USDA Forest Service · California

Vermillion

USDA Forest Service · California, United States

Open on the map Drive there Reserve Official page Directions
Sites
31
Hookups
30 no hookups
Season
May 21 to September 11
Drinking water
Yes
Restrooms
Yes
Pets
Yes
Elevation
7,717 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 1
Cell coverage
T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Access road
KAISER PASS (NFSR 05S080) · native material · suitable for passenger cars
Lake
Sierra National Forest
Address
CA
Phone
559-893-2111
Activities
Boating, Camping, Educational Programs, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Swimming

30 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.

About

Overview

Vermillion Campground is located on the northwest shore of Edison Lake, in a shady stand of Ponderosa pine. Most sites provide lake views. The campground is ideal for tents, as well as small RVs. Visitors can enjoy mountain views of the surrounding John Muir and Ansel Adams Wilderness areas.

Recreation

Edison Lake has a free public boat launch. Canoeing and kayaking near the shoreline are popular activities. Anglers can fish for rainbow, brown or brook trout. Sandy beaches within the campground provide lake access for swimming.

Campfire programs are offered throughout the summer. Numerous hiking and equestrian trails are in the area.

Facilities

Each campsite has a picnic table, campfire ring and bear-proof food storage locker, all set off a bit from the parking spur. Some sites are sloped and not suitable for tent camping. Vault toilets are provided. There are 8 water spigots in the campground with potable drinking water.

Limited supplies and pay showers are available at the Vermillion Valley Resort, which is within walking distance.

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.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (559) 893-2308.

Nearby Attractions

Vermillion Campground is an excellent base for exploring the Ansel Adams or John Muir Wilderness Areas. The Vermillion Valley Resort offers ferry rides across the lake to trails within the Ansel Adams Wilderness.

Charges & Cancellations

Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January38°24°3°54°11 of 11
February37°22°4°54°11 of 11
March39°24°3°62°10 of 11
April44°28°13°58°11 of 11
May55°36°16°67°8 of 11
June68°48°26°82°1 of 11
July79°56°47°86°0 of 11
August76°54°45°84°0 of 11
September69°48°36°77°0 of 11
October61°39°19°76°4 of 10
November50°33°7°67°8 of 10
December40°24°8°56°10 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in California · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-03-27. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.