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, California (35)
1. Limestone Campground
10 Reviews•49 Photos•381 SavesJohnsondale, CaliforniaOverview
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.
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (760) 376-1269.
- Pets
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
$34 - $36 / night
2. Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park
7 Reviews•14 Photos•613 SavesJohnsondale, California- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
3. Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
8 Reviews•26 Photos•171 SavesKernville, CaliforniaDispersed 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
6 Reviews•9 Photos•18 SavesCamp Nelson, CaliforniaOverview
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.
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)
3 Reviews•27 Photos•168 SavesJohnsondale, California- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- Alcohol
6. Lower Peppermint Campground
1 Review•1 Photo•67 SavesJohnsondale, CaliforniaLocated 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
6 Reviews•4 Photos•2 SavesBodfish, CaliforniaOverview
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.
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.
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.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (760) 376-3781.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
$28 - $30 / night
9. Cold Springs Campground — Sequoia National Park
8 Reviews•18 Photos•496 SavesThree Rivers, CaliforniaOverview
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (559) 565-4404.
Nearby Attractions
There are limited services at Silver City Resort, 2.5 miles (4 km) west of the campground.
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
1 Review•8 Photos•34 SavesCamp Nelson, California7100-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
Recent Tent Reviews near Johnsondale, California
649 Reviews of 35 Johnsondale Campgrounds
- AAlicia R.
Guide
Rivernook Campground
Beautiful well kept campground
Beautiful well kept 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 were located close to the creek and the bathrooms with showers. The walk to the water was a bit far but fun once you’re out there. The current wasn’t too strong so the kids were able to enjoy themselves in the water. Overall we had a blast.
- A
Andrew M.
Ranger
Boulder Creek RV Resort
They say it doesn't usually blow this hard.....but the muffins were good.
This was stop to be able to visit Manzanar Internment camp.
Tent sites are gravel and mostly level. They all have water, a table and fire ring. Trees are still young. Very close to Owens lake(within view).
We had a lot of wind that came blowing up the valley from the south. There is very little protection for the tent campsites. Almost killed the tent.
Hosts were very helpful in getting us situated despite the need to switch sites(too many people).
Free muffins and coffee in the morning! Nice pool and hot tub, as well as bathrooms and laundry facilities.
Easy access into town for dinner or groceries.
Hayley K.
Legend
South Rincon Trail
Quiet and Challenging
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! 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.
- Erin G.Ranger
Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park
Hug a giant tree!
If 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.
- Ashlee L.Guide
Horse Creek
Gorgeous scenery, outdated facilities
Pros: Nicely designed tent sites, plus flush toilets and (free!) showers. Absolutely gorgeous views of Kaweah Lake in the foothills of Sequoia NP. Convenient location also, as it is on the road into Sequoia; it takes about an hour to get from the campground to the park entrance. I think this campground is also a nice alternative to staying in Sequoia; it didn't seem bears were at all a concern here, while they are in the park. It was a nice alternative to tent camping alone in an area bears frequent.
Cons: Outdated facilities - the toilet/shower house was in rough shape and not really clean. There was also a steep hill to walk up to the bathhouse that had been partially washed out, so somewhat of a hazard. Additionally, one of my nights there I got no sleep whatsoever because there was a group of young guys partying all night. And it was the works - loud music, yelling, swearing, vulgar language, and because the campground is pretty open and in a valley, it echoed throughout the entire campground. Definitely one of the downsides of 'unstaffed' campgrounds that only have a host on site; these guys were breaking every apparent campground regulation and were allowed to do so. I would say one other weird thing about this campground is that they have signs that say they close the gates after 9 pm, and their exit has tire spike strips! One night I went into the nearest town for dinner, but I was stressed about getting back by 9 pm. It's probably the first campground I've ever encountered that, and it's really weird.
I'm torn on whether I'd stay here again.. maybe, if there weren't any other campgrounds in the area.
- Roxann L.
Scout
Sequoia National Forest Coy Flat Campground
Worst campsite
Do yourself a favor and avoid campsite 008; this tent site is right next to the vault restrooms that have not been cleaned in ages…oodles of flies coming out of them and the odor carries into the tent site!! Also people have zero respect for quite hours; people were super loud and it was extremely upsetting and annoying!
- JJon J.
Traveler
Long Valley Campground
Remote.
Remote. Saw 3 rattlesnakes. Bring plenty of water. Tent camping only. Very limited space.
Anna B.Traveler
Kern River County Park
Beautiful easy get away
We went tent camping and the spots were huge and close to the river which made for beautiful peaceful mornings.
- DDaniel M.Traveler
Three Rivers Hideaway
Beautiful setting in the mountains
Quiet, peaceful and great accomodations for your camping needs. Wether it be RV or tent camping. Walking distance to the lake
- AAJScout
Three Rivers Hideaway
Great Campground
Fantastic secluded campground with all amenities you need. Clean, quiet and convenient access to Sequoia National Park. With lovely staff who were extremely knowledgeable and accommodating, I would highly recommend these grounds for both tent camping and/or RV camping.
- Ric S.Guide
Dorst Creek Campground — Sequoia National Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Beautiful but no level flat campsites.
This is a pretty campground. Lots of pines but no real vistas. Also no real level flat ground for tent camping. Sites are smallish & close together. Running water and flush toilets. 1 medium bear box per site. No showers.
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.
- Kristian W.Guide
Horseshoe Meadow Campground
Good for tents, not for campers
Great for tent camping, but no pull-in or flat spots if you're sleeping in your vehicle. I slept in the equestrian campground since those were back-in sites, but if there are horses you're not allowed to do that. The hike to the base of Langley was great though!
- Jennifer D.Ranger
Rivernook Campground
Camp on the water
I’ve been coming here since I was a kid, not much has changed except the water level.. and nicer restrooms!
we tent camped by the river ( other options include by a brook ) and had plenty of space and trees. Full rv hookups and rv camping available on the top tier of the campground. Be careful of thievin raccoons!
Close to Riverkern , cell service and supplies
- TThomas K.Scout
Three Rivers Hideaway
Very nice campground, very close to Sequoia NP
Clean restrooms and showers, nice picnic tables and fire rings, very nice tent sites. And the Wi-Fi was very good and covers the entire campground well. The campground has access to the river, though it did not carry a lot of water when we visited and you couldn’t swim.
- Leslie M.Guide
Dorst Creek Campground — Sequoia National Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Gem
We tent camped two nights here. Our site was roomy but not very level; turned out wonderfully though as it rained one entire day and no water pooled near our tent. Fresh/clean water was available. Bathrooms clean. Muir Grove is a hidden gem of a hike to a serene grove of sequoias, accessed at the end of the campground near the group sites. Fairly easy 4 miles round trip, hiked with 6 children, youngest hiker is 6; well worth it!
- Jennifer D.Ranger
Kern River Campground
camping riverside
rv camped. but could’ve tent camped in our spot, closer to the water. sites are HUGE! rv hookups lots of trees. water has enough pools to chill in. short walk upstream, gives you option for rafting back down to your camp. very enjoyable couple of days. oh! and super close , for a run into Sequoia for the day ( we did that!) we also reserved our spots, so our whole caravan of rvs would be together!
Armando C.Guide
KRS RV Resort@Camp James
7 night stay by the River
Excellent family spot. Beautiful well kept grounds. Clean showers and bathrooms. Polite guests. Respectable to after hour policies. Ground keepers make sure everyone is happy. Full hook up sites make it easy. Shaded tent sites make it comfortable. Camp store make it convenient. Walking distance to town and store. Kern river Brewing company is the family favorite. Pizza Barn delivers to you while riverside.
Natasha H.GuideLodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park
Great Family Camping
Lodgepole Campground at Kings Canyon / Sequoia is a GREAT park to do some great family camping. It is clean, well laid-out and very well maintained. I had sponsored the Sequoia National Parks for many years because of how well they maintain the parks, campgrounds, facilities and how their interpretive programs are. Hiking through the Crystal Caverns is amazing. Must do it. It is QUITE A WALK down to the caves so give yourself plenty of time to do the walk down BEFORE you go on the tour. This way if you have little ones with little legs, they get a rest and can enjoy the tour.
The lodgepole campground is very close to The Village marketplace and makes it nice for "easy camping"- grabbing items that you may have forgotten or to pick up a nice treat. They also have showering facilities at The Village Marketplace as well. It makes it nice if you plan to tent camp for any period of time.
I have tent camped here over 20+ times in a 10 year span. I do not know if they have opened up the stables again however they used to have horseback riding trips that were fun to do.
A nice little river/stream runs though the campground and it makes it nice to have "mini adventures" without having to leave camp at all.
- EEmilyScout
Sequoia National Forest Quaking Aspen Campground
Quiet and beautiful
It was a very peaceful and calm campground on the I stayed in one of the yurts. It was very clean and there is a bunkbed with two full size beds and another separate full size bed. The bathrooms were also kept very clean. I didn’t get a chance to go hiking in the area, but there are trails nearby. There is no service but it is about a 5 minute drive from a cafe/store/lodge that has Wi-Fi. I was in site 28. Sites 6-10 looked amazing for tent camping.
- TTricia V.Scout
Hospital Flat
Not recommended for RVs!
This is a nice clean campground right on the Kern River. However, the website says several spots are good for a 30-foot RV. I do not recommend anything bigger than 24 feet or so. The road through the campground is very narrow, and lined with large boulders. Some of the turns are very tight. For tent camping, though? Great spot. And the river front spots are nice. Just expect that others will want to get to the river and will be walking in or near your campsite.
- Kellyn L.Guide
Painted Rock Campground
August 2019 trip
Late review but we enjoyed this campground on our family road trip in Summer of 2019. Spacious tent sites. We had a nice area where the kids could explore the rocks. I was terrified of bears but we saw none. Woke up to a field of prairie dogs near our spot. They had self service pay station, easily accessible restroom / outhouse, wood sold on site, concrete tables, fire rings, & gorgeous views. It was a great spot. Would love to return one day.
Cresta P.Guide
Frandy Park Campground
Frandy Camp Grounds
I go camp at Frandy campgrounds once a year in October. It’s a wonderful camp ground, very large and well maintained. Some sites are appropriate for RV with electrical hook ups. I always camp near the river, there are plenty of walk ways to get down there to relax. It’s enjoyable to be able to walk into town to have a drink or enjoy a bite to eat if you don’t want to cook at your campsite. I love this camp ground, it’s a great spot for the family. You can even rent a covered wagon to stay the night if you don’t want to tent camp.
- Christy S.Guide
Kennedy Meadows Campground
Going back in time
Started coming here over 40 years ago as a kid. This was (still kind of is) a working horse packing station where they ran cattle out for the summer. Most trips out now are aimed at tourists/fishermen but the vibe is still the same. Fun horse riding trips. Great family vacation to get away from everything. Cabins are rustic but have everything you need. Plenty of tent camping in the campgrounds before the lodge. This is a great starting point for many backcountry backpack trips as it is near the PCT. Lots of hiking. Great fishing spot, river is generally stocked with fish on a weekly basis.
- Kramer B.Guide
Halfway Group Campground
Camping with a Pop-UP Trailer
This was a pretty nice campground. We were at group site 3, it has a covered picnic area and flat area for tents closer to the river bank.
We called park services to make sure our camper was allowed (Twice) and it indeed it was. However when using a pop up you are essentially camping in the parking lot. It didn’t end up being a bad spot but I would definitely say this site is more appropriate for tent camping.
Porta-potties were kept clean and trash was emptied from large trash containers regularly.
Bears are common in the area and there are no bear lockers for food. So keep this in mind.
Overall it’s a wonderful area to camp and play in the river.
Mary S.Traveler
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.
- Grace M.Guide
Sequoia Campground & Lodge - TEMP CLOSED THROUGH 2022
Memorial weekend mayhem
The only reason I’m giving a 1-star is due to our tent site next to the river—which was fun and refreshing especially for the kids. Also the proximity to the national park was very convenient. First of all there are signs at the riverfront campsites for other campers to NOT walk through people campsites to access the river but people were doing it all the time. The bathrooms were disgusting, atrocious! The campground didn’t adhere to the maximum visitors per site so there were so many people packed into one site. The worst, worst part of this campground people did not adhere to the 10pm quiet at night. Literally music, screaming, and yelling up until midnight and 1am. There was no security or anybody enforcing these rules. I would never stay at this campground again even if you paid me!
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 35 tent camping locations near Johnsondale, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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