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Best Campgrounds near Porterville, CA

822 Reviews

Camping options near Porterville, California range from developed campgrounds at Success Lake to more primitive sites in the surrounding Sierra Nevada foothills. The area includes Tule - Success Lake, a popular destination with tent and RV sites, flush toilets and showers. North Tule Campground and COE Success Lake Tule Campground both offer drive-in access suitable for tents and RVs. Several sites within a 30-minute drive provide more secluded camping experiences, while Lemon Cove Village and Balch Park Campground represent options slightly farther from town with varying amenities.

Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though summer brings hot daytime temperatures with cooler evenings. Access to lakeside camping areas typically requires no special vehicles, while more remote mountain sites may need high-clearance. Sites near Success Lake provide convenient proximity to the water for recreation. "We were unable to get into Sequoia National Forest due to damage on the road, which is no fault to the campground. The lake is beautiful & peaceful, lovely sunsets there," reported one visitor. Reservations are recommended for weekend camping, especially during summer months when water recreation is popular. Most developed campgrounds offer basic amenities like drinking water and toilets, while some provide electric hookups.

Lakeside camping proves especially popular with families seeking water recreation. Success Lake campgrounds receive consistent positive reviews for their proximity to the water and sunset views, though some visitors note limited shade at certain sites. Campers looking for more secluded experiences might prefer the higher-elevation options in the nearby mountains. A camper noted, "Very clean grounds. Friendly staff. Tent sites are just dirt and RV sites are just gravel." The nearby Sequoia National Forest provides additional camping opportunities within an hour's drive of Porterville, making the area a good base for exploring both lake recreation and mountain environments. Cell service varies widely, with better coverage at campgrounds closer to town and limited or no service in more remote locations.

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Best Camping Sites Near Porterville, California (203)

    1. Tule - Success Lake

    12 Reviews
    Springville, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 784-0215

    $20 - $30 / night

    "in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park can fill up quickly, so if you arrive to the area in the afternoon, if the higher-elevation campsites are under snow, or if you’re looking for an option outside"

    "We were here on the weekend and we're able to drive in and get a spot. There are bathrooms and showers available. There is a day use area. The lake is beautiful and you are very close to town."

    2. COE Success Lake Tule Campground

    3 Reviews
    Springville, CA
    7 miles
    Website

    "Campground really close to the water. Lots of playground equipment. Good for tenors and an RVs with no hook ups. Lots of space and good cell coverage. Bathrooms are flush with showers and OK."

    "A friend and I camped here overnight while on a 4-day motorcycle tour of the Sothern Sierra, the location was convenient."

    3. North Tule Campground

    1 Review
    Springville, CA
    8 miles
    Website

    "We spent one night in this campground and found it to be quiet and far enough away from the freeway and trains that those noise makers did not bother us at all."

    4. Lemon Cove Village

    9 Reviews
    Lemon Cove, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 370-4152

    "Nice drive thru RV’s sites. Friendly Staff and good staff especially Jennifer. Very nice dog park, not a lot grass but good running area for dogs."

    5. Balch Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Camp Nelson, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 539-3896

    "Wood at entrance to upper near the host. The museum is non existent and was about to collapse. When I was a kid it had cool stuff from the logging days of the area."

    "The site donated the Balch family and operated by the Tulare County Parks, host camping among the Sequoias, fishing at two lakes that are stocked with trout, a self-guided hiking trail and more."

    6. Camp or Glamp along the Tule River next to the Giant Sequoia National Monument

    1 Review
    Springville, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 447-1702

    $60 - $70 / night

    7. Deer Creek RV Park

    1 Review
    Sunland, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 781-3337

    8. Leavis Flat Campground

    9 Reviews
    California Hot Springs, CA
    24 miles
    Website

    "This small roadside campground is a lovely spot, tucked between a hillside and Deer Creek running year round right at the edge of the campground."

    "There is a market close by Incase you forgot something, when you go back on the road make a right and at the intersection make another fight and ir should take you to the market."

    9. Three Rivers Hideaway

    19 Reviews
    Three Rivers, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 561-4413

    "We had a nice site and plenty of campside room. I felt like I was in my neighbors site when I had to dump my tanks. The sewage hookup was right in front of his steps."

    "No real walking trails in the area but were able to go down to the river and there was a swimming hole,$40 for holiday weekend."

    10. Wishon Campground

    7 Reviews
    Camp Nelson, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 539-5230

    $34 - $72 / night

    "This is a primitive campground with several site locations. It was a very long, winding and narrow road to get there."

    "About an hour away from the sequoia national park and a great option for cheap camping! There are several bathrooms, garbage and recycling bins, and a stream with an flat swim/ wading area!"

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Recent Camping Photos near Porterville, CA

297 Photos of 203 Porterville Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Porterville, CA

822 Reviews of 203 Porterville Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Disp. Camping

    Open Space behind Love’s

    Great open space for smaller campers with the convenience of the travel stop and restaurants nearby. The larger RVs can park along the road or between the 16-wheelers.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Forest Rd 14S29

    Alright place

    We actually didn’t stay primarily because this spot absolutely did not have any cell coverage whatsoever (this app said it had some coverage for Verizon. It did 100% not. We couldn’t find a suitable place for tent and some of it looked like private property and/or reserved camping areas. Definitely more suitable if you have a RV or a built out van.

  • D
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description

    Quiet place for undisturbed camping

    Good campground on the way to Sequoia. Plenty of space, we had no problems finding a spot for our 30ft RV. There are restrooms available which seem to be cleaned every second day. You have access to the river nearby. The generator can be used until 10 p.m. Would recommend.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Three Rivers Hideaway

    Like a glove

    This campground is super comfortable. I’m not sure why but it just feels right. Park staff very friendly. We had a nice site and plenty of campside room. I felt like I was in my neighbors site when I had to dump my tanks. The sewage hookup was right in front of his steps. The laundry is your standard $2 per load but the is only one washer and one dryer. Sequoia entrance is about 4 miles, but the trees are an hour up into the hills. Kings canyon is 2.5 hours. But it’s worth it. A bunch of restaurants nearby and the Village Market is a real grocery store. Great location.

  • Aaron S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park

    Happy Campers

    This campground is at the base of the park on the south end.  It can get warm there in summer months.  Rangers were nice.  Wildlife came through camp.  We saw deer and quail each day.

    Full campsite each night.  Busy place.

    www.hitched4fun.com crew was happy here.

  • Lou F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Tule - Success Lake

    Cool at night and hot in the day

    I got here at 3pm and it was hot with no shade. By 5 pm it cool of and was very pleasant. Very good showers and restroom to freshen up in.

  • b
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Kern River Campground

    Very chill

    Great serene spot (aside from a few noisy campers) by the river, liked it so much we camped out for 3 days. Great price too! Close enough to civilization but far enough you forget it's nearby. Would recommend!

  • french M.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Stine Cove Recreation Site

    Stine Cove

    I'm looking for a campsite near water and a nice mountain view, will definitely add Stine Cove to my next trip list.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Sequoia Mountain Farms

    Peaceful Spot in a Rural Setting

    This beautiful site is geared more for tent camping. There are two RV spots with water & power hook ups but those are really tight, right next to the road for easy access. The RV sites don’t have the gorgeous views the tent sites have. Beautiful rolling hills, a small pond, and big trees create a nice athmosphere, and it is nice to walk around the campsite with dogs. This location is really close to the King’s Canyon NP entrance. Overall good but would not stay here with an RV.

Guide to Porterville

Camping near Porterville, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to all types of campers.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park. One reviewer mentioned, "Great campground as base for hikes or just to chill and enjoy the river." The nearby Topokah Falls trail is a must-see.
  • Fishing: The Kern River Campground is perfect for fishing enthusiasts. A camper shared, "Fishing is always good sightseeing is good just all around good place."
  • Stargazing: Many campgrounds, like Tuttle Creek Campground — Alabama Hills, offer dark skies ideal for stargazing. One visitor noted, "Great dark skies for stargazing and photography."

What campers like

  • Natural Beauty: Campers rave about the scenery. One review for Whitney Portal said, "The trees against the rocks and blue sky is gorgeous every time you look up."
  • Wildlife: Many enjoy the wildlife sightings. A camper at Azalea Campground — Kings Canyon National Park mentioned, "Deer pass by your camper in the morning."
  • Convenience: Campgrounds like Rivernook Campground offer amenities that make camping easier. One visitor said, "Restrooms and showers were very well kept."

What you should know

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some sites can get busy, especially during peak season. A review for Lodgepole Campground noted, "Some of the sites are a bit close together and it does get very crowded."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have showers or drinking water. For instance, Tuttle Creek Campground lacks drinking water and showers, so plan accordingly.
  • Bear Awareness: Campers should be cautious about wildlife. One camper at Whitney Portal mentioned, "Saw fresh bear scat near our site, but never saw any bears."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like flush toilets and picnic tables. Rivernook Campground has well-maintained facilities, making it a good choice for families.
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family at Kern River Campground enjoyed tubing and fishing, saying, "We loved our 3 days here."
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids, especially near water. One camper at Potwisha Campground noted, "The camp site itself was decent. Large enough for several tents."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Azalea Campground mentioned, "The entire campground is very mildly hilly and many sites are sloped."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Bakersfield River Run RV Park offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. One visitor said, "Clean, grassy, bath houses and laundry."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A review for Rivernook Campground mentioned, "Each site is so close together that you can literally hear everyone’s conversations."

Camping around Porterville is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful California scenery!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Porterville, CA?

The Porterville area offers excellent camping options within driving distance. Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park is a top destination with amazing views, trails, and giant sequoias. The campground is perfectly situated near popular trailheads with a creek running through it. For a historical experience, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Campground offers a pleasant setting with significant cultural value, making it a worthwhile stop. Other quality options include Leavis Flat Campground along Deer Creek, Camp Three Campground for river access, and Success Lake for water recreation opportunities. Most campgrounds in the region provide access to beautiful natural settings and outdoor activities.

How much does camping cost in the Porterville area?

Camping costs near Porterville vary by location and amenities. Kern River Campground offers affordable camping with basic facilities and access to recreational opportunities including mountain biking, road biking, and river activities. Sunset Campground — Kings Canyon National Park typically charges standard national park fees ranging from $18-22 per night. For campgrounds closer to Porterville, Success Lake offers sites between $20-30 per night with water and toilet access. Some primitive camping areas like North Tule Campground may have lower fees around $15 per night. RV parks generally range from $35-60 per night depending on hookups and amenities. Most public campgrounds offer senior and access passes for discounted rates.

What RV parks are available in Porterville, California?

Porterville and the surrounding area offer several options for RV travelers. Deer Creek RV Park provides convenient access with full hookups and big-rig friendly spaces. Riverland RV Resort is another option, though availability should be confirmed directly as communication can be challenging. For those willing to drive a bit further, North Tule Campground and COE Success Lake Tule Campground accommodate RVs with water and toilet facilities in a scenic lake setting. Lemon Cove Village near Sequoia National Park offers an alternative base for exploring the region. Most RV parks in the area provide water hookups, dump stations, and at least partial shade, though amenities vary by location. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons.

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