North Tule Campground

4.19

348 reviews

BOX 1072, PORTERVILLE, CA 93258-1072, USA

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

692 ft

Price

$20 - $30/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

103 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Tulare County Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

692 ft

Price

$20 - $30/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

103 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Tulare County Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

North Tule Campground

$20.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Rates are $20 per night for non-electric sites and $30 per night for sites with electricity. Discounts apply for senior pass holders and other...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$30.00

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

559-784-0215

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What Campers Say

4.19

Satisfactory

Based on 348 reviews

454 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciousstaff

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for North Tule Campground are mixed. Campers appreciate the scenic location, recreational activities, and spacious sites. However, recurring complaints include inconsistent maintenance, lack of shade, and issues with insects."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

BOX 1072, PORTERVILLE, CA 93258-1072, USA

North Tule Campground

BOX 1072, PORTERVILLE, CA 93258-1072, USA

Driving directionsTake state highway 99, to east on Hwy 190 for 25 miles until you arrive at the campground entrance. Follow the signs.

Roads leading to the campground are paved and accessible year-round. The campground entrance is via Highway 190, which is easily navigable.

Nearby places

Porterville, CA (8 miles, ~15 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Porterville, CA is about 8 miles away (~15 minutes), offering groceries, camping supplies, and fuel. Firewood and basic essentials can be found at nearby local stores like Eagle Feather Gas Station (~5 minutes).

Best Time to Camp at North Tule Campground

Experience the diverse personality of California's seasons at North Tule, where year-round camping unveils nature's changing moods. Spring and fall emerge as camping sweet spots, offering crystalline skies, gentle breezes, and comfortable temperatures that invite endless exploration. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched paradise perfect for water activities, though early risers and evening adventurers find the most pleasant conditions. Winter brings its own stark beauty alongside crisp temperatures and occasional gusty winds—ideal for those seeking solitude and dramatic skies. Savvy campers know to check forecasts during transitional seasons when mountain weather can shift from balmy afternoons to brisk evenings.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer offers full water activities but is hot and crowded per reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall cited as a camping sweet spot with pleasant weather and scenic colors.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring praised for pleasant weather and wildflower displays; popular season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round; fewer reviews but milder winter conditions implied, lower activity levels.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1st - December 31st. Peak season pricing applies year-round.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round from January 1st to December 31st. Reservations are released on a rolling basis every six months.
Current Alerts: No current advisories, but hazards such as spider infestations and thorny weeds have been noted.

About North Tule Campground

Nestled along the northeastern shores of Success Lake, North Tule Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 103 thoughtfully designed campsites, including convenient electric hookup options for modern camping comfort. This beloved destination seamlessly blends natural beauty with essential amenities—from refreshing hot showers and flush toilets to family-friendly playgrounds and scenic boat ramps. Whether you're launching your morning fishing expedition, gathering for an evening program at the amphitheater, or simply soaking in the lakeside atmosphere, North Tule delivers the perfect basecamp for your Sierra foothills adventure. The campground's enduring popularity stems from its unbeatable combination of lakefront access and endless recreational possibilities.

North Tule Campground accommodates various camping preferences, including RV and tent camping. A few sites have electric hookups, while others are primitive. There are pull-through and back-in sites.

Historical SignificanceWhile Success Lake represents a more recent chapter in California's water management story, the surrounding Sierra Nevada foothills whisper tales of the region's transformation from rolling grasslands to a recreational haven that now draws thousands of visitors annually.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the diverse personality of California's seasons at North Tule, where year-round camping unveils nature's changing moods. Spring and fall emerge as camping sweet spots, offering crystalline skies, gentle breezes, and comfortable temperatures that invite endless exploration. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched paradise perfect for water activities, though early risers and evening adventurers find the most pleasant conditions. Winter brings its own stark beauty alongside crisp temperatures and occasional gusty winds—ideal for those seeking solitude and dramatic skies. Savvy campers know to check forecasts during transitional seasons when mountain weather can shift from balmy afternoons to brisk evenings.

Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself waking to panoramic views across Success Lake's shimmering expanse, where 2,450 acres of pristine water stretch before you when the reservoir reaches capacity. The campground's setting strikes a delicate balance between accessibility and natural splendor, with scattered trees providing welcome shade pockets throughout the terrain. Come spring, the surrounding hillsides burst into a painter's palette of wildflowers, transforming the golden California hills into a vibrant tapestry. While the landscape favors hardy, drought-adapted vegetation over dense forests, this openness rewards campers with unobstructed lake views and spectacular sunsets that paint the water in shades of amber and rose.

Geological RegionDiscover your Sierra Nevada foothills sanctuary where ancient granite meets golden grasslands at the edge of Success Lake. This transitional landscape captures the essence of California's diverse terrain—neither mountain nor valley, but a perfect blend of both. The gently rolling topography creates natural viewpoints and sheltered camping spots, while the sparse tree coverage allows for expansive vistas across the water and surrounding hills. Each spring, this seemingly austere landscape transforms as wildflowers carpet the hillsides, revealing the hidden fertility of these weathered foothills that have been shaped by centuries of seasonal rains and summer drought.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 11:00 a.m.

Check-out

Check-out is by 12:00 p.m.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground. A total stay limit of 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period applies.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guests are limited to 8 individuals per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground includes both pull-through and back-in sites, with a mix of electric and non-electric options. Sites are spacious but uneven in some areas. Sections of the campground have limited shade.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via their contact center. Walk-up availability applies as reservations are not extensive.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is offered, but the campground is highly popular, so sites are often filled quickly.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made up to the day before arrival with a $10 fee. Late cancellations after midnight the day before check-in incur a $10 fee and the forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee. Modifications are allowed for extending or shortening stays without additional fees, provided changes are made before arrival.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible flush toilets, drinking water stations, and picnic areas. Some campsites are designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and able to accommodate RVs and tent setups.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site, with some sites being open and exposed while others offer more seclusion. Shade is limited due to sparse trees.

Total Campsites103 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose a site with shade and ensure water faucets are accessible. Avoid sites with known weed infestations or spider activity. Confirm proximity to restrooms if desired.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational activities at North Tule Campground are diverse, with options for water sports, fishing, hiking, and more. The nearby Success Lake offers boating, jet skiing, and kayaking in its quiet coves. Anglers can fish for bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and trout. Campfire programs are hosted at the amphitheater during summer weekends. Seasonal wildflowers enhance springtime activities.

HikingHiking opportunities are available in the surrounding Sierra Nevada foothills. Specific trail details are not provided.

FishingFishing is a popular activity at the lake, with common catches including bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and trout.

SwimmingSwimming is permitted in designated areas of Success Lake. Reviewers suggest arriving early to secure a good spot along the shore.

BikingBiking paths are available, but details regarding terrain and difficulty are not provided.

BoatingBoating activities include kayaking, jet skiing, paddle boating, and sailing. A marina is located nearby for boat rentals.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is possible, with birds and other fauna observed by visitors.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include sharp plants (goatheads) that can harm pets, black widow spiders, cockroach infestations, and high winds, which may pose risks to tents and shade structures. There are also reported issues with vermin and thorny weeds.

Active AlertsNo current advisories, but hazards such as spider infestations and thorny weeds have been noted.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings only. Visitors are encouraged to purchase firewood locally to avoid transporting invasive pests.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Emergency ServicesPorterville, CA (~15 minutes away), includes hospitals, police stations, and emergency services.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, but not conveniently located throughout the campground. One reviewer mentioned, 'Garbage cans only at the entrance of the camp, which is a long walk.'

Water FeaturesThe campground is within walking distance of Success Lake (approximately 300 yards), featuring opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking.

Camp HostHosts are available on-site to assist with queries and maintain quiet hours. Complaints about host behavior have been noted in reviews.

Weather at North Tule Campground

Reviews

4.2

348 reviews

Satisfactory

North Tule Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for North Tule Campground are mixed. Campers appreciate the scenic location, recreational activities, and spacious sites. However, recurring complaints include inconsistent maintenance, lack of shade, and issues with insects.

Review Summaries

Based on 348 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include 'spacious sites,' 'clean bathrooms,' 'great fishing and boating,' and 'friendly staff.' Many reviewers also enjoyed the scenic views and family-friendly environment.

Based on 348 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints involve issues with cleanliness ('dirty bathrooms and showers'), lack of shade ('very little shade over most sites'), and the presence of pests such as spiders and cockroaches....

Based on 348 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing shade equipment due to limited trees, wearing sturdy shoes to avoid sharp plants, and staking down tents due to strong winds. Several reviews suggest selecting campsites...

Based on 348 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that spring offers pleasant wildflower displays, while summer can be crowded and hot. Fall and winter reviews are fewer, but the campground is open year-round.

Based on 348 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The campground has a cool playground for the kids to play at, various bathrooms throughout the campgrounds and park.' - Sal Gonzalez. 'If there were a “cleanest restroom” nomination, Success Lake...

Based on 348 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites mentioned include site #83, noted for proximity to the bathroom/shower building but lacking shade. Site #85 also lacked shade but offered space and privacy.

Based on 348 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features include flush toilets and drinking water stations. Some reviewers highlighted the staff's efforts to assist campers with disabilities.

Based on 348 reviews