Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Olancha? Find the best information on tent camping near Olancha, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Olancha's most popular destinations.
Located in the Horseshoe Meadow Recreation Area this trailhead campground has 18 walk-in sites suitable for backpackers and hikers to use the night before they are going to hike into Golden Trout Wilderness via the Cottonwood Pass trail. Please self-register at Horseshoe Meadows Campground when you arrive. Sites include food storage boxes, tent pads, and tables, fire grates, piped water, and toilet facilities. One night stay limit. Horseshoe Meadow Area Campgrounds Guide (pdf)
Horseshoe Meadow is a vast 10,000 foot high meadow, surrounded by lodgepole pine forest. Getting there is an adventure in itself; the road to Horseshoe Meadow climbs over 6,000 feet, as it winds its way up from Lone Pine. Three campgrounds are located in the Horseshoe Meadow Area. Trails from Horseshoe Meadow provide access to the Golden Trout Wilderness and Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park. The road to Horseshoe Meadow is closed from approximately November to May due to snow.
$6 / night
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.
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.
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.
For facility specific information, please call (760) 376-1269.
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.
$34 - $36 / night
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.
Trails to alpine lakes and mountain passes begin nearby.
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.
There are limited services at Silver City Resort, 2.5 miles (4 km) west of the campground.
For facility specific information, please call (559) 565-4404.
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.
$32 / night
Located near Horseshoe Meadows, the Cottonwood Lakes Basin has many pristine alpine lakes and creeks located between Mount Langley and Cirque Peak. Side trails branch to Muir Lake, Hidden Lake, South Fork Lakes, Cirque Lake. Along the trail to New Army Pass are Long Lake and High Lake in the John Muir Wilderness. Climbing over New Army Pass the trail continues into Sequoia National Park and eventually joins the Pacific Crest Trail.
The Cottonwood Lakes are home to California's state fish, the Golden Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita).
Common Destinations: Cottonwood Lakes basin, New Army Pass, John Muir Trail, Mount Langley
Download area map for trail names https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5337644.pdf
Wilderness Permit Information (760) 873-2483
Historically, there has been a high level of bear activity in the Cottonwood Lakes area. From Memorial Day weekend through October 31, all food, trash and scented items must be stored in bear-proof containers.
At the trailhead, all food, trash and scented items must be removed from vehicles and stored in the bear proof lockers that are located in parking areas. Dispose of trash in bear proof trash receptacles.
For more information about traveling in bear bear country, click here...https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/recreation/?cid=fsbdev3_003846
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.
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.
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.
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.
For facility specific information, please call (661) 455-6010.
$34 - $36 / night
Guide
After spending the day exploring we found this gem of a spot. Even had fresh water available to fill up our tanks.
Guide
If you like to be off the grid amidst the trees this is the place for you. We like to camp next to the creek. Fishing is plentiful and the air is great as long as there’s no fires near.
Ranger
We planned on staying here in our little Toyota Motorhome but when we arrived, we saw a “Tent Only” sign. The camp looked very clean and there were restrooms available.
Guide
We are full time RVers and stayed here 1 night after boondocking a week and heading to our next boondocking destination. This is a perfect stop to dump, fill water, do laundry and just do an overall reset of our RV. I was able to deep clean and get rid of trash. The only thing they didn't have was propane and gas but they had everything else we needed.
Booking & Space: Was easy online. $35 for pull through site for capacity up to 42'. Sites are close together but still far enough to have all slide outs out and room to walk between.
Amenities: Big trash and recycling bins were a bonus. We did 9 loads of laundry, can only load them half way and the washing drum is a little small. 3 washers, 3 dryers. All of the units used the Payrange app except 1 dryer is quarters only. The dryer drums are pretty large so we were able to just split the 3rd load between the 2 dryers that use the Payrange app. It was easy to download the app, add funds, scan the barcode of the machine, set the settings on the machine and start. The washers recommend not to use powder detergent and half the amount of liquid detergent. No coin machine for breaking down change. Also no laundry supply stuff for purchase. Overall our stuff cleaned and dried without problems. The door does get stuck and seems locked after entering the code correctly.
Check-in was easy. Just pull into our site and hook up. Check in is after 2 PM and checkout before 2 PM.
Hookups: Water pressure was good. Electrical has a meter but there's no additional charge for it. Black/Grey water dump and water spigot at each site.
Area was very quiet. No road noise and campers were also quiet. It is very well lit all night and cameras are everywhere.
Bathrooms were clean and well stocked. 3 stalls in the women's and the 3 showers for additional no charge. Each shower had 3 hooks and a seat. There is no bench or seating outside of the showers.
We will definitely be back. Thank you for a great experience.
Guide
We pulled off on the closest part to the road which was quiet all night really. There were other parts further up.
Guide
Mountain side relatively flat dirt area to park. Has a sizable fire ring for the cold nights! Absolutely magical to sit next to the creek listening to the roaring waters! Much needed after the desert!
Ranger
Stayed in#2 which was largely shaded but sloped as are many sites. Recommend site#20 especially- next to river and large and level. Also site#17 and#22 were level and relatively shady/private. Flush toilets and sinks with potable water but no water taps. Has sewer dump adjacent.#21 and#23 were nice but not as level. Some road noise but not bad, Large rock formation to west means early sunset which keeps temps moderate.
Food aside: Ate breakfast scramble burritos (Mtn House or Readywise) with supplemental Costco Merlot cheese, chorizo, and Kinders wood fired garlic seasoning. Yum!
Traveler
Pulled in on a Friday afternoon and had the whole campgrounds to ourselves, until about 7 pm. Neighbors kept noise to a minimum. We chose site #3 (back right) and it had a fairly level spot for our cars RTT. Overall, the grounds and bathrooms were very clean. Holey Meadow, across the road, is small, but very beautiful. The main road is just past that, so you will hear traffic. The Trail of a Hundred Giants is about 2 miles north and worth a visit. A section of the trail was closed due to a downed tree, but still a nice walk.
Traveler
Well run site, with easy late check in process. Friendly on site camp hosts who sell ice and firewood. Quite a lot of rules, and it had kind of a kids camp feel to it. Showers are hot, but you need quarters for them. I only gave three stars as it just not my kind of campground. If you're a family with kids I think it'd be great.
Traveler
2nd time at this spot and loved it! Rolled in after midnight and no one else was around.
Scout
This campsite was fantastic. Access was easy with a 4x4, but may be a little tough for a 2WD car. Plenty of space for a small trailer to maneuver.
Highly recommend. Perfect for an off-road trailer or overland setup.
Traveler
Very beautiful sight of the lake and mountains. Easy access from the road. Had a ton of wind and thunder so hard to move further up and away from the lake so we wherent up against the wind. Close to the road so a little noise from it, but thats what made it easy accessible as well. All in all a very nice campsite.
Scout
Beautiful views!
Guideno one else was there when we arrived later in the evening though we only camped for one night at the end of summer. no one else ever showed up either. just a few cars drove by every now and then. we were exhausted so we just opened a couple windows to the car rather than set up our tent. toilets were within walking distance/next to the parking lot but closed due to bees. port-a-potties were available instead. at night, the stars were absolutely beautiful. it was pretty hot but by opening the car windows and using some battery powered fans, we managed!
Traveler
This park is in the middle of nowhere but a fabulous view of the Sierra Nevada's. I had a problem when I pulled into my site getting shore power from the electrical hook up. But I went to the office and I was moved immediately to a better site with a good hook up! Quiet, clean and well landscaped for the desert surroundings
GuideOne night is all I spent here. It was much warmer climate than other areas of the park due to lower elevation. There’s a 6 mile hike starting from the campground that leads to some waterfalls. No camp host on duty and many campers breaking rules I.e. campfires fires during a burn ban, loud music throughout the campground, plugging a movie theater set-up using extension cords to the bathroom. Would have appreciated if it was better managed. The camp site itself was decent. Large enough for several tents.
Ranger
Camped here before hiking Mount Whitney the following day. Think we got one of the only sites with a “tree,” but the grounds were well maintained and area was quite. Enjoyed camping here.
Guide
I pulled in here looking for a campsite on my way up to mammoth. I was able to find a pretty dope spot surrounded by rocks, and nowhere near any other campers. I was legit, alone.
Great place to pull off and sit on a rock to watch the sun set over the mountains. Shade was minimal, but if you hide between the rocks like they do in that scene on the fire planet in Riddick you’ll be alright til it cools off.
Scout
Great campground as base for hikes or just to chill and enjoy the river. We had no cell reception - good to be really off for a little while. Only the restrooms where a little disgusting - experienced that differently in other NPs.
GuideWe stopped here on our way through Sequoia Nat’l Forest and loved it. The water is super clear and nice! We were the only ones staying here, so it was very quiet and calming. A handful of camping spots around this area, well worth the stay!
Legend
I think the coordinates for this campground are off, it's located closer to 36.563093,-118.279422
We hiked Mt Whitney from the portal campground in two-days, with one overnight at trail camp. Even with the permit system, the campground was packed, it was hard to find a spot for our tents. We arrived to the campground around 4pm, so I would suggest starting the hike earlier (we started at 10am) if you want a better spot. Another downside of how many people go through the campground, was that it smelled like pee in a few areas, and I was very disappointed to see people had left trash and even wagbags.
The 360 view around the campground is magnificent, and it is breath-taking to see the sunset and sunrise. Don't expect to sleep much in-between though, because you're sleeping on rocks, and hikers start/finish at all hours on the trail that's a few yards away from many of the tent spots.
Legend
We stayed one night in Cabin #17. Because we visited off-season, we were one of only three cars parked in the cabin/camping area. The beds were comfortable and the air-conditioner kept the cabin cool while we slept. There were a LOT of bugs that got inside the cabin, which was somewhat unavoidable every time we openned the door.
The night we stayed was a new moon, so the dark sky views were INCREDIBLE. We saw the milky way with our bare eyes sitting on the porch of our cabin.
We arrived around 10pm at night, so the check-in desk was already closed. Fortunately, I had received the email with the late check-in instructions, and finding our cabin assignment was easy. I do wish getting some information in advance had been easier. I tried to call the front desk on our drive to the park, but no one answered. It wasn't entirely clear what amenities/facilties were open. For example, the website said breakfast available in one place, but in another place it said the only open was getting a breakfast burritio in their gas station. So we didn't know if we should pack extra food.
It did turn out that the restaraunt was still open, despite being off-season. It was pricey (totally fair, you're in the middle of a desert) but delicious, and friendly service. The staffer in the general store/gas station was also really friendly and gave great advice for which parts of the park to visit, and how to drive responsibily in the summer heat.
Finally, I think it goes without saying, but coming in July will be HOT. Plan to do activities like hiking early in the morning, and find some place by noon to stay in the air conditioning until evening.
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Scout
Last minute decision to camp near Lone Pine. The site has a machine that takes cards now - super convenient. The breeze helped cool the temperature quickly, and the creek sounds great! Mostly quiet tonight, maybe a third full.
Ranger
Directions didn’t lead me to any dispersed camping but I did find just an ok spot along the road. Don’t know if where I camped was allowed but I did anyway
Guide
It’s confusing to find the campsite. No signs directing you where to go. You have to drive behind the sites and pull through. Sites are small and you’re basically packed together. power and water are on the right instead of left. Bathroom ok, shower curtain looks dirty.
Traveler
Campsite 32 was beautiful, overlooking the creek, every morning here was blissful. Fairly remote (about 25-30 min from the general store with wifi) this place feels like another world
Nestled near Olancha, California, tent camping offers a chance to immerse yourself in stunning natural landscapes and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several well-reviewed campgrounds to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Olancha, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Olancha, CA is Cottonwood Pass Walk in Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Olancha, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 39 tent camping locations near Olancha, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
