Top Free Dispersed Camping near Porterville, CA

Want to go dispersed camping near Porterville? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Porterville, CA (36)

Showing results 1-10 of 36 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Porterville

100 Reviews of 36 Porterville Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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.

  • G
    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."

  • Cameron L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)

    Great Spot tucked off the road

    We stopped here on our way through Sequoia Nat’l Forest and loved it. The water is super clear and nice! We were the only ones staying here, so it was very quiet and calming. A handful of camping spots around this area, well worth the stay!

  • Ciara W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
    Aug. 7, 2024

    Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed

    Guy just sitting in trees near the end

    All the spots at the front were taken here so we had to drive almost all the way to end. Don’t go down the final steep hill, you might not make it up. It’s very tight there and you have to do a 20 point turn to turn back.

    We walked down the hill and our friend saw some random guy come out the trees and follow us as we were walking back up. He might be living there because there was so much trash

    2 stars because the area itself is nice, there’s the river nearby and internet was good

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Peppermint Dispersed Area
    Jul. 20, 2024

    Upper Peppermint Dispersed Area

    Fantastic but very, very remote spot

    Not for big rigs! A very primitive but beautiful area. Tons of winding roads with lots of S curves Leading up to 9000 feet. Many great camping spots including close to Peppermint Creek. Completely dry area so no campfires until November. No services and no reception so pack it in and pack it out!

  • renee P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597

    Tucked away from the world

    While the road to get up there is a bit nerve wracking (hoping no one comes around those corners the other direction!) It's worth taking it slow and steady. We were the only ones there and enjoyed a very peaceful night bathed in moonlight and the sounds of nature. Great place!

  • o
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area

    Perfect camping spot

    Easy to find if you turn on that road leading to Chicago stump. Keep driving down and you’ll see dispersed camping spots. Beautiful views, quiet, peaceful & there are some fire rings already built.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
    May. 25, 2024

    Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground

    Definitely beautiful

    Does take about 45 mins to wind up there and i got there at 1:15am. Didn't find the campgrounds but had large side areas with forest machinery. Next to stream. Then if you continue on you will hit a 4 mile off road (my Corolla/any sedan OK) and see great views and waterfall! Nice!

  • OThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 14S11 North Camp
    May. 25, 2024

    Forest Road 14S11 North Camp

    Super Nice

    Very good spot to camp, there were plenty of spots and most had rings. There was also a bathroom so that was nice. Right off of the main road that goes throughout the whole park

  • hamza P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 13S02 Dispersed Site
    May. 4, 2024

    Forest Road 13S02 Dispersed Site

    Great little spot

    Secluded with very little traffic. Especially good if you're traveling with dogs to let them roam around. There's a stream and waterfall downhill that makes for great hikes.

  • Caroline D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stine Cove Recreation Site
    May. 4, 2024

    Stine Cove Recreation Site

    the spot looked perfect, but the location didn't match

    we looked around the indicated GPS point but at this location, but house or ranch, nothing that looks like the photos posted previously. too bad the spot looked magnificent but with night falling and fatigue from the road we finally slept facing the road in the post office parking lot.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from FS Road 13s09 Dispersed Camp - Ten Mile Road
    Apr. 26, 2024

    FS Road 13s09 Dispersed Camp - Ten Mile Road

    Rally nice spot on the Sequoia National forest

    Nice big camp spot in the Sequoia National Forest, the road was really calm mid-April, we had no car during the night. The spot has firepits, a camping table and loads of bushes. The view is nice on the forest or a mountain top. We were alone but the spot is big enough for 3 or 4 véhicules, the access is just before the U turn.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
    Mar. 25, 2024

    Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed

    Stayed a night

    We pulled in at night time around 10:30PM. I was scared it would be sketchy, but turned out to be a smooth dirt road. We encountered multiple other campers as well before we found a suitable turnout. Loved the accessibility. We woke up to a beautiful little spot near the water; would definitely camp again here

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hanning Flat Dispersed Area
    Dec. 22, 2023

    Hanning Flat Dispersed Area

    Nice quiet spot, 4x4 ideal

    We were looking for a place to car camp on our way up toward sequoia and stopped here. Was easy to locate even at night. Would suggest 4x4 and wouldn’t recommend heavier vehicles as it’s a sandy dried up lake bed and we had to dig ourselves out in the morning. No fire pits or bathrooms.

  • Vanessa C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park
    Dec. 22, 2023

    Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park

    Secluded gorgeous dispersed camping

    Stunning. If you want privacy this is it. You are definitely alone. We went and there was only 1 other camper there - he was kinda weird and wanted to hang out but we politely asked him for privacy (he said he is there a lot). BRING water and fill up on gas before you go. There are 0 resources for you. It’s gorgeous, we will definitely be going back

  • Jan N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Rd 14S29
    Nov. 13, 2023

    Forest Rd 14S29

    Small, but good for one night

    Since it's offseason and the Campgrounds were closed, we quickly needed to find an alternative and were happy to stay a quiet night at this spot. There is space for maximum 4 small RVs. Large RVs should avoid this place!

  • Sharyn A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Stine Cove Recreation Site
    Oct. 27, 2023

    Stine Cove Recreation Site

    Camping at lake since 1957

    I’ve been camping at This lake since I was 11. My favorite place caught 100’s of fish out of there. I’ve camped in all the camps over the years but I like steins cove when we had a boat. Camp right on the water and the price is right FREE. I live in Az now but when we go back we always hit the lake.  Love it great memories with my mom and dad and our kids and grandkids. Enjoy❤️

  • Kristi D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597
    Oct. 24, 2023

    Sequoia Forest Hunting Area - FS 13597

    Private remote campsite

    I found this last minute after digging through many campspots on the north side of Sequoia National Park, but most were closed for the season. Everything else was a little bit of a drive away

    You have to get up a steep incline, right road off of the main road and the road is narrow. It was not our favorite part.



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

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Porterville, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Porterville, CA is Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Porterville, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 36 dispersed camping locations near Porterville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.