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Camping near Sequoia National Forest

964 Reviews

Sequoia National Forest in California encompasses a range of camping options from established campgrounds to dispersed sites. The region includes developed areas like Limestone Campground, which operates from April to October, and Redwood Meadow Campground, located directly across from the popular Trail of 100 Giants. Primitive dispersed camping opportunities exist throughout the forest, with several sites situated near creeks and meadows. Both tent and RV accommodations are available, with some campgrounds like Rivernook offering full hookups while others provide only basic amenities.

Access to campgrounds varies significantly with elevation and season, with many sites at higher elevations closing during winter months. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for reaching certain dispersed camping areas, particularly after rain or in more remote sections. "This place is a dispersed area, there are plenty of spots to choose from and all have a great view of the creek," noted one visitor about Camp 2 dispersed camping. Permits are required for campfires in many areas, including dispersed sites, and some locations implement fire restrictions during high fire danger periods. Cell service is limited throughout the forest, with most dispersed camping areas having no connectivity.

Campers report high satisfaction with sites near water features, particularly along creeks where the sound of flowing water enhances the overnight experience. The Kern River area provides popular camping options with several developed campgrounds offering riverside sites. Wildlife sightings, including bears, are common in some camping areas, necessitating proper food storage practices. "We saw one black bear club that was about 5'6" climbing a tree. It wasn't aggressive but it was looking for food around my group as we were packing up," according to feedback on The Dyrt. Many dispersed sites offer significant privacy and seclusion compared to established campgrounds, which can become crowded during summer weekends and holidays. Stargazing opportunities are exceptional in the more remote sections of the forest due to minimal light pollution.

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Best Camping Sites Near Sequoia National Forest (196)

    1. Limestone Campground

    10 Reviews
    Johnsondale, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 376-1815

    $34 - $36 / night

    "Easily accessed campground located right on the Kern River in the lower Sequoia Forest. No service, running water, or electricity, but there is vault toilets and dogs are allowed."

    "The lsites are not as close to the river as Brush Creek campground, but still closer than Fairview, which is down the road. Facilities. There are vault toilets."

    2. Sequoia National Forest Quaking Aspen Campground

    10 Reviews
    Camp Nelson, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 539-5230

    $34 - $233 / night

    "The roads around the campground are drivable for all type of cars. Due keep in mind you will need a to obtain campfire permit online before you arrive depending if there are fire restrictions or not."

    "The campground hosts never came around and it felt like we could have stayed for free. We had some questions about the area and in order to get some answers we had to drive to the nearest people."

    3. Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park

    7 Reviews
    Johnsondale, CA
    3 miles

    "Regardless they were gorgeous tucked in spots among the trees. Woke up to cattle walking through the meadow we parked next to."

    "This camping site is a nice free area super close to the Giants Trail entrance (5 minute drive). As you head in you go thru a little dirt road and at the end you see an opening for this site."

    4. Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground

    7 Reviews
    Johnsondale, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 565-3341

    "Next to stream. Then if you continue on you will hit a 4 mile off road (my Corolla/any sedan OK) and see great views and waterfall! Nice!"

    "The area is secluded and away from kern campgrounds where you will see a lot of people. You will have some people checking out the area or driving in but for us they all left."

    5. Holey Meadow Campground

    7 Reviews
    Johnsondale, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 539-5230

    $32 - $34 / night

    "A small, quiet campground that’s good for groups of 2-4 people since the sites are close to each other."

    "The campsites are close to each other and is the only reason I did not mark this as 5 stars. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are in the first section/small loop and are up a slight hill and have a smaller bathroom. 5 and"

    6. Brush Creek Recreation Site

    7 Reviews
    Johnsondale, CA
    6 miles
    Website

    "This is our favorite campground in the Sequoia National Forest, of the four we've stayed in."

    "We camped right next to the river. It was such a peaceful place and the sounds of the river right next to our camp was just heaven on earth. We stayed for 2 nights in June 2020"

    7. Leavis Flat Campground

    10 Reviews
    California Hot Springs, CA
    11 miles
    Website

    "This small roadside campground is a lovely spot, tucked between a hillside and Deer Creek running year round right at the edge of the campground."

    "There is a market close by Incase you forgot something, when you go back on the road make a right and at the intersection make another fight and ir should take you to the market."

    8. Rivernook Campground

    27 Reviews
    Kernville, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 376-2705

    $45 - $75 / night

    "We tent camped and our site was close to the rv hook up sites. The rv sites have two different sizes and hookups. Tent sites had access to running water."

    "We loved this river spot even though we were next to one of the smaller parts rather than the main river. If you can try and get one near the main river as it is more picturesque. "

    9. Dome Rock Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Sequoia National Forest, CA
    5 miles

    "It’s on the slightly off road to Dome Rock. I didn’t get any traffic except some deer. Internet works on the Dome itself but spotty in the camping areas"

    "Typical BLM site, good cell coverage, close to the city"

    10. Fairview Campground

    7 Reviews
    Johnsondale, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 376-1815

    $34 - $36 / night

    "If you can, get a spot that is next to the river. We had a great time lounging by the river, fishing, and just hanging around. The bathrooms were clean, and the camp host was great too."

    "It's next to a general store, hamburger stand and restaurant. The sites are spaced out well with some right on the river."

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Recent Camping Photos near Sequoia National Forest

338 Photos of 196 Sequoia National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Sequoia National Forest

964 Reviews of 196 Sequoia National Forest Campgrounds

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2025

    Tuttle Creek Campground — Alabama Hills

    Formal spots $10 a night

    Quiet, beautiful view, vault toilets, close to a 5m trail, packed gravel roads and camp spots. Spots backing onto creek are nice to hear water flow. Ended up here because very few spots are now available for overnight camping in Alabama recreation area. Signs everywhere for no camping or just day use.
    Big rock climbing area and people preparing to hike Mount Whitney. You do have to drive around to see if you can find an empty spot. I would suggest trying early in the day. YouTube @TKCompass

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2025

    Hanning Flat Dispersed Area

    Wasn’t plan A but it was even better

    Tried Stine Cove first. Did not find access so we ended up here. We stayed two nights and very glad we did. Quiet. Easy access, some hiking near by. We could tell the lake level were really low so our experience would have been different with a full lake As is, we were able to easily access the dirt road from Patterson Lane and drive over to tuck beside Rabbit Island. We didn’t see another person for the two days we were there. Level ground, protected from the wind, rocky ‘island’ right behind for shade and to climb. Very good stay. YouTube @TKCompass

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2025

    Stine Cove Recreation Site

    Coordinates provided not accurate

    Water level way down. Tried coordinates provided to Stine Cove first and it took us to the backside of a subdivision. Signs posted saying No Trespassing and No Lake Access.
    We might have taken a look around anyways:) No land or lake access.
    Drove back towards Mountain Mesa and did see a Day Use area and 2 or 3 paid campgrounds. I would describe this as currently an invalid camping spot. We headed over to Hanning Flat next and I will put a review over there. Spoiler - it was great! YouTube @TKCompass.com

  • Anna R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2025

    Movie Road/Alabama Hills Dispersed Camping

    Otherworldly Views

    The most stunning campsite I’ve ever stayed in. As the backdrop of a movie set, watching the sun rise over Mt Whitney while nestled in between boulders, Alabama Hills is surreal. Sites fill up quickly and are clearly marked. Arrive early, plan ahead, and enjoy unique landmarks.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Campground

    Level, Quiet, Sparsely Attended

    Sparsely visited State Park. Level paved roads through-out. Easy to walk and bike to scattered re-built buildings that are well signed. Two campers here on a Sunday night out of 15 no-hookup ($20) and 2 hook-up (water/sewer/30A) ($30) sites. Dump station is $10. Good restrooms and showers. Paved sites with concrete picnic tables and BBQs.

  • Bull D.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Horse Meadow Campground

    Horse Method Campground

    went there on a picnic once, nice place, very quiet,

  • Bull D.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Evans Flat Campground

    Evans Flat Campground

    Good place, lot of ATV and dirt bike riders, also lot of horse riders,

  • Bull D.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Breckenridge Campground

    Breckinridge Campground

    good place, been there several times, peaceful,

  • Julianne M.
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Leavis Flat Campground

    Beautiful River Campsite

    This is a beautiful campsite right off of the road next to a beautiful river. You can hear road noise, but the river mostly drowns it out. There is a $15 fee per day and $7 per additional car. There are plenty of trash cans and the 2 pit toilets were clean and stocked. There is a "hot spring" about 150 yards above the campsite that is about knee deep.

Guide to Sequoia National Forest

Camping near Sequoia National Forest, California, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. For example, at Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park, you can start a 6-mile hike that leads to beautiful waterfalls. One visitor mentioned, "The campground was full, but the creek is very pretty."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near water bodies. At Horse Creek Campground, one camper noted, "This place is awesome... knowing that certain times of the year it actually goes underwater is pretty cool."
  • Swimming: If you're looking for a refreshing dip, KRS RV Resort@Camp James has excellent spots right on the Kern River. A reviewer said, "Excellent spots right on the Kern River. So many things to do."

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One visitor at Limestone Campground said, "Campsites are above the river in a pretty narrow canyon. Spacious sites with trees for shade."
  • Clean facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A camper at Three Rivers Hideaway shared, "Clean restrooms and showers, nice picnic tables and fire rings."
  • Friendly staff: Good service can make a trip memorable. A visitor at Sequoia RV Ranch mentioned, "The camp host was very friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Crowded during peak season: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially in summer. A camper at Potwisha Campground noted, "Reservations required and we were able to reserve online just before we arrived. The campground was full."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the comforts. A reviewer at Kennedy Meadows Campground said, "The campground has been abandoned for years... no water, no trash, no bathrooms."
  • Noise levels: Be prepared for noise from other campers. One visitor at Rivernook Campground expressed disappointment, saying, "No one enforced the 10pm quiet time; it was super loud until about 1am."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with amenities like clean restrooms and activities for kids. A camper at Three Rivers Hideaway said, "Fantastic secluded campground with all amenities you need."
  • Plan for noise: Bring earplugs or white noise machines if you're sensitive to sounds. A visitor at Rivernook Campground mentioned, "People drive way too fast through the campground."
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand can make family outings easier. A reviewer at KRS RV Resort@Camp James noted, "Prices are a tad high but expected with a clean upscale campground."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at KRS RV Resort@Camp James mentioned, "Sites are close together and site 4 has a small uphill to back into."
  • Look for full hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A visitor at Sequoia RV Ranch said, "Full hookups, close to everything."
  • Be aware of wildlife: Keep food stored properly to avoid unwanted visitors. A camper at Horse Creek Campground shared, "Knowing that certain times of the year it actually goes underwater is pretty cool."

Camping near Sequoia National Forest, California, can be a fantastic experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Sequoia National Forest?

Sequoia National Forest offers several outstanding campgrounds for nature lovers. Brush Creek Recreation Site is highly regarded for its flexible camping options near the river and beautiful spots overlooking the stream. Quaking Aspen Campground provides an immersive forest experience with first-come, first-served sites that are accessible via roads suitable for all vehicle types. Other excellent options include Upper Stony Creek with its spacious sites and bear lockers, and Horse Meadow Campground which offers a beautiful setting despite its somewhat hidden access road. For those seeking seclusion, Coy Flat Campground provides a small but private experience with a river running through it near Springville.

Do I need reservations for camping in Sequoia National Forest?

Reservation policies vary throughout Sequoia National Forest. Headquarters Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, making it ideal for spontaneous trips. Visitors have reported finding available sites even arriving as late as 5 PM. In contrast, Hungry Gulch requires reservations through Recreation.gov, with sites assigned upon arrival. For more developed options, Limestone Campground and Redwood Meadow are reservable campgrounds. During peak summer months and holidays, securing reservations where available is recommended. For non-reservable sites, arriving mid-week or early in the day offers the best chance of securing a spot.

Where can I find BLM camping in Sequoia National Forest?

Sequoia National Forest offers several dispersed camping options. Stine Cove Recreation Site provides dispersed camping with water access, making it a good alternative when Kern River sites are full. While limited to one pit toilet, it's popular for families enjoying water activities. Dome Rock Dispersed Camping is another free option with drive-in access. For dispersed camping near water, Brush Creek Recreation Site allows camping anywhere as long as you're at least 25 feet away from the river. Remember that dispersed camping in Sequoia National Forest typically means pack-in, pack-out ethics apply, with limited or no facilities and no reservation system.

What water recreation opportunities are available while camping in Sequoia National Forest?

Sequoia National Forest offers diverse water recreation activities for campers. Tule - Success Lake provides excellent opportunities for boating, with boat rentals available, and features beautiful sunset views over the peaceful water. The Kern River, accessible from multiple campgrounds including Rivernook Campground, offers swimming, fishing, and whitewater rafting. Stine Cove Recreation Site is popular for families enjoying water play and dog swimming. Many forest streams provide refreshing swimming holes during summer months. For fishing enthusiasts, the area offers trout fishing in mountain streams and larger catches in lake settings. Remember that water conditions can vary seasonally, with spring bringing higher, faster water flows and late summer offering calmer conditions.

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