Dispersed camping opportunities near Pixley, California sit at elevations between 4,200-7,000 feet, requiring campers to prepare for temperature shifts of 30+ degrees between day and night. Roads to primitive sites often require high-clearance vehicles, with spots along Tule River becoming inaccessible after heavy rains. Campers should plan trips between May-October when most Forest Service roads remain open.
What to do
Fishing in clear streams: Camping area No. 3 offers prime fishing access for fresh trout. "This is one of my go to campgrounds when you want to do it all. Camping, fishing, swimming... There is trout in the middle creek and they are a descent size. Great catch to BBQ some fresh trout," notes Jessica P.
Hiking through sequoia groves: Trails near Cold Springs Campground connect to numerous backcountry routes. "Great access to many different hiking trails of varying difficulty," shares Jill F. The campground serves as a good starting point for hiking into the Mineral King valley with multiple day-hiking options under 5 miles.
Swimming in natural pools: Several camping areas feature swimming holes for summer cooling. At Camping area No. 3, one camper mentioned, "The water is super clear and nice!" while another described how "You can use a donut floaty and slide right down" a waterfall accessible by crossing the creek.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Limestone Campground offers sites with river views and access. "Some spots with great views of the river. Some spacious and wooded," notes Amber D. The campground provides easy water access from most sites, with some featuring private beach areas.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the seclusion at dispersed sites. At Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park, "Stunning. If you want privacy this is it. You are definitely alone," writes Vanessa C., while another camper observed it was "absolutely gorgeous and the stars were unreal!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campers frequently report wildlife encounters throughout the region. "Woke up to cattle walking through the meadow we parked next to," shared one camper about Dispersed Camp. At Limestone Campground, Curtis L. warns that "Bears visit at night. Keep food packed and ice chests put in vehicle."
What you should know
Road conditions to sites: Many campsites require driving rough roads. For Moses Gulch State Forest, John B. cautions, "I never made it to review the campground but know that the road is slow going and full of potholes. I turned around after three miles because my old truck was shaking apart."
Weather preparation requirements: High elevation means significant temperature changes. At Dispersed Camp, one camper advised, "Brisk at night even in the summer," while another mentioned camping at 7,000 feet elevation, noting "dress warm" due to cold overnight temperatures.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites lack basic amenities. At Camping area No. 3, Jessica P. reminds campers it's "a dispersed campground so no toilets or water anywhere besides the creek," adding "wear bug spray, many mosquitoes and flies here."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds: Sequoia National Forest Belknap Campground provides family-friendly facilities. "Each campsite had its own uniqueness. There are plenty of trees and plenty of shade on all the sites. There are a handful of giant sequoia's in the middle of the campground," reports Jordan K.
Look for water features: Streams provide entertainment for children. At Belknap Campground, "River runs through the camp and there's a little swimming hole," notes Christi C., while Vicky D. shared that her site was "between a creek and the river so we listened to water the whole time. So relaxing!"
Seek out campgrounds with bear boxes: Safety features matter for families. Belknap Campground has addressed this need as "each campsite has a bear locker," according to Christi C., eliminating the need to store food in vehicles overnight.
Tips for RVers
Size limitations matter: Most forest roads have restricted access for larger vehicles. At Camp or Glamp along the Tule River, only tent and glamping accommodations are available due to limited access. Dispersed Camp near Sequoia notes several campers had difficulty with larger vehicles.
Consider alternatives to dispersed sites: RVers find better options at designated campgrounds. Limestone Campground is marked as big-rig friendly, unlike most dispersed options in the region where reviews frequently mention challenges with vehicle access.
Check road clearance requirements: Many forest roads require high clearance. At Dispersed Camp, Danielle B. advised, "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! Would have been another story if it had rained."
