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 (266)

    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."

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Recent Reviews near Dunlap, CA

937 Reviews of 266 Dunlap Campgrounds


  • 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

  • Lou F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Tule - Success Lake

    Cool at night and hot in the day

    I got here at 3pm and it was hot with no shade. By 5 pm it cool of and was very pleasant. Very good showers and restroom to freshen up in.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Sequoia Mountain Farms

    Peaceful Spot in a Rural Setting

    This beautiful site is geared more for tent camping. There are two RV spots with water & power hook ups but those are really tight, right next to the road for easy access. The RV sites don’t have the gorgeous views the tent sites have. Beautiful rolling hills, a small pond, and big trees create a nice athmosphere, and it is nice to walk around the campsite with dogs. This location is really close to the King’s Canyon NP entrance. Overall good but would not stay here with an RV.


Guide to Dunlap

Camping near Dunlap, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the campfire, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to all kinds of campers.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park. One reviewer mentioned, "It’s a stunning area of the park with the Topokah falls trail right inside the campground."
  • Fishing: Head to Camp Edison for some fishing fun. A visitor shared, "Amazing weather and amazing views. Short walk to the lake from our campsite."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Azalea Campground — Kings Canyon National Park, you might spot deer passing by your campsite. One camper noted, "A place where you are surrounded by beautiful nature."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking scenery. One review for Sequoia National Forest Hume Lake Campground said, "Watching the Sun rise over the lake was unforgettable."
  • Convenience: Many appreciate the amenities available. A visitor at Camp Edison remarked, "The staff are friendly and helpful. The bathrooms are clean and well kept."
  • Peaceful Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the tranquility of places like Dorabelle Campground. One family said, "We spent the last weekend of September here... It was so far the most calm and quiet place we have ever been."

What you should know

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some sites can get busy, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Lodgepole Campground mentioned, "Some of the sites are a bit close together and it does get very crowded."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have showers or electric hookups. For example, Azalea Campground does not offer showers, which some campers found inconvenient.
  • Wildlife Precautions: Bears are known to roam in the area. A visitor at Sequoia National Forest Hume Lake Campground warned, "Make sure you store ALL food and coolers in the bear box."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Camp Edison, which is described as "well maintained and just wonderful" for families.
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at Dinkey Creek said, "Swimming holes, the slicks, old historic logging mill" are great for kids.
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along games and outdoor gear. A family at Dorabelle Campground enjoyed fishing and relaxing by the water.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Lodgepole Campground suggested, "Spot 198 is the best for RVs in my opinion, but it only accommodates up to 22ft."
  • Use Dump Stations: Facilities like Camp Edison have nice dump stations that are free to use, which is a plus for RVers.
  • Be Mindful of Generator Hours: Some campgrounds enforce generator hours. A camper at Dinkey Creek appreciated that "generator hours are thankfully enforced."

Camping near Dunlap, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Dunlap, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Dunlap, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 266 campgrounds and RV parks near Dunlap, CA and 34 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 34 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.