M
Michelle D.
Traveler
TravelerParadise Cove
Mixed review
Beautiful lake nice rv spots hot shower. That's the good. The bad is overflowing trash, trash everywhere old unkempt showers fish station not clean. Verizon 3bars.
Camping near Johnsondale, CA
195 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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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 Campgrounds near Johnsondale (195)
1. Limestone Campground
"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."
from $36 - $38 / night
Check Availability2. Rivernook Campground
"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. "
from $45 - $75 / night
Check Availability3. Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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."
from $36 - $242 / night
Check Availability8. Holey Meadow Campground
"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"
from $34 - $36 / night
Check Availability9. Fairview Campground
"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."
from $36 - $38 / night
Check Availability10. Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
"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 Camping Photos near Johnsondale, CA
320 Photos of 195 Johnsondale Campgrounds
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Recent Reviews near Johnsondale, CA
1002 Reviews of 195 Johnsondale Campgrounds
Amber G.
GuideHanning Flat Dispersed Area
Beautiful and easy to access
A bathroom would've given this spot at 5! I had to position my car to block the wind and the bugs are here (hello, summer) but it was peaceful and perfect for the night. Go slow on the dirt road as the divots are deceiving. Please pack out whatever you bring in!
Catherine H.TravelerWest Keyville Dispersed
Good enough for us
We came in late at night which made it hard to see the sites. We drove around the area for about 30 mins looking for a site that felt comfy. Our site was fine, it was very buggy. We did wake up in the middle of the night with howling coyotes surrounding our tent (we weren’t able to see how close they were to us). I think our dogs bark and my boyfriend’s whistling scared them off and we had no issues. When we drove out in the morning we saw a bunch more spots that we couldn’t see at night. Looked like there was a lot of exploring to be done in the area but we didn’t do any. Would stay again if I was in the area.
- CChrissy K.Traveler
Keysville South Recreation Site
Great Spot Dangerous River
We love it hear but we were scared of the water but there is other safe places to swim real close stay out of this river it is dangerous they are here trying to recover someone swept away awhile fishing.....
- DDebra P.Guide
Whitney Family Campground
Camped next to stream!
Beautiful campground. Camp Host is super friendly and the grounds are well kept. We camped in Spot 22, maybe 10’ from stream.
- Carly S.Guide
Stine Cove Recreation Site
Beautiful easy lakeside
Pulled in late on a Sunday evening and got lucky with a spot. Absolutely gorgeous camp right along Isabella Lake with beautiful mountain views. The stars at night were spectacular. There is one decently clean pit toilet and dumpsters when you pull in. The only complaint I have for this campsite is that there was trash everywhere. I believe one of the dumpster lids got blown open. For the future everyone please make sure you bring your own trash bags and bag up your own trash in case the lids blow open or are left open. Other campers and ourselves did our best to clean up Remember to always leave it better than you found it😊 happy camping!
- LLorie S.
ScoutFrandy 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.GuideAlabama 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.
- nniielsTraveler
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.
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?
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?
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?
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.
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