Tent camping near Exeter, California offers unique access to less-crowded areas of Sequoia National Park at elevations between 4,200-7,000 feet. Summer nighttime temperatures often drop 30-40 degrees below daytime highs, even in July and August. Most tent sites in the region can accommodate standard camping gear with space for 1-2 vehicles per site.
What to do
Explore sequoia stumps and living giants: At Atwell Mill Campground, visitors camp among historic remnants of logged sequoias. "This primitive campground is amazing! There were hardly any people and some fellow campers told us it wasn't even crowded on Memorial Day weekend. The campground is full of sequoias and giant stumps and just beautiful," reports Emily U.
Take day hikes without the crowds: Tent campers can access trails directly from Cold Springs Campground for solitude. "Great hiking without the crowds of Sequoia," notes one visitor. Another camper adds: "The campground in a whole is amazing. Great hiking is connected to the camp and will leave you breathless."
Swimming in mountain water: Several campgrounds offer water access, with Belknap providing river swimming holes. According to Vicky D., "Spent a very enjoyable 3 days at Belknap. Our site was between a creek and the river so we listened to water the whole time. So relaxing! Nice trails to explore. Husband caught a nice trout. There's a decent swimming hole."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park offers chances to see native wildlife. Jessica P. reports: "We had couple visitors stop by at night (yes they were animals) 😁 we saw a bear and a possum so make sure you store your trash just above a tree. Don't get scared because you are in their territory."
Privacy between campsites: Many tent campers appreciate the seclusion at less-developed campgrounds. One camper describes the dispersed camping as "Secluded gorgeous dispersed camping. Stunning. If you want privacy this is it. You are definitely alone."
Nighttime star viewing: Higher elevations and distance from city lights create excellent stargazing conditions. "It was absolutely gorgeous and the stars were unreal!" reports Taylor about their experience at Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park.
What you should know
Access roads can be challenging: The drive to many campgrounds involves narrow, winding mountain roads. According to one camper at Buckeye Flat Campground, "It would have been a good site for a tent but we are traveling with a roof tent. Our site was a bit uneven with no way to level it."
Bear safety is essential: Bear activity is common throughout the region. Vicky D. warns about Belknap Campground: "My only negative is that there are no bear boxes. There was a bear in the campground our last night there. So put your food away at night."
Water sources vary by location: While some campgrounds have potable water, others require bringing your own. For Dispersed Camp near Sequoia, one camper advises: "BRING water and fill up on gas before you go. There are 0 resources for you."
Weather varies dramatically by season: Even summer camping can be cold at night due to elevation. Joseph M. notes about Dispersed Camp: "You will be at 7000ft elevation so dress warm."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with swimming options: Belknap Campground offers natural water features kids enjoy. "River runs through the camp and there's a little swimming hole," notes Christi C., making it ideal for families with children who want to cool off during summer visits.
Consider campgrounds with nearby facilities: Some families prefer locations with accessible amenities. James W. mentions about Buckeye Flat: "The area is popular so it was a bit crowded but not overly noisy for the number of people. There is access to the river for a cooling dip."
Choose sites away from toilets: When selecting a specific site within a campground, location matters. One camper recommends: "Recommend getting a site not directly by the bathrooms because they are vault toilets and the smell tends to drift."
Check for educational programs: Some campgrounds offer ranger-led activities. A visitor to Cold Springs noted, "The campfire events on weekends are good. Fine effort by the rangers."
Tips from RVers
Assess site levelness before committing: Dunlap Canyon Retreat provides more level options than some national park campgrounds. Courtney F. explains, "We stayed at lower main camp with 30 ft RV, and had plenty of room. Spencer was very accommodating and made sure we had everything we need."
Consider campgrounds with utilities: RVers looking for more amenities should research hookup availability. "The sites have water and sewer hookups & when we stayed he had one spot with full electric but he is working on full hookups for all the sites," notes a Dunlap Canyon Retreat visitor.
Check road conditions before departure: Some access roads aren't suitable for larger vehicles. One visitor to Moses Gulch warns: "I never made it to review the campground but know that the road is slow going and full of potholes. I turned around after three miles because my old truck was shaking apart."
Look for dump stations: Most tent campgrounds near Exeter lack RV services, but some offer sanitary dump stations. For best tent camping near Exeter, California with RV amenities, research before arrival as facilities vary widely by location.
