Vermillion Campground

Prather, CA

4.3(52 reviews)

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About this campground

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. 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. A water spigot is located on-site, but boiling the water is recommended. Limited supplies and pay showers are available at the Vermillion Valley Resort, which is within walking distance. 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.

What campers say

Vermillion Campground is praised for its remote, scenic setting, clear water and sandy beaches when lake levels permit. Many visitors note spacious sites and a friendly, helpful camp host, plus a nearby resort/store with meal options. Tradeoffs include a long, sometimes rough access road where higher-clearance vehicles are recommended (some small cars have made the trip), and variable lake capacity that can leave lakeside sites far from water. Expect occasional bear activity—store food securely—and some uneven or rocky sites. The area is well suited to day-hiking, backpacking and those seeking solitude.

Our summary of 52 traveler reviews.