Camping options near Porterville, California range from developed campgrounds at Success Lake to more primitive sites in the surrounding Sierra Nevada foothills. The area includes Tule - Success Lake, a popular destination with tent and RV sites, flush toilets and showers. North Tule Campground and COE Success Lake Tule Campground both offer drive-in access suitable for tents and RVs. Several sites within a 30-minute drive provide more secluded camping experiences, while Lemon Cove Village and Balch Park Campground represent options slightly farther from town with varying amenities.
Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though summer brings hot daytime temperatures with cooler evenings. Access to lakeside camping areas typically requires no special vehicles, while more remote mountain sites may need high-clearance. Sites near Success Lake provide convenient proximity to the water for recreation. "We were unable to get into Sequoia National Forest due to damage on the road, which is no fault to the campground. The lake is beautiful & peaceful, lovely sunsets there," reported one visitor. Reservations are recommended for weekend camping, especially during summer months when water recreation is popular. Most developed campgrounds offer basic amenities like drinking water and toilets, while some provide electric hookups.
Lakeside camping proves especially popular with families seeking water recreation. Success Lake campgrounds receive consistent positive reviews for their proximity to the water and sunset views, though some visitors note limited shade at certain sites. Campers looking for more secluded experiences might prefer the higher-elevation options in the nearby mountains. A camper noted, "Very clean grounds. Friendly staff. Tent sites are just dirt and RV sites are just gravel." The nearby Sequoia National Forest provides additional camping opportunities within an hour's drive of Porterville, making the area an excellent base for campers exploring both lake recreation and mountain environments. Cell service varies widely, with better coverage at campgrounds closer to town and limited or no service in more remote locations.
$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."
"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."
"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."
"Nice drive thru RV’s sites. Friendly Staff and good staff especially Jennifer. Very nice dog park, not a lot grass but good running area for dogs."
"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."
"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."
$60 - $70 / night
"We had a nice site and plenty of campside room. I felt like I was in my neighbors site when I had to dump my tanks. The sewage hookup was right in front of his steps."
"No real walking trails in the area but were able to go down to the river and there was a swimming hole,$40 for holiday weekend."
LegendIt is a good paved Road although only about 1 and 1/2 Lanes wide! It looks like there are three sizable pull-offs along the road, we went to the very last one before it becomes the private land of the Armenian Church Camp. Intermittent T-Mobile coverage. Nice views, grass (which of course means evidence of cows), and only one other car passed by all day.
ScoutI 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.
LegendOne 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.
GuideBeautiful 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!
GuideEasy to pull up to, great fishing, amazing location
LegendSort 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.
LegendOn 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.
LegendUnfortunately, the Fairview site was closed to camping when we were there in mid-March. The day use area was still available.
LegendLarge 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.
Camping opportunities near Porterville, California extend beyond lakeshore recreation and into the Sierra Nevada mountains, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 6,000 feet. The region experiences distinct seasonal variations with summer temperatures often exceeding 95°F in lower elevations while mountain campgrounds maintain cooler conditions. Most campgrounds require cash payment with sites typically costing $15-25 per night.
Fishing at stocked ponds: Balch Park Campground offers fishing at two stocked ponds with rainbow trout. "Two ponds, each with a campground, and typically stocked with rainbow trout. Wood at entrance to upper near the host," notes a camper. The campground includes fish cleaning stations near the ponds.
River swimming access: Leavis Flat Campground provides direct creek access for cooling off during hot days. "This is a beautiful campsite right off of the road next to a beautiful river. You can hear road noise, but the river mostly drowns it out," one visitor explains. A short walk upstream reveals a small hot spring about 150 yards from the main camping area.
Rafting expeditions: Three Rivers Hideaway serves as a base for rafting trips on the Kaweah River. "The campsite is next to the Kaweah river and you are surrounded by trees. Camping spots are flat with table and fire rings," reports a visitor. The campground itself operates rafting tours directly from the property.
Natural swimming holes: Wishon Campground receives praise for its river access. "Multiple swimming holes. Amazing get away & would recommend this place to all," writes one camper. The river proximity allows campers to cool off during hot summer days.
Hot showers and facilities: Tule - Success Lake earns positive reviews for its comfort amenities. "Very good showers and restroom to freshen up in," reports one visitor. Another adds, "It's really a cheap place to camp and have nice hot clean showers it's beautiful at sunset and nice campground to be at peaceful and spread out!!"
Proximity to sequoia trees: Balch Park Campground offers camping among giant sequoias. "This is a historic campground. With 1000 year old trees and history of logging. Good fishing and hiking all around the area," explains one visitor. The campground provides direct access to sequoia viewing without national park crowds.
Seasonal closures affect access: Some mountain campgrounds close seasonally for road repairs. "Balch Park is CLOSED for the remainder of 2023 for road repair. It is a nice place to camp when you can," notes one camper. Always check current road conditions before traveling to higher elevation sites.
Fire restrictions vary by site: Fire regulations change frequently based on conditions. At Leavis Flat, "There is a $15 fee per day and $7 per additional car. There are plenty of trash cans and the 2 pit toilets were clean and stocked," explains a reviewer. Most campgrounds require a California campfire permit for any flame, including propane stoves.
Bug prevalence varies by site: Insect activity can be intense at certain locations. Wishon Campground campers report: "The pit toilets were nasty and the mosquitos and gnats were next level awful. We had to stay in our tents until after dusk each night." Bringing insect repellent is essential during summer months.
Choose sites with playground access: Success Lake offers dedicated family recreation areas. "There is a day use area. The lake is beautiful and you are very close to town. Park was quiet," shares one camper. The campground includes playground equipment suitable for children of various ages.
Consider campgrounds with educational opportunities: Lemon Cove Village serves as a good base for visiting Sequoia National Park. "We can't wait to go back again soon! The camp ground was clean and well kept. They had a really nice dog park. Management was super helpful," reports a family camper. Their clubhouse offers games and activities for children.
Look for swimming options: Camping near water features provides natural entertainment for children. "There is so much to do here and around this area. From hidden water falls and earth made rock slides this is one of my favorite places to come camping," writes a visitor to Success Lake. Natural water features often provide more engaging experiences than developed pools.
Reserve pull-through sites when available: Lemon Cove Village offers easier RV access with pull-through sites. "Love the pull thru sites. We have a 34 foot 5th wheel and it was easy to get into these spots. Some spots don't have full hookups so look before you book your spot," advises one RVer.
Check age restrictions for RVs: Some parks enforce RV age policies. Deer Creek RV Park reportedly "Won't take you if your rv is older then 10 years old," according to one turned-away camper. Call ahead to verify any restrictions before traveling.
Leveling challenges at some sites: Three Rivers Hideaway campers report varied site conditions. "Sites are tight, but all we needed was a place to park. They have a range of sites w/ e,w, & sewer," notes one RVer. Another mentions, "Nice for an overnight. The description said they had pull through but they are all back in's which if I had known that we would have never booked there!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Porterville, CA?
The Porterville area offers excellent camping options within driving distance. Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park is a top destination with amazing views, trails, and giant sequoias. The campground is perfectly situated near popular trailheads with a creek running through it. For a historical experience, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Campground offers a pleasant setting with significant cultural value, making it a worthwhile stop. Other quality options include Leavis Flat Campground along Deer Creek, Camp Three Campground for river access, and Success Lake for water recreation opportunities. Most campgrounds in the region provide access to beautiful natural settings and outdoor activities.
How much does camping cost in the Porterville area?
Camping costs near Porterville vary by location and amenities. Kern River Campground offers affordable camping with basic facilities and access to recreational opportunities including mountain biking, road biking, and river activities. Sunset Campground — Kings Canyon National Park typically charges standard national park fees ranging from $18-22 per night. For campgrounds closer to Porterville, Success Lake offers sites between $20-30 per night with water and toilet access. Some primitive camping areas like North Tule Campground may have lower fees around $15 per night. RV parks generally range from $35-60 per night depending on hookups and amenities. Most public campgrounds offer senior and access passes for discounted rates.
What RV parks are available in Porterville, California?
Porterville and the surrounding area offer several options for RV travelers. Deer Creek RV Park provides convenient access with full hookups and big-rig friendly spaces. Riverland RV Resort is another option, though availability should be confirmed directly as communication can be challenging. For those willing to drive a bit further, North Tule Campground and COE Success Lake Tule Campground accommodate RVs with water and toilet facilities in a scenic lake setting. Lemon Cove Village near Sequoia National Park offers an alternative base for exploring the region. Most RV parks in the area provide water hookups, dump stations, and at least partial shade, though amenities vary by location. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons.
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