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Fresno River Recreation Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Fresno River Recreation Area

The Fresno River Recreation Area is located in an amazing natural area surrounded by the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests and not far from Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, and Yosemite National Park. The area is also part of the Historic Grub Gulch Mining District and covers part of the Sugarpine-Madera Flume. The recreation area is ideal for fishing, swimming, wildlife spotting, hiking, and photography. Although the Fresno River Recreation Area does not offer camping options, you can find many nearby BLM sites that do by searching for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Fresno River Trail

This trail offers stunning views of the river and provides amazing scenery of the fall foliage.

Length: 7 miles

Intensity: Easy

North Sycamore Island West Loop

Located in the nearby San Joaquin River Parkway, this trail offers beautiful views and also provides easy access to fishing spots.

Length: 4.2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Tesoro Viejo Trail

This peaceful trail offers lovely views and is great for hiking or biking.

Length: 5.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Pincushion Mountain Loop

Located in the Millerton Lake State Recreation Area, this trail offers a moderately strenuous hike, stunning panoramic views, and excellent opportunities to spot native birds.

Length: 4.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

San Joaquin River Trail

This gorgeous trail is open all year and offers beautiful views and plenty of opportunities to see wildlife.

Length: 14.1 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Fishing and Boating

The Fresno River itself is a great place to fish for blue and channel catfish and largemouth bass. Millerton Lake also offers beautiful views and options for fishing, swimming, and boating.

Climbing

Tollhouse Rock, located north of Fresno, is one of the best locations for climbing in the area. The rock is a 600-foot dome, and it offers traditional, sport, and top-rope routes. There are also several rocks and sections of Tollhouse Rock that are ideal for bouldering.

Wildlife Viewing

The Fresno River Recreation Area is a great way to spot native wildlife such as cottontail rabbits, ground squirrels, mule deer, eagles, coyotes, and badgers. For more wildlife sightings and photography opportunities, visitors can explore the Millerton Lake State Recreation Area and the San Joaquin River Parkway.

Picnicking

The Falls Picnic Site, outside of Oakhurst, which is one of the closest towns to the recreation area, offers easy access to the river and is a fantastic place for a picnic. The views are beautiful, and there are shaded picnic tables and barbecues. The Rocky Point Picnic Site also offers a few picnic tables, and there is ample space to set up your own table and chairs. There are restrooms and barbecues available, and visitors can enjoy a swim in the river.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is available at the Big Sandy Campground. There are 18 sites, each with a grill, picnic table, and fire ring. There are no hookups, and no water is available, but there are vault and pit toilets. The Yosemite Lakes RV Resort offers 490 sites with full or partial hookups. The resort offers easy access to fishing and hiking options, and there are restrooms, showers, a clubhouse, a store, and laundry facilities. The resort is pet-friendly.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping can be found at the Coalinga Mineral Springs Trailhead, where visitors can set up a dispersed site. Primitive dispersed camping is also available at the Condon Peaks Recreation Area. Both locations offer few amenities but do provide beautiful, secluded camping options.

RV Rentals Near Fresno River Recreation Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Fresno River Recreation Area BLM trip

The area around the Fresno River Recreation Area sees relatively mild weather throughout the year. Winter temperatures can occasionally drop below freezing, but most temperatures hover in the 40s and 50s. Winter also sees the most rain, but that’s still only five or six days of precipitation per month. Temperatures in the summer can reach into the high 90s. Although temperatures are generally cooler by the river, it’s important to remember that there are no amenities at the recreation area, and the heat can quickly cause dehydration. Plan to bring plenty of water, and drink water frequently throughout your time in the area.

Gold panning is a popular activity at the Fresno River Recreation Area. However, the Central Valley Prospectors Club holds the active mining claim on the site, so any gold panning must be done with the club’s permission.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and recreation areas require specific care, and Leave No Trace guidelines outline that care. For example, you should always dispose of any trash or waste properly. Never litter, and always pick up any litter you see on the ground. Build campfires responsibly by starting them in contained, designated fire rings or pits, and make sure they stay controlled. Put the fire out and ensure that the coals are cold before you leave the area. Share the space and nearby trails, and keep noise to a minimum so as not to disturb other visitors or wildlife. Stay on approved trails, and don’t pick flowers or attempt to touch or move plants or animals.