Best Campgrounds near Dunlap, CA

Camping options around Dunlap, California range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites in Sequoia National Forest and nearby public lands. Sequoia RV Park in Dunlap provides full hookup sites for both RVs and tent campers, while Dunlap Canyon Retreat offers a unique camping experience with a pond and hang gliding activities. Kings Canyon National Park's established campgrounds like Azalea and Sunset Campground are within 30 minutes of Dunlap, providing access to giant sequoia groves and mountain wilderness.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through September. "Just 25 minute drive to the entrance of National Park. But did enjoy staying in campground with nice walking trails around the property and peaceful pond to canoe," noted one visitor about Dunlap Canyon Retreat. Road conditions vary by location and elevation, with some dispersed sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. Cell service is generally available at developed campgrounds, though coverage may be limited in more remote areas. The region experiences hot, dry summers and cool winters, with snow possible at higher elevations during winter months. Campfire restrictions are common during fire season, and many established campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends.

The proximity to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks makes Dunlap's camping areas particularly appealing to outdoor enthusiasts. Campers frequently mention the scenic mountain views and peaceful settings. A visitor to Sequoia RV Park remarked, "The spots are large and comfortable. We will keep coming back here." Dispersed camping options like Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area and Sequoia Forest Hunting Area provide more primitive experiences with fewer amenities but greater privacy. Many tent and RV sites in the area accommodate various camping styles, from basic tent platforms to full-service RV hookups. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region, with deer, birds, and occasionally bears spotted near campgrounds, so proper food storage is essential at all camping locations.

Best Camping Sites Near Dunlap, California (267)

    1. Azalea Campground — Kings Canyon National Park

    27 Reviews
    Hume, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 565-3341

    $32 / night

    "Easy walk to campstore, post office, restaurant, and visitor center. Many trails close by. Very busy in summer. No reservations. Tent only loops available."

    "Very quiet but some sledding and hiking activity close by. Sites are a little close to each other, but being so quiet it's not a big deal."

    2. Sequoia RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Dunlap, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 338-2350

    $40 - $55 / night

    "Typical California foothills hardpan and dead grass sites - large and able to accommodate very long combo rigs and have enough width to disconnect and park adjacent to the towable."

    "There are many ways to arrive here, but the most direct and easiest is on California State Highway 180. The park is open, but the office is not, so it’s find a spot and check yourself in."

    3. Sequoia National Forest Hume Lake Campground

    21 Reviews
    Hume, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 335-2232

    $34 - $72 / night

    "Campsites are spread out nicely, access to bear boxes, dumpsters, and bathrooms are easy. There is 0 cell service at this site, I only had access to WiFi at Grant Welcome center, about 20 min away."

    "Next to the lake and some great trails, an easy car ride to everything else. This was my first time in the Sequoia’s and we stayed for 4 days in mid-July. The weather was perfect!"

    4. Sunset Campground — Kings Canyon National Park

    14 Reviews
    Hume, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 565-3341

    $32 - $60 / night

    "Great location, centrally located for exploring both Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. Nicely shaded spots and the higher elevation is nice for cooler nights during the hot summer months."

    "We reserved two sites next to each other (sites 77 & 78) so we had plenty of space. I have to say this is a very busy campground because it is in a rather popular park (King’s Canyon NP)."

    5. Princess

    15 Reviews
    Hume, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 335-2232

    $34 - $72 / night

    "There are nearly 100 sites in total, most suited for RVs & trailers, all for tents. There are sequoia stumps are spread throughout the entire campground and adjacent meadow."

    "Loved being tucked away with the huge trees all around us and a short drive to Hume lake. We come here every time we are in Kings Canyon"

    6. Dunlap canyon retreat

    7 Reviews
    Dunlap, CA
    1 mile
    +1 (408) 761-2610

    $40 - $150 / night

    "We have nothing but praise for Spencer, our host here at Dunlap Canyon Retreat."

    "Just 25 minute drive to the entrance of National Park.  But did enjoy staying in campground with nice walking trails around the property and peaceful pond to canoe. "

    7. Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area

    11 Reviews
    Hume, CA
    9 miles
    Website

    "I visited both parks and needed a place to sleep in my car, I had seen this spot on this site before so I looked and found it, it’s a dirt road but my matrix did fine driving through."

    "Also a quick walk  to the Chicago Stump which is a must see."

    8. Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park

    44 Reviews
    Hartland, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 565-3341

    $32 / night

    "If you’re looking to camp in California, Sequoia National Park should be one of your top destinations. They have cabin and tent camping. I have stayed in both."

    "Amazing views all around the campgrounds. If you want to get of away from the city this is the place to be...Love it."

    9. Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597

    5 Reviews
    Dunlap, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 784-1500

    "In a 2 week period I did have some hunters come by and start shooting very close to the RV but other than that everyone just passes by on the road towards Millwood OHV."

    "Everything else was a little bit of a drive away You have to get up a steep incline, right road off of the main road and the road is narrow. It was not our favorite part."

    10. Kirch Flat Group Campground — Sierra National Forest

    8 Reviews
    Dunlap, CA
    10 miles
    +1 (559) 855-5355

    "Stayed here three nights Full moon November 2020 Being the last night There was a few other campers But plenty of space to be away from other camps Not much trail hiking to be had Campground just off"

    "Great little campground right next to King's River in Sierra National Forest. Twisty paved road wraps around Pine Flat Reservoir to get to the campground."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 267 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Dunlap, CA

939 Reviews of 267 Dunlap Campgrounds


  • T
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Tenmile Road Camping Area

    Beautiful

    Incredibly beautiful area in nature. Unfortunately a bit a small trash from others. I’ve been there in July, Sept, & Oct. Many spots for fires (need permit). Perfect spot for enjoying Sandy Cove at Hume Lake.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Inyo / Lower Grays Meadow Campground

    Upper gray meadows

    Has 38 sights mix of rv and tent sights very narrow sights longest trailer 24 feet beautiful view trees and a creek

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Forest Rd 14S29

    Alright place

    We actually didn’t stay primarily because this spot absolutely did not have any cell coverage whatsoever (this app said it had some coverage for Verizon. It did 100% not. We couldn’t find a suitable place for tent and some of it looked like private property and/or reserved camping areas. Definitely more suitable if you have a RV or a built out van.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Big Trees Campground

    Secluded clean

    Worth the road in,paved roads narrow in spots plenty of pull outs to let people by , on the creek camping clean and flat rv sights can handle big rigs

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Three Rivers Hideaway

    Like a glove

    This campground is super comfortable. I’m not sure why but it just feels right. Park staff very friendly. We had a nice site and plenty of campside room. I felt like I was in my neighbors site when I had to dump my tanks. The sewage hookup was right in front of his steps. The laundry is your standard $2 per load but the is only one washer and one dryer. Sequoia entrance is about 4 miles, but the trees are an hour up into the hills. Kings canyon is 2.5 hours. But it’s worth it. A bunch of restaurants nearby and the Village Market is a real grocery store. Great location.

  • J
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Camp Edison

    Most beautifull place

    This campground was the most beautifull place I have ever seen of all my trips around the world! During our stay we were almost alone at our campsite area. The friendly ladies at the entrance gave us the perfect site very close to the lake - thanks for that!

  • Aaron S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park

    Happy Campers

    This campground is at the base of the park on the south end.  It can get warm there in summer months.  Rangers were nice.  Wildlife came through camp.  We saw deer and quail each day.

    Full campsite each night.  Busy place.

    www.hitched4fun.com crew was happy here.

  • katherine W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Camp Four And Half Cabin

    Great place to stay right on the route

    Saw this place our first time out west and decided to stop this time, glad we did. Lots of sites, and area to park. Clean bathrooms and if there isn’t any space I didn’t campers parked across overnight at the grocery store.

  • LAUREN H.
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Recreation Point Group Campground

    Amazing campsite with great access to the lake!

    It’s still our favorite spot on the lake for my weekends and the hosts are wonderful. These are group sites, and honestly, I think they’re the best on the entire lake. You get easy beachfront access and a great base for visiting Oakhurst or exploring the area.

    geometry dash lite


Guide to Dunlap

Camping sites near Dunlap, California offer access to elevations ranging from 1,800 to 7,000 feet with dramatic temperature variations between seasons. The area sits at the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, creating a transition zone between oak woodland and conifer forests. Winter camping remains available at lower elevations when higher campgrounds close due to snow.

What to do

Hiking to waterfalls: From Lodgepole Campground, take the Tokopah Falls trail directly from the campground. "The marble creek river is gorgeous and people come, park and spend the day cooling off," notes one camper who appreciated the convenient river access.

Paddling on calm waters: Dunlap Canyon Retreat offers on-site canoe access to their private pond. A visitor shared, "But did enjoy staying in campground with nice walking trails around the property and peaceful pond to canoe."

Exploring giant sequoia history: Visit the Chicago Stump near Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area camping areas. "Easy to find if you turn on that road leading to Chicago stump. Keep driving down and you'll see dispersed camping spots," advises one camper who found the area easily accessible.

Winter sledding options: When snow arrives, Azalea Campground stays open year-round. "We decided to come in the off season in February and we got lucky with weather. Low tonight is only supposed to be in the upper 30s. Very quiet but some sledding and hiking activity close by," reports a winter camper.

What campers like

Cool temperatures at higher elevations: Summer heat relief comes at Princess Campground with its 6,000-foot elevation. "The elevation helps to keep the temperatures cooler during summer nights which is needed in this area of CA!" explains a visitor who appreciated the climate difference.

Fire pit access: Most established campgrounds maintain fire rings when conditions permit. At Sunset Campground, "Each site comes with a fire pit with attached grill top that swings off," notes a camper detailing the practical cooking setup.

Cell service availability: Signal strength varies dramatically by location. At Sequoia Forest Hunting Area, "This spot is flat, large (fits 2 big rigs at least) and has T-mobile and Verizon reception," reports a camper who needed connectivity while camping.

Winter camping discounts: Off-season visitors find reduced rates at some camping areas. "Plus, only $10 a night!" mentioned an Azalea Campground visitor who camped in February when rates drop from the standard $22 per night.

What you should know

Bear activity: All camping areas require proper food storage. "There are bear sitings here," warns a Hume Lake Campground visitor, emphasizing the importance of using provided bear boxes.

Water availability varies: At dispersed camping areas, bring all water needed. "No amenities but greater privacy," notes a Cherry Gap OHV visitor about the trade-off between established and dispersed camping.

Septic service timing: If camping at Sequoia RV Park, note maintenance schedules. One Princess Campground visitor reported, "On Thursday morning they emptied the septic tanks for the pit toilets in our loop and the smell was a bummer during our breakfast."

Road conditions: Access to some camping areas requires careful driving. Regarding Cherry Gap OHV, a camper advised, "Took the road a little bit further than the pinpoint where there was a split and took a left. About 200 feet further a little area that you can pull off."

Tips for camping with families

Site selection for privacy: Choose carefully at busy campgrounds. "The sites are close together and some are directly across from a very busy market," notes a Lodgepole Campground visitor regarding the importance of site placement for families.

Educational opportunities: Take advantage of ranger programs where available. "Nightly campfires in the summer" at Sunset Campground provide free entertainment suitable for all ages according to one reviewer.

Laundry facilities: Extended family trips benefit from access to washing machines. "Access to laundry was a nice plus!" shared a Dunlap Canyon Retreat visitor appreciating this convenience.

Water play options: Young children enjoy safe water access. "The close proximity to Hume Lake is super ideal for spending the day playing in the water without a crowded campground experience," recommends a Princess Campground visitor.

Tips from RVers

Dump station availability: Plan your water management carefully. "The RV sewer cleanout and water fill-up station for free! It is usually $10 but for this weekend it was comped," noted a Princess Campground visitor about an unexpected amenity.

Site levelness matters: Prepare for uneven terrain at many campgrounds. "Unlevel, but most in this area are not level," warned an Azalea Campground visitor about site #106, suggesting seeking alternate sites like #107.

Space between sites: RVers appreciate room to set up. At Sequoia RV Park, "The spots are large and comfortable," appreciates a visitor who found adequate space for their rig.

High clearance needs: Some forest road camping requires appropriate vehicles. "About 200 feet further a little area that you can pull off. I'm driving a 170 wheelbase extended Sprinter and had a little difficulty to get in. Anything larger will be difficult," cautions a Cherry Gap OHV visitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Dunlap, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Dunlap, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 267 campgrounds and RV parks near Dunlap, CA and 35 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Dunlap, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dunlap, CA is Azalea Campground — Kings Canyon National Park with a 4.7-star rating from 27 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dunlap, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 35 free dispersed camping spots near Dunlap, CA.

What parks are near Dunlap, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Dunlap, CA that allow camping, notably Pine Flat Lake and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.