Is North Tule Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

North Tule Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at North Tule Campground?

Yes, North Tule Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does North Tule Campground have?

North Tule Campground has 103 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at North Tule Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at North Tule Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at North Tule Campground?

North Tule Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

North Tule Campground

4.17

348 reviews

BOX 1072, PORTERVILLE, CA 93258-1072, USA

Summer Destination

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

692 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

103 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Tulare County Parks Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

692 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

103 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Tulare County Parks Official Website

Get Directions

North Tule Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

559-784-0215

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

BOX 1072, PORTERVILLE, CA 93258-1072, USA

North Tule Campground

BOX 1072, PORTERVILLE, CA 93258-1072, USA

Nearby places

Porterville, CA (8 miles, ~15 minutes)

Weather at North Tule Campground

Best Time to Camp at North Tule Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable combination of mild daytime temperatures (typically 65–85°F) and cooler nights (45–55°F), making tent and RV camping pleasant without the extreme summer heat. Reservoir levels are often still adequate for boating, fishing, and late-season swimming early in the season, while the foothill grasses take on golden tones and crowds thin out on weekdays. Fire danger is generally lower after the first rains, and hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing are at their peak with Peak months: October, November, April, May

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring wildflower displays on hillsides and pleasant weather noted by reviewers.

Planning Tips

About North Tule Campground

North Tule Campground sits on the shores of Success Lake near Porterville in California's Central Valley foothills. Operated by Tulare County Parks, this large campground offers tent sites, RV hookups with electric and water, and primitive options for groups and overflow. Campers fish, boat, and swim in the reservoir, with spacious sites that trade shade for open views of the surrounding golden hills.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable combination of mild daytime temperatures (typically 65–85°F) and cooler nights (45–55°F), making tent and RV camping pleasant without the extreme summer heat. Reservoir levels are often still adequate for boating, fishing, and late-season swimming early in the season, while the foothill grasses take on golden tones and crowds thin out on weekdays. Fire danger is generally lower after the first rains, and hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing are at their peak with Peak months: October, November, April, May

Elevation692 ft above sea level

Natural Features and ScenerySuccess Lake stretches across 2,450 acres when full, visible from many campsites across open, golden grassland terrain. Sparse tree coverage means expansive views but minimal shade. In spring, wildflowers blanket the hillsides before the summer drought returns the landscape to its characteristic gold. The foothill setting sits at 692 feet elevation, creating a transitional zone between valley floor and mountain forest. Sunsets reflect across the water in amber and rose tones. The openness also means exposure to wind, which multiple campers mention when recommending tent stakes.

Programs & ActivitiesCampfire programs are presented at the amphitheater on Saturdays during the summer season from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

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

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.

Best CampsitesSite 76 gets mentioned for lake views and privacy. Sites 83 and 85 sit close to bathrooms but lack shade entirely. Several reviews suggest choosing sites closer to the lake or with full hookups when available.

Amenities available

North Tule Campground at Success Lake offers a range of amenities for campers. The campground operates year-round and includes 103 campsites, some with electrical hookups. Flush toilets, showers, drinking water, and a dump station are available. Campgrounds feature paved roads, parking areas, and accessible picnic areas. Sites include fire rings with grills, picnic tables, and individual water spigots. Additional features include a playground, amphitheater, and boat ramps. Limitations include minimal shade due to sparse tree cover and the presence of sharp plants and stickers noted by reviewers.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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Policies & Safety

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 348 reviews.

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

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

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

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Some reviews caution about sharp plants that could injure pets' paws.

Based on 348 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want electric and water hookups near a reservoir for fishing and boating in a family-friendly setting.

Skip if

You need heavy shade or pristine facilities during peak summer heat.

Nearby Campgrounds

BOX 1072, PORTERVILLE, CA 93258-1072, USA

Tule Campground sits at Success Lake near Porterville in California's Sierra Nevada foothills, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. This large campground offers electric and water hookups, showers, and a dump station alongside primitive walk-in options, serving as a base for lake recreation and day trips to Sequoia National Park. Campers fish, swim, boat, and explore foothill trails under open skies with limited shade.

$20.00 - $30.00 / night

4.2

(348)

South Tule Campground

South Tule Campground sits at low elevation on Success Lake near Porterville in California's Sierra Nevada foothills. This large campground offers electric and water hookups, hot showers, and a dump station for tent and RV campers. Visitors fish, boat, and swim in the lake during spring when wildflowers blanket the surrounding hills and temperatures stay mild.

Sequoia National Forest

Wishon Cabin sits in the Sequoia National Forest foothills near Springville, operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company. This small campground offers tent sites, RV hookups, primitive options, and rental cabins along the Middle Fork Tule River corridor. Spring brings peak wildflower displays, active hummingbirds, and strong river flows for fishing and wildlife viewing.

$203.00 - $203.00 / night

Sequoia National Forest

Wishon sits in mid-elevation Sequoia National Forest, operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company with tent, RV, primitive, and group camping options. The campground offers river access and a quiet, wooded setting with spacious sites, though maintenance issues and restroom cleanliness are recurring concerns. Visitors come for fishing and hiking, with a friendly camp host and natural surroundings that shine brightest in fall when crowds thin and trails dry out.

$36.00 - $75.00 / night

49629 Blue Ridge Dr., Springville, CA 93265, USA

Grouse Valley Cabins sits in mid-elevation Sequoia National Forest near Springville, offering a handful of well-appointed cabins and RV sites with electric hookups, flush toilets, and hot showers. Operated by the Forest Service, this small retreat provides access to hiking, fishing, and boating in a quiet forested setting. Guests appreciate the spacious cabin layouts and serene surroundings, though maintenance issues including rodent problems and deferred repairs have been reported.

$175.00 - $250.00 / night

Sequoia National Forest

Coy Flat sits in mid-elevation forest within Sequoia National Forest near Springville, operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company. The small campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Hikers and anglers use it as a base for exploring sequoia groves and nearby trails, though reviewers note mosquitoes can be heavy and facilities sometimes fall short of expectations.

$36.00 - $73.00 / night

Sequoia National Forest

Belknap sits in mid-elevation forest within Sequoia National Forest, a small campground operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company near Porterville. Giant sequoias tower over sites along a creek, offering direct water access at select spots and proximity to Tule River fishing and trail access. Reviewers praise the clean facilities, helpful camp host, and natural beauty, though bear activity requires proper food storage and cell service is nonexistent.

$36.00 - $38.00 / night

Sequoia National Forest

Holey Meadow is a very small primitive campground in Sequoia National Forest operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company. Set at mid-elevation, it offers tent and primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Reviewers praise the meadow setting, proximity to the Trail of a Hundred Giants, and exceptional stargazing with minimal light pollution.

$34.00 - $36.00 / night

Sequoia National Forest

Redwood Meadow is a small mid-elevation campground in Sequoia National Forest operated by ExplorUS, offering tent and primitive sites among giant sequoias and mixed conifers. Campers appreciate the secluded, scenic sites and access to Salmon Creek Falls and Grizzly Falls, though the campground lacks running water and has limited bear-proof storage. The camp hosts are frequently praised for their helpfulness and local knowledge.

$36.00 - $116.00 / night

4.4

(62)

Leavis Flat Campground

Sequoia National Forest

Leavis Flat Campground sits in the Sequoia National Forest foothills, a very small site with fewer than 10 spots for tent and RV camping. Managed within the national forest, it offers vault toilets and a primitive experience surrounded by forest and granite outcrops. Campers come here for seclusion, stargazing, and access to foothill trails.

Sequoia National Forest

Long Meadow Group sits in mid-elevation forest within Sequoia National Forest, operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company for group reservations only. This primitive campground offers vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables in a remote, shaded setting near the Trail of a Hundred Giants. Visitors come for back-to-basics group camping and access to sequoia groves during the summer season.

$171.00 - $171.00 / night

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South Tule Campground

Campgrounds

Success Lake

North Tule Campground

About Success Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding North Tule Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

At the southern end of the Central Valley, this scenic setting with the Sierra Nevada in the background provides great fishing and boating pleasure for the visitor. From Porterville, 5 mi E on CA 190

Directions

From Porterville, 8 miles east on CA 190.