Primitive camping near Kaweah, California offers solitude on Forest Service land at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 feet. Most dispersed sites have existing stone fire rings and accommodate various camping setups on uneven terrain. Seasonal access varies dramatically with roads becoming impassable after heavy precipitation or during winter months when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Explore Chicago Stump: Take the road leading to Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area to see the historic Chicago Stump, a remnant from the 1893 World's Fair. "Nice open spaces with tree cover near Hume Lake off the 180. This is a dispersed camping and OHV staging area that is first come first served for camping. Great for those who are backpacking and need a free place to camp before heading off into the Sierras!" explains Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area reviewer Andy H.
Visit Fire Lookout Tower: If you have an off-road vehicle, access the network of OHV trails near the Sequoia Forest Hunting Area to reach Delilah Lookout. "The coolest thing was the fire tower called Delilah lookout. Highly recommend! Great place for a 2 night stay especially if you have a dirtbike/enduro," notes Ray S.
Stargazing: The remote location offers exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "The stars and the Milky Way are insane! So many constellations and shooting stars and satellites," writes Rachel W. about the experience at Alabama Hills Recreation Area.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping locations offer good separation between camping spots. At Forest Road 14S11 North Camp, one camper noted, "We stayed here in October 2023 for two nights. There are many spaces alongside this forest road, there are lots of trees, so you feel private though there were quite many people camping alongside the road."
Multiple camping options: The area provides various sites accommodating different group sizes. Jeremy P. describes FS Road 13s09: "I took a left turn on a forest road and parked on a boulder. It's a solid, peaceful place." Another camper at FS Road 13s09 adds, "Easy to find, quiet, peaceful spot! Only one other camper but still so much room to spare."
Vault toilets at select locations: While most primitive camping near Kaweah lacks facilities, certain areas provide basic amenities. A camper at Forest Road 14S11 North Camp observed, "There was also a bathroom so that was nice. Right off of the main road that goes throughout the whole park."
What you should know
Road conditions vary seasonally: Many forest roads become difficult or impossible to navigate during winter or after precipitation. Alexander Mark C. reported about Forest Rd 14S29: "We were stoked to try and camp here, but ended up realizing it was closed due to ice for the winter upon arrival. No way to check until you get there, I guess!"
Leveling challenges: Most dispersed sites feature uneven terrain that requires equipment or careful positioning. "We used to chocks to level up as it's pretty uneven in parts. But a great nights sleep, we had the place to ourselves," explains Kevin T. about Forest Rd 14S29.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is minimal throughout the area. One camper at Sequoia Boondock observed, "Beautiful, quiet & remote location! Very limited and spotty cell service so difficult to pin exactly." Another camper at Forest Rte 14S29 reported, "We actually didn't stay primarily because this spot absolutely did not have any cell coverage whatsoever."
Tips for camping with families
Access considerations: When camping with children, choose sites with easier access roads. "Simple campground, but suitable for one night. Still some snow around in May," notes Mo H. about Forest Rte 14S29, suggesting families check road conditions before arriving with young children.
Wildlife awareness: Bears and other wildlife are active in the area. Teach children proper food storage practices. Helen F. reported at Sequoia Boondock, "There were also some signs of bear activity (bags clawed through) but we didn't see any."
Bathroom planning: Most dispersed camping areas lack toilet facilities, requiring families to bring portable options. The exception is Forest Road 14S11 North Camp, where Owen C. mentioned, "There was also a bathroom so that was nice."
Tips from RVers
Site size restrictions: Many primitive camping areas near Kaweah have limited space for larger vehicles. At big meadows horse camp, Lori L. explained, "My daughter and I took our two younger horses - the corrals are clean and perfect. There were four trailers already there, but we found a fantastic back in spot that fit my travel trailer truck and her truck and horse trailer."
Parking challenges: Larger RVs face significant limitations at most sites. Garrett B. cautioned about Forest Road 14S11 North Camp: "This is a really nice area for camping on the side of the road here, but we only could've squeezed our 39ft Class A into maybe 2 of these spots."
Water and power planning: No hookups exist at any dispersed sites, requiring self-sufficiency. "No running water or electricity so you need to be fully self contained," notes Lori L. about big meadows horse camp.
