278 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
from $32 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $32 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $36 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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)."
from $32 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $32 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $36 - $38 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $32 - $80 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $36 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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."
"As others have noted, this campground is close to the entrance of Sequoia NP and close to the town of Three Rivers which has a few restaurants and markets. "
"The greatest part was the proximity to Sequoia/Kings Canyon (8 miles to the entrance). Would definitely stay again should we visit the parks in the future."
from $120 / night
Check Availability
RangerWe had a spot on the farthest loop, which was beautiful on a ridge but set us about 600 yards/steps from the nearest restroom, which means going to the loo, brushing your teeth or doing the dishes (there are signs not to do these things at the water taps that are closer) all set you back at least 10 minutes if you're not self-contained. Also note the campground has no showers.
ScoutOur site was 104. Decent site with no services. Picnic table was bent up, bathrooms were OK but needed regular service. Half the showers didn’t function for several reasons, dirty and lots of big spiders, not clean, doors would not close or lock, lights did not work.
GuideThe city of los Angeles owns most of the land out here that’s flat and perfect for camping, a lot of the other ideal spots are on day use only roads, aggravating to say the least
GuideMy first camping experience here was truly remarkable. Similar to my previous trips to the eastern Sierras, this campground offered a convenient location near amenities and right on the lakefront. The campsites were beautifully designed, with ample space between them, ensuring a comfortable and spacious stay. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at this campground.
GuideQuiet, clean, level paved pads. Restrooms are locked, Porta Potties instead. Dump station locked up. Great for dry stop.
ScoutThe ground is very compacted. Getting ANY stakes down is a mission. The sunsets and starry nights make it worth it
GuideSpent a weekend at Rancheria and it delivered exactly what we wanted— a quiet, low-key few days at Huntington Lake with nothing much to do but be there.
Site Selection Tips: We were in the 110's section and I'd steer people there. It feels noticeably less crowded than the other loops, with good spacing and shade. If you want a quieter stay, aim for the higher-numbered sites rather than the ones packed in closer to the middle of the campground.
Lake Access: The lake is a short, easy walk— convenient if you want to get in the water. Getting into the water is the harder part. The shoreline near the campground is thick with downed logs and trees right up to the edge, so finding a clean entry point takes some scouting. Doable, just not a walk-in sandy beach.
Amenities: Potable water and restrooms were easy to get to and clean the whole time we were there. Standard fire ring, table, and bear box at the site. No showers.
Camp Host: Very diligent and visibly present. He was on top of keeping the grounds in good shape, which showed.
Cell Service: Essentially nonexistent at the campground. I'm told you may pick something up over near the marina on the far side of the lake, but plan on being out of contact for the weekend. Bring satellite if you need to stay reachable.
Activities: There's plenty out there, but nearly all of it requires getting in the car. We drove out to Mono Hot Springs— about 75 minutes each way through the mountains on a one-lane road. Worth doing, but go in knowing it's a real drive, not a quick errand. Same goes for most of what's in the area: the lake is what's at your doorstep, everything else is a trip.
Noise& Ambience: The campground itself is quiet. There happened to be a concert across the lake on Sunday— we went over for it, and coming back to camp afterward with the music still carrying faintly over the water made for a nice festive ambience. A pleasant bonus rather than a disturbance.
Overall: Recommend it if the intent is a low-profile weekend. There isn't much within walking distance beyond the lake itself, which is the appeal. Come for the quiet, and plan a drive if you want more.
ScoutThis would be a wonderful spot but you have to plan ahead for the perfect time. Spring insect population is not for the faint of heart. Ants everywhere and wolf spiders are prevalent. This season the river is COLD and not safe to swim in.
Summer Heat is almost unbearable there and they are strict about fire restrictions with rangers checking frequently. The whole area is very dry during this time and there would be little to no early warning system if a wildfire was headed towards your area. Be sure to check water levels prior to visiting, not worth coming unless you can cool off in the river.
Suggest bringing poles and warm clothes for a winter stay and fish the river. I will not consider revisiting unless it’s during this season moving forward.
TravelerAll spots are first come, first serve. $32 a night. Got here Saturday afternoon LDW and was able to get a spot. However, it was almost completely full by night time. Only 1 spot really has shade, the rest are all full sun. Not a bad spot to stay for the night but it is very crowded and you can hear all of your neighbors. There is a creek behind the sites which was nice to cool off in.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 278 campgrounds and RV parks near Hartland, CA and 55 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 4.6-star rating from 31 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hartland, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 55 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.
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