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.
$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."
"Nice lake views but too muddy for swimming. Some highway noise. Woken up by a group of roosters and had a nice chat with them."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
$60 - $70 / night
$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"
$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!"
TravelerHad used dyrt to plan a roadtrip, when we arrived to the site we could access the gravel parking lot but all the sections beyond that had day use only signs every 5 meters.
The area is covered in state park camping spots however. The main issue is that there is no network coverage so you would need cash to use the paid spots next door.
TravelerDid not stay here as we realized too late we needed a permit to stay here. In hindsight that was good as this section of the woods has burned down since the previous commenter.
GuideI cant say enuf about our stay. After choosing a perfect spot. We setteled into relax and enjoy to quiet country vibes. Pool. Was great for a cool down. Very great since of community very welcomed by everyone. Matt Tracy and chad made us feel like we were at home The animals were great and friendly. Also The shower was over a granite bolder surrounded with grapevines. We boondocked and had a great time .
ScoutThis is something we never thought we’d be writing after coming to Frandy for so many years. Some of us have been coming here for almost 30 years, and others for 10–15 years. This has always been more than just a campground trip for our families, it’s been a tradition, memories with our kids, friends, and years of looking forward to the same weekend together. Sadly, this year felt like watching something we’ve loved for decades completely lose what made it special. The biggest disappointment wasn’t even the campground itself, it was the way people were treated. Long-time loyal customers were spoken to with a level of disrespect that honestly left us shocked. We weren’t treated like returning guests who had supported this place for years; we felt like we were an inconvenience. After decades of coming here and bringing countless families and business over the years, to be treated that way was frustrating and honestly pretty sad. The campground itself has noticeably gone downhill as well. Bathrooms weren’t consistently maintained, the overall experience felt neglected, and the atmosphere that once made Frandy feel fun and family-oriented just wasn’t there. The place that used to feel welcoming now feels more like it’s being run with an“our way or the highway” attitude. What’s most disappointing is that Kernville is still beautiful and our group still had a great time because of each other, not because of Frandy. The only reason this trip was saved was by the people we came with. We left talking less about the fun memories we made and more about how disappointed we were with the campground experience itself. After decades of loyalty, we never thought we’d seriously consider going elsewhere, but after this experience we absolutely will be. There are too many other campgrounds nearby to spend hard-earned money somewhere that makes loyal customers feel unwanted.
TravelerGreat value for $20, we had our first showers in a week and they were nice and hot. Clean bathrooms. Not many others here. Nice lake views but too muddy for swimming. Some highway noise. Woken up by a group of roosters and had a nice chat with them.
GuideThis was a nice stay in May, not hot enough to need the AC. I just barely fit into site number 32 with a 23 foot trailer and parked my F150 askew. No hook ups, but there are bathrooms and dishwashing station. Across the Generals Hwy from the park is the dump station and freshwater fill, neither of which have a metal threaded end that you can connect to your RV. The fresh water is good quality and flows out fast. I filled containers and siphoned into my trailer. Stayed 4 nights, had to run generator once to charge batteries since I was under a shade tree and solar panel is on roof. A few sites are in full sun, but most have shade or partial shade. By 10 AM most campers had checked out or left to tour the park. Campground was silent, except for nature sounds. Wild turkeys walked the campground daily, sometimes gobbling, saw one deer two days. The campground is overrun with ground squirrels. A fat one kept begging at my screen door. Lots of acorn woodpeckers and wild mustard plants with small yellow flowers that the honeybees loved. Twice hummingbirds came to my red tail lights thinking they were feeders. Beautiful hikes along the Kaweah river in both directions. If you hike from site number 14, you will see a path to Marble Falls. Be aware it is a very narrow trail and you will get poison oak on your clothes, or skin if in shorts, that you will need to wash off. Lots of small flies and gnats fly around your head, but they don’t bite, just annoying. Didn’t see mosquitoes or get bites. Next time, I will stay in a campground on the north end. Driving from the CG to the Sequoia Trees, are countless tight hairpin turns and a gain in elevation of 6000 feet. After two days of going up and back down, with little cars riding my bumper and pulling over to let them by, it was tiring. Around one turn, a buck in velvet was standing in the road, no place to go except the side, which went straight up and the other side straight down. I was going 15 mph, the speed limit, and had to drive in the middle to avoid him. I did that drive every day to see the sequoias, which are magnificent! Pictures do not capture how awesome they are.
ScoutMy experience here at Success Lake has been fun!
GuidePlenty of space between campers. We parked about 10 feet from the water. Somewhat trashy but not the worst I have seen. The wind made the water really choppy and I think that kept any mosquitoes or flies away.
ScoutWe had a great time very relaxing just needs to be watered more but other wise it was good staff was very friendly
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 202 campgrounds and RV parks near Sunland, CA and 44 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 13 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sunland, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 44 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.
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