About HIDDEN VIEW
Overview Hidden View Campground is located at Hensley Lake in the foothills of central California, 50 miles north of Fresno. The lake area offers many recreational opportunities, such as swimming, water skiing, fishing and hiking, and attracts a growing number of visitors per year. It is within a short drive to Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, as well as Sierra National Forest. The 1,500-acre lake was created by the construction of Hidden Dam on the Fresno River. With over 20 miles of shoreline, it is a popular vacation spot for families and those who enjoy water activities. Recreation The area is packed with opportunities for outdoor fun. Campers enjoy boating, water skiing and fishing on the water. Bank fishermen have easy access to the lake's shoreline. Lake fishing is particularly good in the coves where largemouth black bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish are found in abundance. Rainbow trout are stocked in the lake each winter.On the other side of the lake, there is a swim beach, a disc golf course and a hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trail. One hiking trail is located within walking distance of the campground.Educational programs are offered by request. Please call the Park Headquarters at 559-831-7040. Facilities Hidden View campground provides 53 campsites, including two group campsites. Some sites have electric hookups, and all campsites are located within walking distance of the lake and boat ramp.Campsites are highly variable. Please review site information carefully before making your reservation.Natural Features Hidden View is located on the shores of Hensley Lake and is surrounded by the oak woodlands of the Sierra Nevada foothills, offering a mixture of sun and shade. The area has significant historical value as it was once home to the Miwok and Yokut Native American Tribes. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (559) 831-7040. Nearby Attractions Yosemite National Park is about one hour north, and Sequo
How to Get There
From south of Fresno: Take SR 99 to SR 41 north and go 21 miles to SR 145. Turn left on 145 and go 8.4 miles to Road 33. Turn right on Road 33, and go one mile to Road 400. Take a right onto 400 and go 7.1 miles to Road 603. Turn left and go 1 mile to Road 407. Take a right on 407 and drive 1.7 miles to the campground. From south of Madera: Take SR 99 north to exit 153B. Bear right onto Madera Ave. and go .3 miles to Gateway. Turn left and drive .2 miles to the traffic light at Yosemite Ave. (SR 145). Turn right and go 7.2 miles to Road 33. Turn left on Road 33, and go 1 mile to Road 400. Take a right onto 400 and go 7.1 miles to Road 603. Turn left and go 1 mile to Road 407. Take a right on 407 and drive 1.7 miles to the campground. From north of Madera: Take State Route 99 south to exit 153B. Exit onto Olive Ave. Turn left onto Madera Ave. and go .3 miles to Gateway. Turn left and drive .2 miles to the traffic light at Yosemite Ave. (SR 145). Turn right and go 7.2 miles to Road 33. Turn left on Road 33, and go one mile to Road 400. Take a right onto 400 and go 7.1 miles to Road 603. Turn left and go 1 mile to Road 407. Take a right on 407 and drive 1.7 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 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed 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 HIDDEN VIEW
Heading to HIDDEN VIEW? 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 HIDDEN VIEW?
No central reservation system listed for HIDDEN VIEW. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233509) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to HIDDEN VIEW?
From south of Fresno: Take SR 99 to SR 41 north and go 21 miles to SR 145. Turn left on 145 and go 8.4 miles to Road 33. Turn right on Road 33, and go one mile to Road 400. Take a right onto 400 and go 7.1 miles to Road 603. Turn left and go 1 mile to Road 407. Take a right on 407 and drive 1.7 miles to the campground. From south of Madera: Take SR 99 north to exit 153B. Bear right onto Madera Ave…
How do I contact HIDDEN VIEW?
You can reach the park at phone: 559-673-5151 or email: hensley-info@usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources
