Peter W.
Traveler
TravelerCampsite #4
Beautiful site by river
Went past the 3 dispersed sites that were listed, and found a site on the right hand side right before the bridge. There are two sites, the one to the left is much more level
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 (201)
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
11 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 201 Sunland Campgrounds
SwitchbackKids
Tule - Success Lake
Janell M.
Leavis Flat Campground
Kaitlyn M.
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
871 Reviews of 201 Sunland Campgrounds
- Civic I.
ScoutParadise Cove
Nice view to the lake
I like this place special for the view and clean
- Civic I.Scout
Lake Isabella-Kern River KOA
Quiet area
Nice and clean, bathroom clean
Neil L.ScoutKern River's Edge Campground Retreat
Our regular spot
We have two regular go to camping and adventure spots outside of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree NP and Kernville. We love to come up to Kernville to fish the Kern, kayak, and just generally escape. Kern River’s Edge, which is right on the river, has been our go to spot and it continues to be a great place to camp. The camp host team, who been here for several seasons are great and the owner checked in on us to make sure we were having a good visit. It’s clean, well run, in a great location and one of the better camp grounds we’ve stayed in in our journeys around the USA.
Vince N.
GuideChico Flat Dispersed Campground
Trashy and loud
Not a well maintained site. Lots of degenerates leaving trash and debris everywhere. Broken glass, cans, cigarette butts, what have you. Was loud until later into the night since you’re right next to the road leading into sequoia. River nearby but can be a little difficult to reach. Closest water source but make sure you bring water treatment.
It’s free but you’ll have to deal with a trashy site.
- AAdam A.Traveler
Leavis Flat Campground
Underestimated
Really cool spot not chill for the day/night, quiet even though it’s right off the road, river is nice in site 3 site 4 is also nice stayed 2 days
Bobby D.GuideFS Road 13s09 Dispersed Camp - Ten Mile Road
Peaceful quiet beautiful
Lovely huge spot w fire ring and lots of space … pretty view, too!
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.
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 201 campgrounds and RV parks near Sunland, CA and 43 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 43 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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