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Pet-friendly camping near Johnsondale ranges from free dispersed sites along creek beds to developed campgrounds with picnic tables, trash collection, and toilets. Camping spots at the dispersed areas offer complete privacy, with campers reporting minimal encounters with others even during peak seasons. Both tent and RV camping options exist, though no hookups or amenities are available at these free dispersed sites. Limestone Campground and Rivernook Campground also welcome pets, providing more established facilities including picnic tables, trash collection, and toilets. Dogs must be leashed in all campgrounds, with bears frequently visiting the area making proper food storage essential. Many visitors store pet food in vehicles or hanging from trees, as bears have been spotted investigating camps at night.
The Trail of 100 Giants, located near several pet-friendly camping areas, allows leashed dogs on its accessible half-mile pathway featuring massive sequoias. A small creek runs through many of the dispersed camping areas, providing dogs with fresh water access, though bringing sufficient water supplies remains necessary as no potable water exists at most sites. Four-wheel drive vehicles navigate the dispersed camping areas more easily, as dust roads and occasional difficult terrain can challenge standard vehicles. Temperatures drop significantly at night even during summer months, requiring warm bedding for pets. Johnsondale's market serves as the closest supply point for forgotten pet essentials, with limited cell service throughout the camping region necessitating downloaded maps before arrival.
"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."
"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."
from $36 - $38 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Dog friendly. My lab went swimming everyday. There is also a creek that runs through the campground. Lots of nearby hiking. Lake Isabella is close as well."
from $45 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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"
"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!"
"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"It’s on the slightly off road to Dome Rock. I didn’t get any traffic except some deer. Internet works on the Dome itself but spotty in the camping areas"
"Typical BLM site, good cell coverage, close to the city"
"However, it is located directly across from the trailhead to the Trail of 100 Giants, a 1/2 mile walking tour of some of the biggest trees Sequoia has to offer."
"We stayed here in October after the yurts had been taken down which was no bother to us when you’re surrounded by the most magnificent trees in the world!"
from $36 - $116 / night
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LegendWe did a backpacking trip from Johnsondale Bridge down to Fairview Campground following the Rincon trail in May.
It was hot but the views and the quietness was beautiful! Be prepared with lots of water and food. The trail from the bridge to the campground is approximately 16 miles total but it is mostly exposed and with lots of chaparral and little water.
GuideMy husband and I spent two nights there while traveling to the national parks. It was a bit dirty and packed in. We travel with two dogs, so a dog park is important to us. Their dog park needs a lot of work, it wasn't very clean or well kept.
ScoutNice drive thru RV’s sites. Friendly Staff and good staff especially Jennifer. Very nice dog park, not a lot grass but good running area for dogs.
Location less than 30minutes from the National Forest entrance. We got up early on the road @645 am to the park was back by 11am. Only went as far General Sherman.
Only negative point was pool was closed for cleaning. Just bad timing
GuideGreat, clean place only 6 miles from Sequoia National Park entrance. This place has sites where you can back up to the river, is clean, has nice dog park area, nice fire pits & courteous staff.
ScoutClean, friendly, and easy full hookup...clean facilities Dog Park Swimming pool Wendy&Mario
TravelerBeautiful 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!
ScoutMy family and I stayed at Lemon Cove Village over the weekend and had the most amazing time! The camp ground was clean and well kept. They had a really nice dog park. Management was super helpful. We can't wait to go back again soon!
GuideIf 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. There are trails galore and GIGANTIC trees bigger than your car. This beautiful setting is worth visiting year round and I recommend camping during the less touristy times in early Spring and Fall. You are near lakes, waterfalls, and an array of bodies of water. I recommend coming up the back end up the park for an easier ascent rather than via the 198. The 198 takes you up a steep, but beautiful, hair pin turn ridden road. If you get car sick easily, take the route through Fresno.
GuideWe stayed at Sequoia RV Ranch this past weekend with high expectations, based on the stellar reviews. The campground is fine, but not five stars. 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. We had site 6 for the first night (water and electric only) and site 54 (a river site with full hookups) for the second night. The campground is small but clean and the staff is helpful. There is a fenced dog park on-site, a nice touch. There are clean bathhouses available and a laundry too. The showers are coin-operated. Another plus for this campground is the natural spring-fed swimming hole in the North Fork of the Kaweah River, just a short walk from the campground. The rest of the river along the backside of the campground was dried up, due to drought conditions. The signage within the campground needs to be improved so download a map of the campground before you arrive, especially if you are arriving after dark. We had issues with low voltage from the electric post on site 6 which caused our RV's electrical system to cycle on and off every minute or two. The onsite techs diagnosed an issue with the city-supplied power and mentioned sites 1 through 10 had issues with power, mostly on the weekends. The camp staff moved us to site 54 which solved our power issue. The campground was full, but everyone observed the no noise after 10 PM rule. All in all a nice campground conveniently located near Sequoia NP.
Dispersed camping areas near Johnsondale sit at elevations between 4,500-7,000 feet in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summer daytime temperatures typically range from 75-85°F. Many campsites are positioned along forest service roads with varying degrees of accessibility depending on seasonal conditions and vehicle clearance.
Fishing access points: Multiple spots along the Kern River offer fishing opportunities near established campgrounds. At Limestone Campground, "Great place to stay. Most sites have some shade. It is always great to reserve before because it does get crowded in the weekends, holidays and summer," notes Jessica P. Several dispersed camping areas also provide direct river access.
Trail of 100 Giants exploration: The accessible Sequoia trail can be reached from several nearby camping areas. "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," reports Danielle B. about Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park.
Wildlife observation: The meadows and forested areas surrounding Johnsondale support diverse wildlife. "Woke up to cattle walking through the meadow we parked next to," shares Danielle B. Bears are common throughout the region, particularly around established campgrounds. "Beautiful spot, but Bears visit at night. Keep food packed and ice chests put in vehicle," warns Curtis L.
Creek access: Small streams provide water features at multiple camping areas. At Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground, "You will have a running creek and a beautiful meadow which you will have some cows visiting every morning," explains Jessica P. These water sources attract wildlife but require filtration for consumption.
Seclusion from crowds: Many dispersed camping spots offer significant privacy. "I was surprised how vacant this location was. It was absolutely gorgeous and the stars were unreal! There seemed to be a lot of campsites very far from each other," reports Taylor about Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park.
River access at established sites: Campers particularly value riverside spots at established campgrounds. "Campsites are above the river in a pretty narrow canyon. A short hike to the water. Spacious sites. Most sites have trees for shade," notes Coleen B. about Limestone Campground. Similarly, at Rivernook Campground, "We stayed on the southern end of the campground site #102 and we walked to the northern end and floated down the river back to our site with a nice cold beer in hand," shares Mike N.
No services at dispersed sites: Dispersed camping areas lack facilities. "No water or electricity anywhere in the campground. No cell service, but there is Wifi at the market 3miles away," explains Coleen B. Pack in all necessary supplies for the duration of your stay.
Bear safety requirements: Bears actively visit camping areas throughout the region. At Brush Creek Recreation Site, proper food storage is essential. "This campground is the closest to the trailhead for 7 teacups hiking or canyoneering," notes Les R., who also mentions dogs must remain leashed throughout the forest.
Limited cell coverage: Most camping areas have no cellular service. "No service within the campground so make sure you have everything available to you," advises Josh S. Some limited service spots exist at higher elevations, particularly near lookout points.
Campfire permit requirements: Most dispersed areas require campfire permits. "Just make sure to apply for your fire permit online ahead of time to be allowed to set up campfires or use camp stoves," advises Les R.
Dog-friendly campgrounds near Johnsondale: Most campgrounds welcome pets with leash requirements. "Dogs allowed throughout the forest as long as they are on leash," confirms Les R. about Limestone Campground. Pet owners should bring adequate water supplies as stream water requires treatment.
Beginner-friendly sequoia access: The Trail of 100 Giants offers easy access for families with children. "It's directly across from the trailhead to the Trail of 100 Giants, a 1/2 mile walking tour of some of the biggest trees Sequoia has to offer," explains Ryan W. about Redwood Meadow.
River play areas: Several established campgrounds offer safer water access points for families. "Great place for RVs and tents. Great fishing spots all over the campground. And access to floating in your tubes and hanging out at beaches in the campground," shares Stacie G. about Rivernook Campground.
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require appropriate clothing and bedding. "You will be at 7000ft elevation so dress warm," cautions Joseph M. about Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park. Temperatures can drop significantly after sunset even during summer.
Limited access at dispersed areas: Many forest roads present challenges for large vehicles. "All dust roads so AWD would be best, but we did make it in our van. Slid backwards down the hill kicking up dust a couple of times trying to get out the next day," warns Danielle B. about Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park.
Established sites with hookups: For RVers requiring services, select campgrounds offer amenities. "Rivernook Campground will be my first pick to stay at in Kernville every time! The prime reason is they have campsites directly on the Kern River. Also while camping there you will maintain cell reception, there is WiFi, restrooms available 24/7, and FREE hot showers between 7am to 8pm," explains Mike N.
Site selection for larger vehicles: Some campgrounds offer limited suitable spaces for RVs. "We stayed in site 9 and if you have a back in trailer, you may want to drive in the wrong direction to be able to angle things properly," advises Ashley S. about Quaking Aspen Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Johnsondale, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Johnsondale, CA is Limestone Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 10 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 127 dog-friendly camping locations near Johnsondale, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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