Tent camping near Woodlake, California offers access to elevations ranging from 1,700 to 7,800 feet across Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F at lower elevations while higher camps experience 70-80°F days with nighttime temperatures dropping into the 40s. Most campgrounds in the region don't accept reservations during the off-season, operating on a first-come, first-served basis from late October through May.
What to do
Explore hiking trails: Cold Springs Campground serves as an excellent starting point for backpacking trips into the Mineral King area. According to one camper, "Great hiking is connected to the camp and will leave you breathless. While driving, you'll lose service after you turn off Mineral King then you have 23 miles of slow roads, took me a little over an hour the view are great just be ready."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Atwell Mill Campground visitors often encounter local wildlife. As one camper noted, "This campsite is referred to as 'Bear Ally' by the rangers because that's where they come up from the forest to come checkout food opportunities at camp. We only saw 1 adolescent bear the 5 days we were up there."
Water activities: During warmer months, several campgrounds offer swimming opportunities. At Dunlap Canyon Retreat, "The property was wonderful, very quiet, and peaceful. There are 2 lakes on the property & access to another upper mountain ridge (20-30ish mins away) with some great views of the valley."
What campers like
Sequoia access: Buckeye Flat Campground provides easy access to the giant trees. One camper shared, "As for stuff to do around here, you obviously have to check out the trees. Go look at General Sherman and all the other Sequoia trees. They're so amazing and honestly it humbles you a little."
Peace and seclusion: Many campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere at Weaver Lake Trail Campsites. A visitor noted, "Getting to Weaver Lake may be a bit of a journey for some folks, but it's worth it. It's a beautiful place few people visit. Clean, quiet, and gorgeous."
Spacious sites: Crystal Springs Campground is known for its group camping areas. A camper reported, "The group site we stayed at was extremely spacious we had more than enough room. Staying here the end of August 2018, was pretty warm but nice weather."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some Woodlake area campgrounds requires navigating challenging roads. At Moses Gulch, one camper warned, "I never made it to review the campground but know that the road is slow going and full of potholes. I turned around after three miles because my old truck was shaking apart."
Insect activity: Summer camping around Woodlake can bring unwanted pests. One Crystal Springs camper mentioned, "The amount of contact we had with wasps here was extremely annoying. Every time we brought ANY food out we were swarmed with wasps. It made the experience a bit unbarring."
Water availability: During drought periods, water access can be limited. A Cold Springs camper advised, "The drought is real so bring your water. With that being said, I'll definitely be back."
Tips for camping with families
Choose the right campground: Some locations are more family-friendly than others. At Sunset Point Campground, a regular visitor shared their childhood experiences: "Grew up camping here growing up stores in the evenings a bear getting in the dumpsters time to time late at night, chilly early mornings catching trout and cooking them by lunch. Plenty of beginner trails and historical trees."
Plan for weather fluctuations: Mountain conditions can change rapidly. When tent camping at Weaver Lake, be prepared for temperature shifts: "We had a lovely stay here last August. It was a bit crowded for a hike-in only site but still very enjoyable."
Consider shower access: Most primitive tent sites near Woodlake lack shower facilities, but some exceptions exist. At Dunlap Canyon Retreat, "The community bathrooms and showers are very nice and clean! & access to laundry was a nice plus!"
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most campgrounds near Woodlake have restrictions for larger vehicles. At Camp Ikigai Animal Sanctuary, while they accommodate RVs, the experience is unique: "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."
Limited hookups: Few campgrounds offer full RV services. At Dunlap Canyon Retreat, "We stayed at lower main camp with 30 ft RV, and had plenty of room. Spencer was very accommodating and made sure we had everything we need. The sites have water and sewer hookups & when we stayed he had one spot with full electric but he is working on full hookups for all the sites."
Boondocking preparation: RVers planning to tent camp in more remote areas should come prepared. Cold Springs Campground requires self-sufficiency: "These sites are nice and open and very unlikely to fill up due to their limited amenities. (no wifi or showers...)"
