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Best Campgrounds near Johnsondale, CA

916 Reviews

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. 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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Johnsondale, California (184)

    1. Limestone Campground

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

    $34 - $36 / 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

    27 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

    7 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. 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!"

    5. Brush Creek Recreation Site

    7 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 Forest Quaking Aspen Campground

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

    $34 - $233 / 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."

    7. Holey Meadow Campground

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

    $32 - $34 / 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"

    8. Leavis Flat Campground

    9 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."

    9. Fairview Campground

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

    $34 - $36 / 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

    10 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."

    "There's great access to the national forest and the little town of Kernville is so cute and friendly."

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Recent Camping Photos near Johnsondale, CA

313 Photos of 184 Johnsondale Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Johnsondale, CA

916 Reviews of 184 Johnsondale Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Lou F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Tule - Success Lake

    Cool at night and hot in the day

    I got here at 3pm and it was hot with no shade. By 5 pm it cool of and was very pleasant. Very good showers and restroom to freshen up in.

  • Elise F.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Whitney Portal

    Favorite campground of all time

    Whitney Portal is a magical place. The second you pull into the campground, it feels like unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been. Whitney portal is exactly what a campground should be. There is a creek that runs throughout the campground that provides perfect background noise. Even though the sites are pretty close to each other, we could not hear a neighbor once because of the sound of the creek. This area is allegedly infested with black bears, but we didn’t see any this time. Bear boxes are provided at each campsite. There are spigots for water, clean, vault toilets, and bear-proof, garbages and recycle bins. It did get chilly at night, but as long as you bundle up in your tent, you’ll be completely fine. There are tons of mountain squirrels running around the campground frequently, and they are so cute and entertaining to watch. If you aren’t planning to summit Mount Whitney. I highly recommend the lone Pine Trail, which leads up to an alpine lake, which is absolutely gorgeous. Meysan Lake was also beautiful. I didn’t have cell service at this campsite, but other areas up near the portal do have limited service, but also the city of lone Pine is about a 15 minute drive down the mountain. Overall, this is my favorite campsite I’ve ever been to. 10/10.

  • b
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Kern River Campground

    Very chill

    Great serene spot (aside from a few noisy campers) by the river, liked it so much we camped out for 3 days. Great price too! Close enough to civilization but far enough you forget it's nearby. Would recommend!

  • french M.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Stine Cove Recreation Site

    Stine Cove

    I'm looking for a campsite near water and a nice mountain view, will definitely add Stine Cove to my next trip list.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Sequoia RV Ranch

    Beautiful & Quiet

    Beautiful and well kept campground. Also loved the fact that loud music is not allowed. The sites by the river are amazing. There is also a really nice, large, and clean dog park! Will stay here again!

  • Kenneth P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Balch Park Campground

    Fantastic Family Campground

    This is a historic campground. With 1000 year old trees and history of logging. Good fishing and hiking all around the area. Nice hosts and most people are respectful of the area.

  • K L.
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Tuttle Creek Campground — Alabama Hills

    Scenic but misleading

    Labor day weekend and half the campground is closed, water faucets are locked, and dump station is closed. We specifically chose this campground for the convenience of water and dump station. Otherwise, the sites are spread apart and the scenery is beautiful.

Guide to Johnsondale

Camping near Johnsondale, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Fishing: The Kern River is a popular spot for fishing. Many campers enjoy casting their lines here. One visitor at Rivernook Campground mentioned, "Upside great location by the river. Beautiful sites and sounds."
  • Hiking: There are numerous trails in the area, perfect for exploring the stunning landscapes. A camper at California Fossil Falls shared, "Great hiking is connected to the camp and will leave you breathless."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A reviewer at Stine Cove Recreation Site noted, "Watch eagles prey on ducks, pelicans gather, hear the frogs croak."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One visitor at KRS RV Resort@Camp James said, "Overall nice campground," highlighting the picturesque setting.
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A camper at California Limestone remarked, "Bathrooms are clean and well maintained."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often enjoy the peacefulness of the area. A review from Cold Springs Campground stated, "It was a very peaceful and calm campground."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds have few amenities. A visitor at Kennedy Meadows Campground mentioned, "The campground has been abandoned for years so: no fees, busted up roads, no water."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for noise from other campers. One reviewer at Success Lake shared, "I was laying awake till 12:30 am when I asked them to please keep the noise down."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Bears are known to visit some campgrounds. A camper at California Limestone advised, "Bears visit at night. Keep food packed and ice chests put in vehicle."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with activities for kids. A family at Sandy Flat enjoyed, "This campground is also great as it’s very close to Miracle Hot Springs."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. A reviewer at Rivernook Campground noted, "Great location by the river," making it perfect for family fun.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with plenty of food. A camper at KRS RV Resort@Camp James mentioned, "Staff is friendly and available when needed," which can help if you need anything during your stay.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at California Fossil Falls mentioned, "The sites are dry sites but are spaced out nicely."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds don’t offer full hookups. A reviewer at California Limestone noted, "No water or electricity anywhere in the campground."
  • Reserve Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A camper at Kennedy Meadows Campground advised, "Pack it in pack it out," emphasizing the need to plan ahead.

Camping near Johnsondale, California, provides a great mix of nature and adventure. With the right preparation, you can enjoy everything this beautiful area has to offer!

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.

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