Best Tent Camping near Onyx, CA
Tent campgrounds near Onyx, California provide access to both established campsites and dispersed options within Sequoia National Forest. Evans Road Dispersed Camping and Evans Road Hidden Camp offer primitive tent sites with minimal amenities, while Hobo Campground, though rated highly, appears to be closed indefinitely due to bridge damage. Several established tent-friendly campgrounds including Limestone Campground and Live Oak South provide more structured options.
Most tent campsites around Onyx require campers to be self-sufficient. Several dispersed camping areas have no drinking water, toilets, or trash collection facilities. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with some locations prohibiting fires entirely while others provide fire rings. Limestone Campground offers more amenities with picnic tables, vault toilets, and trash collection, though it lacks drinking water. During summer months, temperatures can rise significantly in exposed tent sites. A permit is required for some dispersed camping zones, particularly those near the Kern River. Campers should verify current conditions before arrival.
The primitive tent setups near Onyx provide exceptional seclusion and views. Sites at Evans Road Dispersed Camping sit on higher ground with panoramic vistas. Backcountry tent campsites along Rincon Trail offer opportunities for multi-day hiking trips from Johnsondale Bridge to Fairview Campground. Wildlife sightings are common, with rattlesnakes reported in the Long Valley area. Sites near waterways provide natural cooling during hot weather. Tent camping areas vary in accessibility, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles. A visitor to Evans Road Dispersed Camping noted, "There are about 3 dirt road pull offs in this area. The 2 on the south side are attainable with careful driving and 2 wheel drive." Campsites situated along the Kern River offer pleasant water access but can be heavily used during summer weekends.