179 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Dispersed camping opportunities dot the landscape surrounding California Hot Springs in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains. The area includes established campgrounds like Leavis Flat alongside primitive sites within Sequoia National Forest. Camping options range from tent-friendly spots along creeks to RV-accessible areas with varying amenities. Developed facilities such as Holey Meadow Campground provide designated sites with basic amenities, while free dispersed camping zones exist for those seeking more remote experiences. The region's proximity to natural features like meadows, forests, and waterways creates diverse camping settings within a relatively compact geographic area.
Seasonal considerations affect site availability and access throughout the year. Many campgrounds near California Hot Springs operate on limited schedules, with facilities like Holey Meadow Campground typically open from May through November. A camper observed, "Heads up there were more sightings of black bears in the area and a young bear frequented this campground," highlighting the importance of proper food storage. Road conditions can deteriorate after winter storms, with some access routes featuring dirt roads that become rutted or impassable during wet weather. Cell service is limited or non-existent in most camping areas, requiring advance planning. Campers should be prepared for dramatic temperature fluctuations common in mountain environments, particularly at higher elevations where cool nights contrast with warm days.
Waterfront sites consistently receive positive feedback from visitors to the California Hot Springs region. Leavis Flat Campground, positioned along Deer Creek, attracts campers seeking natural water features. According to one visitor, "Sites 1, 2, and 3 are lovely and right against the river," demonstrating the premium value placed on creek-side locations. Wildlife sightings, including bears, are commonly reported in campground reviews, requiring appropriate precautions with food storage. Scenic qualities vary considerably across the area's camping options, from meadow views to dense forest settings with sequoia trees nearby. Multiple reviews mention proximity to attractions like Trail of 100 Giants as a significant advantage for campers staying in the area. Despite being relatively close to population centers, the camping areas maintain a sense of remoteness and natural character.
"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."
"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. "
from $45 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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"
from $34 - $36 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $36 - $38 / night
Check Availability"Each site is private-ish and they won’t be walking through your site to drop in, you’ll just see groups of people float by your area, once they drop in close to the first site on the north end."
"You have access to the river nearby. The generator can be used until 10 p.m. Would recommend."
"* Site 77 and Above: These sites are much better suited for tent camping, providing level ground while still maintaining great proximity to the water."
"Our family has been going to Camp James for over 10 years, and it's easily our favorite campground in California. The campsites are clean, shaded by trees, and it's right on the riverfront."
from $39 - $340 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $36 - $38 / night
Check Availability"As long as you are 25 feet away from the river you can camp anywhere you want, so definitely not restricted to the parking lot area."
"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"
LegendWe stayed here while on our way to southern CA. It was a pleasant experience and the restored and reconstructed buildings told the story of this community beautifully.
TravelerGood amenities and friendly staff! We took the shuttle into Sequoia NP and used the internal shuttles to get around up there. It was nice not to have to drive but still get to enjoy a good portion of the park. We stayed at site 24. It was nice because it was on the end and enjoyed our view in the mornings. We have group sites that are next to us but were unoccupied while we stayed.
GuideWe were tent camping on a touring Harley. It’s easy to get to though the roads in the area are gravel but that’s literally when you turn into the camping area. It was windy and there were bugs but they didn’t bite so I’m cool. It was gonna rain so we left the rain cover off. It was in the high 80s at day and mid 50s at night in early July. Slept great but if you’re on a Harley leave early. So you get the road to yourself!!
ScoutWe enjoyed it for a quick stay . No shade, electric or water .... but does have a nice view.
GuideLodgepole, Site 199. Late June. Nice warm days, cold nights. The river and scenery make this campground special. There are lots of birds and rodents (Squirrels and chipmunks of varying sizes and colors).
If you can get a site near the river, or on the outside if a loop, the views and sounds are wonderful. Great location for Sherman Tree Trails, Moro Rock.
The loop restrooms are old and not well cared for. There are only two small restrooms at the visitors center. So Dirty and too few for too many people. (The situation at Grant Grove VC is much better for restrooms, but no showers or laundry.) I used both showers and laundry. My shower was cold and dirty despite having just been cleaned (I waited 50 minutes). (Lowest Bidder). Laundry was adequate and I was thankful to have it.
GuideHad a nice site under a tree that was dripping sap everywhere! We could only use one end of the site table & things were still sticky! Enjoyed walking about the area and could see the nice stream below. There were so many 🦟 & biting flys that our one dog didn’t want to come out of our van, he also had sap on the bottom of his paws. This area is free, but there is a volunteer camp host that occasionally comes around to check you are not parked on the dirt areas. It is beautiful country and there is a very narrow road pass going towards Troy Meadows/Bakersfield/Lake Isabella that we enjoyed. Need to stop in at General Store for a beer!
TravelerLarge site, it was worth the $50 per night. The majority of the people there are working on construction projects that require them to be on the road. Gate closes at night which makes it safe. Would stay again if I was in the area.
GuideSuper windy but warm this time if the year! Got a spot all to ourselves for a night before another couple came
TravelerBeautiful lake nice rv spots hot shower. That's the good. The bad is overflowing trash, trash everywhere old unkempt showers fish station not clean. Verizon 3bars.
Dispersed camping opportunities near California Hot Springs range from primitive sites to more developed campgrounds across an elevation span of 4,000 to 7,000 feet in the southern Sierra Nevada. Many camping areas provide access to creeks and rivers, creating opportunities for water-based recreation when conditions permit. Camping options vary seasonally, with higher elevation sites accessible only during summer and fall months due to snow closures.
Tubing down streams: At Rivernook Campground, visitors can float past their own campsites. "We stayed on the southern end of the campground site #102 and we walked to the northern end and floated down the river back to our site with a nice cold beer in hand," notes one camper. The gentle current creates family-friendly water recreation during summer months.
Fishing in creeks: Access to year-round flowing water creates fishing opportunities at several campgrounds. At Fairview Campground, trout fishing draws anglers throughout the season. A visitor reports, "We had a great time lounging by the river, fishing, and just hanging around." Early spring and fall typically offer the best fishing conditions when water levels are moderate.
Stargazing: Clear mountain air at higher elevations provides exceptional night sky viewing. A camper at Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground described the experience: "We woke in the morning to what we think were hyenas (lmao) crazy. Loved it here, but it was soooooo hot!!! Also, no cell service, or fires allowed at all." Many sites lack artificial light, creating ideal conditions for astronomy.
Hot springs access: The natural hot springs remain accessible year-round, with temperature fluctuations based on seasonal conditions. Several free and paid soaking options exist, including a "hot spring about 150 yards above the campsite that is about knee deep," as noted by a visitor to Leavis Flat Campground.
Creek-front sites: Campers consistently rate waterfront locations as premium options. At Leavis Flat Campground, "Site 3 is right on the creek and is very peaceful. Campground is right on the road, but there's not much traffic and the creek drowns out most of the noise." These creek-side sites often book quickly during peak seasons.
Meadow wildlife viewing: Several camping areas border meadows where wildlife sightings occur regularly. One camper at Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground shared, "It is a huge area enough for other campgrounds but during this pandemic you definitely want to be away from people. Anyways, I really enjoyed this camp because you have a running creek and a beautiful meadow which you will have some cows visiting every morning."
Sequoia tree proximity: The Trail of 100 Giants remains a major attraction near several campgrounds. "About a mile or two from the Trail of 100 Giants Sequoia trailhead so that was really nice beating the crowds there in the AM," reported a camper at Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park. The short driving distance allows campers to reach the sequoia groves before day visitors arrive.
Shaded campsites: Given summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, tree cover provides essential relief. A reviewer at Holey Meadow Campground noted, "We were here at the end of July and because of all the tree covering, the temperature was comfortable and cool even during the day."
Bear activity: Black bear encounters occur regularly throughout the region. At Holey Meadow Campground, a camper warned, "A ranger came by to check on us and inform us they have sighted about 7 bears in the area and are less afraid to approach humans as they are hungry due to this year's drought." Many sites lack bear boxes, requiring visitors to use vehicles or personal bear containers for food storage.
Road conditions: Access to many camping areas requires traveling unpaved routes. "It's all dust roads so AWD would be best, but we did make it in our van. Slid backwards down the hill kicking up dust a couple of times trying to get out the next day, but we made it!" reported a visitor to Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park. Road conditions deteriorate significantly after rain or snow.
Seasonal closures: Most higher elevation campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Holey Meadow Campground typically remains open from May 15 to November 15, with exact dates varying based on snow conditions. Lower elevation sites like Leavis Flat Campground often stay open year-round but may experience flooding during spring runoff.
Limited amenities: Many dispersed camping areas lack basic facilities. According to a Chico Flat Dispersed Camping visitor, "The vault toilets were open and very clean and not very smelly. We could not go swimming here, had to go to another day area for that." Campers should prepare to be self-sufficient with water and waste management.
Select creek-side sites for natural entertainment: Water features keep children occupied without electronic diversions. A visitor to Brush Creek Recreation Site shared, "The water was wonderful and low for good swimming. I'd come back for sure." Shallow water areas provide safer play spaces for younger children.
Consider campground activities: Some established campgrounds organize family programming. At KRS RV Resort@Camp James, "They clean and rake all camp sites after each use and they enforce the 10:00pm quiet time. It is a short walk/ride to Kern River Brewery." The structured environment works well for families seeking predictable schedules.
Watch for temperature extremes: Mountain elevations create significant temperature fluctuations. A camper at Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park noted, "Brisk at night even in the summer." Families should pack clothing layers for overnight temperatures that can drop below 40°F even during summer months.
Prepare for limited services: Most camping areas lack cell service and convenient supply access. One visitor to Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground advised, "There is a market in johnsondale about 10-15 minutes Incase you forgot something but it is very pricey." Families should arrive with all essential supplies.
Limited hook-up availability: Most forest campgrounds lack RV services. At Limestone Campground, "Campsites are above the river in a pretty narrow canyon. A short hike to the water. Spacious sites. Most sites have trees for shade." Only a few developed campgrounds offer RV-specific amenities.
Access challenges: Large rigs face navigation difficulties on forest roads. According to a camper at Rivernook Campground, "The prime reason is they have campsites directly on the Kern River. Also while camping there you will maintain cell reception, there is WiFi, restrooms available 24/7, and FREE hot showers between 7am to 8pm." RVers should research specific access routes before committing to reservations.
Seasonal considerations: Higher elevation campgrounds have shorter RV-friendly seasons due to road access issues. A visitor noted, "Quiet and comfortable. Parked next to the road (didn't want to mess with any critters) and barely noticed any road the whole night." Spring and fall offer the best balance of accessibility and comfort for RV camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near California Hot Springs, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, California Hot Springs, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 179 campgrounds and RV parks near California Hot Springs, CA and 37 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near California Hot Springs, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near California Hot Springs, CA is Leavis Flat Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near California Hot Springs, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 37 free dispersed camping spots near California Hot Springs, CA.
What parks are near California Hot Springs, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near California Hot Springs, CA that allow camping, notably Sequoia National Forest and Kaweah Lake.
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