F
Avg Low56°F
Peak Rain Chance0%
Humidity40%
UV (avg)9
Air Quality47 · Good
Today
Partly Cloudy
71°/44°
🌬 12mph
5:38 AM8:11 PM
Sun
☀️
Clear
77°/53°
🌬 10mph
5:38 AM8:11 PM
Mon
☁️
Overcast
81°/60°
🌬 8mph
5:38 AM8:12 PM
Tue
☁️
Overcast
83°/60°
🌬 10mph
5:37 AM8:13 PM
Wed
☁️
Overcast
84°/61°
🌬 10mph
5:37 AM8:13 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About SWEETWATER

Overview Sweetwater Campground remains closed due to the 2020 Creek Wildfire Sweetwater Campground is laid out in a single loop along Chiquito Creek, shaded by pine, oak and cedar trees. Most sites overlook the creek or a brook that also runs by the campground. Recreation The campground attracts visitors primarily for its fishing and swimming holes. Many recreational activities are available at Mammoth Pool, including boating, trout fishing, hiking and swimming.Facilities Each campsite contains a picnic table, grill and campfire ring. Vault toilets are provided. Campers must bring drinking water. Supplies are available nearby at Wagner's Mammoth Pool Resort. Parking spurs are dirt and paved, but tight turns and trees at the edge of interior roads make this camp most ideal for pop-up tent trailers, slide-ins and tent campers.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. Sweetwater Campground is located close to Mammoth Pool Reservoir near the Ansel Adams Wilderness. This area is known for its jagged peaks, including 13,157-foot Mt. Ritter, and numerous lakes and streams. Nearby Attractions A popular pastime in the area is taking a drive on the 83-mile Sierra Vista Scenic Byway.

How to Get There

From Fresno, California, take Highway 41 north. Turn northeast on Forest Road 200 and pass through North Fork. Take Minarets Road east and follow it 37 miles. Turn right on Mammoth Pool Road and follow it 2 miles to Sweetwater Campground.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Moisture-wicking T-shirt
    Light color, breathable.
  • 🩳
    Lightweight shorts or pants
    Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
  • 🧢
    Brimmed sun hat
    Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners
    Breathable mesh uppers.

🎒 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 SWEETWATER

Heading to SWEETWATER? 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 SWEETWATER?

No central reservation system listed for SWEETWATER. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232877) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to SWEETWATER?

From Fresno, California, take Highway 41 north. Turn northeast on Forest Road 200 and pass through North Fork. Take Minarets Road east and follow it 37 miles. Turn right on Mammoth Pool Road and follow it 2 miles to Sweetwater Campground.

How do I contact SWEETWATER?

You can reach the park at phone: 559-642-3212 or email: clm@clm-services.com.