Best Tent Camping near Visalia, CA
Searching for a tent camping spot near Visalia? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Visalia's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites Near Visalia, CA (29)
1. Dunlap canyon retreat
Dunlap, California6 Reviews•45 Photos•32 Saves22 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
2. Cold Springs Campground — Sequoia National Park
Three Rivers, California8 Reviews•18 Photos•490 SavesOverview
The Mineral King area features the highest elevation campground in the parks. At 7,500 feet (2280 m), it is only open during the summer months. A narrow, winding, largely unpaved road leads to the area and its two campgrounds. RVs and trailers are not recommended on Mineral King Road and are not permitted in campgrounds. Mineral King is not connected to the rest of Sequoia National Park by roads.
Recreation
Trails to alpine lakes and mountain passes begin nearby.
Natural Features
Hikes into the backcountry out of Mineral King will give visitors an ever deeper understanding of the beauty and uniqueness of Sequoia National Park. Hike to alpine lakes and over mountain passes, or climb a peak.
Nearby Attractions
There are limited services at Silver City Resort, 2.5 miles (4 km) west of the campground.
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 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
- Tents
- Trash
- Firewood Available
$32 / night
3. Buckeye Flat Campground — Sequoia National Park
Three Rivers, California4 Reviews•27 Photos•170 SavesOverview
Buckeye Flat Campground is located in Sequoia National Park, in the heart of the Sierra Foothills. The campground sits at an elevation of 2,800 feet, perched above the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River and shaded by a stand of large Live Oaks. For more information and trip planning please see our website at www.nps.gov/seki
Recreation
Whether you are visiting the spectacular sequoia trees in the Giant Forest or backpacking into the wilderness of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Buckeye Campground offers a convenient starting point. Located just six miles from the Ash Mountain Entrance Station, the campground is within a 30-minute drive to countless miles of trails and natural wonders.
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
Buckeye Flat Campground is located within a 30-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 a 45 minute drive (16 miles/26 km) from the campground. Reserve tour tickets in advance on Recreation.gov.
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
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Tent Cabin
$22 - $32 / night
4. Camp ikigai Animal Sanctuary 501c3
Dunlap, California1 Review•70 Photos•13 SavesCome visit this incredible animal sanctuary! Your stay goes to 100% to our 501c3 nonprofit efforts!
Situated on a 72 acre animal sanctuary and goldmine boarding 140 acres of BLM land. If you're looking for a unique and special camping experience, look no further than Camp Ikigai at Ikigai Animal Sanctuary in Squaw Valley, California. Offering agricultural tourism experiences like; mushroom hunting, bird watching, rock and mineral collecting, bike tours, animal sanctuary, and more, your stay will truly be unlike any other! Apart from all the experiences offered, you can also join a variety of events on site to connect with your family and the community around you.
30 minutes to SEKI - Sequoia Kings Canyon National Parks!
Book your spot today!
**During high fire season we only allow campfires in the communal area! Communal firepit access is open to everyone. Oak Firewood is included in your stay!
**Please reach out to the host to ask about current road conditions and access concerns.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
$39 - $59 / night
5. Crystal Springs Campground — Kings Canyon National Park
Hume, California3 Reviews•24 Photos•10 SavesOverview
Crystal Springs campground is centrally located in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in central California's rugged Sierra Nevada range. This mid-sized group campground is at an elevation of 6,500 feet. In addition to the 14 mid-sized group sites, there are 35 standard size campsite available for reservation on the Crystal Springs Campground page.
Recreation
There are numerous recreation opportunities in the immediate area. From your campsite, you can hike to a Sequoia Grove that includes the General Grant Tree, the Nation's Christmas Tree and only living memorial to our military veterans. Hike to the beautiful Ella Falls, a 50 foot waterfall or to Panoramic Point for a breathtaking view of the high Sierras.
Natural Features
Crystal Springs campground is located in a mixed conifer forest of sugar pines, incense cedar, fir and sequoia trees. Summer days can be warm and dry with cool nights. Wildlife is abundant and includes black bear, mule deer, gray squirrel, golden-mantled ground squirrel, and a variety of resident birds, among many others. The dynamic landscape of the park evolves from geologic processes working over millennia to sculpt granite, marble and other forms of rock. Here in the parks are canyons carved by rivers and glaciers, towering rugged peaks and miles of underground caverns. Found throughout the park are thousands of lakes and ponds and miles of rivers and streams.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (559) 565-4357.
Nearby Attractions
Crystal Springs campground is within an hour's drive from the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park, home of the biggest tree in the world, the General Sherman, and the Cedar Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park. Fishing is 30 minutes away at Hume Lake in Sequoia National Forest. The national forest also includes Converse Basin and Chicago Stump, where you can learn the history of logging in the area. The Crystal Caves are about a one and a half hour drive (39 miles/63 km) from the campground. Reserve tour tickets in advance on Recreation.gov.
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. For group campsites: All modifications must be made at least 14 days prior to scheduled arrival date to avoid additional fees. For group campsites: All cancellations made within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date are considered late cancellations and will incur the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use 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) 565-4357 if you will be arriving 24 hours after your arrival date so your site won't be cancelled.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
$50 / night
6. Sequoia National Forest Belknap Campground
Camp Nelson, California6 Reviews•9 Photos•19 SavesOverview
Belknap Campground, elevation 4,800 feet, is located east of Porterville, CA off state highway 190 in the Giant Sequoia National Monument in the Western Divide Ranger District. It sits within the Belknap and McIntyre giant sequoia groves.
Recreation
Trails in the monument are open to hikers, horseback riders and bikers. The trails wind through giant sequoia groves, up mountains and alongside wild rivers. A hiking trail also starts within the campground, leading into the sequoia grove, with fishing in Tule River along the way.
Facilities
Trails in the monument are open to hikers, horseback riders and bikers. The trails wind through giant sequoia groves, up mountains and alongside wild rivers. A hiking trail also starts within the campground, leading into the sequoia grove, with fishing in Tule River along the way.
Natural Features
The Sequoia National Forest, located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada in central California, takes its name from the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree, which grows in more than 30 groves on the Forest's lower slopes. The Forest comprises about 1.1 million acres, and elevations range from about 1,000 to 12,000 feet, creating precipitous canyons and mountain streams with spectacular waterfalls, such as Salmon Creek Falls near Fairview and Grizzly Falls on the Kings River.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 455-6010.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
$34 - $36 / night
7. Camp or Glamp along the Tule River next to the Giant Sequoia National Monument
Springville, California1 Review•6 Photos•29 SavesThese are beautiful sites overlooking the Tule River, which runs right through our property. All sites are well spaced, offering exceptional privacy and access to multiple day-use spots along the river. Rope-assisted steps allow access the river and are just feet away from your camp site. The Tule River runs year-around and offer some of the most spectacular vistas in the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Sites are ideal for small backpacking tents and medium-sized family tents and gear.
Located in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains on the land of the Yokut people and bordering the Giant Sequoia National Monument, this 12-acre homestead (known simply as the Land) stretches along both sides of the Tule River and offers exceptional camping and outdoor experiential events.
The habits and vision of owner Donald McMillan reflects the Land's beauty and pristine natural habitats, inspiring daily living practices that value nature. The Land is his home and headquarters for organizing events that change the world and mindset of communities regarding respect for nature and preservation of culture and art. The Land is nestled in Blue oak woodland and riparian (river) habitat in the foothills of the Giant Sequoia National Monument and offers the ultimate in privacy and completely dark night skies for perfect star-gazing.
We are of the BIPOC, LGBTQIA+/Two Spirit, arts, and justice activist communities and host only people embracing diversity, inclusion, self-reliance, reciprocity, and equality.
(24 hour security and our German Shepard ensures your comfort, privacy and safety)
We offer the listed campsites here plus gorgeous outdoor venues tailored for small-scale special events and featuring a covered outdoor kitchen and BBQ area, outdoor living and bedroom spaces, fireplaces and fire pits and two outdoor showers. It is rustic and best suited for minimum impact camping for those with camping experience or who may be on their first outting. Reach us for special event hosting.
Don and the people who come here respect the environment. We are committed to leaving no physical trace at gathering places on the Land. You should too.
All visitors must register online at www.wildplaces.net to receive details, directions, and a liability waiver to sign. We ask each member of a visiting group to complete this online waiver.
Toilets are composting or chemical and the hotwater shower is tucked inside the majestic canopy of a Live Oak tree. The toilets are located near the house which is a 5 minute walk or less from most sites.
Use your own camp stoves and opt to stay clear of the house entirely for maximum seclusion.
You provide tents, tent footprint (tarp), lights, sleeping bags, food, insect repellant, camp stove and other stuff. There is an outdoor, hot water shower. NO SOAP of ANY KIND IN THE RIVER. CARRY WASH WATER 10 FEET AWAY From THE RIVER.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Glamping
$60 - $70 / night
8. Weaver Lake Trail Campsites
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California3 Reviews•8 Photos•249 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Drinking Water
- Alcohol
9. Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park
Johnsondale, California7 Reviews•14 Photos•609 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
10. Atwell Mill Campground — Sequoia National Park
Three Rivers, California2 Reviews•10 Photos•278 SavesOverview
The Mineral King area features the highest elevation campground in the parks. At 7,500 feet (2280 m), it is only open during the summer months. A narrow, winding, largely unpaved road leads to the area and its two campgrounds. RVs and trailers are not recommended on Mineral King Road and are not permitted in campgrounds. Mineral King is not connected to the rest of Sequoia National Park by roads. To get here, turn off of Highway 198 in Three Rivers, California.
Recreation
Trails to alpine lakes and mountain passes begin nearby.
Natural Features
Hikes into the backcountry out of Mineral King will give visitors an ever deeper understanding of the beauty and uniqueness of Sequoia National Park. Hike to alpine lakes and over mountain passes, or climb a peak.
Nearby Attractions
There are limited services at Silver City Resort, 1.7 miles (3 km) east of the campground. More extensive services can be found in Three Rivers, 23 miles (37 km) west of Atwell Mill Campground (approximately 1.5 hours away).
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
- Tents
- Trash
- Drinking Water
$32 / night
Recent Tent Reviews in Visalia
488 Reviews of 29 Visalia Campgrounds
- J
Joseph Z.
Guide
Sunset Campground — Kings Canyon National Park
Amazing sunset
The name of the campground alone will let you know what to anticipate staying here. As far as views go they are phenomenal but people wise it gets busy.
- JJoseph Z.Guide
Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest (CA)
Base camp Jennie lakes wilderness
I enjoy this site my spot was directly below the footbridge to head up to Weaver and Jennie lakes. Excellent brook trout fishing and feels off grid. Amazing rock formations near by and plenty of hiking for all levels in close vicinity.
Linda B.
Scout
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
- KKevin T.Guide
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
- mmonica P.Scout
Visalia-Sequoia National Park KOA
Clean well equipped campground
This KOA is great! Very clean, has a K9 area, barbecue grills, hot showers, laundromat, etc. and right in town!
- UUT801
Ranger
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.
- UUT801Ranger
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!
- UUT801Ranger
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.
Traveler
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.Traveler
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.
Ian F.Guide
Sentinel Campground — Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon NP - 9/24
Great spot and so much less crowded than Yosemite. Bathrooms are not so great
- TTaylor A.Guide
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
- TTaylor A.Guide
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.
- EElke S.Scout
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.
- EElke S.Scout
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.
- Rob H.Scout
Camp ikigai Animal Sanctuary 501c3
Animals and humans living off grid in harmony
This is a working animal sanctuary with horses, chickens, ducks, dogs, humans. etc.
Amazing outdoor shower has grapes and herbs growing in it. Laundry facilities and kitchen available in a welcoming community area.
I love it so much, I am volunteering my time to do permaculture projects to help them grow. And, I will keep coming back as often as I can.
Beautiful views, beautiful community. Good cell service... I LOVE IT HERE!
- RRalph S.Traveler
Forest Rd 14S29
Good for a night
Quiet place on dirt, not really levelled but fine for a night and easily accessible with any car.
Bobby J.Ranger
Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park
Directions didn’t lead me there
Directions didn’t lead me to any dispersed camping but I did find just an ok spot along the road. Don’t know if where I camped was allowed but I did anyway
W R.Scout
Kings River RV Resort
Nice
The other "resorts" on the river need to come here and see what a real campground is like.
Either way this is a nice campground with nice stuff like a pool, hot tub, clubhouse, and more.
Roo T.Scout
Island Park
Nice
Tent only camping for us. Quiet. Shower and toilet accessible. The only thing was neighbors were very, very near. But our neighbors were quiet so it wasn't bad. End of March was rainy, so be prepared for rain if you go during that time.
Brian and Janet S.Guide
Grant Grove Cabins — Kings Canyon National Park
Crystal Springs NOT cabins
This location is for the Crystal Springs campground across from Azalea.
$32 p night, no hookups but a beautiful place.
Well worth a stay either here or Azalea. About 45-60 minutes to Lodgepole where you can take the shuttle for free to several park stops.
No cell service, easy to find. We have a 28 foot class c and there were lots of spots we could fit.
Lilly E.Guide
Sequoia National Forest Hume Lake Campground
Really Beautiful Stay near the Sequoias
The campgrounds had a variety of tree shaded areas and some pretty large spots near the lake. The spots near the lake went quickly but there were a few lovely spots to hang a hammock that were stunning. Lovely deer, ducks, and toads everywhere. There were also several different sections of the campground to choose from for privacy.
Pros Beautiful lake view Cute lake village area to visit nearby Lovely animals Bear boxes in every campsite Lovely hosts in 2024 Flush toilets ✅
Cons Steep drive in A bit pricey A bit buggy but not bad Some exposed campsites
ChrisScout
Green Cabin Flat Campground
Gross Animal Neglect
GROSS ANIMAL NEGLECT is the reason my family decided not to stay at Camp Ikigai. From the tick covered dog that was dehydrated and trying to continuously get in our vehicle to the obviously scared wild horses to the unsheared lamb turned to dread locks that kept stepping on its own fur. Besides the fact the “shower” is literally a garden hose tied to a board or that the “toilet” is a bucket and a curtain, the web site promoting Camp Ikigai as an “animal sanctuary” is a complete farce. Setting animals loose in a pasture does not mean it’s a sanctuary. It’s obvious the owner doesn’t care about the welfare of the animals, he’s using “sanctuary” as a key term to pay for his broken-down trailer and improve his own standard of living. This compound is an absolute wreck with trash and broken parts littered everywhere. It is not a safe environment to stay, and their own website warns of their dogs’ potential aggressive behavior. I expected the first nights’ pay to be lost, but nobody has replied to multiple phone calls, texts or e-mails. It’s been over a week and the owner continues to hide and not respond to any form of communication. I am sure he is used to people refusing to stay there after seeing the condition of the animals/property and asking for a refund. To the owner; Please do the right thing and use the money you stole from my family to take care of the animals before the S.P.C.A. gets there.
Andre V.RangerLodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park
Right in the Heart of Sequoia NP
It’s a stunning area of the park with the Topokah falls trail right inside the campground. The market makes for great convenience and souvenirs. Some of the sites are a bit close together and it does get very crowded. But the location and close proximity to lots of attractions nearby make it worth it. Showers were out of order on my visit.
Nathan F.Traveler
Nelson Falls RV Park
First rate site, definitely recommended, quaint and quiet.
Communication with the host was amazing, we went from the Thursday before Memorial Day to Memorial Monday. Everything was amazing. Very quiet community.
Full hookups for our 5th wheel, spacious sites, flushing restrooms and showers if you wanted. Starlink worked perfect, though there was wifi available.
A couple notes:
Zero Cell coverage (we took that as a good thing), but make sure to download your google map.
The drive up is a little daunting with going up the mountain, but the road was fine just take your time it will be worth it.
Greg B.Scout
Wishon Campground
A blast as a kid
We went many years as kids and we were all surfers from Newport Beach wanting to do extreme things. One day I decided to go up the pump station, over the barb wire to the top of the I Beam. Crazy my dad took this picture. I was 15 years old and crazy!
- MMo H.Traveler
Forest Rd 14S29
One night stay
Simple campground, but suitable for one night
Still some snow around in may
Guide to Visalia
Visalia, California, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to nature lovers seeking adventure and tranquility in the great outdoors.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Enjoy hiking and breathtaking views at Buckeye Flat Campground — Sequoia National Park, where you can explore the majestic Sequoia trees and nearby trails.
- Experience the thrill of hang gliding at Dunlap Canyon Retreat, which features a beautiful pond and scenic walking paths.
- Discover the serene beauty of Weaver Lake Trail Campsites, perfect for a peaceful retreat with stunning lake views.
Local attractions to explore
- Visit the iconic General Sherman Tree, located near Cold Springs Campground — Sequoia National Park, and take in the awe-inspiring sights of the largest tree on Earth.
- Take a short drive to Crystal Springs Campground — Kings Canyon National Park for easy access to the park's stunning landscapes and hiking trails.
- Explore the picturesque trails around Atwell Mill Campground — Sequoia National Park, where you can hike among ancient sequoias and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Tips for tent camping near Visalia
- Arrive early at Camp Ikigai Animal Sanctuary to secure a good spot, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Bring your own firewood and supplies when camping at Moses Gulch - State Forest, as amenities are limited.
- Be prepared for a winding drive to Mountain Home Guard Station Cabin, which offers a unique camping experience in a historic setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Visalia, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Visalia, CA is Dunlap canyon retreat with a 5-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Visalia, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Visalia, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.