Bear Wallow Camping Area
05 reviewsBear Wallow Camping Area
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Open all year
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Open all year
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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ProviderWhat Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 5 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."
Fees & Passes at Bear Wallow Camping Area
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum stay = 14 days
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Sierra National Forest website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Weather and SeasonsOpen 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.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Kings River serves as the campground's liquid heartbeat, its waters carving through the landscape and creating the sandy flat that makes Bear Wallow such a unique camping destination. Towering Sierra National Forest vegetation provides natural shade and shelter, while the open sandy areas offer perfect spots for pitching tents under star-filled skies. Wildlife enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise—red-tailed hawks patrol the skies by day, clever foxes emerge at dusk, and colorful lizards bask on sun-warmed rocks. The natural amphitheater created by the surrounding forest ensures that every campsite feels like a private retreat, with the river's gentle murmur providing a constant, soothing presence.
Geological RegionBear Wallow occupies a fascinating geological niche where the powerful Kings River has carved out a broad, sandy flat along its northern banks. This unique formation within the Sierra National Forest creates an almost beach-like camping environment—a surprising find in the heart of California's mountain country. The sandy substrate, deposited over countless seasons of river flow, provides excellent drainage and comfortable tent sites while telling the ancient story of the river's ever-changing course through this rugged landscape.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specifically mentioned.
Sites SizeSites are located on a large sandy flat area, but specific dimensions are not provided.
Sites PrivacyNot explicitly mentioned.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGiven the primitive nature of the campground, visitors should choose sites based on proximity to the river for views, but also prioritize safety and accessibility due to road conditions.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay = 14 days
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum group size = 50 per site
Groups
Maximum group size is 50 per site, as specified under restrictions.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground operates on a single sandy flat, offering dispersed camping with no designated sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen all year
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are walk-up and free of charge.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
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.
Hiking
The Bear Wallow Trail is located just west of the campground, providing opportunities for day hikes. Details about trail length and difficulty are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is mentioned in a user review as a popular activity in the Kings River near the campground.Wildlife viewing
Abundant wildlife such as hawks, frogs, lizards, and foxes have been highlighted by user reviews.Winter Activities
"Good winter camp" according to one user review, but no specific winter activities are listed.Water Sports
Not explicitly mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires and charcoal fires are prohibited during summer fire restrictions. Camp stoves are allowed year-round.
Hazards
General hazardsThe unpaved road leading to the campground is narrow and rocky, which could present hazards for larger vehicles. Visitors should also be cautious of wildlife.
Weather at Bear Wallow Camping Area
61
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 52%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
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Emergency Services
A pay phone is available at Balch Camp for emergencies. The nearest city, Fresno, offers hospitals and other emergency services.
Good to know
Peak season datesSpring and fall are ideal camping seasons, though the area is open year-round.
Trash and recycling"Please pack out all garbage" indicates there is no trash or recycling facility on site.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located directly along the Kings River.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include the narrow, rough, and rocky road leading to the campground.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
5 reviews
Bear Wallow Camping Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Scenic beauty, proximity to the Kings River, abundance of wildlife, clean vault toilets, and free camping.
Based on 5 reviewsCommon Concerns
No potable water, rough and rocky access road, and lack of trash or recycling facilities.
Based on 5 reviewsPro 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 5 reviewsSeasonal 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 5 reviewsCamper 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...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site numbers or areas within the campground are not mentioned in reviews.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features or experiences for individuals with disabilities are not addressed in user reviews.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No explicit mentions of pets or pet-related policies in user reviews.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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