Explore Johnsondale Campgrounds & Camping Areas

Nestled within the Sequoia National Forest, Johnsondale serves as a gateway to numerous camping opportunities ranging from established campgrounds to primitive dispersed sites. The area features a mix of developed facilities like Limestone Campground and Rivernook Campground alongside several dispersed camping zones near the Kern River. Camping options accommodate various preferences, from tent-only areas to RV-friendly sites with hookups, and even glamping yurts at locations like Sequoia National Forest Quaking Aspen Campground, which operates seasonally from late May to early October.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many dispersed camping areas requiring high-clearance vehicles. "We stopped here after we found that all the sites along the Kern were full. It is just North of Johnsondale and just South of the National Forest. Easy driving access to Trail of a Thousand Giants, Moro Rock, and views of the Needles," notes one camper about the dispersed camping opportunities. Most developed campgrounds operate from late spring through fall, though Rivernook Campground remains open year-round. Elevation in the area ranges from approximately 3,500 to 7,000 feet, resulting in temperature variations that can bring cold nights even during summer months. Fire permits are required for any open flame, including propane stoves, and regulations become more restrictive during high fire hazard conditions.

The proximity to water represents a significant draw for many campers in the Johnsondale area. Multiple sites offer creek or river access, providing ambient sounds and recreational opportunities. According to visitor reports, "This is a great place for camping, fishing, swimming." Wildlife sightings, including bears, are common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage precautions even at primitive sites. Campers note the exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution in the Johnsondale camping areas. Several reviews mention concerns about overcrowding during summer weekends, particularly at sites near water features or popular trails such as Trail of 100 Giants. The more remote dispersed camping locations offer greater privacy but fewer amenities, with most lacking restrooms, trash service, or potable water sources.

Best Camping Sites Near Johnsondale, California (195)

    1. Limestone Campground

    10 Reviews
    Johnsondale, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 376-1815

    $36 - $38 / night

    "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."

    2. Rivernook Campground

    28 Reviews
    Kernville, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 376-2705

    $45 - $75 / night

    "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. "

    3. Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park

    8 Reviews
    Johnsondale, CA
    3 miles

    "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."

    4. Leavis Flat Campground

    11 Reviews
    California Hot Springs, CA
    10 miles
    Website

    "We found this place during in our way to Johnsondale and glad we did. First of all the campsites are distant and all have great river views. This place is great for fishing trout."

    "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."

    5. Brush Creek Recreation Site

    8 Reviews
    Johnsondale, CA
    4 miles
    Website

    "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"

    6. Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground

    7 Reviews
    Johnsondale, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 565-3341

    "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."

    "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!"

    7. Sequoia National Forest Quaking Aspen Campground

    10 Reviews
    Camp Nelson, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 539-5230

    $36 - $242 / night

    "The campground hosts never came around and it felt like we could have stayed for free. We had some questions about the area and in order to get some answers we had to drive to the nearest people."

    "Most of your group will have to park on the side of the road outside the entrance to the campground. Besides those two things the campground is great."

    8. Holey Meadow Campground

    7 Reviews
    Johnsondale, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 539-5230

    $34 - $36 / night

    "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"

    9. Fairview Campground

    8 Reviews
    Johnsondale, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 376-1815

    $36 - $38 / night

    "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."

    10. Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description

    11 Reviews
    Kernville, CA
    11 miles
    Website

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Johnsondale, CA

996 Reviews of 195 Johnsondale Campgrounds


  • L
    May. 29, 2026

    Frandy Park Campground

    Management is horrible

    We have been coming to this campground as a large family group for years, and while the location itself is great, this review is specifically about the management experience, which has unfortunately become the defining part of our visits. Over Memorial Day weekend, what should have been a relaxed, family-oriented trip turned into an exhausting and uncomfortable experience due to the way situations were handled by management. From the moment our group began arriving, interactions felt unnecessarily confrontational. One family member, after completing a long drive with young children, was immediately questioned and asked to provide documentation regarding their RV, despite ultimately being within the stated limits. Even after being proven correct, the tone did not shift. At 6 a.m. the following morning, management knocked on their RV and required them to move sites, which could have been handled in a far more respectful and reasonable way. While we understand that rules exist and adjustments sometimes need to be made, the manner in which these situations were approached created an uncomfortable atmosphere from the start. That family ultimately chose to leave early because they no longer felt welcome. Later in the weekend, additional members of our group arrived after hours. While this may have technically violated the posted arrival policy, the complete lack of flexibility or basic courtesy was disappointing.(especially given that this is a long-standing, returning group) Rather than offering a reasonable solution, they were instructed to leave and find somewhere else to stay overnight. A simple, human approach could have resolved the situation without escalating tensions. Throughout the weekend, interactions with management consistently felt hostile and unnecessarily aggressive. Instead of fostering a welcoming environment, there was a pattern of talking down to guests and addressing concerns in a way that felt more about control than customer service. Additionally, the public response from management to reviews is concerning. The tone comes across as defensive, dismissive, and unprofessional. Rather than acknowledging guest experiences or showing any willingness to reflect, the response shifts blame entirely onto customers and characterizes feedback as an attack. For a business in the hospitality industry, this approach is disappointing and does not inspire confidence. To be clear, this review is not about the campground itself, it is about the experience created by management. A place can have great amenities, but if guests feel uncomfortable or unwelcome, it overshadows everything else. Based on this experience, I would not return, and would not recommend it to others looking for a relaxed and positive camping environment.

  • Beverley G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2026

    Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road

    Breathtaking views

    This is my third or fourth time camping in the Alabama Hills area, this time I had no cell reception at my campsite, but could walk to get some of the road. Thankfully, not too much trash, I picked up a bit of waist tissue and broken bottles, but nothing excessive. Let’s help to keep such beautiful sacred places clean, it’s an absolute blessing to be able to come and camp here for free.

  • nThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2026

    Brush Creek Recreation Site

    Site is day use only now

    Had used dyrt to plan a roadtrip, when we arrived to the site we could access the gravel parking lot but all the sections beyond that had day use only signs every 5 meters. 

    The area is covered in state park camping spots however. The main issue is that there is no network coverage so you would need cash to use the paid spots next door.

  • nThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2026

    Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park

    Forrest burned down

    Did not stay here as we realized too late we needed a permit to stay here. In hindsight that was good as this section of the woods has burned down since the previous commenter.

  • ozzy C.
    May. 26, 2026

    Frandy Park Campground

    Beverly is the worst

    This is something we never thought we’d be writing after coming to Frandy for so many years. Some of us have been coming here for almost 30 years, and others for 10–15 years. This has always been more than just a campground trip for our families, it’s been a tradition, memories with our kids, friends, and years of looking forward to the same weekend together. Sadly, this year felt like watching something we’ve loved for decades completely lose what made it special. The biggest disappointment wasn’t even the campground itself, it was the way people were treated. Long-time loyal customers were spoken to with a level of disrespect that honestly left us shocked. We weren’t treated like returning guests who had supported this place for years; we felt like we were an inconvenience. After decades of coming here and bringing countless families and business over the years, to be treated that way was frustrating and honestly pretty sad. The campground itself has noticeably gone downhill as well. Bathrooms weren’t consistently maintained, the overall experience felt neglected, and the atmosphere that once made Frandy feel fun and family-oriented just wasn’t there. The place that used to feel welcoming now feels more like it’s being run with an“our way or the highway” attitude. What’s most disappointing is that Kernville is still beautiful and our group still had a great time because of each other, not because of Frandy. The only reason this trip was saved was by the people we came with. We left talking less about the fun memories we made and more about how disappointed we were with the campground experience itself. After decades of loyalty, we never thought we’d seriously consider going elsewhere, but after this experience we absolutely will be. There are too many other campgrounds nearby to spend hard-earned money somewhere that makes loyal customers feel unwanted.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2026

    COE Success Lake Tule Campground

    Showers!!!!!

    Great value for $20, we had our first showers in a week and they were nice and hot. Clean bathrooms. Not many others here. Nice lake views but too muddy for swimming. Some highway noise. Woken up by a group of roosters and had a nice chat with them.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2026

    Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park

    6000 Ft Lower than the Park

    This was a nice stay in May, not hot enough to need the AC. I just barely fit into site number 32 with a 23 foot trailer and parked my F150 askew. No hook ups, but there are bathrooms and dishwashing station. Across the Generals Hwy from the park is the dump station and freshwater fill, neither of which have a metal threaded end that you can connect to your RV. The fresh water is good quality and flows out fast. I filled containers and siphoned into my trailer. Stayed 4 nights, had to run generator once to charge batteries since I was under a shade tree and solar panel is on roof. A few sites are in full sun, but most have shade or partial shade. By 10 AM most campers had checked out or left to tour the park. Campground was silent, except for nature sounds. Wild turkeys walked the campground daily, sometimes gobbling, saw one deer two days. The campground is overrun with ground squirrels. A fat one kept begging at my screen door. Lots of acorn woodpeckers and wild mustard plants with small yellow flowers that the honeybees loved. Twice hummingbirds came to my red tail lights thinking they were feeders. Beautiful hikes along the Kaweah river in both directions. If you hike from site number 14, you will see a path to Marble Falls. Be aware it is a very narrow trail and you will get poison oak on your clothes, or skin if in shorts, that you will need to wash off. Lots of small flies and gnats fly around your head, but they don’t bite, just annoying. Didn’t see mosquitoes or get bites. Next time, I will stay in a campground on the north end. Driving from the CG to the Sequoia Trees, are countless tight hairpin turns and a gain in elevation of 6000 feet. After two days of going up and back down, with little cars riding my bumper and pulling over to let them by, it was tiring. Around one turn, a buck in velvet was standing in the road, no place to go except the side, which went straight up and the other side straight down. I was going 15 mph, the speed limit, and had to drive in the middle to avoid him. I did that drive every day to see the sequoias, which are magnificent! Pictures do not capture how awesome they are.

  • Ben C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2026

    Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    A piece of Heaven

    Lone Pine Campground is just below Whitney Portal and Mt Whitney. It has a creek full of trout running along side it. Small sites, with vault toilets, but beautiful and full of wildlife.

  • Maricel T.
    May. 19, 2026

    Tule - Success Lake

    Success Lake

    My experience here at Success Lake has been fun!


Guide to Johnsondale

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Johnsondale located in California?

Johnsondale is located in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains of California, in Tulare County. It sits just north of the Sequoia National Forest boundary and south of the Trail of a Thousand Giants. The area is positioned strategically for accessing both the Kern River region and the giant sequoia groves of the national forest. Johnsondale Dispersed Camping is situated just north of the Johnsondale community, making it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding wilderness areas. The location puts you within driving distance of natural landmarks like Moro Rock and the Needles.

What outdoor activities can you do near Johnsondale, California?

The Johnsondale area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the South Rincon Trail, which stretches approximately 16 miles from Johnsondale Bridge to Fairview Campground, offering beautiful views and peaceful wilderness. Fishing for trout is popular in the local waterways, particularly along Deer Creek and the Kern River. The region provides excellent access to the giant sequoias, with the Trail of a Thousand Giants nearby. Other activities include stargazing (the area has minimal light pollution), wildlife viewing, photography, backpacking, and scenic drives. During warmer months, visitors enjoy swimming in creek pools, and some areas feature natural water slides. The region's diverse terrain supports mountain biking and rock climbing opportunities as well.

What camping options are available in Johnsondale, CA?

Johnsondale offers diverse camping options from dispersed to established campgrounds. Leavis Flat Campground features spacious sites with river views and trout fishing opportunities. For those seeking a more primitive experience, Camp 2 Dispersed Camping provides numerous spots with creek views. Other nearby options include Camp Three Campground, which is popular outside summer months for quieter river access. Dispersed camping is available in the Sequoia National Forest areas surrounding Johnsondale. If established campgrounds are full, the dispersed sites north of Johnsondale offer flexibility with easy access to major attractions. Most campgrounds in the area are seasonal, typically open from late spring through fall.