Best Campgrounds near Hartland, CA

Camping areas near Hartland, California span from Sequoia National Park to Kings Canyon National Park, offering diverse options for outdoor stays. Eshom Campground provides a secluded camping experience with creek-side sites and spacious grounds for tent and RV camping. Several dispersed camping opportunities exist in Sequoia National Forest, including sites along Forest Road 14S29 and other forest service roads. The region encompasses established campgrounds like Sunset, Azalea, and Lodgepole, alongside more primitive options for those seeking solitude.

Access to campgrounds varies significantly based on location and season. Many sites in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks operate seasonally, with most open from late May through September. Eshom Campground typically operates from May to October, while higher elevation sites may have limited access during winter months due to snow. Road conditions can be challenging, particularly for reaching remote sites like Eshom. According to one visitor, "DON'T follow your GPS, it took us down some sketchy path in Kings Canyon NP that led to some research facility... and the road was off-road and took its toll on our car." Visitors should check current fire restrictions before arrival, as bans are common during dry seasons.

Campers consistently mention the natural beauty and relative seclusion as primary draws to the area. Sites near creeks or with views of mountain sunsets receive particularly high ratings. Eshom Campground is noted for its unique features, with visitors appreciating the quiet setting and wildlife viewing opportunities. "This place is REALLY out there. Seriously. While it is technically in Sequoia, it is very far off the beaten path," noted one camper. Bear activity is common throughout the region, making proper food storage essential at all campgrounds. Facilities vary considerably, with most established campgrounds offering vault toilets and drinking water, while dispersed sites provide no amenities. The National Park campgrounds tend to be busier, while forest service land offers more solitude but requires self-sufficiency.

Best Camping Sites Near Hartland, California (266)

    1. Azalea Campground — Kings Canyon National Park

    27 Reviews
    Hume, CA
    6 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. Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park

    44 Reviews
    Hartland, CA
    13 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."

    3. Sequoia National Forest Hume Lake Campground

    21 Reviews
    Hume, CA
    10 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. Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park

    25 Reviews
    Kaweah, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 565-3714

    $32 / night

    "Far away from neighbors to feel privacy and great hikes in every direction that go up in the mountains. A lot of mule deer very close by as well."

    "We were right next to the entrance of a hiking trail (#14) so there was a lot of foot traffic & cars early in the morning and throughout the day."

    5. Sunset Campground — Kings Canyon National Park

    14 Reviews
    Hume, CA
    6 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)."

    6. Upper Stony Creek Campground — Sequoia National Forest

    12 Reviews
    Hartland, CA
    7 miles

    $34 - $36 / night

    "So I chose this one because it has a nice stream nearby, it's so nice to camp near water. It was sparsely crowded, very quiet."

    "We were able to tuck our tent back by some shaded trees and directly behind our site was Stoney Creek. There were lots of areas to swim and wade which was helpful with the warm weather."

    7. Dorst Creek Campground — Sequoia National Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    14 Reviews
    Hartland, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 565-3341

    $32 - $80 / night

    "The only thing negative I could say about this campground is that a lot of the campsites are very close to each other. But if you choose wisely, as my friend and I did, then I have no complaints."

    "It was also very close proximity to pretty much everything. We did a lot of driving around."

    8. 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"

    9. FS Road 13s09 Dispersed Camp - Ten Mile Road

    9 Reviews
    Hume, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 338-2251

    "Nice quiet spot right outside the park!"

    10. Three Rivers Hideaway

    19 Reviews
    Three Rivers, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 561-4413

    "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."

    "No real walking trails in the area but were able to go down to the river and there was a swimming hole,$40 for holiday weekend."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 266 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Hartland, CA

1094 Reviews of 266 Hartland Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Django Free Dispersed

    Nice location but diffucult to find a spot

    It’s a beautiful spot, but if you come late it’s incredibly difficult to find a spot in the area due to camping restrictions. For many spots, 4x4 is recommended.

  • 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.


Guide to Hartland

Camping options near Hartland, California range from high-elevation sites in the Sierra Nevada mountains to lower foothill destinations with temperatures varying by 20-30 degrees between areas. Most campgrounds sit between 4,000-7,000 feet elevation, where summer nighttime temperatures can drop into the 40s even when daytime highs reach the 80s. Winter access becomes limited above 5,000 feet due to snow accumulation from November through April.

What to do

Swimming at granite pools: The Kaweah River at Potwisha Campground offers swimming holes and historic sites. "There is a swimming hole with ancient petroglyphs and acorn grinding holes right across the street," notes Bryan R., making it an accessible day activity from camp.

Hiking to sequoia groves: Trails accessible directly from Dorst Creek Campground lead to uncrowded sequoia groves. "Muir Grove is a hidden gem of a hike to a serene grove of sequoias, accessed at the end of the campground near the group sites. Fairly easy 4 miles round trip, hiked with 6 children, youngest hiker is 6; well worth it!" shares Leslie M.

Fishing at Hume Lake: Located just 3 miles from Princess Campground, Hume Lake offers fishing opportunities throughout the season. "The lake is great for fishing and they plant it many times throughout the year!" confirms Angel C., making it a reliable spot for catching trout.

Geology exploration: The rock formations around the camping areas provide both scenic backdrops and exploration opportunities. "Waking up next to amazing views of the formation of rocks are a plus!" shares Louis A. about Dorst Creek, where granite outcroppings create natural climbing and exploration areas for all ages.

What campers like

Riverside sites: Many campers specifically seek out water-adjacent spots at Upper Stony Creek Campground for the natural soundtrack. "Slept just uphill from the river and it was great to fall asleep to that sound," says Ty W., highlighting a feature many visitors prioritize when selecting sites.

Winter camping opportunities: Lower-elevation campgrounds like Azalea Campground remain open year-round with fewer crowds. "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... Plus, only $10 a night!" reports Lydia H.

Natural swimming areas: Creek access provides refreshing swimming options during hot months. "There were lots of areas to swim and wade which was helpful with the warm weather," notes Lucy L. about Upper Stony Creek, where natural pools form in the creek behind campsites.

Off-grid atmosphere: The lack of connectivity creates a more immersive outdoor experience. "No WIFI or cell service at the actual campground, some service near the lake if you are by the Christian Camp," mentions Kathleen C., making these areas ideal for digital detox camping.

What you should know

Fire restriction variations: Fire policies differ significantly between campgrounds in the same region. "Only certain campgrounds could have fires. This was one thankfully as it got cold," explains Becky O. about Azalea, while other nearby areas might have complete bans during the same period.

Elevation affects temperatures: The significant elevation changes between campgrounds mean temperature differences of 10-20 degrees. "The elevation also means it's 10-15 degrees cooler than other campgrounds," notes Alma L. about Lodgepole Campground, making it important to pack accordingly.

Wildlife encounters are common: Deer frequently move through campgrounds, especially at dawn and dusk. "Wildlife came through camp. We saw deer and quail each day," reports Aaron S., making wildlife watching a regular part of the camping experience.

Shower availability limited: Most campgrounds have no shower facilities, even when they have flush toilets. "Eat site has a bear bin, and a fire ring with a grill," shares Jimmy W., but showers typically require driving to central locations or visitor centers.

Tips for camping with families

Creek exploration opportunities: Shallow creek areas provide natural play spaces for children. "The main issue is the lack of bathroom sites as in the winter time azalea only has one bathroom building which depending on your location can be a huge drag as our site was pretty far away from it," warns Jacob D., suggesting selecting sites near facilities when camping with kids.

Ranger programs availability: Educational opportunities vary seasonally but provide structured activities for children. "There is a great ranger program in the village for kids! The hike to the waterfall is easy for kids and the trailhead is in the campground," explains Elise P. about Stony Creek.

Site selection for level ground: Many campsites in the region feature significant slopes that can make tent setup challenging. "Our site was roomy but not very level; turned out wonderfully though as it rained one entire day and no water pooled near our tent," shares Leslie M., noting the unexpected advantage of sloped terrain during rain.

Bathroom proximity: Plan for bathroom locations when selecting sites with children. "Sites are a little close to each other, but being so quiet it's not a big deal. One bathroom is still open and the general store and restaurant are right around the corner," advises Lydia H.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring advanced leveling techniques. "We barely fit on the site and had to use some crazy leveling techniques to get us set up," warns Christy C. about Dorst Creek, suggesting bringing extra leveling blocks.

Generator restrictions: Hours for generator use vary by campground and are actively enforced. "Generator hours are thankfully enforced," notes Alma L. about Lodgepole Campground, with most locations restricting operation to 8-10am and 5-7pm.

Size restrictions matter: While many campgrounds accommodate RVs, specific site limitations apply. "Spot 198 is the best for RV's in my opinion, but it only accommodates up to 22ft. If you can fit, it's amazing," advises Alma L., highlighting the importance of verifying site dimensions before arrival.

Dump station locations: Facilities for RV sanitation are limited but available at select locations. "The dump station is very nice and free to use," notes Alma L., making it worth planning routes that include access to these services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hartland, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hartland, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 266 campgrounds and RV parks near Hartland, CA and 50 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hartland, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hartland, 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 Hartland, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 50 free dispersed camping spots near Hartland, CA.

What parks are near Hartland, CA?

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