Reviews
The location was beautiful, the host was super helpful and friendly. Signage getting to it was difficult and gps kept taking us someplace different. The sites were very small and narrow, specifically the pad for a trailer. Because we have a travel trailer and the stress of parking in such a narrow space, we probably will look for someplace else next time.
3
7 years ago (03-06-2018)
Not bad and good spot near the lake. A bit pricey overall and campsites arent the most cloistered. Great spot to relax and do little
4
7 years ago (03-06-2018)
Beautiful campground...HOWEVER, the majority of the hosts (with the exception of a younger gentleman) were quite rude. Our guests were received with snarky remarks about the size of their camper, they interrupted our church service to point out some minor parking details, the elderly lady was rude to our son-in-law when he just wanted to drop off our grandsons, upon leaving one elderly man shook his head and gave us dirty looks for being slightly delayed upon our exit, at times you are not even allowed into the campground to check out campsites, etc (too many to mention all!). We have a large church group who camp together each year, and had a similar experience last year, but we believe in second chances. We are tax-payers who pay these hosts their salaries. We are trying to escape the rudeness of everyday life. We spend a lot of money to enjoy nature only to be treated with disrespect...it's disheartening. We understand that there are rules, and we did our very best to obey them, but your hosts need to learn what it means to have good customer service. I don't think we will be returning. I would rate this a (4+) had it not been for the hosts. :(
2
8 years ago (26-07-2017)
Dorabelle campgrounds is a place that is just breath taking. After coming to Dorabelle I didnt want to leave or return home. There was just so much beauty surrounding us. I encountered probably only 3 wasps on our trip which was a relief considering when we visited lake tahoe there were swarms of wasps at our campsite. The sites have partial shade and it worked out perfectly.
The campgrounds are clean and very spacious. The fire pits have a nice grill that rotate off and over the fire for easy cooking. The locker to store your food in was perfect. We took a massive cooler and it fit right into the locker with extra space for other things.
There are bathrooms on every corner which is really nice and accessiable. The ONLY thing we dislike about that is the stentch because they are vault bathrooms. In the morning it isnt so bad but when you use it during the day the smell is overwhelming I nearly vomitted going into the restroom. The bathrooms are well stocked with toilette paper. There are no SHOWERS. The water faucets at your campsite are not for washing your belongings so bring a refillable water gallon jug to fill with clean water and clean your dishes at your campsite. The drains at the water faucet at your campsite arent for dumping any liquids or food.
The lake, Shaver Lake is nearby (walking distance) it is absolutely gorgeous and breath taking. We will definitely visit again. Our host Penny was delightful and very nice. After our drive it was refreshing to check in with her and she made us feel so comfortable we felt right at home.
Make sure if you are camping during this time to over pack with many blankets. In the day time you dont need jackets or sweaters its beautiful sun light out but always pack hoodies and beanies and gloves. We made the mistake of not packing hoodies or beanies and extra blankets that we almost froze to death at night. It is extremely COLD at night. I had my socks on, jacket on and pants on in my sleeping bag and I was still shivering, I did not get any sleep for the two nights we were there. Bring lots of tea bags or coffee for hot drinks. We brought two coolers filled with drinks and ended up drinking tea 90% of the time we were there. They dont sell wood at the camp site so be prepared before you pull up to Dorabelle campgrounds. We had no problems with neighbors.
Lastly enjoy your visit. We cant wait to return next month but prepared this time.
5
8 years ago (15-10-2017)
This campsite is convenient and clean. Sites are kept immaculate and the are lots of bathrooms and water stands. Each site designated for tents has a very flat gravel pad which you are expected to camp on. It's good for two smaller tents, or one large tent, any more would be a squeeze but doable. From most sites it's a short walk to the water although you are on a small inlet of the actual lake so you won't get to see all of it unless you go for a long swim or paddle. Some of the sites are very close together and some have little shade - check the site map for shade and drive slope info plus there is s pretty good You Tube video you can find that shows all the sites. Most are just a 100' or so from water and bathrooms (pit toilets only but clean and well lit). Fire grills are excellent and plenty of places in Shaver Lake closer by to get wood from. The camp hosts are very attentive to compliance with rules and warning - if you show up late they will come to your site early and post a dire warning about checking in by 9am. The lake is a resort lake and kids from Fresno come here to party so your experience may vary depending on your neighbors - we were enjoying the peace until a large group of guys showed up and we're talking, drinking and chopping wood at all hours. This kind of thing can happen at any site though - of you aren't into confrontations with a large group of drunk folks or raising the camp host at midnight then I strongly advise earplugs at all campsites! Most people were quiet when we were there - good luck with campsite neighbor bingo. PS at $30 a night minimum with $7 extra for a second car this is kind of expensive for a basic facilities site. The RV park next door is a bit more but has showers etc. If you can share it with friends then I guess it's okay.
4
9 years ago (12-09-2016)