Woodlake area camping stretches from the lower Sierra Nevada foothills at around 600 feet elevation to high-altitude sites above 6,000 feet in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The region features distinct camping zones with temperature variances of 20-25 degrees between foothill campgrounds and higher mountain locations. Water access varies dramatically by season with many creeks and swimming spots accessible during spring runoff but drying significantly by late summer.
What to do
River swimming at nearby campgrounds: Three Rivers Hideaway provides direct Kaweah River access where visitors can cool off during hot weather. "The best part of the stay is the spot they have on the river my dog can swim in every day," notes Ashley M., who found the park "quiet and safe" for solo camping.
Sequoia groves exploration: Lodgepole Campground offers a central base for viewing giant sequoias. A visitor observed it has "spacious sites, easy access to hiking trails like Tokopah Falls, and nearby amenities like a market," highlighting it as "a hassle-free way to enjoy the outdoors" with "cool summer temperatures."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Potwisha Campground, campers often encounter local wildlife. "We saw deer and quail each day," reports Aaron S., who stayed at this lower-elevation site. Another visitor, Kat P., praised the "scenic lower altitude campsite" noting "campsites are well spaced" with "amazing" views.
Night sky observation: Horse Creek Campground provides excellent stargazing conditions. "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," describes Brittney J.
Hiking from campsites: Azalea Campground in Kings Canyon offers immediate trail access. "There were TONS of trails immediately accessible from most camp sites, and a short walk from the rest," writes Connor N., who spent five nights there and "had an absolute blast."
What campers like
Creek-side camping spots: At Sequoia RV Ranch, riverside sites rank highest among camper preferences. "The sites by the river are amazing," says Annika C., who appreciated the "beautiful and well kept campground" and "the fact that loud music is not allowed."
Moderate temperatures at higher elevations: Lodgepole Campground maintains cooler conditions during summer months. "The elevation also means it's 10-15 degrees cooler than other campgrounds," notes Alma L., adding "Generator hours are thankfully enforced."
Clean bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-serviced restrooms. "Bathrooms had showers with hot water, clean. Had laundry but we didn't use," reported Mark M. about Three Rivers Hideaway.
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds offer better separation than others. Potwisha Campground receives praise for site spacing, with Kat P. noting "campsites are well spaced. Views are amazing!" and "We had shade and private access to the creek."
Bear boxes at national park campgrounds: Azalea Campground provides secure food storage. "Large bear storage boxes," notes Becky O., who appreciated that fires were allowed as "it got cold" during her stay.
What you should know
Reservation requirements vary by campground: Three Rivers Hideaway accepts last-minute bookings. "I stayed here last minute after learning the state parks require a reservation made online 24 hours in advance. No more drive-in," explains Mara S., who found the spot "super convenient and friendly" for RV and car camping.
Significant temperature variations: Lemon Cove Village experiences high daytime temperatures. "We chose this campground to be an easy 'getting back to camping' campground since it was supposed to be developed and even have showers," shares Brittney J., noting temperatures exceeded 100 degrees during their stay.
Site levelness issues: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "Nearly every campsite has a major hill, so most will not have a good flat area for a tent," warns Brittney J. about Horse Creek Campground. Similarly, at Dorst Creek, Leslie M. found their "site was roomy but not very level," though this proved beneficial when "it rained one entire day and no water pooled near our tent."
Seasonal facility closures: Check for bathroom availability. "The central restrooms/showers have been non-operational for over a year based on the maintenance log of the porta potty," reported one camper at Horse Creek, though they noted the porta-potties were "well maintained."
Highway noise at some locations: Horse Creek Campground sits near a roadway. "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," notes a reviewer.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Lemon Cove Village offers limited play facilities. "The playground is a couple swings and a kiddie slide," notes one camper, suggesting families bring additional activities.
Swimming opportunities: Sequoia RV Ranch provides water recreation for children. "We had 2 families with 4 kids under 5 years old. They rode bikes, played in the river and ran around until they crashed every night," shares Amy S., who called it a "great spot to get away."
Ranger programs: Dorst Creek offers educational activities. "During the summer months the Rangers put on a Campfire program at the campground every Saturday evening," notes Rob E., who found the staff "friendly, knowledgeable about the local areas" and willing to "go out of their way to assist campers."
Wildlife encounters for children: Dorst Creek provides nature viewing opportunities. "We saw a lot of deer during our stay," reports one camper, while another mentioned being "visited by deer and entertained by a family of quails as we sat around our fire."
Educational hiking options: Sequoia RV Ranch serves as a gateway for family exploration. "We ventured out to Sequoia National Park only a few miles away, the views were amazing, and there was so much to do," shares Amy S., whose children "rode bikes, played in the river and ran around until they crashed every night."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions at some campgrounds: Lodgepole Campground has limited larger RV sites. "Spot 198 is the best for RV's in my opinion, but it only accommodates up to 22ft. If you can fit, it's amazing," advises Alma L.
Pull-through site availability: Sequoia RV Ranch offers easier access sites. "Love the pull thru sites. We have a 34 foot 5th wheel and it was easy to get into these spots," shares Tonya C., though she cautions "Some spots don't have full hookups so look before you book your spot."
Limited hookup options in national parks: Three Rivers Hideaway provides varied site services. "They have a range of sites w/ e,w, & sewer. They also have restrooms, showers, and a laundry room," notes Martha H., calling it a "Great Basecamp for the National Park."
Dump station locations: Several campgrounds offer waste disposal. "The dump station is very nice and free to use," mentions Alma L. about Lodgepole Campground, providing a valuable amenity for self-contained RVs.
Limited maneuvering space at some sites: Three Rivers Hideaway has tight parking in some areas. "I felt like I was in my neighbor's site when I had to dump my tanks. The sewage hookup was right in front of his steps," reports one RVer, despite generally enjoying the campground.
