Porterville Camping

Porterville is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Porterville is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Porterville, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near Porterville, CA (195)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park

    1. Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park

    44 Reviews
    129 Photos
    556 Saves
    Hartland, California

    Overview

    Lodgepole Campground is located in the breathtaking Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in central California's rugged Sierra Nevada range. Lodgepole is perched on the banks of the scenic and lengthy Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, at an elevation of 6,700 ft. The inspiring Giant Forest Grove and the mighty General Sherman Tree - the world's largest tree in volume - are just two miles from the campground.

    Recreation

    Forty miles of trails, including the paved Big Trees Trail, invite visitors to immerse themselves in the majesty of the ancient grove. Several additional popular hiking and wilderness trailheads are close by, including the trail to Moro Rock, a granite dome with spectacular views of the Great Western Divide and western half of the park. Tokopah Falls Trail is an easy walk along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, leading to an impressive 1200 ft. waterfall. Fly-fishing is also a popular activity on the Marble Fork.

    Natural Features

    Lodgepole pine, Red fir, and shrubs forest the campground, while towering groves of giant sequoias and craggy granite peaks dot the landscape. The Marble Fork of the Kaweah River is fed by snowmelt and flows seasonally through the site. This region is characterized by warm days and cool nights in the summer and deep snow and cold days in the winter.

    Nearby Attractions

    The General Sherman Tree, General Grant Tree, Moro Rock and Tunnel Log are nearby, as is the informative Giant Forest Museum and the Lodgepole Visitor Center. Colorful Crescent Meadow offers views of vivid summer wildflowers and access to Tharp's Log, a cabin in a fallen sequoia. Crystal Cave is Closed for the 2023 season. Tours into Crystal Cave, one of hundreds of marble caves in the park, give visitors an interesting view of rock formations, fossils, rare minerals, and unique wildlife. Tickets are required, but are not sold at the cave entrance. Reserve in advance on www.recreation.gov. Tickets may also be purchased same day, if available, at the Lodgepole Visitor Center. Crystal Cave is about a 45 minute drive (13 miles/21 km) from the campground. Vehicles longer than 22 feet long are prohibited on the narrow, winding Crystal Cave Road.

    Contact Info

    For facility specific information, please call (559) 565-4404.

    Charges & Cancellations

    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. All cancellations made between midnight on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival are considered late cancellations and will incur a $10.00 cancellation fee and will also forfeit the first nights use fee. Cancellations for a single nights reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. 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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $22 - $32 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Tule - Success Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Tule - Success Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Tule - Success Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Tule - Success Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Tule - Success Lake

    2. Tule - Success Lake

    9 Reviews
    5 Photos
    26 Saves
    Springville, California

    Overview

    Tule Campground is located at Success Lake in the Sierra Nevada foothills just 8 miles east of Porterville, California. A variety of outdoor recreational activities abound, including boating, kayaking and fishing.

    Recreation

    The lake provides great opportunities for boating and swimming. Kayaking the lake's quiet, unpopulated coves is a favorite activity. Anglers fish for bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill and the occasional trout.

    Facilities

    The lake provides great opportunities for boating and swimming. Kayaking the lake's quiet, unpopulated coves is a favorite activity. Anglers fish for bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill and the occasional trout.

    Natural Features

    Success Lake, when full, covers 82,500 acre-feet of water with a surface area of 2,450 acres. One acre-foot is equal to 325,872 gallons of water! The campground sits on the northeastern shore of the lake, in an area dotted with sparse stands of trees. Shade is limited, but springtime wildflowers bloom on the surrounding foothills, creating a beautiful display of color.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park

    3. Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park

    23 Reviews
    57 Photos
    204 Saves
    Kaweah, California

    Overview

    Potwisha Campground, located along the Generals Highway in Sequoia National Park, offers convenience for visiting the many attractions in the park. The campground is situated along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, just four miles from the park entrance, in the Sierra Foothills. For more information and trip planning please see our website at www.nps.gov/seki .

    Recreation

    There are numerous opportunities for fishing and hiking near the campground. The Marble Falls trailhead is situated adjacent to the campground and several other trails are a short drive away. Access to the Kaweah River is just a short walk across the street from the campground.

    Natural Features

    The Foothills consist of the lower elevations of Sequoia National Park, where the grassy valley floor gives way to granite peaks. Oaks, chaparral, and river canyons are plentiful here in an area with more biological diversity than the conifer forests and High Sierra combined. Winters are relatively snow-free and mild; summer is characterized by hot and dry weather. Wildlife is frequently seen in the area, including the American Black Bear, mule deer, and bobcats, as well as numerous bird species.

    Nearby Attractions

    Potwisha Campground is located within a 45 minute drive from the Giant Forest, home to the largest trees on Earth. Moro Rock, Crescent Meadow and the Congress Trail are also located in the Giant Forest area, as well as numerous other opportunities for exploration in Sequoia National Park. The Crystal Caves are about an hour's drive (18 miles/29 km) from the campground. Reserve tour tickets in advance on Recreation.gov.

    Contact Info

    For facility specific information, please call (559) 565-3714.

    Charges & Cancellations

    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. All cancellations made between midnight on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival are considered late cancellations and will incur a $10.00 cancellation fee and will also forfeit the first nights use fee. Cancellations for a single nights reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $22 - $32 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia RV Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia RV Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia RV Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia RV Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia RV Ranch
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia RV Ranch

    4. Sequoia RV Ranch

    13 Reviews
    27 Photos
    221 Saves
    Kaweah, California

    Sequoia RV Ranch is located 8 miles from the southern entrance of Sequoia National Park in the gateway town of Three Rivers, California. The RV Ranch is situated in a rural setting along the North Fork of the Kaweah River and is surrounded by hills and mature trees.

    The ranch has been under current ownership since 2007 and has undergone numerous renovations and upgrades. A variety of sites are available. Several RV only sites right along the river. All sites include a fire ring, picnic table, and varying amount of shade.

    One highlight of the campground is a spring-fed swimming hole that is naturally maintained year round.

    We allow each guest to book a maximum of 2 sites. When booking online you are only submitting a REQUEST. You do not have an official reservation until you receive the email confirmation stating your site number. All prior emails are only a copy for your records of what you have requested. Please keep in mind that you are not promised a site simply by submitting a request.

    Our WiFi system covers the entire campground. Our Bathhouse is equipped with sinks, counter tops, showers (coin operated), and a laundry room (coin operated).

    NOTE: WE DO ALLOW TENT CAMPING IN DRY CAMPING AREA.

    Riverfront Sites
    Quiet Country Setting - Large Mature Trees
    Large Spacious Sites
    Full Hook-up sites include cable
    WiFi
    
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $120 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Visalia-Sequoia National Park KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Visalia-Sequoia National Park KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Visalia-Sequoia National Park KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Visalia-Sequoia National Park KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Visalia-Sequoia National Park KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Visalia-Sequoia National Park KOA

    5. Visalia-Sequoia National Park KOA

    16 Reviews
    17 Photos
    32 Saves
    Goshen, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground

    6. Rivernook Campground

    26 Reviews
    54 Photos
    563 Saves
    Kernville, California

    Rivernook Campground is the biggest privately owned campground along a beautiful stretch of the Kern River, with creeks running through the park. We offer Full Hook Up RV sites, Partial RV sites and dry tent camping sites. We have full service newly remodeled restrooms for our guests at no charge, on site dump station, cable, WIFI and we have a little store that might have something you need!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $45 - $75 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek Campground

    7. Horse Creek Campground

    10 Reviews
    16 Photos
    173 Saves
    Three Rivers, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Three Rivers Hideaway
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Rivers Hideaway
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Rivers Hideaway
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Rivers Hideaway
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Rivers Hideaway
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Rivers Hideaway

    8. Three Rivers Hideaway

    12 Reviews
    11 Photos
    200 Saves
    Three Rivers, California

    Welcome to Three Rivers Hideaway

    Three Rivers Hideaway is a full service RV Park, with cabins & campground.

    Conveniently located 3.5 miles from the Foothills Entrance (Hwy. 198) to Sequoia National Park and 5 miles from Lake Kaweah. Three Rivers Hideaway is a quiet park on the banks of the Kaweah River in Three Rivers, California. Stay for a night, a week, or a month and enjoy the many activities our spectacular area has to offer.

    ​ Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter

    Three Rivers Hideaway is open year around. Explore, hike, sight see, rest or go on a whitewater rafting adventure. Sequoia National Park, the Kaweah River, mountain vistas, and hospitality to boot! Four seasons of fun!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Leavis Flat Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leavis Flat Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leavis Flat Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leavis Flat Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leavis Flat Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leavis Flat Campground

    9. Leavis Flat Campground

    8 Reviews
    31 Photos
    141 Saves
    California Hot Springs, California

    Operated by volunteers from the Giant Sequoia National Monument Association. 3000 feet elevation. 9 campsites. 16 foot max RV length. No water, no reservations

    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Balch Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Balch Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Balch Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Balch Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Balch Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Balch Park Campground

    10. Balch Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    22 Photos
    185 Saves
    Camp Nelson, California

    They Tulare County Parks does not recommend vehicles with trailers due to road conditions however.

    Balch Park Campground is located in the Mountain Home State Forest, within the larger Sequoia National Forest in California. The campground is owned and operated by the Tulare County Park & Recreation Department. Camping in this campground is first-come, first-serve and is open from Spring to Fall.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
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Showing results 1-10 of 195 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Porterville

Recent Reviews in Porterville

758 Reviews of 195 Porterville Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Meadow Campground
    Dec. 12, 2024

    Horse Meadow Campground

    Awesome location

    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.

  • Linda B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia RV Park
    Dec. 12, 2024

    Sequoia RV Park

    Helpful people

    We had a flat tire on a Sunday morning and permanent resident was more than helpful with taking the tire off and giving us a ride to the tire place to get it fixed and put back on. Beautiful view of the mountains and very close to the park

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Rd 14S29
    Nov. 30, 2024

    Forest Rd 14S29

    Small site

    We arrived just before dark, it’s quite a small site. Room for 4 vans max, ideal for 3. We used to chocks to level up as it’s pretty uneven in parts. But a great nights sleep, we had the place to ourselves

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597
    Nov. 30, 2024

    Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597

    Worth the drive in

    We arrived in the dark and met one vehicle who was coming down. We were lucky there was enough room to pass plus in the dark you can see what’s coming as other reviews mention, the road in is narrow in parts and around 1 mile before you get to the camp ground. We had the place to ourselves in our campervan, there was room for a few more vehicles. Great views coming down in the morning

  • Ben W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
    Nov. 28, 2024

    Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed

    Great dispersed camping spot

    There was no food locker or bathroom close to where I parked but there are lots of spots, and a great view, it's also very close to grocery stores. Heavy wind and some critters interested in the tent. Very immersive area. I ended up just putting all my food in a cooler in my trunk and it worked.

    Wouldn't go down the last steep section, it was wet sand, I decided not to risk it, as it was night too, and parked sideways at the spot overlooking the valley, it was a great view but I couldn't really see where the river was.

  • mario U.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area
    Nov. 9, 2024

    Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area

    Very primitive spot but great views and free.

    I visited both parks and needed a place to sleep in my car, I had seen this spot on this site before so I looked and found it, it’s a dirt road but my matrix did fine driving through. Very close to the Chicago stump! Lots of wood laying around also.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Bakersfield River Run RV Park
    Nov. 7, 2024

    Bakersfield River Run RV Park

    Don’t bother if you wanna use a restroom after 10pm

    Nice rv park but pretty ridiculous that all the toilets and showers in the rv park are locked from 10pm-7:30 am. When you’re paying a minimum of $59 a night I’d expect I would At least be able to Use the restroom in the middle of the night wouldn’t recommend for that reason

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from West Keyville Dispersed
    Oct. 17, 2024

    West Keyville Dispersed

    Beautiful scenery, challenging access

    I drove past a couple of camp grounds directly at the lake and was very disappointed what I found. Yes, you can camp right at the lake but only if you appreciate the charme of a Walmart parking lot. There is basically next to no trees or any nature for that matter.

    So I looked a little further and was very happy to have found this site. Beautifully located right at a river, surrounded by trees, big boulders and the stunning mountain scenerey.

    However, be aware that this is not serviced at all. There is no electricity, water, dump stations or anything else than the actual spot. And BEWARE: there is quite a steep and narrow entry road into the site. I drove in with a 30 feet class A camper and I am little worried if I will get out tomorrow. Also I smacked some leaves off of a tree on my way in with my 13“ clearance.

  • UThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Azalea Campground — Kings Canyon National Park
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Azalea Campground — Kings Canyon National Park

    Big open, not packed, very large

    Spot#106. Unlevel, but most in this area are not level.#107 not bad. Some loops have no bathrooms so be aware of where you reserve. Good trails to village and grants tree. Crystal springs campground adjacent has more trees, more shade. 

    Foodie aside: Lodge across the road had market with chocolate milk for $1.60 per 2p. Almost out of beer after holiday weekend. We had Readywise mango sticky rice with for dinner, yum! Added butter and salt, but recommend cut back on water in Readywise direction so  use <175 cup Dog approved.

  • UThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park

    Good access to Sequoia

    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!

  • UThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Rivers Hideaway
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Three Rivers Hideaway

    Convenient to Sequoia!

    Stayed in van in tent space 52. Bathrooms had showers with hot water, clean. Had laundry but we didn't use. 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. Lady at front desk was nice and very helpful over the phone and in person- saved us a space even tho we didn't have reservation over memorial day weekend. Tent spaces were adjacent with little space between and around a large parking lot. Friendly, quiet.

  • Brittney J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek Campground
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Horse Creek Campground

    Beautiful scenery, less amenities

    We chose this campground to be an easy "getting back to camping" campground since it was supposed to be developed and even have showers.

    Cons: The central restrooms/showers have been non-operational for over a year based on the maintenance log of the porta potty. While the porta potty was well maintained, there were no hand wash stations or anything to make up for the loss of sinks and showers. The tap outside the building didn't work and neither did the water fountain.

    The host was not there for check-in. Thankfully, we ran into a very kind maintenance worker that gave us the predator rundown for the area and told us how to get to our site. The host eventually showed up, but was not there for at least 5 sets of campers who were trying to check in.

    Nearly every campsite has a major hill, so most will not have a good flat area for a tent. Site 61 is flat and a couple of others have flatter grounds, but many will have you sleeping on an angle.

    Cons Site 61: The previous group was very disrespectful of the site and left glass shards everywhere. We had to sweep it away from our tent site and kept finding more as we were using our site. It was especially a problem since we brought our dog, so eventually we just laid tarps out to let her walk on instead of the dirt for her safety.

    No shade at all. While most other sites had trees or an aluminum awning to provide some sort of shade, Site 61 had nothing. Thankfully, we planned for that, but definitely worth mentioning for other campers. Most sites on the inside of the loop had good tree coverage, so if that's what you're looking for definitely book one of the inner loop sites like 63.

    For those looking to be fully removed from the world, you should know this campsite is RIGHT off the highway, so there is traffic and some headlights if drivers have their brights on. That didn't bother us, but we've lived off of major streets for years, so we tune it out pretty well.

    Pros: There was running water, but you had to find it near other campsites. (Closest one to ours was near Site 63, which was very convenient)

    Pros Scenery: The stargazing is beautiful. There is some limited light pollution emanating from the other side of the foothills, but because you are surrounded by foothills you get some good, dark surroundings to really appreciate the stars. Similarly, the sunrise and sunset were slightly late/early because the sun was contending with the surrounding hills. When the sun was rising over the hills, there was a beautiful glow to them.

    Pros Site 61: You have absolutely no neighbors, which gives you more privacy and the ability to face out in any direction and enjoy the scenery.

    Predators: Coyotes, rattlesnakes, meat bees (bring cheap canned meat to set out during the day and they will leave you alone for the most part)

    Cool Wildlife: Various birds, though I was never able to get a good enough look to identify them. There were also bats at night that really helped with the bug problem and created a cool ambience while stargazing. My husband loved listening to them hunt!

    Overall: We enjoyed the site, but were extremely grateful that we are redundancy packers. If we didn't have our extras, we probably would not have had a good time since it was 100+ degrees every day we were there and the grounds weren't totally as advertised. (Toilets, showers, etc)

  • Ryan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Holey Meadow Campground
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Holey Meadow Campground

    Beautiful and quiet

    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.

  • Ryan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground

    Inaccurate Coordinates

    Arrived at the coordinates and had no place to turn off the road. Also, the area was hit by wildfires (maybe 2 years ago) so it's all pretty barren. Camped at Holey Meadows campground a few miles away.

  • Karen D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern's River Edge Campground
    Oct. 6, 2024

    Kern's River Edge Campground

    Nice campsite, friendly hosts, family and kid oriented

    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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)

    Perfect.

    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.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Paradise Cove
    Sep. 26, 2024

    Paradise Cove

    Beautiful scenery

    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.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 14S11 North Camp
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Forest Road 14S11 North Camp

    NOT Big Rig friendly

    This is a really nice area for camping on the side of the road here, but we only could've squeezed our 39ft Class A into maybe 2 of these spots.  Usually when a dispersed site is marked Big Rig Friendly, we'll find that there is a large paved or gravel area for us to pull into and setup before you get to dirt road or off-road sites. There is a large paved area at this location, but we received a warning citation the next day, stating that we weren't allowed to camp there.  It's confusing because this is the exact same setup as any other "snow play" or "sno-park" areas that have allowed camping in the gravel or paved areas area. 

    The paved area does have a couple of small stakes that say "no camping", but in our past dispersed camping experiences, those were used to mark areas where tents and vehicles couldn't pull off-road to camp.  Apparently those stakes refer to the paved area in this case?  There wasn't any reasoning provided on our citation, other than "find another area to camp."

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Azalea Campground — Kings Canyon National Park
    Sep. 7, 2024

    Azalea Campground — Kings Canyon National Park

    Very slope-y campground

    Stayed one quick night here. The entire campground is very mildy hilly and many sites are sloped. A decent area to stay and short drive to see attractions and trails. The bathrooms were the most unattractive part. There didn’t seem to be a check-in process. I just showed up to the site I paid for, not sure if I was supposed to check in somewhere. It would have helped to have a map

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park
    Sep. 7, 2024

    Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park

    Just needed for a night

    One 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.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Rivers Hideaway
    Aug. 22, 2024

    Three Rivers Hideaway

    Perfect campground near Sequoia

    We were so happy that we found this spot in the evening, after we had a reservation for a different campground and were so disappointed. Here we found a nice spot under a tree. Everything was clean, good WiFi and access to the river.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park
    Aug. 22, 2024

    Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park

    Great spot to be off

    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.



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

  • What camping is available near Porterville, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Porterville, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 195 campgrounds and RV parks near Porterville, CA and 41 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Porterville, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Porterville, CA is Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 44 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Porterville, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 41 free dispersed camping spots near Porterville, CA.

  • What parks are near Porterville, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Porterville, CA that allow camping, notably Kaweah Lake and Sequoia National Forest.