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FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

ISLAND PARK

Piedra, California · Fresno County · Campground

Overview Island Park Recreation Area is the place to go for campers looking for lots of exciting water activities at Pine Flat Lake. The area has plenty of campsites plus two group sites and a day-use area for boaters. Pine Flat Lake spans 20 miles in length with 67 miles of shoreline. The lake, formed in 1954 with the…

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About ISLAND PARK

Overview Island Park Recreation Area is the place to go for campers looking for lots of exciting water activities at Pine Flat Lake. The area has plenty of campsites plus two group sites and a day-use area for boaters. Pine Flat Lake spans 20 miles in length with 67 miles of shoreline. The lake, formed in 1954 with the completion of the Pine Flat Dam, is used for flood control and irrigation as well as a recreation oasis for the area. Wildlife spotting opportunities include bobcats and red-tailed hawks. Recreation Boating, jet skiing and fishing are some of the most popular activities at the lake. Anglers can find small and large-mouthed bass, spotted bass and rainbow trout. Families enjoy strolling on the Blue Oak Trail, a quarter-mile interpretive trail that's accessible from the campground. Facilities Most campsites are non-electric, but 25 sites have electric hookups, and five of those sites have water hookups. There is one site that meets accessibility standards and is available as first come, first served. Day-use visitors have access to a boat ramp and vault toilets. All campers have access to flush toilets. Group campground reservations include the use of a horseshoe pit and volleyball court. Natural Features Pine Flat Lake is situated where oak and pine meet in the foothills of the central Sierra Nevada Mountains. It's in Kings Canyon at the western edge of the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. At full capacity, the lake holds a million acre-feet of water, which is fed by the Kings Canyon watershed. Nearby Attractions From the campground, head upstream on Kings River to find superb whitewater rafting in spring and early summer. Scenic drives through Sierra National Forest and Kings Canyon National Park never cease to impress visitors.

How to Get There

From Fresno, California, travel east on Highway 180/Kings Canyon Highway to Academy Avenue. Turn left onto Academy Avenue, and then turn right on Belmont Avenue. Continue traveling for approximately 20 miles; the entrance to Island Park Recreation Area is on the right. NOTE: Belmont Avenue becomes East Trimmer Springs Road approximately 6 miles east of the Academy Avenue intersection.

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
    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 ISLAND PARK

Heading to ISLAND PARK? 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 ISLAND PARK?

No central reservation system listed for ISLAND PARK. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233521) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to ISLAND PARK?

From Fresno, California, travel east on Highway 180/Kings Canyon Highway to Academy Avenue. Turn left onto Academy Avenue, and then turn right on Belmont Avenue. Continue traveling for approximately 20 miles; the entrance to Island Park Recreation Area is on the right. NOTE: Belmont Avenue becomes East Trimmer Springs Road approximately 6 miles east of the Academy Avenue intersection.

How do I contact ISLAND PARK?

You can reach the park at phone: 559-787-2589.