Exploring Nature’s Retreat: Midge Creek Campground near Huntington Lake

Midge Creek Group Campground serves as a gateway to the serene beauty of the Sierra National Forest, offering campers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in nature’s splendor. Situated just 1.2 miles east of Huntington Lake, this campground beckons adventurers with its tranquil setting and proximity to the breathtaking Huntington Lake.

🗺️ Map & Reservations

With a group site accommodating up to 50 people and adjacent family campsites, Midge Creek Group Campground caters to both intimate gatherings and larger group excursions. Its first-come, first-served policy ensures that spontaneity is embraced, allowing campers to indulge in an immersive camping experience without the hassle of reservations.

For those venturing to Midge Creek Group Campground for the first time, there are several essential tips to enhance your camping adventure. Embrace the wilderness by packing essentials such as sturdy hiking boots, binoculars for bird watching, and a camera to capture the awe-inspiring landscapes. If you’re planning a group camping trip, take advantage of the campground’s expansive group site, perfect for family reunions, scout outings, or gatherings of friends seeking a communal camping experience.

While reservations are not required, it’s advisable to check availability ahead of time, especially for group camping. Contact the High Sierra Ranger District to confirm availability and ensure a smooth check-in process upon your arrival. Remember to adhere to the pack-in, pack-out policy for garbage to preserve the pristine beauty of the Sierra National Forest.

To make the most of your camping experience at Midge Creek Group Campground, consider the following strategies and tactics. Plan your visit during the optimal camping season, spanning from May through October, to enjoy comfortable temperatures and explore the best of Huntington Lake and the surrounding wilderness. Arrive early to secure your preferred family campsite and maximize your time for setting up camp and exploring nearby attractions.

Take advantage of the campground’s proximity to outdoor adventures, including nearby OHV routes, equestrian trails, and the recreational opportunities offered by Huntington Lake. Venture beyond Midge Creek to explore the Southern California Edison Company’s series of lakes, such as Lake Thomas A. Edison, Florence Lake, and Shaver Lake, for additional outdoor experiences.

Enhance your camping experience by visiting McKinley Grove of Giant Sequoias, immersing yourself in the majesty of these ancient giants. Pack comfortable camping chairs and blankets to create a cozy creek-side retreat, and don’t forget campfire essentials for enjoying evenings by the fire.

With these tips, strategies, and gear recommendations, you’re well-equipped to embark on a camping journey that embraces the spirit of spontaneity and the wonders of nature at Midge Creek Group Campground. Explore the great outdoors, create lasting memories, and savor the magic of Midge Creek and its surrounding landscapes.

Top Tips for Campers Camping Here the First Time

  • Embrace the Wilderness: Midge Creek Campground offers a true escape into nature, so come prepared to embrace the serene surroundings. Pack essentials for an immersive camping experience, including sturdy hiking boots, binoculars for bird watching, and a camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes.
  • Group Camping Advantage: If you’re planning a group camping trip, Midge Creek’s expansive group site is an excellent choice. With space for up to 50 people, it’s perfect for family reunions, scout outings, or gatherings of friends seeking a communal camping experience.
  • Availability Check: While reservations are not required, it’s advisable to call ahead to the High Sierra Ranger District at (559) 855-5355, especially for group camping. Confirming availability ensures a smooth and stress-free check-in process.
  • Waste Management Responsibility: Midge Creek Campground operates on a pack-in, pack-out policy for garbage. Be sure to bring trash bags and manage your waste responsibly to preserve the pristine beauty of the Sierra National Forest.
  • Nature-Friendly Pets: Bring your furry companions along for the adventure, but remember to keep them on a leash and attended at all times, respecting the campground’s regulations and ensuring a harmonious camping experience for everyone.

Top Strategies and Tactics to Get the Most Out of Camping Here

  • Ideal Camping Season: Optimal camping months at Midge Creek span from May through October, weather permitting. Choose your visit during this period to enjoy comfortable temperatures and explore the best of Huntington Lake and the Sierra wilderness.
  • Early Arrival for Family Sites: If you’re eyeing the family campsites, consider arriving early in the day to secure your preferred spot. Early arrivals not only ensure better site selection but also provide ample daylight for setting up camp and exploring the nearby attractions.
  • Proximity to Outdoor Adventures: Leverage Midge Creek’s location by taking advantage of nearby OHV routes and equestrian trails. A short drive to Huntington Lake opens up opportunities for boating, waterskiing, kayaking, sailing, and fishing.
  • Explore High Sierra Lakes: Venture beyond Midge Creek to explore the Southern California Edison Company’s series of lakes, including Lake Thomas A. Edison, Florence Lake, Huntington Lake, and Shaver Lake. Engage in trail rides, pack trips, and enjoy the scenic beauty of these high Sierra lakes.
  • Visit McKinley Grove: Enhance your camping experience by visiting the beautiful McKinley Grove of Giant Sequoias. Immerse yourself in the majesty of these ancient giants, adding a unique and awe-inspiring dimension to your Sierra National Forest adventure.

Recommendations on What Camping Gear to Use

  • Creek-Side Comfort: Bring comfortable camping chairs and blankets to create a cozy creek-side retreat at Midge Creek Campground. Enjoy peaceful evenings by the water, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature.
  • Campfire Essentials: Pack essentials for campfires, including marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers for classic s’mores. Don’t forget to bring a reliable set of grilling tools for preparing delicious meals over the campfire.
  • Water Solutions: While Midge Creek Campground doesn’t offer potable water, ensure you bring reusable water bottles or hydration systems to stay well-hydrated throughout your stay. Consider a portable water filtration system for additional convenience.
  • Hiking Exploration Gear: Tailor your gear for exploration by including sturdy hiking boots, binoculars, and trail maps. Midge Creek’s proximity to hiking trails makes it an ideal basecamp for nature enthusiasts eager to explore the Sierra wilderness.
  • Explore Our Gearlist: For detailed recommendations on optimizing your camping experience, from cooking setups and sleeping systems to overlanding gear and clothing, check out our gearlist account. Find specific gear suggestions tailored for a memorable camping adventure in the Sierra National Forest.

Check out our Gearlist for the gear we use for trips like this

Our Gearlist account lists all of the gear we use. Discover our top picks, where to snag them, and stay informed with our regular updates.


Midge Creek Group Campground stands as a beacon of natural beauty and outdoor adventure in the heart of the Sierra National Forest. As campers bid farewell to this tranquil haven, they carry with them cherished memories of serene creek-side retreats, communal gatherings around crackling campfires, and exhilarating explorations of the surrounding wilderness.

For those who have experienced the magic of Midge Creek Group Campground for the first time, their journey has been one of discovery and immersion in nature’s wonders. They have embraced the wilderness, heeding the call of towering trees and babbling brooks, and found solace in the simplicity of life under the open sky.

As campers depart from Midge Creek, they leave behind a legacy of responsible stewardship, adhering to the pack-in, pack-out policy to preserve the pristine beauty of the Sierra National Forest for future generations. They have respected the natural environment, treading lightly upon the earth and leaving only footprints behind.

For seasoned campers who return time and again to Midge Creek Group Campground, their connection to this idyllic retreat runs deep. They have forged bonds with fellow campers, sharing stories and laughter beneath the canopy of stars, and reveled in the sense of camaraderie that only comes from communing with nature.

As they bid adieu to Midge Creek, they carry with them a sense of gratitude for the memories made and the adventures shared. They know that, no matter where life’s journey may lead, the tranquility of Midge Creek Group Campground will always be waiting to welcome them home.

As the seasons change and the wilderness transforms, Midge Creek Group Campground remains a constant, a sanctuary for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether cloaked in the vibrant hues of autumn or blanketed in the pristine snows of winter, its beauty knows no bounds.

And so, as campers depart from Midge Creek Group Campground, they take with them not only memories but also a renewed sense of appreciation for the majesty of the natural world. For in the embrace of nature’s embrace, they have found peace, tranquility, and a connection to something greater than themselves.

Until next time, Midge Creek Group Campground awaits, ready to welcome adventurers with open arms and promises of new experiences yet to be discovered. And as campers venture forth into the world beyond, they carry with them the spirit of Midge Creek, a reminder of the beauty that lies just beyond the beaten path.