Sequoia National Forest camping around Johnsondale includes options from 3,500 to 7,000 feet elevation, resulting in temperature variations throughout the camping season. Most campgrounds in this area operate from late spring through fall with nightly temperatures that can drop into the 30s even during summer months at higher elevations. Fire restrictions typically become more stringent as the summer progresses.
What to do
Fishing spots: At Rivernook Campground, campsites positioned directly on the Kern River provide excellent fishing access. "The fishing is great, the people are amazing and the camping is awesome! Please respect the Kern River, keep safe and you'll have a great time," notes one regular visitor who has returned for over 30 years.
Waterfall exploration: Several hiking trails near campsites lead to waterfalls, particularly from dispersed camping areas. "We found a spot right next to the water and fell asleep to the sound of it," reports a camper at Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground. Another camper mentions "If you continue on you will hit a 4 mile off road (my Corolla/any sedan OK) and see great views and waterfall!"
Sequoia viewing: The Trail of 100 Giants offers close encounters with massive trees and is accessible from multiple 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," explains a visitor at Dispersed Camp. Some portions of the trail may close seasonally for maintenance or fallen trees.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Quaking Aspen Campground offers well-spaced sites with significant tree coverage. "It was a very peaceful and calm campground. Sites 6-10 looked amazing for tent camping," mentions a visitor who stayed in one of the campground's yurts. The campground has both standard tent sites and yurt accommodations.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution in the Johnsondale area creates exceptional stargazing conditions. "The stars are bright, and little to no light pollution. You can see the Milky Way faintly, if the moon isn't out," reports a camper at Chico Flat Dispersed Camping. Another visitor to a nearby site notes, "We love it here. nice n quite after 10pm lots of stars."
Access to meadows: Several campgrounds border meadows that provide wildlife viewing opportunities. At Holey Meadow Campground, "There's a nice meadow adjacent to the sites that we saw many cows meandering through." Another camper describes "a beautiful meadow which you will have some cows visiting every morning."
What you should know
Bear activity: Bears frequent many camping areas around Johnsondale, requiring proper food storage. "Keep food packed and ice chests put in vehicle. Bears visit at night," warns a camper at Limestone Campground. At another site, a ranger reported "about 7 bears in the area and are less afraid to approach humans as they are hungry due to this year's drought."
Limited services: Cell coverage is extremely limited throughout the region. "No cell service which is fine, vault toilets are a little smelly or at least the one near us," reports a camper at Quaking Aspen. For connectivity, "There is WiFi at the market 3 miles away" and "no service within the campground so make sure you have everything available to you."
Weather variability: Elevation affects temperatures significantly. "It does get cold here because of the elevation but once the sun comes out it's nice and warm," explains a camper at Dispersed Camp. Even summer campers should pack for overnight lows that can drop below 40°F, especially at campgrounds above 6,000 feet.
Tips for camping with families
River access safety: When camping with children, choose sites with calmer water access. "The lower camp spots are located at the bottom of the hill (easier access to the river, safer for children)," advises a visitor to Limestone Campground. Another notes, "There is a few private 'beach' spots you can enjoy the river without the intimidating rapids."
Weekday scheduling: Family camping is more enjoyable during less crowded periods. "We showed up on Thursday and it was nice and mellow. But then the weekend crowd showed up Friday. It got very crowded and finding a spot can get desperate," explains a camper at Brush Creek Recreation Site. The campground is free but requires an advance fire permit.
Group amenities: For larger family gatherings, designated group sites offer advantages but require planning. At Quaking Aspen, "We stayed at one of the group campsites with about 15 people total. Plenty of space and picnic tables," though the reviewer noted limited bear locker capacity for large groups.
Tips for RVers
Hookup availability: Full-service RV sites are limited in the Johnsondale area. Rivernook Campground offers some of the most complete services, with "full hook-ups water, sewer, and power. Also while camping there you will maintain cell reception, there is WiFi, restrooms available 24/7, and FREE hot showers between 7am to 8pm."
Access challenges: Many dispersed camping areas require careful navigation. "The 1/2 mile in is on a dirt road, but easy to drive as we saw others with small sedans get in and out," notes a visitor at Holey Meadow Campground. RVers should research road conditions before attempting access to more remote sites, particularly after winter or during spring runoff.
