215 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Porterville, California ranges 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 practical base for campers 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.
"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."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Nice lake views but too muddy for swimming. Some highway noise. Woken up by a group of roosters and had a nice chat with them."
"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."
"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."
from $45 - $450 / night
"We took the shuttle into Sequoia NP and used the internal shuttles to get around up there. It was nice not to have to drive but still get to enjoy a good portion of the park. We stayed at site 24."
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $60 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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."
TravelerOur camp spot was great exactly as pictured, quiet and peaceful. Bathhouse and laundry room filthy and you had to pay to take a shower like a car wash. Just saying if you’re going to charge people to take a shower you could at least clean it. As much as they charge per night shouldn’t be charging anyways . But the spot was nice.
ScoutThis is a nice camp ground in. Camp parking , right on the Mighty Kern River, beautiful landscapes and mountains, friendly people , and great trout fishing, and kayaking. All in all 100% one of my all time favorites.
ScoutFacilities are easy to get to. The staff are friendly and helpful
TravelerGreat remote open plain site. Solid paved roads and parkways. Each sote has ample spacing with individual covered picnic tables and fire pit. Would definitely stop here again crossing thru ca 😎
TravelerWe stayed at site 67. When bookibg, we were worried it was too close to neighboring sites but it turned out ok. The flattest spot for our giant tent was down the hill and it felt very private. All the sites in our section (66, 67, 68) had sloped parking spots. If you have an RV or sleep in your car, be sure to bring levelers.
The only water was a large sink outside of the bathroom. You could screw a hose to the faucet if needed.
The bathroom was close but not too close. The women’s has 2 stalls and a sink. Bring your own hand soap and hand towel.
We weren’t at the site much during the day so I can’t say for certain if it stays shady during the day but there are many trees. We never needed our canopy.
Azalea allows dogs and the barking echos quite loudly through the campground.
GuideWe came late afternoon on a Saturday and there was heaps of space left. Some spaces any car can drive, some require higher clearance and some are 100% 4x4 access only. But there was plenty.
The pit toilet is off to the right of the site, although, it can be messy inside, we cleaned it twice in our 1 day stay.
The river is clean, flowing and not freezing cold which was great. Plenty of places to have a dip or a swim. Plenty of places to get chairs under trees for a break from the sun. Absolutely no flies or mosquitoes, it's hands down the best camping spot we've found in the USA so far. Huge bins on the way in to accommodate rubbish.
2 bars 4G Verizon signal, tarmac road until entry and then abit lumpy down to main site.
ScoutWe stayed a week here, at first it was good, nice enough place. Our spot was a lot of sand. The bathrooms were full of cobwebs and spiders. The website looks promising, offering a pool, jacuzzi and restaurant. There is no restaurant, the pool doesnt get covered so its filthy, and the "jacuzzi" was filled with algae.
We came on a friday night, the quiet time is not enforced. The river was nice, however the entire length of it was taken up by boats. We hardly found a spot to swim in. We were located in site 10, at the very end in a cul de sac type lay out. Its a gated park so you need a code to enter. We locked our bikes up every single night and the one and only night we forgot, 2 out of our 4 bikes got stolen (mine and my partners, the kids were left) We asked for the surveillance as our site was in direct view of the camera and the office had told us their cameras all of a sudden stopped working around midnight but were working again that morning. Such a strange coincidence! They didnt seem apologetic. We had permanent residence come to talk to us and said they've never had theft issues, if you looked around most people had their personal belongings out every night. The place was very suspicious, I'd check out other options but also if staying a quick night it would be ok. Its right off the highway and really easy to get back on the road. We found a little lizard, and little frogs. However there is cockroaches running everywhere.
The people we met there, and the residents were so awesome, which is why it got 2 stars. The staff however, not so much.
Do not leave belongings unattended!!
LegendWe stayed here while on our way to southern CA. It was a pleasant experience and the restored and reconstructed buildings told the story of this community beautifully.
GuideNice campground. Bathrooms are outdated but generally clean. Some spots are not very great- such as 156, but I was able to get my van in sideways.
Camping opportunities near Porterville, California extend beyond lakeshore recreation and into the Sierra Nevada mountains, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 6,000 feet. The region experiences distinct seasonal variations with summer temperatures often exceeding 95°F in lower elevations while mountain campgrounds maintain cooler conditions. Most campgrounds require cash payment with sites typically costing $15-25 per night.
Fishing at stocked ponds: Balch Park Campground offers fishing at two stocked ponds with rainbow trout. "Two ponds, each with a campground, and typically stocked with rainbow trout. Wood at entrance to upper near the host," notes a camper. The campground includes fish cleaning stations near the ponds.
River swimming access: Leavis Flat Campground provides direct creek access for cooling off during hot days. "This is a beautiful campsite right off of the road next to a beautiful river. You can hear road noise, but the river mostly drowns it out," one visitor explains. A short walk upstream reveals a small hot spring about 150 yards from the main camping area.
Rafting expeditions: Three Rivers Hideaway serves as a base for rafting trips on the Kaweah River. "The campsite is next to the Kaweah river and you are surrounded by trees. Camping spots are flat with table and fire rings," reports a visitor. The campground itself operates rafting tours directly from the property.
Natural swimming holes: Wishon Campground receives praise for its river access. "Multiple swimming holes. Amazing get away & would recommend this place to all," writes one camper. The river proximity allows campers to cool off during hot summer days.
Hot showers and facilities: Tule - Success Lake earns positive reviews for its comfort amenities. "Very good showers and restroom to freshen up in," reports one visitor. Another adds, "It's really a cheap place to camp and have nice hot clean showers it's beautiful at sunset and nice campground to be at peaceful and spread out!!"
Proximity to sequoia trees: Balch Park Campground offers camping among giant sequoias. "This is a historic campground. With 1000 year old trees and history of logging. Good fishing and hiking all around the area," explains one visitor. The campground provides direct access to sequoia viewing without national park crowds.
Seasonal closures affect access: Some mountain campgrounds close seasonally for road repairs. "Balch Park is CLOSED for the remainder of 2023 for road repair. It is a nice place to camp when you can," notes one camper. Always check current road conditions before traveling to higher elevation sites.
Fire restrictions vary by site: Fire regulations change frequently based on conditions. At Leavis Flat, "There is a $15 fee per day and $7 per additional car. There are plenty of trash cans and the 2 pit toilets were clean and stocked," explains a reviewer. Most campgrounds require a California campfire permit for any flame, including propane stoves.
Bug prevalence varies by site: Insect activity can be intense at certain locations. Wishon Campground campers report: "The pit toilets were nasty and the mosquitos and gnats were next level awful. We had to stay in our tents until after dusk each night." Bringing insect repellent is essential during summer months.
Choose sites with playground access: Success Lake offers dedicated family recreation areas. "There is a day use area. The lake is beautiful and you are very close to town. Park was quiet," shares one camper. The campground includes playground equipment suitable for children of various ages.
Consider campgrounds with educational opportunities: Lemon Cove Village serves as a good base for visiting Sequoia National Park. "We can't wait to go back again soon! The camp ground was clean and well kept. They had a really nice dog park. Management was super helpful," reports a family camper. Their clubhouse offers games and activities for children.
Look for swimming options: Camping near water features provides natural entertainment for children. "There is so much to do here and around this area. From hidden water falls and earth made rock slides this is one of my favorite places to come camping," writes a visitor to Success Lake. Natural water features often provide more engaging experiences than developed pools.
Reserve pull-through sites when available: Lemon Cove Village offers easier RV access with pull-through sites. "Love the pull thru sites. We have a 34 foot 5th wheel and it was easy to get into these spots. Some spots don't have full hookups so look before you book your spot," advises one RVer.
Check age restrictions for RVs: Some parks enforce RV age policies. Deer Creek RV Park reportedly "Won't take you if your rv is older then 10 years old," according to one turned-away camper. Call ahead to verify any restrictions before traveling.
Leveling challenges at some sites: Three Rivers Hideaway campers report varied site conditions. "Sites are tight, but all we needed was a place to park. They have a range of sites w/ e,w, & sewer," notes one RVer. Another mentions, "Nice for an overnight. The description said they had pull through but they are all back in's which if I had known that we would have never booked there!"
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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