Tent campsites near Visalia, California range from 4,200 to 9,000 feet elevation with significant temperature variations. Many sites lie within Sequoia National Forest and along the Tule River watershed, requiring drives of 25-60 minutes on mountain roads. Camping season typically runs May through October, with marmots, bears, and cattle regularly encountered near campsites.
What to do
Paragliding observation: At Dunlap Canyon Retreat, campers can watch hang gliders take off and land. "Oh there are people hang gliding and paragliding here which was super cool to watch both at take off (upper spot) and landing (main camp)," notes Courtney F.
Hot springs exploration: On the way to dispersed camping areas, stop at the hot springs store for last-minute supplies. "Also there is a hot springs store on the way up there. Recommend stopping there for any last minute supplies. They have everything you need for disperse camping," advises Joseph M.
Wildlife viewing: At Atwell Mill Campground, bear sightings are common but manageable. "We only saw 1 adolescent bear the 5 days we were up there," reports Daniel J., who stayed at site 17, which rangers call "Bear Ally" because it's where bears come up from the forest.
Canoeing: Dunlap Canyon Retreat offers a peaceful pond for water activities. Martha H. mentions "a beautiful pond" where canoeing is available, providing a relaxing alternative to hiking.
What campers like
Animal sanctuary experiences: At Camp Ikigai Animal Sanctuary, visitors can camp alongside rescue animals. Rob H. describes it as "a working animal sanctuary with horses, chickens, ducks, dogs, humans. etc." adding that "Amazing outdoor shower has grapes and herbs growing in it."
River access: At Belknap Campground, many sites border water features. Vicky D. shares, "Our site was between a creek and the river so we listened to water the whole time. So relaxing! Nice trails to explore. Husband caught a nice trout. There's a decent swimming hole."
Sequoia stumps exploration: The remnants of historical logging operations create unique camping settings. "You'll be camping in an old Sequoia Grove that was milled. There are still a couple sequoias nearby that you can hike right up to, but even cooler are the giant stumps left over that you can right next to," explains Daniel J. about Atwell Mill.
Off-grid yurt experiences: For campers seeking alternatives to tent camping, glamping options exist. Faye writes about Dunlap Canyon Retreat: "We stayed in one of his off-grid yurts and it was perfect. I was toasty warm under the covers at night and felt super cozy and safe."
What you should know
Road conditions: The drive to Mineral King area campgrounds requires patience. "Getting to this campground takes a little patience. It is about 45 min drive from SR-198 on Mineral King Rd (partially paved/dirt)," explains Jill F. about Cold Springs.
Bear safety requirements: Belknap Campground lacks bear boxes, unlike many other area campgrounds. "My only negative is that there are no bear boxes. There was a bear in the campground our last night there. So put your food away at night," warns Vicky D.
Service availability: Cell coverage varies widely between campgrounds. "Verizon was excellent & wifi is available!" notes Courtney F. about Dunlap Canyon Retreat, while most forest service campgrounds have no service.
Insect preparations: Wasps can be problematic during warm months. One camper at Crystal Springs noted, "Every time we brought ANY food out we were swarmed with wasps. It made the experience a bit unbarring."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: For larger groups, certain campgrounds offer better arrangements. At Crystal Springs Campground, Virgil O. found that "Camp ground was very easy to find, very spacious, picnic table, pit fire, restrooms are not too far & not too close to any site."
Swimming holes for kids: Belknap Campground offers water play opportunities. Jordan K. notes, "There is a creek that runs along the grounds, and there is plenty of hiking all around."
Noise considerations: Despite popularity, some campgrounds remain peaceful. About Crystal Springs, Gannon N. reports, "The only issue is the amount of people there and how most of them build a giant fire to cook small things. the smoke lingers and everything smells heavily of smoke."
Accessible trails: For families with younger children, Buckeye Flat provides good options. James W. notes, "There is access to the river for a cooling dip. Bring bug spray."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: At Buckeye Flat Campground, be prepared for uneven terrain. James W. shares, "It would have been a good site for a tent but we are traveling with a roof tent. Our site was a bit uneven with no way to level it."
Access road restrictions: Some forest roads require appropriate vehicles. Danielle B. reports about a dispersed camping area: "It's all dust roads so AWD would be best, but we did make it in our van. Slid backwards down the hill kicking up dust a couple of times trying to get out the next day, but we made it!"
Hookups availability: At Dunlap Canyon Retreat, Spencer is working to improve RV amenities. Courtney F. notes, "The sites have water and sewer hookups & when we stayed he had one spot with full electric but he is working on full hookups for all the sites."
Winter accessibility: Most campgrounds above 5,000 feet close completely in winter. Jill F. notes that Cold Springs campground is "Closed in winter due to snow. Usually open late May through October."
