Best Tent Camping near Johnsondale, CA
Searching for a tent camping spot near Johnsondale? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Johnsondale with tent camping. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Johnsondale campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Johnsondale, CA (35)
1. Limestone Campground
Johnsondale, California10 Reviews•49 Photos•375 SavesOverview
Limestone Campground sits in an area dotted with oak and gray pine along the Upper Kern River, a designated Wild and Scenic River, at an elevation of 3,500 feet.
Recreation
Whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Upper Kern River are popular activities. To learn more about the Upper Kern River, including safety and permitting requirements and a listing of local outfitters, visit the Sequoia National Forests overview of the area.
Natural Features
The Sequoia National Forest, located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada in central California, takes its name from the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree, which grows in more than 30 groves on the forest's lower slopes. The forest comprises about 1.1 million acres, and elevations range from about 1,000 to 12,000 feet creating precipitous canyons and mountain streams with spectacular waterfalls such as Salmon Creek Falls and Grizzly Falls. At various points along the river, gray pines, scrub oaks, grass and dry climate shrubs cling to steep canyon walls, while cottonwoods and willows line the water's edge.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (760) 376-1269.
Nearby Attractions
The campground provides a good base for day trips to the Sequoia National Park Trail of 100 Giants. The Giant Sequoia Mercantile offers a wide variety of books, maps, gifts, local art, camping supplies and other merchandise.
- Pets
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
$34 - $36 / night
2. Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park
Johnsondale, California7 Reviews•14 Photos•607 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
3. Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
Kernville, California8 Reviews•26 Photos•164 SavesDispersed Camping on Upper Kern River approximately 4 to 5 miles north from Kernville. Ther is no water available at this location. Portable toilets and trash recepticals are available during__summer months. See Larger Picture Here.
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Trash
4. Sequoia National Forest Belknap Campground
Camp Nelson, California6 Reviews•9 Photos•19 SavesOverview
Belknap Campground, elevation 4,800 feet, is located east of Porterville, CA off state highway 190 in the Giant Sequoia National Monument in the Western Divide Ranger District. It sits within the Belknap and McIntyre giant sequoia groves.
Recreation
Trails in the monument are open to hikers, horseback riders and bikers. The trails wind through giant sequoia groves, up mountains and alongside wild rivers. A hiking trail also starts within the campground, leading into the sequoia grove, with fishing in Tule River along the way.
Facilities
Trails in the monument are open to hikers, horseback riders and bikers. The trails wind through giant sequoia groves, up mountains and alongside wild rivers. A hiking trail also starts within the campground, leading into the sequoia grove, with fishing in Tule River along the way.
Natural Features
The Sequoia National Forest, located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada in central California, takes its name from the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree, which grows in more than 30 groves on the Forest's lower slopes. The Forest comprises about 1.1 million acres, and elevations range from about 1,000 to 12,000 feet, creating precipitous canyons and mountain streams with spectacular waterfalls, such as Salmon Creek Falls near Fairview and Grizzly Falls on the Kings River.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 455-6010.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
$34 - $36 / night
5. Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)
Johnsondale, California3 Reviews•27 Photos•160 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- Alcohol
6. Lower Peppermint Campground
Johnsondale, California1 Review•1 Photo•67 SavesLocated along the Lloyd Meadow Road (Forest Road 22S82), 10 miles north of Johnsondale. The campground is 27 miles from California Hot Springs, 32 miles from Kernville, 31 miles from Ponderosa, and 74 miles from Porterville. Most services are available in Porterville and Kernville.
The campground has 17 single family units. Some units can accommodate recreational vehicles up to maximum length of 16 feet. Sanitary facilities, portable water, tables, and fire rings are provided.
Nearby activities are fishing, touring, hiking, viewing scenery and hunting during the prescribed seasons. Nearby attractions include the Needles, North Fork Kern and the Freeman Creek Grove of giant sequoias.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
8. Hobo Campground — Sequoia National Forest
Bodfish, California6 Reviews•4 PhotosOverview
Hobo Campground is tucked on the banks of the Lower Kern River, north of the popular Miracle Hot Springs. It sits at 2290 feet elevation on the Sequoia National Forest in the Lower Kern Canyon. The close proximity to the Lower Kern River and the shade provided by the riparian forest make it an ideal summer escape from the heat. It has 23 individual tent only sites and an additional 10 sites across the campground.__
Recreation
__White water boating is popular on the Lower Kern and requires a free Kern River Use permit from the Kernville Ranger Station. A trail also exists at the northern end of Hobo Campground that connects visitors to Sandy Flat Campground. The remains of an old resort can be found in the campground and Miracle Hot Springs area.
Facilities
__White water boating is popular on the Lower Kern and requires a free Kern River Use permit from the Kernville Ranger Station. A trail also exists at the northern end of Hobo Campground that connects visitors to Sandy Flat Campground. The remains of an old resort can be found in the campground and Miracle Hot Springs area.
Natural Features
The campsites are mostly all shaded by majestic sycamores, willows, cottonwoods, alders with views of the Lower Kern River close by.The trees show off a dramatic display of yellow, gold, and orange in the fall. The Kern River flows higher in the late spring and early summer months as water is released from Lake Isabella. The river can appear calm but can be deceiving with it's fast currents under the surface. The Forest Service does not encourage swimming in the river.
contact_info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (760) 376-3781.
Nearby Attractions
Remington Hot Springs is a free Hot Spring on Forest Service Land located approximately one mile West of Hobo Camppground off Old Kern Canyon Road. White water rafting is a very popular activity on the Kern River, local Rafting Outfitters provide half-day to multi day trips along the Kern River.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
$26 - $30 / night
9. Cold Springs Campground — Sequoia National Park
Three Rivers, California8 Reviews•18 Photos•487 SavesOverview
The Mineral King area features the highest elevation campground in the parks. At 7,500 feet (2280 m), it is only open during the summer months. A narrow, winding, largely unpaved road leads to the area and its two campgrounds. RVs and trailers are not recommended on Mineral King Road and are not permitted in campgrounds. Mineral King is not connected to the rest of Sequoia National Park by roads.
Recreation
Trails to alpine lakes and mountain passes begin nearby.
Natural Features
Hikes into the backcountry out of Mineral King will give visitors an ever deeper understanding of the beauty and uniqueness of Sequoia National Park. Hike to alpine lakes and over mountain passes, or climb a peak.
Nearby Attractions
There are limited services at Silver City Resort, 2.5 miles (4 km) west of the campground.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (559) 565-4404.
Charges & Cancellations
Payment in full will be charged to your credit card upon completion of the reservation. A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Additional fees will apply for late cancellations If your campsite remains vacant for 24 hours after your arrival date it will be cancelled and made available on rec.gov.You will be charged for the first night's campsite fee and a $10 cancellation fee, all other fees after that will be refunded. Recreation.gov policies apply to all reservations, cancellations, refunds and date changes. Call (559) 565-4404 if you will be arriving 24 hours after your arrival date so your site won't be cancelled.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
- Firewood Available
$32 / night
10. Peppermint Campground
Camp Nelson, California1 Review•8 Photos•28 Saves7100-foot elevation. Undeveloped dispersed camping area within the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Fishing available in nearby Peppermint creek, check with the Department of Fish and Wildlife for regulations. __No services, no fee.Dispersed Camping Rules, Regulations, and Tips
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Toilets
Showing results 1-10 of 35 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews in Johnsondale
643 Reviews of 35 Johnsondale Campgrounds
- U
UT801
Ranger
Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park
Good access to Sequoia
Stayed in#2 which was largely shaded but sloped as are many sites. Recommend site#20 especially- next to river and large and level. Also site#17 and#22 were level and relatively shady/private. Flush toilets and sinks with potable water but no water taps. Has sewer dump adjacent.#21 and#23 were nice but not as level. Some road noise but not bad, Large rock formation to west means early sunset which keeps temps moderate.
Food aside: Ate breakfast scramble burritos (Mtn House or Readywise) with supplemental Costco Merlot cheese, chorizo, and Kinders wood fired garlic seasoning. Yum!
- UUT801Ranger
Three Rivers Hideaway
Convenient to Sequoia!
Stayed in van in tent space 52. Bathrooms had showers with hot water, clean. Had laundry but we didn't use. 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. Lady at front desk was nice and very helpful over the phone and in person- saved us a space even tho we didn't have reservation over memorial day weekend. Tent spaces were adjacent with little space between and around a large parking lot. Friendly, quiet.
Brittney J.
Traveler
Horse Creek Campground
Beautiful scenery, less amenities
We chose this campground to be an easy "getting back to camping" campground since it was supposed to be developed and even have showers.
Cons: The central restrooms/showers have been non-operational for over a year based on the maintenance log of the porta potty. While the porta potty was well maintained, there were no hand wash stations or anything to make up for the loss of sinks and showers. The tap outside the building didn't work and neither did the water fountain.
The host was not there for check-in. Thankfully, we ran into a very kind maintenance worker that gave us the predator rundown for the area and told us how to get to our site. The host eventually showed up, but was not there for at least 5 sets of campers who were trying to check in.
Nearly every campsite has a major hill, so most will not have a good flat area for a tent. Site 61 is flat and a couple of others have flatter grounds, but many will have you sleeping on an angle.
Cons Site 61: The previous group was very disrespectful of the site and left glass shards everywhere. We had to sweep it away from our tent site and kept finding more as we were using our site. It was especially a problem since we brought our dog, so eventually we just laid tarps out to let her walk on instead of the dirt for her safety.
No shade at all. While most other sites had trees or an aluminum awning to provide some sort of shade, Site 61 had nothing. Thankfully, we planned for that, but definitely worth mentioning for other campers. Most sites on the inside of the loop had good tree coverage, so if that's what you're looking for definitely book one of the inner loop sites like 63.
For those looking to be fully removed from the world, you should know this campsite is RIGHT off the highway, so there is traffic and some headlights if drivers have their brights on. That didn't bother us, but we've lived off of major streets for years, so we tune it out pretty well.
Pros: There was running water, but you had to find it near other campsites. (Closest one to ours was near Site 63, which was very convenient)
Pros Scenery: The stargazing is beautiful. There is some limited light pollution emanating from the other side of the foothills, but because you are surrounded by foothills you get some good, dark surroundings to really appreciate the stars. Similarly, the sunrise and sunset were slightly late/early because the sun was contending with the surrounding hills. When the sun was rising over the hills, there was a beautiful glow to them.
Pros Site 61: You have absolutely no neighbors, which gives you more privacy and the ability to face out in any direction and enjoy the scenery.
Predators: Coyotes, rattlesnakes, meat bees (bring cheap canned meat to set out during the day and they will leave you alone for the most part)
Cool Wildlife: Various birds, though I was never able to get a good enough look to identify them. There were also bats at night that really helped with the bug problem and created a cool ambience while stargazing. My husband loved listening to them hunt!
Overall: We enjoyed the site, but were extremely grateful that we are redundancy packers. If we didn't have our extras, we probably would not have had a good time since it was 100+ degrees every day we were there and the grounds weren't totally as advertised. (Toilets, showers, etc)
Ryan B.Traveler
Holey Meadow Campground
Beautiful and quiet
Pulled in on a Friday afternoon and had the whole campgrounds to ourselves, until about 7 pm. Neighbors kept noise to a minimum. We chose site #3 (back right) and it had a fairly level spot for our cars RTT. Overall, the grounds and bathrooms were very clean. Holey Meadow, across the road, is small, but very beautiful. The main road is just past that, so you will hear traffic. The Trail of a Hundred Giants is about 2 miles north and worth a visit. A section of the trail was closed due to a downed tree, but still a nice walk.
Karen D.Traveler
Kern's River Edge Campground
Nice campsite, friendly hosts, family and kid oriented
Well run site, with easy late check in process. Friendly on site camp hosts who sell ice and firewood. Quite a lot of rules, and it had kind of a kids camp feel to it. Showers are hot, but you need quarters for them. I only gave three stars as it just not my kind of campground. If you're a family with kids I think it'd be great.
- AAndy B.
Scout
Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)
Perfect.
This campsite was fantastic. Access was easy with a 4x4, but may be a little tough for a 2WD car. Plenty of space for a small trailer to maneuver.
Highly recommend. Perfect for an off-road trailer or overland setup.
- NNikolaj A.Traveler
Paradise Cove
Beautiful scenery
Very beautiful sight of the lake and mountains. Easy access from the road. Had a ton of wind and thunder so hard to move further up and away from the lake so we wherent up against the wind. Close to the road so a little noise from it, but thats what made it easy accessible as well. All in all a very nice campsite.
- CCharlie W.Scout
Lone Pine
Lone Pine is beautiful
Beautiful views!
Lisa D.Traveler
Boulder Creek RV Resort
An Oasis on the 395
This park is in the middle of nowhere but a fabulous view of the Sierra Nevada's. I had a problem when I pulled into my site getting shore power from the electrical hook up. But I went to the office and I was moved immediately to a better site with a good hook up! Quiet, clean and well landscaped for the desert surroundings
- TTaylor A.
GuidePotwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park
Just needed for a night
One night is all I spent here. It was much warmer climate than other areas of the park due to lower elevation. There’s a 6 mile hike starting from the campground that leads to some waterfalls. No camp host on duty and many campers breaking rules I.e. campfires fires during a burn ban, loud music throughout the campground, plugging a movie theater set-up using extension cords to the bathroom. Would have appreciated if it was better managed. The camp site itself was decent. Large enough for several tents.
Megan E.Ranger
Tuttle Creek Campground — Alabama Hills
Quick stay
Camped here before hiking Mount Whitney the following day. Think we got one of the only sites with a “tree,” but the grounds were well maintained and area was quite. Enjoyed camping here.
- Andrew P.Guide
Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road
Quiet, remote, beautiful
I pulled in here looking for a campsite on my way up to mammoth. I was able to find a pretty dope spot surrounded by rocks, and nowhere near any other campers. I was legit, alone.
Great place to pull off and sit on a rock to watch the sun set over the mountains. Shade was minimal, but if you hide between the rocks like they do in that scene on the fire planet in Riddick you’ll be alright til it cools off.
- EElke S.Scout
Three Rivers Hideaway
Perfect campground near Sequoia
We were so happy that we found this spot in the evening, after we had a reservation for a different campground and were so disappointed. Here we found a nice spot under a tree. Everything was clean, good WiFi and access to the river.
- EElke S.Scout
Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park
Great spot to be off
Great campground as base for hikes or just to chill and enjoy the river. We had no cell reception - good to be really off for a little while. Only the restrooms where a little disgusting - experienced that differently in other NPs.
Cameron L.GuideCamping area No. 3 (dispersed)
Great Spot tucked off the road
We stopped here on our way through Sequoia Nat’l Forest and loved it. The water is super clear and nice! We were the only ones staying here, so it was very quiet and calming. A handful of camping spots around this area, well worth the stay!
Leslie R.
Legend
Mt. Whitney Trail Camp
beautiful setting, but overcrowded and uncomfortable
I think the coordinates for this campground are off, it's located closer to 36.563093,-118.279422
We hiked Mt Whitney from the portal campground in two-days, with one overnight at trail camp. Even with the permit system, the campground was packed, it was hard to find a spot for our tents. We arrived to the campground around 4pm, so I would suggest starting the hike earlier (we started at 10am) if you want a better spot. Another downside of how many people go through the campground, was that it smelled like pee in a few areas, and I was very disappointed to see people had left trash and even wagbags.
The 360 view around the campground is magnificent, and it is breath-taking to see the sunset and sunrise. Don't expect to sleep much in-between though, because you're sleeping on rocks, and hikers start/finish at all hours on the trail that's a few yards away from many of the tent spots.
Erik R.ScoutAlabama Hills on Movie Flat Road
Dennis H. Jackson
Exploring Alabama Hills on Movie Flat Road is like stepping onto a film set straight out of a Western movie. This iconic location in California has been the backdrop for countless films, thanks to its stunning rock formations and dramatic landscapes. If you're planning a visit, make sure to check out Castle app for an interactive and personalized travel guide that enhances your experience with custom itineraries and insights tailored to your interests. Whether you're a film buff or an outdoor enthusiast, the combination of real-world exploration and digital tools can make your adventure in the Alabama Hills truly unforgettable.
Bobby J.Ranger
Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park
Directions didn’t lead me there
Directions didn’t lead me to any dispersed camping but I did find just an ok spot along the road. Don’t know if where I camped was allowed but I did anyway
- JJulie G.Guide
Lake Olancha RV Park & Campground / Westside of Death Valley
Confusing layout lacking signage
It’s confusing to find the campsite. No signs directing you where to go. You have to drive behind the sites and pull through. Sites are small and you’re basically packed together. power and water are on the right instead of left. Bathroom ok, shower curtain looks dirty.
- Eric A.Traveler
Fish Creek Campground
Tranquil Camping
Campsite 32 was beautiful, overlooking the creek, every morning here was blissful. Fairly remote (about 25-30 min from the general store with wifi) this place feels like another world
- mmichaelTraveler
Boulder Gulch
Good camping site
This campground has some shade and some open areas.Area was clean and the host is personable. Cost of camping fee is $34 per night. Has potable water and running water in bathroom. No showers or amenities.
Barrie M.ScoutLake Olancha RV Park & Campground / Westside of Death Valley
Tranquility
A lovely site, both scenic and peaceful. Was very quiet when we stayed. The small lake was ideal for a bit of casual kayaking and nature watching - mostly birds and dragonflies. Charming and spacious, the informality of the site was a refreshing change. Owing to it being quiet, we spent most of our time there in one of the riverside overlooks that provided seating, a table & a grill (as well as being a vantage point for watching nature and launching the kayaks.
The only slight negative was that it was the only one of 10 we used on this trip that offered full hook-ups but no WiFi (5G service was adequate though). Would also benefit with the addition of more than just the single shower/toilet unit (which contrary to another review was of more than adequate size)
Deb H.Ranger
Whitney Portal
Pretty
The campground is beautiful. The sites are a bit close together and many have little privacy, but it was very quiet and enjoyable. The vault toilets needed to be emptied and they were very stinky. It seemed a little early in the season (early June) for them to be so full. Nice hiking trails accessible from the campground. Saw fresh bear scat near our site, but never saw any bears.
Nicholas G.Traveler
Sequoia National Forest Fish Creek Campground
Radical
The sites were pretty well spaced and quiet at night. The bathrooms were not bad, and there's running water (needs to be treated). There's the wonderful sound of motorcycles on and off through the day, so if that bothers you take notice. There's some great fishing near by too.
James N.RangerTuttle Creek Campground — Alabama Hills
At the approach to Mt. Whitney
Nice, out of the way campsite. 81 sites on Tuttle Creek. Clean restrooms. No showers or drinking water. Near Lone Pine, just off Whitney Portal Road, adjacent to Alabama Hills, so lots of exploring opportunities! Great dark skies for stargazing and photography.
Vincent B.Guide
Alabama Hills Dispersed Campsite
Beautiful, Quiet Spot. Easy Access
This spot was an absolute gem nestled in some amazingly beautiful rock formations. The spot was right off the main road and didn't take much effort to get to. Easily accessed with a Subaru Crosstrek and Honda CRV.
The rocks provided great cover from the wind and there were 2 marked camping spots with fire rings that could both accommodate multiple vehicles.
Great campsite.
Jorge R.Traveler
A Country RV Park
Accommodating and Clean
Very convenient and super clean. The lady who answers the phone is super friendly and helpful. I think it's better for RVs and don't think there are any tent sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Johnsondale, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Johnsondale, CA is Limestone Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Johnsondale, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 35 tent camping locations near Johnsondale, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.