Best Tent Camping near Sierra National Forest in California

Are you planning a tent camping trip to Sierra National Forest? We've got you covered. The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Sierra National Forest campsites are perfect for tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Sierra National Forest (67)

    Spencer B.'s photo of tent camping at Dunlap canyon retreat near Dunlap, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Dunlap canyon retreat near Dunlap, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Dunlap canyon retreat near Dunlap, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Dunlap canyon retreat near Dunlap, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Dunlap canyon retreat near Dunlap, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Dunlap canyon retreat near Dunlap, CA

    1. Dunlap canyon retreat

    7 Reviews
    45 Photos
    32 Saves
    Dunlap, California

    22 acre property right next to a hang gliding and paragliding landing zone scenic landscape at the pond, hiking trails, or anything to get your outdoor fix and if you want a little more comfort we also offer fully furnished 16ft yurts as well we also have 20 yurts fully furnished

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Glamping
    • Trash

    $40 - $150 / night

    Lance P.'s photo of tent camping at Bretz Mill Campground near Shaver Lake, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Bretz Mill Campground near Shaver Lake, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Bretz Mill Campground near Shaver Lake, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Bretz Mill Campground near Shaver Lake, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Bretz Mill Campground near Shaver Lake, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Bretz Mill Campground near Shaver Lake, CA

    2. Bretz Mill Campground

    3 Reviews
    6 Photos
    18 Saves
    Shaver Lake, California

    Located in a setting of pines and oak, Bretz Mill Campground is located alongside Big Creek. Some sites are located on the creek. The location of the campground makes an great get-a-way for picnicking, cooling off during hot days and overnight campging, especially when higher elevation campgrounds are under snow. The area also serves as a popular OHV base camp. Access to facility is paved. Campground is maintained by Mountain Toppers 4 WD club.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    jesus R.'s photo of tent camping at Thousand Island Lake Backcountry near Mono Hot Springs, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Thousand Island Lake Backcountry near Mono Hot Springs, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Thousand Island Lake Backcountry near Mono Hot Springs, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Thousand Island Lake Backcountry near Mono Hot Springs, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Thousand Island Lake Backcountry near Mono Hot Springs, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Thousand Island Lake Backcountry near Mono Hot Springs, CA

    3. Thousand Island Lake Backcountry

    5 Reviews
    35 Photos
    226 Saves
    Mono Hot Springs, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Tent Cabin
    • Glamping

    $5 / night

    Regina P.'s photo of tent camping at Sample Meadow Campground near Lakeshore, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sample Meadow Campground near Lakeshore, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sample Meadow Campground near Lakeshore, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sample Meadow Campground near Lakeshore, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sample Meadow Campground near Lakeshore, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sample Meadow Campground near Lakeshore, CA

    4. Sample Meadow Campground

    3 Reviews
    6 Photos
    39 Saves
    Lakeshore, California

    Located near the Kaiser and Ansel Adams Wilderness', Sample Meadow Campground offers 16 campsites located along Kaiser Creek. Vault toilets are provided and each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and bear box. There is trailhead parking outside of campground approximately .5 mile for hikes into the wilderness. Large RV's and motorhomes not recommended. Horse camping is permitted. Water and garbage service not provided.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Wutang P.'s photo of tent camping at Little Yosemite Valley Campground near North Fork, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Yosemite Valley Campground near North Fork, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Yosemite Valley Campground near North Fork, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Yosemite Valley Campground near North Fork, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Yosemite Valley Campground near North Fork, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Little Yosemite Valley Campground near North Fork, CA

    5. Little Yosemite Valley Campground

    6 Reviews
    16 Photos
    90 Saves
    North Fork, California
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo at Voyager Rock Campground near Sierra National Forest, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Voyager Rock Campground near Sierra National Forest, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Voyager Rock Campground near Sierra National Forest, CA

    6. Voyager Rock Campground

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    96 Saves
    Sierra National Forest, California

    Popular with Off-Highway Vehicle users, the Voyager Rock camping area is located on the east shore of Courtright Reservoir off of the Dusy-Ershim trail. Large Lodgepole pine trees provide shade to the campsites and most sites have lake views. Each site has a table, grill, and bear box. Vault toilets are provided. The campground is accessible only by Off-Highway Vehicles.

    This is Bear Country. Please store food properly and don’t feed the bears. Bring mosquito repellant.

    This is a “Pack it in, pack it out” facility. Please take your garbage with you when you leave.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo at Sno-Park Huntington Lake Parking near Lakeshore, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sno-Park Huntington Lake Parking near Lakeshore, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sno-Park Huntington Lake Parking near Lakeshore, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sno-Park Huntington Lake Parking near Lakeshore, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sno-Park Huntington Lake Parking near Lakeshore, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sno-Park Huntington Lake Parking near Lakeshore, CA

    7. Sno-Park Huntington Lake Parking

    1 Review
    8 Photos
    19 Saves
    Lakeshore, California

    Huntington Lake offers many activities, including swimming, sailing, boating, non-motorized boating, fishing and water skiing. Additionally, California Land Management sponsors a variety of interpretive programs and nature walks throughout the summer at several locations in the Huntington Lake area.

    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Market
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo at Ward Lake Campground near Mono Hot Springs, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Ward Lake Campground near Mono Hot Springs, CA

    8. Ward Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    1 Photo
    11 Saves
    Mono Hot Springs, California

    Located on Ward Lake, Ward Lake Campground provide sites with lake views. Sites offer picnic tables, fire rings, bear boxes, and pine and aspen trees provide shade for most campsites. Vault toilets are also provided. Ward Lake offers opportunites for non-motorized boating, fishing, and swimming.

    • Pets
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Tent Cabin
    • Glamping
    Camper-submitted photo at Camp 4 Campground near Dunlap, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Camp 4 Campground near Dunlap, CA

    9. Camp 4 Campground

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    100 Saves
    Dunlap, California

    Located at a 1000-foot elevation, Camp 4 campground offers five campsites near the Wild and Scenic Kings River with a table, fire ring, and a vault toilet. Rafting is popular here, with up to Class III rapids in the river. the. Supplies may be obtained in Piedra. No drinking water. Unsuitable for trailers.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins

    $10 / night

    Wutang P.'s photo of tent camping at Bolsillo Campground near Mono Hot Springs, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Bolsillo Campground near Mono Hot Springs, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Bolsillo Campground near Mono Hot Springs, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Bolsillo Campground near Mono Hot Springs, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Bolsillo Campground near Mono Hot Springs, CA

    10. Bolsillo Campground

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    23 Saves
    Mono Hot Springs, California

    Located along the Kaiser Pass Road near the High Sierra Ranger Station. Bosillo Creek runs adjacent to campground. There are 3 available first-come, first-serve campsites. The Corbett Lake Trail begins at the end of the campground. Large RV or motorhome not recommended for travel on the Kaiser Pass Road.

    • Tents
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Showing results 1-10 of 67 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews near Sierra National Forest

1273 Reviews of 67 Sierra National Forest Campgrounds


  • m
    Camper-submitted photo from Tenmile Campground
    May. 17, 2024

    Tenmile Campground

    Ron is a gem.

    Ron, the host, is a gem. Went here because we wanted at least a vault toilet. Nothing was free at the national parks reservation-wise, they were logging in Sequoia so its first come first serves were unavailable on 5/15 and some of the park was closed, and we wanted not to be kicked out of Sequoia and Kings Canyon for boondocking. Has single, double, and walk in tent camp sites, no water.

  • Ryan T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wishon Village RV Resort
    Jul. 3, 2023

    Wishon Village RV Resort

    For the glamper

    If you have an RV or prefer car camping/glamp set up this is a very nice spot. Lots of RV spots, but I chose to tent camp. Two types of tent sites, platform and ground neither of which has AC/Water. I had a platform site that was next to a little stream. There is a village store on site, showers, toilets, and water. Close to Wishon Reservoir which is great for trout fishing. Courtright is a little farther but wasn't accessible at the time I went due to fallen trees blocking the road. Attended a village church service on Sunday which was the topping on the cake for me. Lots of people around the campsites but partying is prohibited. That being said if you want a little more serene camping experience there is plenty of dispersed camping in this part of the woods.

  • Erin G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park
    Aug. 15, 2018

    Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park

    Hug a giant tree!

    If you’re looking to camp in California, Sequoia National Park should be one of your top destinations. They have cabin and tent camping. I have stayed in both. There are trails galore and GIGANTIC trees bigger than your car. This beautiful setting is worth visiting year round and I recommend camping during the less touristy times in early Spring and Fall. You are near lakes, waterfalls, and an array of bodies of water. I recommend coming up the back end up the park for an easier ascent rather than via the 198. The 198 takes you up a steep, but beautiful, hair pin turn ridden road. If you get car sick easily, take the route through Fresno.

  • Ashlee L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Horse Creek
    Apr. 20, 2018

    Horse Creek

    Gorgeous scenery, outdated facilities

    Pros: Nicely designed tent sites, plus flush toilets and (free!) showers. Absolutely gorgeous views of Kaweah Lake in the foothills of Sequoia NP. Convenient location also, as it is on the road into Sequoia; it takes about an hour to get from the campground to the park entrance. I think this campground is also a nice alternative to staying in Sequoia; it didn't seem bears were at all a concern here, while they are in the park. It was a nice alternative to tent camping alone in an area bears frequent.

    Cons: Outdated facilities - the toilet/shower house was in rough shape and not really clean. There was also a steep hill to walk up to the bathhouse that had been partially washed out, so somewhat of a hazard. Additionally, one of my nights there I got no sleep whatsoever because there was a group of young guys partying all night. And it was the works - loud music, yelling, swearing, vulgar language, and because the campground is pretty open and in a valley, it echoed throughout the entire campground. Definitely one of the downsides of 'unstaffed' campgrounds that only have a host on site; these guys were breaking every apparent campground regulation and were allowed to do so. I would say one other weird thing about this campground is that they have signs that say they close the gates after 9 pm, and their exit has tire spike strips! One night I went into the nearest town for dinner, but I was stressed about getting back by 9 pm. It's probably the first campground I've ever encountered that, and it's really weird.

    I'm torn on whether I'd stay here again.. maybe, if there weren't any other campgrounds in the area.

  • Christina R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground
    Jun. 5, 2022

    Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground

    Nice campground

    I really enjoyed tent camping here. I’m not a fan of the trailer camping because it’s all cement and everyone is close together, but it’s doable if need be. When tent camping, you’re under beautiful trees which I love!

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from High Sierra RV Park
    Jun. 8, 2020

    High Sierra RV Park

    Tent camping

    The place is in great location. The bathrooms are clean which is a great plus. There is a nice river (Fresno River). One thing I have to add is that many of the campsites along the water trailer and especially tent sites are very bunched up. There is not any room between campsites. The tent sites have are honestly 20x20 I would say. Therefore, there is no privacy. I understand from a business perspective the concept but to make it more appealing campsite I would suggest changing the layout and cutting the tent sites into half so that each campsite has more room.

  • Becbecandbunny O.
    Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Campground
    Jan. 9, 2022

    Meadow Campground

    Hidden gem

    This was our first time to Millerton Lake / Meadows Campground. We feel like we have the campground almost to ourselves for ourselves given that it's January. We imagine it's crowded in summer months. The campground is very lovely and well maintained. Most sites overlook the lake. Non-electric sites are separate from electric ones, which keeps down noise for those like us who still camp in a tent. Coin operated showers available.

  • Regina P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mono Hot Springs
    May. 5, 2018

    Mono Hot Springs

    Gem in the wilderness

    This is our go to place for our yearly camp out . It has a spot for everyone from tent camping to cabins.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Rivers Hideaway
    May. 3, 2021

    Three Rivers Hideaway

    Beautiful setting in the mountains

    Quiet, peaceful and great accomodations for your camping needs. Wether it be RV or tent camping. Walking distance to the lake

  • v
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Flat Campground
    Jun. 3, 2021

    Pine Flat Campground

    Peaceful Getaway

    Pine Flat is a beautiful place close to home yet far enough to find a peaceful getaway at the lake. Campgrounds are clean, restrooms and showers are close to campaign if you are tent camping. Trails to hike and explore.

  • Thomas K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 9, 2020

    Crab Cooker Hotsprings - Dispersed Camping

    Private hotspring with mountain views

    4x4 or high clearance coming in. Long dirt road with dips and rocks. Water only flowing in winter months. Lots of tent camping spots along with 8 back in spots. Really amazing views 360 degrees. No service with Verizon.

  • Devon Z.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sage Flat Campground
    Aug. 1, 2019

    Sage Flat Campground

    Welcoming.

    Great sites for small RV’s or tent camping. Very funny and welcoming camp host David Mac. Would recommend this camp to anyone looking to get away from the crowds you’ll find further north in the eastern sierras.

    First come first serve.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Rivers Hideaway
    Jun. 19, 2023

    Three Rivers Hideaway

    Great Campground

    Fantastic secluded campground with all amenities you need. Clean, quiet and convenient access to Sequoia National Park. With lovely staff who were extremely knowledgeable and accommodating, I would highly recommend these grounds for both tent camping and/or RV camping.

  • Eduardo B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Yosemite RV Resort
    Nov. 11, 2022

    Yosemite RV Resort

    Well kept site but right next to busy road

    It's a nice campsite. A bit of trash scattered around the tent spots. Excellente toilets and showers, but not so great out of hours check-in. Also 70+USD for a tent site with no hookup in November is a rip-off.

  • m
    Camper-submitted photo from Hidden View Campground — Hensley Lake
    Apr. 13, 2022

    Hidden View Campground — Hensley Lake

    Great Views of the Dam

    Clean Campground and site. The site we stayed at had a nice fire ring, was flat, had a picnic table and it was close to running water. We tent camped, but it looked like there were plenty of RV spots too. Nice and quiet too.

  • Amber D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Glass Creek
    Aug. 9, 2016

    Glass Creek

    Great for the price!

    It's free but donations are welcome. It's more for boondocking your trailer or RV. Spots are huge. Great for motorcycle/snowmobile. I was the only person in a tent. Not great if you're looking for tent camping atmosphere. But close to Mammoth and June Lake Loop. Had a bear visitor. Better for RV camping.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from June Lake Campground
    Oct. 21, 2018

    June Lake Campground

    Great campsite right next to town

    Tent camping and some RV sites available. Went at the very end of the season so cold at night but beautiful during the day! Various homes nearby. Lake was beautiful and the leaves were changing in time for winter. Very clean. Flushable toilets and running water. Walking distance from town.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Creekside RV Park
    Sep. 23, 2023

    Creekside RV Park

    Nice tent sites for an RV park

    Stayed three nights here tent camping , facilities were very clean and the foreman was very friendly guy. the area is great fishing and hiking though small game hunting in the Owens Valley was unproductive . Overall a great place to stay and country store has everything you need for your stay I will come back

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Sweetwater
    Aug. 27, 2019

    Sweetwater

    Secluded Getaway

    Absolutely loved it here! No cellphone service, no showers, and one nature toilet. A true tent camping experience. Fell asleep to the raging river nearby. Recreation.gov states that bear proof lockers are provided but that is not true. This is a remote campsite, you are living in bear country; be prepared and secure you food/garbage. We had no problems with any wildlife and found it peaceful.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Three Rivers Hideaway
    Sep. 1, 2023

    Three Rivers Hideaway

    Very nice campground, very close to Sequoia NP

    Clean restrooms and showers, nice picnic tables and fire rings, very nice tent sites. And the Wi-Fi was very good and covers the entire campground well. The campground has access to the river, though it did not carry a lot of water when we visited and you couldn’t swim.

  • Cecil  K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Lake Campground at June Lake
    Jun. 16, 2022

    Silver Lake Campground at June Lake

    Peaceful tranquil and beautiful campground on the lake

    Visited in Fall, beautiful time, All the trees were changing, it was beautiful.  The campground was nice, the spaces were separated, we tent camped.  Store a few minute walk down the road, along with place to rent boats for the lake.  Very calm and peaceful area.  Because of the beauty and seclusion, wonderful time. one of the best campgrounds/locations I've ever been to.

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from Golden Pine RV Park
    Jul. 21, 2019

    Golden Pine RV Park

    Nice Campground

    Owned and operated by a family. Great customer service and always willing to help! Over 44 campsites between RV and tent sites. Very small and close together. FHU, quiet and close to Towns of Murphy for wine tasting and dining, Columbia, Angels Camp and other State Parks for camping. Paid showers $.25, pool and event center to rent.

  • Leslie M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dorst Creek Campground — Sequoia National Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
    Jul. 15, 2018

    Dorst Creek Campground — Sequoia National Park - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Gem

    We tent camped two nights here. Our site was roomy but not very level; turned out wonderfully though as it rained one entire day and no water pooled near our tent. Fresh/clean water was available. Bathrooms clean. Muir Grove is a hidden gem of a hike to a serene grove of sequoias, accessed at the end of the campground near the group sites. Fairly easy 4 miles round trip, hiked with 6 children, youngest hiker is 6; well worth it!

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Kirch Flat Group Campground — Sierra National Forest
    Jun. 7, 2021

    Kirch Flat Group Campground — Sierra National Forest

    Great river side camping

    Great little campground right next to King's River in Sierra National Forest. Twisty paved road wraps around Pine Flat Reservoir to get to the campground. Picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and occasionally... cows wander through. The main loop has several sites and there's a section off to the right with much more secluded sites among the trees. Popular raft take out spot from the river. There's a small beach just past a paved cul-de-sac. The river is cold and moving  quickly, the sounds of the rushing water reach the campground and make for easy sleeping. Love this place.

  • Alyssa K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sweetwater
    Sep. 17, 2017

    Sweetwater

    Great Site, but not if you want some quiet

    We had a great experience with the Rangers and the facilities. The view was BEAUTIFUL and we had a great time. However, we were tent camping for the night and were kept awake by our loud neighbors in their RVs who were playing loud music until 1am. Also, planes fly overhead pretty frequently which woke me up. But the quality of the place is great and would be good for family trips.


Guide to Sierra National Forest

Tent camping near Sierra National Forest in California offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Tips for tent camping near Sierra National Forest

  • Dunlap Canyon Retreat provides a serene environment with amenities like drinking water, showers, and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  • Sample Meadow Campground features spacious sites along Kaiser Creek, perfect for families looking to enjoy nature while having access to nearby trails.
  • Thousand Island Lake Backcountry requires a hike-in but rewards campers with breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for those seeking solitude.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Bretz Mill Campground, enjoy fishing and hiking along the creek, with plenty of shade from surrounding trees.
  • Huntington Lake Recreation Area offers a variety of water sports and hiking trails, making it a great spot for active campers.
  • Ya-gub-weh-tuh Campground provides access to scenic trails and the opportunity to explore the stunning San Joaquin River Gorge.

Specific local attractions

  • Crystal Springs Campground is conveniently located near Kings Canyon National Park, allowing easy access to iconic landmarks and hiking trails.
  • Ward Lake Campground offers picturesque views and is close to Florence Lake, perfect for a day of fishing or relaxing by the water.
  • Voyager Rock Campground is popular among off-road vehicle enthusiasts, providing thrilling access to the rugged terrain around Courtright Reservoir.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Sierra National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sierra National Forest is Dunlap canyon retreat with a 5-star rating from 7 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Sierra National Forest?

    TheDyrt.com has all 67 tent camping locations near Sierra National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.