Best Tent Camping near Johnsondale, CA

Tent campers visiting Johnsondale, California can choose from several primitive campgrounds nestled within Sequoia National Forest. Limestone Campground offers established tent sites along the Kern River, while dispersed camping options exist near Sequoia National Park with free, permit-required sites. South Rincon Trail provides established tent-only sites accessible via hiking trails, offering a more secluded backcountry experience approximately 16 miles in length.

Most tent sites in the Johnsondale area feature fire rings and picnic tables at established campgrounds, while dispersed areas provide minimal amenities. Campers should note that drinking water is available at Limestone and Belknap campgrounds, but dispersed camping areas require bringing your own water supply. Bear activity is common throughout the region, with some established campgrounds providing bear boxes for food storage. A review on The Dyrt mentioned, "Keep food in bear boxes. I have seen bears there, but not every time." Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds, while dispersed camping areas require proper waste disposal practices.

The tent camping experience near Johnsondale offers exceptional access to wilderness areas and waterways. Sites near the Kern River provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, and cooling off during hot summer months. One camper described their experience at Limestone as "spectacular," noting that "campsites are above the river in a pretty narrow canyon. A short hike to the water. Spacious sites." Higher elevation tent sites provide cooler temperatures during summer heat, with many areas situated under pine forest canopy for natural shade. Hikers frequently use these tent campgrounds as base camps for exploring the surrounding wilderness, with trails connecting to broader networks throughout Sequoia National Forest. Winter closures affect most campgrounds in the area, with the primary camping season running from late spring through fall.

Detours Nearby

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Limestone Campground

Limestone Campground

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Best Tent Sites Near Johnsondale, California (34)

    1. Limestone Campground

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

    $34 - $36 / night

    "Sites are pretty nicely spaced out and almost all sites have shade. The lsites are not as close to the river as Brush Creek campground, but still closer than Fairview, which is down the road."

    "Most sites have trees for shade. We were in one (12) that didn’t, but we moved our chairs to a shaded space between sites. The paved pad is above the area with the table and fire ring."

    2. Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park

    7 Reviews
    Johnsondale, CA
    3 miles

    "If you want privacy this is it. You are definitely alone."

    "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."

    3. Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)

    3 Reviews
    Johnsondale, CA
    2 miles
    +1 (760) 549-9533

    "Plenty of space for a small trailer to maneuver.

    Highly recommend. Perfect for an off-road trailer or overland setup."

    "Please make sure to pack all your trash that is the reason it’s been closed so many people leaving toilet paper everywhere. Dig a hole and do your business in that hole only lol."

    4. Sequoia National Forest Belknap Campground

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

    $34 - $36 / night

    "Nice trails to explore. Husband caught a nice trout. There’s a decent swimming hole. Vault toilets. A few water spigots scattered throughout the campground."

    "Beautiful drive up campground with a really friendly camp host. Vault toilets, but the cleanest vault toilets I’ve used in CA. River runs through the camp and there’s a little swimming hole."

    5. Lower Peppermint Campground

    1 Review
    Johnsondale, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 920-0460

    "There is a creek right behind your camp and it’s so nice hearing it at night. You get to see lots of wildlife; owls, squirrels, foxes, coyotes, bears and lots of footprints of small game."

    6. South Rincon Trail

    1 Review
    Johnsondale, CA
    4 miles

    "We 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!"

    7. Peppermint Campground

    1 Review
    Camp Nelson, CA
    8 miles

    8. Evans Road Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Posey, CA
    16 miles

    "The 2 on the south side are attainable with careful driving and 2 wheel drive. One site is visible by the road, the other crests a small hill and has limited visibility from the road."

    10. Evans Road Hidden Camp

    1 Review
    Glennville, CA
    16 miles

    "No other campers present so good privacy. Lots of birds, peepers, and late night owls. Quite pleasant."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Johnsondale, CA

701 Reviews of 34 Johnsondale Campgrounds


  • Mary S.
    Feb. 18, 2021

    Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park

    Campsite 13

    We camped at site 13 between 2/12 and 2/14. There were restrooms and a large sink that is useful to dump bear attracting water located pretty close.

    The campsite itself is fairly large. I would say it lends itself more to tent camping than car or RTT camping. The site is located on a significant slope, this includes the paved parking area and the grass. There are a fire pit, bear box and picnic table located at the site. Be wary, when we went there were numerous large holes that were definitely a trip hazard.

    While there were rangers and employees of the park driving around, there were no actual rangers at the kiosk. Additionally, there wasn't a reservation list posted.

  • D
    Aug. 1, 2018

    Dorst Creek Campground — Sequoia National Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    No complaints!

    This was a beautiful campground. 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. Surrounded by trees and wildlife, we were visited by deer and entertained by a family of quails as we sat around our fire. Our campsite had a fire ring with a grill, two picnic tables and a bear box. The restrooms, which had flush toilets, were clean and well maintained. There was potable water near our campsite and an additional bear box was nearby if needed. There were also trash bins, including separate waste bins for recycling glass and plastics nearby. There was no cell reception in the campground but there was a pay phone next to the ranger station where you check into camp. Though I do not know if it was in working condition so I would not rely on it. If you were planning on hiking to some of the less traveled spots in the park, this campground was nice because there were several trails that you could access from within the campground.

  • W
    Jul. 24, 2023

    Sequoia National Forest Fish Creek Campground

    Pretty yet buggy and a little noisy

    Lovely campground! Stayed with a small group at site 35, which is a large site with a parking area that can fit 3 cars/SUVs. We set up 3 large tents, 2 hammocks, plus a lot of cooking equipment, and still had room for more! There's a trail that leads down to the creek right from the site, which we used each day to cool down in the water. Very dog friendly- our group's pups enjoyed themselves too. Vault toilets are clean and the toilet paper was abundant. The price of $17/night (plus$5 for additional cars) is very reasonable. Used a bit of the non-potable water and came prepared with lots of drinking water from home. Was a pleasant temperature in the high 80s with a regular breeze.

    Now for the downsides…it was extremely buggy;. Even with multiple types of bug spray and a Thermacell, we got bit by mosquitos and various flies all throughout the day. Plus, there are really big beetles that flew on us at night. Wish we had a big bug net over the picnic table or other areas, but at least the hammock was covered. There were also noisy neighbors- one group had a bunch of ATVs they started riding at 8am, and another was shooting guns. No cell service, but that was expected, so we brought satellite devices for emergencies.

  • C
    Sep. 6, 2020

    Horseshoe Meadow Campground

    Beautiful and spacious

    This is a walk-in campground designed primarily for the backpackers who use this as a jumping off point for trips. There are campsites spread around the meadow with picnic tables and bear boxes.The campsites are spread well apart under the pines. The parking encircles the large, flat meadow. The area is just gorgeous. It’s a great spot to get away from summer heat at 10,000 feet. Vault toilets, water spigots. Lots of hiking.

  • Sam M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2018

    Buckeye Flat Campground — Sequoia National Park

    trees trees trees

    This is a really cool little campground near the entrance of Sequoia National Park. The sites are tent only, so no hookups or anything like that. Pretty nice sites though, a lot of space. I think there can be fire restrictions in the summer since it can get so dry, so just be aware of that. As far as places go, it wasn't too pricey. I think we paid about $20 a night. There are bathrooms with running water, and the sites have picnic tables and fire rings. Each site also has storage lockers for your food, so be sure to lock it up in order to keep the bears from getting into it.

    As for stuff to do around here, you obviously have to check out the trees. Go look at General Sherman and all the other Sequoia trees. They're so amazing and honestly it humbles you a little. Also check out Moro Rock Trail. The view from the top is amazing. You'll also probably see a fair amount of wildlife while you're hiking around, so be careful of the bears. Out of all my trips to California, I've seen the most bears here in Sequoia. They are super cool creatures, just keep a respectful distance and of course don't feed them.

  • Jill F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Cold Springs Campground — Sequoia National Park

    Been camping here for 20 years

    Cold Springs campground is a must for camping in Mineral King. Remote, but not too remote and great for kids. Closed in winter due to snow. Usually open late May through October.

    Getting to this campground takes a little patience. It is about 45 min drive from SR-198 on Mineral King Rd (partially paved/dirt), but with a couple small pull offs with water falls and Sequoias along the way. You can also stop at Silver City, a small cabin resort that offers a hot meal, some supplies, and paid showers, that is located about 15 minutes down the road from the campground.

    To access the campground, you drive across a bridge and locate the camp site that you want (first-come, first-served). Tent camping only. There is a drop box for camping fees and the ranger does a walk-around daily.

    The campground road is a loop. There are sites located along the East Fork of the Kaweah River from which you can climb down into the River. In spring, some river sites have some flooding because of rain and runoff. Note that the water is COLD, even in summer.

    Vault toilets and potable water are provided. No cell service, but they do have a pay phone you can use. Be sure to bring all the supplies you need. Firewood is a must, and each site has its own fire ring. Keep food in bear boxes. I have seen bears there, but not every time. Also be wary of marmots.

    Great access to many different hiking trails of varying difficulty. 100% Recommend.

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2018

    Limestone Campground

    Great wilderness camping near the Kern River

    Beautiful campground for $24/night. It is popular during the summer months, so if you want to reserve a site for the weekend, make sure to reserve online well in advance. Sites are pretty nicely spaced out and almost all sites have shade. 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. Both trash and recycling collection bins are available (not the case for nearby day use areas or dispersed camping). Each site has its own campfire ring and picnic table.

    Dogs allowed throughout the forest as long as they are on leash.

    Activities in the area:

    • hike the 7 teacups trail or go canyoneering
    • Swimming
    • Fishing
    • White water tubing/rafting/kayaking
  • Shea M.
    Apr. 2, 2020

    Wishon Campground

    Under the Sequoia

    This is a primitive campground with several site locations. It was a very long, winding and narrow road to get there. There is a river near the entrance and it is covered in giant sequoia trees throughout. The park offers a picnic table, bear box, and a fire pit at each campsite. They have also made benches out of fallen trees which was really neat. There's a porta house nearby, fairly clean but I've seen nicer. There is no water or hookups. Perfect for needing a simple place to sleep while visiting Sequoia National Park.

  • H
    Jul. 10, 2017

    Holey Meadow Campground

    Shaded, quiet, and clean!

    Holey Meadows is a small campground with just 10 sites. We reserved campsite 5 and there was shade all day long, which was good because temperatures during the day were over 90 degrees in the sun. There was a flat spot for our tent and plenty of room to pitch another tent. This site didn't have any neighbors behind it and it was close to the bathroom. It's a short half mile drive down a dirt road to get to the campgrounds. The camp host was friendly and helpful. He suggested a number of activities for us and came around each day/night to check in. He also kept the vault toilets so clean and aired out. Two thumbs up for that. All of our neighbors were really quiet and went to bed early. There's a number of activities in the area to keep you busy during the day - Trail of 100 Giants, the view from Dome Rock, the Noble Waterfall, and the Needles Lookout 5 mile hike. If you are in need of supplies, there's a restaurant / store 18 miles up the road in Ponderosa. We were able to pick up firewood and ice and had a beer on their deck and enjoyed the band. Overall, we were very pleased with our stay and would recommend it to other campers who don't mind no showers. Please note that there is NO drinking water as the description on this site states.


Guide to Johnsondale

Tent camping near Johnsondale, California offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, surrounded by stunning landscapes and the tranquility of the outdoors.

Tips for tent camping near Johnsondale

  • Limestone Campground provides spacious sites with trees for shade, making it a comfortable spot for your tent setup.
  • Chico Flat Dispersed Camping is known for its quiet atmosphere, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle while enjoying the sounds of nature.
  • Sequoia National Forest Belknap Campground features a creek running through the grounds, offering a relaxing backdrop for your camping experience.

Local attractions for outdoor enthusiasts

  • Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park is just a short drive from the famous Trail of 100 Giants, allowing for easy access to breathtaking hikes.
  • Moses Gulch - State Forest is great for swimming and hiking, providing a refreshing way to cool off after a day of exploring.
  • Long Valley Campground is remote and offers a unique chance to spot local wildlife, including owls and bears, enhancing your camping adventure.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Lower Peppermint Campground features a creek right behind your camp, providing soothing sounds and a chance to see wildlife.
  • Peppermint Campground offers pit toilets and a variety of swimming spots, making it a well-rounded choice for families.
  • Live Oak North Campground has clean vault toilets and a friendly camp host, ensuring a pleasant stay while you enjoy the surrounding nature.

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 34 tent camping locations near Johnsondale, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.