Sequoia National Forest tent camping near Wofford Heights, California offers elevation variations from 2,800 to 7,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates ideal for camping throughout the year. Winter overnight temperatures often drop below freezing at higher elevations, while summer daytime temperatures can exceed 100°F in lower areas. Most forest service dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles, and several remain inaccessible during winter months due to snow.
What to do
Creekside adventures: The natural waterways around Wofford Heights provide refreshing activities during hot months. At Camping area No. 3, campers enjoy multiple water-based activities. "This is one of my go to campgrounds when you want to do it all. Camping, fishing, swimming... There is trout in the middle creek and they are a descent size. Great catch to BBQ some fresh trout. If you walk across you will come across a beautiful waterfall. You can use a donut floaty and slide right down."
Hot springs access: Thermal features attract visitors year-round to areas near Wofford Heights. The Remington area serves as a base for hot springs exploration. "There are no amenities however it's a fairly popular spot to camp. There are tents setup at the top of the hill. A 10 minute walk to the natural hot springs along the river."
Backpacking routes: For experienced hikers, challenging trails provide remote camping opportunities. The South Rincon Trail offers a demanding but rewarding experience. "We did a backpacking trip from Johnsondale Bridge down to Fairview Campground following the Rincon trail in May... The trail from the bridge to the campground is approximately 16 miles total but it is mostly exposed and with lots of chaparral and little water."
What campers like
Waterfall proximity: Many campers appreciate natural water features for both recreation and ambiance. "If you keep going on the road to your right once you enter you will come across more campgrounds. There is lots of room there... You can hike down couple feet and you will come across the running creek," notes a visitor to Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park.
Wildlife viewing: Animal sightings add excitement to camping experiences, though proper precautions remain essential. "Make sure you don't keep anything smelly in your tent or around your truck because there is a local bear that comes by in the middle of the night when everyone's sleeping. The Bear didn't tamper with my ground tent but I ended up sleeping in my camper due to it being too cold."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear mountain skies provide exceptional night viewing. "I was surprised how vacant this location was. It was absolutely gorgeous and the stars were unreal! There seemed to be a lot of campsites very far from each other. We only saw one other person," reports a camper at Dispersed Camp.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Rules vary by location and season, with enforcement increasing during dry periods. "This is a awesome campground, with just a fire ring and table (if a site has it, if not there's plenty to choose from) there is an outhouse and that it is, no signal unless you go up to the lookout," explains a visitor to Breckenridge Campground.
Road conditions: Access to many tent camping sites requires careful driving or specific vehicles. "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," notes a camper at Camping area No. 3.
Bear activity: Multiple campgrounds report bear visitations, requiring proper food storage. "Stunning. If you want privacy this is it. You are definitely alone. We went and there was only 1 other camper there... BRING water and fill up on gas before you go. There are 0 resources for you."
Tips for camping with families
Water safety planning: Creeks and rivers pose hazards that require supervision. "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!"
Elevation preparation: Higher elevation sites require extra clothing layers even in summer. "My wife and I love this location and definitely will come back. There was only one other camper and they were 50 yards away... You will be at 7000ft elevation so dress warm."
Privacy options: Evans Road Hidden Camp offers secluded sites away from crowded areas. "Clearly defined track pops off 155. There are spots for a couple of campers. We drove to the end of the track, ends in a loop, and parked our camper van there. Beautiful views, flowers, fresh air. No other campers present so good privacy. Lots of birds, peepers, and late night owls."
Tips for RVers
Site limitations: Most dispersed camping areas have tight access points and limited flat areas. "To be honest, we were about 10 miles up the mountain from Limestone campground off of a stream instead of the raging Kern River. Limestone is great, but the place we found up the mountain by a creek called Bone Creek was amazing."
Maneuvering challenges: Narrow forest roads require careful driving with larger vehicles. "In order to get to the camp spots you have to squeeze your vehicle through two trees because a large fallen tree has blocked the original entrance path. Hopefully the forestry is able to remove it. No worries tho, my full size truck was able to get through it so you shouldn't have any problems."
Seasonal road closures: Winter conditions frequently close access routes to tent camping areas. "We didn't even make it up to the campground after driving about 20 miles on Breckenridge road," reports one camper in July, showing that even summer can bring access challenges.
