Camping near Kaweah Lake

Lake Kaweah in California provides a range of developed campgrounds accommodating tent, RV, and cabin camping options. Horse Creek Campground sits along the lakeshore, offering water access and mountain views, while campgrounds like Three Rivers Hideaway and Sequoia RV Ranch provide year-round accessibility with full hookup sites. Several campgrounds serve as convenient base camps for exploring nearby Sequoia National Park, including Potwisha and Lodgepole Campgrounds within park boundaries. Proximity to recreation areas and the scenic foothills landscape make this region popular for both water activities and mountain exploration.

Water levels at Lake Kaweah significantly impact campground availability throughout the year. Horse Creek Campground experiences seasonal flooding when lake levels rise, making it unavailable during certain periods. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F, especially at lower elevations near the lake, while higher elevation campgrounds in Sequoia National Park offer cooler conditions. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly during peak summer months when visitors seek water recreation opportunities. Facilities vary considerably across the region, from basic tent sites with vault toilets to full-service RV parks with hookups, showers, and dump stations. According to one visitor, "This is a seasonal thing. Be careful for snakes in this area."

Campers consistently highlight the scenic mountain views and stargazing opportunities as major draws to the area. Lakefront sites receive particularly positive feedback, though they tend to fill quickly during peak season. Several visitors mention wildlife encounters, including coyotes and bats, as adding to the camping experience. Bathroom and shower facilities at some campgrounds receive mixed reviews, with several campers noting maintenance issues, particularly at Horse Creek. Despite these challenges, the location remains popular due to its proximity to Sequoia National Park and water recreation opportunities. One reviewer noted, "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."

Best Camping Sites Near Kaweah Lake (231)

    1. Three Rivers Hideaway

    19 Reviews
    Three Rivers, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 561-4413

    "We had a nice site and plenty of campside room. I felt like I was in my neighbors site when I had to dump my tanks. The sewage hookup was right in front of his steps."

    "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."

    2. Sequoia RV Ranch

    14 Reviews
    Kaweah, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 561-4333

    $120 / night

    "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. "

    "The greatest part was the proximity to Sequoia/Kings Canyon (8 miles to the entrance). Would definitely stay again should we visit the parks in the future."

    3. Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park

    25 Reviews
    Kaweah, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 565-3714

    $32 / night

    "Far away from neighbors to feel privacy and great hikes in every direction that go up in the mountains. A lot of mule deer very close by as well."

    "We were right next to the entrance of a hiking trail (#14) so there was a lot of foot traffic & cars early in the morning and throughout the day."

    4. Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park

    44 Reviews
    Hartland, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 565-3341

    $32 / night

    "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."

    "Amazing views all around the campgrounds. If you want to get of away from the city this is the place to be...Love it."

    5. Horse Creek Campground

    10 Reviews
    Three Rivers, CA
    2 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "The tap outside the building didn't work and neither did the water fountain. The host was not there for check-in."

    "Two well located bathrooms with good showers at no additional cost. During the summer months the Rangers put on a Campfire program at the campground every Saturday evening."

    6. Lemon Cove Village

    9 Reviews
    Lemon Cove, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 370-4152

    "Nice 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."

    7. Horse Creek

    7 Reviews
    Lemon Cove, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 597-2301

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Some of the sites (75, 76 etc..) look out on Lake Kaweah. It’s clean and well organized. Some highway noise."

    8. Azalea Campground — Kings Canyon National Park

    27 Reviews
    Hume, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 565-3341

    $32 / night

    "Easy walk to campstore, post office, restaurant, and visitor center. Many trails close by. Very busy in summer. No reservations. Tent only loops available."

    "Very quiet but some sledding and hiking activity close by. Sites are a little close to each other, but being so quiet it's not a big deal."

    9. Dorst Creek Campground — Sequoia National Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    14 Reviews
    Hartland, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 565-3341

    $32 - $80 / night

    "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."

    "It was also very close proximity to pretty much everything. We did a lot of driving around."

    10. South Fork Campground — Sequoia National Park

    6 Reviews
    Three Rivers, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 565-3341

    "We also actually crossed paths with two tarantulas, one on the way to the site and one on the way out (different parts of the road)."

    "Maybe it was the somewhat treacherous drive in (6 miles of steep winding one lane gravel/dirt road) don't look down if you have a fear heights! Maybe it was the cooler December temperatures."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 231 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Kaweah Lake

885 Reviews of 231 Kaweah Lake Campgrounds


  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2025

    Tuttle Creek Campground — Alabama Hills

    Formal spots $10 a night

    Quiet, beautiful view, vault toilets, close to a 5m trail, packed gravel roads and camp spots. Spots backing onto creek are nice to hear water flow. Ended up here because very few spots are now available for overnight camping in Alabama recreation area. Signs everywhere for no camping or just day use.
    Big rock climbing area and people preparing to hike Mount Whitney. You do have to drive around to see if you can find an empty spot. I would suggest trying early in the day. YouTube @TKCompass

  • Anna R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2025

    Movie Road/Alabama Hills Dispersed Camping

    Otherworldly Views

    The most stunning campsite I’ve ever stayed in. As the backdrop of a movie set, watching the sun rise over Mt Whitney while nestled in between boulders, Alabama Hills is surreal. Sites fill up quickly and are clearly marked. Arrive early, plan ahead, and enjoy unique landmarks.

  • Crystal B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Convict Flat Campground

    Nice basic campground in between Sequoia and Kings Canyon

    Basic campground between the 2 national parks. Easy to get in and out of. Basic amenities in a great location!

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Campground

    Level, Quiet, Sparsely Attended

    Sparsely visited State Park. Level paved roads through-out. Easy to walk and bike to scattered re-built buildings that are well signed. Two campers here on a Sunday night out of 15 no-hookup ($20) and 2 hook-up (water/sewer/30A) ($30) sites. Dump station is $10. Good restrooms and showers. Paved sites with concrete picnic tables and BBQs.

  • Bull D.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Horse Meadow Campground

    Horse Method Campground

    went there on a picnic once, nice place, very quiet,

  • Julianne M.
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Leavis Flat Campground

    Beautiful River Campsite

    This is a beautiful campsite right off of the road next to a beautiful river. You can hear road noise, but the river mostly drowns it out. There is a $15 fee per day and $7 per additional car. There are plenty of trash cans and the 2 pit toilets were clean and stocked. There is a "hot spring" about 150 yards above the campsite that is about knee deep.

  • T
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Tenmile Road Camping Area

    Beautiful

    Incredibly beautiful area in nature. Unfortunately a bit a small trash from others. I’ve been there in July, Sept, & Oct. Many spots for fires (need permit). Perfect spot for enjoying Sandy Cove at Hume Lake.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Fairview Campground

    If you need a place to crash

    Not particularly nice, clean, or scenic. Perfect place to crash for the night but not great otherwise


Guide to Kaweah Lake

Camping near Kaweah Lake, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the water, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to all types of campers.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. At Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park, one reviewer mentioned, "It’s a stunning area of the park with the Topokah falls trail right inside the campground." This makes it a great base for hiking adventures.
  • Fishing: Kaweah Lake is perfect for fishing enthusiasts. Campers at Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park noted, "There’s a 6-mile hike starting from the campground that leads to some waterfalls," which can be a great spot for fishing.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor at Azalea Campground — Kings Canyon National Park shared, "Deer pass by your camper in the morning," making it a delightful experience for nature lovers.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One happy camper at Sequoia National Forest Hume Lake Campground said, "Watching the Sun rise over the lake was unforgettable," highlighting the breathtaking views.
  • Convenience: Many appreciate the amenities nearby. A reviewer at Lodgepole Campground mentioned, "The market makes for great convenience and souvenirs," which is a nice touch for those who want to stock up on supplies.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of the area. One visitor at Upper Stony Creek Campground — Sequoia National Forest noted, "It was sparsely crowded, very quiet," making it a perfect spot for relaxation.

What you should know:

  • Restroom Conditions: Some campgrounds have mixed reviews about restroom cleanliness. A camper at Azalea Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were the most unattractive part," so be prepared for that.
  • Crowded Sites: Popular campgrounds can get busy. A visitor at Lodgepole Campground pointed out, "Some of the sites are a bit close together and it does get very crowded," so plan accordingly.
  • Elevation Changes: The elevation can affect temperatures. A reviewer at Sequoia RV Ranch noted, "The elevation also means it’s 10-15 degrees cooler than other campgrounds," which is something to keep in mind when packing.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites. A family at Princess Campground appreciated, "The spacing between the sites was very good," which is great for families needing room to spread out.
  • Activities for Kids: Find campgrounds with nearby activities. One camper at Sequoia National Forest Hume Lake Campground mentioned, "The lake was gorgeous and we ended up spending a lot of time there," perfect for keeping kids entertained.
  • Safety Precautions: Always be aware of wildlife. A visitor at Sentinel Campground — Kings Canyon National Park advised, "Make sure you store ALL food and coolers in the bear box," to keep your family safe.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Sequoia RV Ranch mentioned, "Easy to maneuver sites," which is a plus for RV travelers.
  • Water Access: Look for campgrounds with water hookups. A camper at Visalia-Sequoia National Park KOA noted, "They had some cute stray cats," but also mentioned the need for better facilities, so check ahead.
  • Plan for Noise: Be prepared for some noise in busier campgrounds. A visitor at Potwisha Campground said, "It’s more of a party campground if that’s what you are going for," so if you prefer quiet, choose your campground wisely.

Camping near Kaweah Lake, California, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Kaweah Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, Kaweah Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 231 campgrounds and RV parks near Kaweah Lake and 57 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Kaweah Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kaweah Lake is Three Rivers Hideaway with a 4.2-star rating from 19 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kaweah Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 57 free dispersed camping spots near Kaweah Lake.

What parks are near Kaweah Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Kaweah Lake that allow camping, notably Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.