Best Tent Camping near Little Lake, CA
The high desert environment surrounding Little Lake, California offers several tent campground options for backcountry enthusiasts and casual campers alike. Limestone Campground in Kernville provides established tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings, while Horseshoe Meadow Campground near Lone Pine offers walk-in tent sites at higher elevations around 10,000 feet. Several free dispersed camping areas can be found within Sequoia National Forest, allowing primitive tent camping with minimal facilities.
Tent sites in this region typically feature dirt or gravel surfaces with varying levels of shade. Potable water is limited to established campgrounds like Limestone and Cottonwood Pass Walk-in Campground, while dispersed areas require campers to bring their own water supply. Bear activity is common throughout the region, with several campgrounds providing bear boxes for food storage. Vault toilets are available at most established sites, but dispersed camping areas have no facilities. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with some areas prohibiting fires entirely during high fire danger periods. Campers should verify current conditions before arrival, as higher elevation sites may be inaccessible during winter months.
Areas farther from developed campgrounds offer more secluded tent camping experiences with fewer crowds. Many tent campers use Horseshoe Meadow as a basecamp for backcountry hiking expeditions or for acclimating before attempting higher elevation peaks like Mt. Langley. The Cottonwood Lakes area provides access to alpine lakes for fishing, with golden trout being a common catch. Dispersed tent sites near meadows offer opportunities to see wildlife including marmots, deer, and occasionally bears. A recent review noted, "If you want privacy this is it. You are definitely alone. There are 0 resources for you. It's gorgeous, we will definitely be going back."
