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."
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.
TravelerGood amenities and friendly staff! 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. It was nice because it was on the end and enjoyed our view in the mornings. We have group sites that are next to us but were unoccupied while we stayed.
GuideGreat spot to camp for the night! Private, safe
GuideWe were tent camping on a touring Harley. It’s easy to get to though the roads in the area are gravel but that’s literally when you turn into the camping area. It was windy and there were bugs but they didn’t bite so I’m cool. It was gonna rain so we left the rain cover off. It was in the high 80s at day and mid 50s at night in early July. Slept great but if you’re on a Harley leave early. So you get the road to yourself!!
GuideLodgepole, Site 199. Late June. Nice warm days, cold nights. The river and scenery make this campground special. There are lots of birds and rodents (Squirrels and chipmunks of varying sizes and colors).
If you can get a site near the river, or on the outside if a loop, the views and sounds are wonderful. Great location for Sherman Tree Trails, Moro Rock.
The loop restrooms are old and not well cared for. There are only two small restrooms at the visitors center. So Dirty and too few for too many people. (The situation at Grant Grove VC is much better for restrooms, but no showers or laundry.) I used both showers and laundry. My shower was cold and dirty despite having just been cleaned (I waited 50 minutes). (Lowest Bidder). Laundry was adequate and I was thankful to have it.
GuideSites 100, 33, 41. Late June. A beautiful HILLY campground with dirty to very dirty flush bathrooms and no hosts. NPS does a terrible job with janitor service all over the country in my experience.
Site 100 parking pad has a 4 degree grade. It is a very lovely site for smaller tent camping with view of sunset. In a quiet hilly part of the campground, but I had few neighbors even though the sites showed up as completely booked on rec.gov.
Site 33 has a 3 degree grade and *abuts several sites* and the water spigot. Short pad could accommodate a van, but the pad adjacent is *very* close.
Site 41 is at the top of the hill and has a beautiful view and but little shade.
Big Stump trailhead can be reached by footpath from the campground. (Or you can drive back toward the gate and park there).
Visitor's Center with WiFi and a store and decent flush toilets near the restaurant is almost just across the street.
Beware of tiny chipmunks in the most crowded areas. At site 33 I saw two jump onto people's cars/campers. One was trying to get into an open car door.
GuideEvening sun, super secluded, loved the spot. Nice birdwatching
TravelerLarge site, it was worth the $50 per night. The majority of the people there are working on construction projects that require them to be on the road. Gate closes at night which makes it safe. Would stay again if I was in the area.
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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