M
Micheline W.
Guide
GuideFS Road 13s09 Dispersed Camp - Ten Mile Road
Peaceful quiet beautiful
Lovely huge spot w fire ring and lots of space … pretty view, too!
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 (199)
1. Tule - Success Lake
12 ReviewsSpringville, CA6 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsSpringville, CA6 milesWebsite"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 ReviewsCalifornia Hot Springs, CA20 milesWebsite"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 ReviewSpringville, CA6 milesWebsite"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."
6. Balch Park Campground
9 ReviewsCamp Nelson, CA22 milesWebsite+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."
7. Camp or Glamp along the Tule River next to the Giant Sequoia National Monument
1 ReviewSpringville, CA13 milesWebsite+1 (760) 447-1702$60 - $70 / night
8. Holey Meadow Campground
7 ReviewsJohnsondale, CA21 milesWebsite+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 ReviewSunland, CA4 milesWebsite+1 (559) 781-333710. Wishon Campground
7 ReviewsCamp Nelson, CA21 milesWebsite+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!"
Recent Camping Photos near Sunland, CA
296 Photos of 199 Sunland Campgrounds
SwitchbackKids
Tule - Success Lake
Patrick H.
Leavis Flat Campground
Ryan B.
Holey Meadow Campground
Shea M.
Wishon Campground
Sarah A.
Sequoia National Forest Coy Flat Campground
Mister Linh
Redwood Meadow
richard Y.
Frazier Mill Campground
Bobby J.
Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park
Corey C.
Balch Park Campground
Vicky D.
Hedrick Pond Campground
Nathan F.
Nelson Falls RV Park
Jessica P.
Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
Recent Reviews near Sunland, CA
865 Reviews of 199 Sunland Campgrounds
Whitney R.
ScoutOld Gold Ledge
Quaint but huge
I had this place on my list as, 'rare, only 4 sites' After Calkins and another spot were full up.. I popped over and to my surprise only had another set of campers.
I had spot #2 and for 1 person this place is more than enough. Didn't really know where one site began and another stopped. But was pleasantly surprised. Kernville is just 20 minutes south and had great places to eat.
I moved to site 3 the next day bc it was a bit more secluded. Right next to the river and serene.
Vidalia S.
LegendPotwisha 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 site with lots of wildlife and shade. Wildlife includes bears, but all we saw was a turkey walking through the campsite. Lots of walking trails available from there campsite. Communal 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.GuideHanning 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!
- aalex L.Guide
Lake Isabella-Kern River KOA
Perfection
Easy to pull up to, great fishing, amazing location
- Vidalia S.Legend
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 some sites are actually flooded but 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. There are both pull through and back in and tent only sites. Communal pump out, trash, recycling, and water is available. It looks like they are using porta-John's and flush toilet facilities. The showers only run for a few seconds and you have to keep hitting the button to get more water, but it is hot. Good T-Mobile coverage. Very close to Sequoia National Park. Short drive to Three Rivers or Visalia for resupply. This campground is a bargain.
- Vidalia S.Legend
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.Legend
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.Legend
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.
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?
What camping is available near Sunland, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Sunland, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 199 campgrounds and RV parks near Sunland, CA and 42 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Sunland, CA?
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?
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?
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.
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