Bear Wallow Camping Area

Star4.63
21 reviews
Bear Wallow Camping Area

Quick Facts

1,348 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open all year

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Sierra National Forest site

Official Website
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Bear Wallow Camping Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fee is charged for camping at Bear Wallow Camping Area.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 21 reviews

14 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

"User reviews consistently praise the scenic beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and abundant wildlife of Bear Wallow Camping Area. However, some users note the rough condition of the access road and the lack of amenities such as potable water and trash facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Bear Wallow Camping Area

Bear Wallow Camping Area

Bear Wallow Camping Area

Driving directionsTake Belmont Avenue east from Fresno. Follow Belmont Avenue until it turns into Trimmer Springs Road. Continue on Trimmer Springs Road past the community of Piedra and around Pine Flat Reservoir. Travel past Kirch Flat campground, crossing over the Kings River. Continue another mile until the pavement ends at the Bailey Bridge. Cross over the bridge and make right turn up the Garnet Dike Road. Campground is about 2.5 miles from the bridge. Driving time from Fresno is 2 hours.
The road access includes both paved and unpaved sections. The pavement ends at Bailey Bridge before crossing onto Garnet Dike Road, which can be narrow, rough, and rocky according to some user reviews. Seasonal road conditions may apply.
Nearby places
Fresno (approximately 2 hours driving), Piedra (en route to the campground).
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies may be available at Balch Camp
for larger needs, Fresno is the nearest option with grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Bear Wallow Camping Area

Open throughout the year, Bear Wallow reveals different personalities with each season. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and perfect camping weather, while fall paints the surrounding forest in golden hues under crisp, clear skies. Summer transforms the area into a sun-drenched retreat where temperatures frequently soar above 95°F—ideal for those who love the heat and plan their adventures around the cooling waters of the Kings River. Winter offers its own magic for the properly equipped camper, with peaceful solitude and the possibility of waking to frost-kissed mornings that sparkle in the early light.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but reviews warn summer can be very hot; fewer ideal conditions.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 5% in CA

Fall is noted as an ideal season with pleasant conditions and attractive forest colors.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 7% in CA

Spring brings wildflower blooms and 'perfect camping weather' per seasonal notes and reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; some reviewers enjoy winter camping, but conditions vary and amenities are minimal.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Spring and fall are ideal camping seasons, though the area is open year-round.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open all year

About Bear Wallow Camping Area

Nestled along the pristine north bank of the Kings River, Bear Wallow Camping Area offers an authentic back-to-nature experience on a sprawling sandy flat that feels worlds away from civilization. This primitive, free campground invites adventurers to disconnect and immerse themselves in a landscape where hawks circle overhead, foxes dart through the underbrush, and the evening chorus of frogs provides nature's soundtrack. While vault toilets provide basic comfort, the absence of running water and trash services means you'll need to come prepared with your own supplies and a commitment to leave no trace. It's camping as it was meant to be—simple, unspoiled, and deeply rewarding for those seeking a genuine wilderness experience without the crowds or fees.
Bear Wallow Camping Area is a primitive camping site offering basic facilities. It is suitable for dispersed and tent camping and allows group camping.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay = 14 days

Amenities available

Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers opportunities for day hiking and picnicking. The area is noted for its scenic beauty and its proximity to the Kings River, making it appealing for outdoor enthusiasts.
HikingThe Bear Wallow Trail is located just west of the campground, providing opportunities for day hikes. Details about trail length and difficulty are not provided.
FishingFishing is mentioned in a user review as a popular activity in the Kings River near the campground.
Wildlife viewingAbundant wildlife such as hawks, frogs, lizards, and foxes have been highlighted by user reviews.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe unpaved road leading to the campground is narrow and rocky, which could present hazards for larger vehicles. Visitors should also be cautious of wildlife.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Bear Wallow Camping Area

Reviews

4.6
21 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Bear Wallow Camping Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently praise the scenic beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and abundant wildlife of Bear Wallow Camping Area. However, some users note the rough condition of the access road and the lack of amenities such as potable water and trash facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic beauty, proximity to the Kings River, abundance of wildlife, clean vault toilets, and free camping.
Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

No potable water, rough and rocky access road, and lack of trash or recycling facilities.
Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring enough drinking water, pack out all trash, apply for a fire permit, and be cautious of the rough access road.
Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are favored for their mild temperatures and pleasant conditions, while summer can be very hot. Winter camping is also considered enjoyable by some users.
Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great camping that's free, first come first served, please pack and remove your garbage." (Steve T) "Primitive camping area. Great views and good fishing. Vault bathroom are usually clean." (Daniel...
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Based on 21 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site numbers or areas within the campground are not mentioned in reviews.
Based on 21 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features or experiences for individuals with disabilities are not addressed in user reviews.
Based on 21 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No explicit mentions of pets or pet-related policies in user reviews.
Based on 21 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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