Open terrain and lake views define the experience at Tule - Success Lake Campground, a US Army Corps of Engineers facility on the shores of Success Lake near Porterville, California. Sites are wide and exposed, with open sightlines toward the surrounding hills and water. Shade is scarce. Campers arriving in summer should expect full sun through midday, though one reviewer noted that by late afternoon the heat tends to ease considerably.
The campground runs year-round and accommodates RVs up to 80 feet with electric and water hookups. Non-electric sites run $20 per night, dropping to $10 with a qualifying National Park pass. Showers and restrooms are on-site, and recent reviewers describe both as well-maintained and clean. Water spigots are spread across the grounds, though placement can feel scattered relative to individual sites. Cell coverage is inconsistent: Verizon tends to work reliably, while AT&T and T-Mobile users report limited signal.
Success Lake gives anglers and paddlers a direct reason to be here. Kayaking and fishing are the primary on-water draws, and the lake reportedly has boat rentals available nearby. The shoreline, however, is described by some reviewers as muddy and debris-laden, particularly in summer. Site 30 gets a specific mention for its view of the sunset over the water. Tule sits within camping near Success Lake and is flanked by COE Success Lake Tule Campground to the south and North Tule Campground to the east, giving campers multiple options within the same managed area.
Site quality varies. One reviewer found gravel sites uneven and littered with debris including broken glass and goatheads, making barefoot walking or off-leash pets a concern. Others found their sites clean and functional. SwitchbackKids noted that the campground "provided amazing views of the lake and surrounding mountains," though they acknowledged the lack of tree cover. Noise from neighboring sites has come up in reviews, particularly on weekend nights.
Tule works best as a base for water-focused trips or as an overflow option when higher-elevation campgrounds in the Sequoia area are snowbound or full. It makes the most sense for RV campers, anglers, and paddlers who prioritize lake access and hookups over shade and seclusion.
Description
Overview
Tule Campground is located at Success Lake in the Sierra Nevada foothills just 8 miles east of Porterville, California. A variety of outdoor recreational activities abound, including boating, kayaking and fishing. During the summer, join Park Rangers for Campfire Programs, fun activities, and giveaways every Saturday evening at the campground registration building.
Recreation
The lake provides great opportunities for boating and swimming. Kayaking the lake's quiet, unpopulated coves is a favorite activity. Anglers fish for bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill and the occasional trout.
Facilities
The campground is open year round and offers 103 sites, several of which have electric hookups. Flush toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station are provided. Playgrounds and boat ramps are located on-site. Campfire programs are presented at the amphitheater on Saturdays from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Campground gates are closed from 10p.m. to 6 a.m.
Natural Features
Success Lake, when full, covers 82,500 acre-feet of water with a surface area of 2,450 acres. One acre-foot is equal to 325,872 gallons of water! The campground sits on the northeastern shore of the lake, in an area dotted with sparse stands of trees. Shade is limited, but springtime wildflowers bloom on the surrounding foothills, creating a beautiful display of color.
Contact Info
For local information, please call (559) 783-9200 or call (559) 784-0215 for general information.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsTule is located in California near Springville
Directions
30300 CA-190, Porterville, CA 93257Head towards Porterville CA. In Porterville take SR190 east towards Lake Success/Camp Nelson for approximately 12 miles. Turn left on Success Valley Dr/Ave160.
Address
30300 CA-190
Porterville, CA 93257
Coordinates
36.0802778 N
118.9022222 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/28/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 7/28/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/28/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/28/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 7/28/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/28/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 44 min from Visalia, CA
- 56 min from Hanford, CA
- 1 hr from Bakersfield, CA
- 1 hr 18 min from Fresno, CA
















