Best Campgrounds near Sunland, CA

The foothills surrounding Sunland, California provide a gateway to diverse camping experiences within reach of Los Angeles County residents. Campers will find options ranging from established campgrounds at Success Lake to more primitive sites in Sequoia National Forest. The Tule River area offers several developed campgrounds including North and South Tule Campgrounds, which maintain year-round operations with basic amenities like drinking water and toilets. For those seeking a more immersive experience, dispersed camping near Sequoia National Park provides free sites with minimal facilities but maximum wilderness exposure. Glamping options along the Tule River adjacent to Giant Sequoia National Monument offer a more comfortable alternative with amenities like showers and picnic tables.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping conditions in the region. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F in lower elevations, while higher altitude sites like Balch Park Campground (open mid-May through mid-October) offer cooler conditions. Fire restrictions frequently affect the area during dry months, with permits required for any open flame. As one camper noted, "Year round camping is possible at Leavis Flat Campground, provided you are ready for possible precipitation and dampness." Many sites require cash payment at self-check-in stations, and bear-resistant food storage is mandatory at forest campgrounds. Cell service varies dramatically, with most remote sites offering limited or no connectivity.

Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the area. Campgrounds situated along creeks and rivers provide natural cooling and recreational opportunities during hot summer months. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with deer, quail, and occasionally bears spotted near campsites. One reviewer mentioned, "We camped right at the riverfront so it was nice to wake up, step outside our tent and have morning tea while watching the river flow." Sites with shade are particularly valuable during summer, with several reviewers noting the importance of tree cover. Proximity to trails and natural features like the Trail of 100 Giants adds recreational value to many camping locations, allowing visitors to experience the region's famous sequoia groves without long drives between destinations.

Best Camping Sites Near Sunland, California (198)

    1. Tule - Success Lake

    12 Reviews
    Springville, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 784-0215

    $20 - $30 / night

    "in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park can fill up quickly, so if you arrive to the area in the afternoon, if the higher-elevation campsites are under snow, or if you’re looking for an option outside"

    "We were here on the weekend and we're able to drive in and get a spot. There are bathrooms and showers available. There is a day use area. The lake is beautiful and you are very close to town."

    2. COE Success Lake Tule Campground

    3 Reviews
    Springville, CA
    6 miles
    Website

    "Campground really close to the water. Lots of playground equipment. Good for tenors and an RVs with no hook ups. Lots of space and good cell coverage. Bathrooms are flush with showers and OK."

    "A friend and I camped here overnight while on a 4-day motorcycle tour of the Sothern Sierra, the location was convenient."

    3. Leavis Flat Campground

    10 Reviews
    California Hot Springs, CA
    20 miles
    Website

    "This small roadside campground is a lovely spot, tucked between a hillside and Deer Creek running year round right at the edge of the campground."

    "There is a market close by Incase you forgot something, when you go back on the road make a right and at the intersection make another fight and ir should take you to the market."

    4. North Tule Campground

    1 Review
    Springville, CA
    6 miles
    Website

    "We spent one night in this campground and found it to be quiet and far enough away from the freeway and trains that those noise makers did not bother us at all."

    5. Friends RV

    1 Review
    Sunland, CA
    5 miles
    +1 (559) 535-3963

    $45 - $450 / night

    6. Balch Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Camp Nelson, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 539-3896

    "Wood at entrance to upper near the host. The museum is non existent and was about to collapse. When I was a kid it had cool stuff from the logging days of the area."

    "The site donated the Balch family and operated by the Tulare County Parks, host camping among the Sequoias, fishing at two lakes that are stocked with trout, a self-guided hiking trail and more."

    8. Holey Meadow Campground

    7 Reviews
    Johnsondale, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 539-5230

    $34 - $36 / night

    "A small, quiet campground that’s good for groups of 2-4 people since the sites are close to each other."

    "The campsites are close to each other and is the only reason I did not mark this as 5 stars. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are in the first section/small loop and are up a slight hill and have a smaller bathroom. 5 and"

    9. Deer Creek RV Park

    1 Review
    Sunland, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 781-3337

    10. Wishon Campground

    7 Reviews
    Camp Nelson, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 539-5230

    $36 - $75 / night

    "This is a primitive campground with several site locations. It was a very long, winding and narrow road to get there."

    "About an hour away from the sequoia national park and a great option for cheap camping! There are several bathrooms, garbage and recycling bins, and a stream with an flat swim/ wading area!"

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Recent Reviews near Sunland, CA

863 Reviews of 198 Sunland Campgrounds


  • Vidalia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 26, 2026

    Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park

    Book in advance

    One of the few campsites that is open in the park (Dorst and Buckeye Flats being closed for the 2026 season) this site books up fast. Beautiful wooded sight with lots of wildlife and shade. This includes bears, but all we saw was a turkey walking through the campsite. Lots of walking trails available from there campsite. Water, toilets, dumpster, recycling and pump out available. Each site seems to have a fire ring with a grate, a picnic table, and a bear box. No T-Mobile coverage, but you can get Wi-Fi at The visitor station.

  • Susan D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 24, 2026

    Hanning Flat Dispersed Area

    Hanning Flat is a beautiful spot!

    Beautiful spot right on the shores of Lake Isabella. Just off of Sierra Way, drive in and take one of the roads to the right. Just be aware there is soft sand in places. We took the second right and drove about 3/4 of the way down, then made a U- turn in the field. We had a great view of the water! Unless you're a small vehicle and are tent camping, I would not attempt to take the curvy road straight ahead. It is very soft and and turning around is a challenge. (Don't ask me how I know!) We are towing a 33' fifth wheel. Any size rigs can fit in here, but again, be aware of areas with soft sand. The only real negative about this place are the burrs. My dog collected them every time she went out. This is a birders paradise!

  • Vidalia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 22, 2026

    Horse Creek

    No same day reservation

    Sort of weird setup, with no same-day reservation and don't come by and see if any sites are unreserved and available. It seems you must reserve online 24 hours in advance, so it's not surprising that there are a lot of other rules here. The gates close at 9:00 p.m. The sites themselves are nice, located in a grassy meadow around a reservoir This is the most grass we have seen in several months. Water levels are high right now, and you can enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating in the reservoir. Each site seems to have a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill on it. Some sites have shade awnings. Some sites have water spigots. There are both pull through and back in and tent only sites. Pump out and water is available. It looks like they are using porta-John's and flush toilet facilitie in late March. The showers only run for a few seconds and you have to keep hitting the button to get more water. Good T-Mobile coverage. Very close to Sequoia National Park. Short drive to Three Rivers or Visalia for resupply.

  • Vidalia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 22, 2026

    Ant Canyon

    Nice River access

    On the Kern River, dumpsters available. Does not appear to be any specific numbered campsites. Lots of room for tents away from the road, closer to the river. No T-Mobile coverage.

  • Vidalia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 22, 2026

    Fairview Campground

    Closed to camping

    Unfortunately, the Fairview site was closed to camping when we were there in mid-March. The day use area was still available.

  • Vidalia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 22, 2026

    Calkins Flat Dispersed Camping

    Nice River access

    Large campground with somewhat precarious access to the river. You have to scramble downhill over some rocks. Vault toilets and trash cans are available. Some fire rings, but there does not seem to be numbered campsites. This site will accommodate larger rigs. No T-Mobile coverage.

  • Vidalia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 22, 2026

    Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground

    Nice River access

    A large area with a lot of well-defined numbered campsites. Odd numbered campsites are on the eastern mountainside. Even numbered campsites are on the western riverside. Vehicle access to your campsite is controlled by large stones, confining you to the roadside, although some people have apparently tried moving those stones with their vehicles. Trash bins and vault toilets available. No T-Mobile coverage available.

  • Vidalia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 22, 2026

    Old Gold Ledge

    Nicest campsite on Kern River

    Finally! A beautiful campsite on the Kern River. No amenities other than shaded campsites with nice fire rings close to the river, with river access. There are only four sites here, and they are small. You need to have a vehicle less than 20 to 25 ft. Once you get here you won't want to leave. You can drive a short distance to one of the nearby campsites to dump your trash. No T-Mobile coverage.


Guide to Sunland

Campgrounds around Sunland, California include a variety of public and private camping areas spanning from Sequoia National Forest to the Success Lake region. Visitors can find established facilities like Tule - Success Lake and North Tule Campground offering both tent and RV sites with amenities including drinking water, toilets, and trash service. The region includes more rustic options such as Leavis Flat Campground along Deer Creek, as well as dispersed camping opportunities near Sequoia National Park. Several campgrounds in the area feature lake access, with both lakefront and inland sites available depending on preference and season.

Road conditions and campground access vary by elevation and time of year, with some areas requiring permits while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Many campgrounds in the Success Lake region remain open year-round, while higher elevation sites like Holey Meadow Campground typically operate from May through November. As one camper noted, "Very nice place to visit! Comfortable campgrounds & crowds." Cell reception can be limited at more remote locations, though sites closer to Porterville and Springville generally maintain better connectivity. Temperatures can fluctuate significantly between day and night, particularly in the higher elevations, requiring proper preparation for temperature shifts.

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, particularly at Success Lake where sunset views are frequently highlighted. A recent review mentioned, "We found sitting and watching the sunset over the lake perfect after a long day ride." Facilities vary widely across the region, with some campgrounds offering improved amenities like showers and electric hookups, while others provide a more primitive experience with vault toilets and no hookups. Public lands near Sequoia National Park offer free dispersed camping but require permits and proper fire management protocols. Several visitors mentioned the proximity to natural attractions as a key benefit, with easy access to Giant Sequoia National Monument and riverside locations providing opportunities for swimming, fishing, and hiking. Campgrounds at lower elevations can become quite hot during summer months, with limited shade at some locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Sunland, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Sunland, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 198 campgrounds and RV parks near Sunland, CA and 42 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Sunland, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sunland, CA is Tule - Success Lake with a 4.3-star rating from 12 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sunland, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 42 free dispersed camping spots near Sunland, CA.

What parks are near Sunland, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Sunland, CA that allow camping, notably Sequoia National Forest and Kaweah Lake.