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

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

What is the best time to visit South Tule Campground?

South Tule Campground is open Season opens January 1, 2025 and closes December 31, 2025.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at South Tule Campground?

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

How many campsites does South Tule Campground have?

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

Are dogs allowed at South Tule Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at South 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 South Tule Campground?

South 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.

South Tule Campground

4.17

348 reviews

Top 10% in CASpring

Summer Destination

Featured in:Mountain Camping California

Quick Facts

686 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

103 campsites

Season

Season opens January...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on .Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

686 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

103 campsites

Season

Season opens January...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on .Official Website

Get Directions

South Tule Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

559-784-0215.

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

South Tule Campground

Nearby places

Porterville: 8 miles.

Weather at South Tule Campground

Best Time to Camp at South Tule Campground

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of comfortable temperatures (daytime highs typically 60–75°F, nights 40–50°F), abundant wildflower displays across the foothills, and full lake levels for fishing, boating, and swimming. Trails and roads are generally accessible after winter rains, making hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing particularly rewarding. Expect moderate crowds on weekends around peak bloom (April–May), but weekday visits are often peaceful. Peak months: April, May, March Avoid: July, August

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 10% in CA

Spring is best: mild temps (60–75°F), full lake and abundant wildflower displays in April–May.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Season opens January 1, 2025 and closes December 31, 2025.

About 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.

The campground accommodates tent camping, RVs, and group camping. Sites are available with and without electrical hookups, and there are pull-through options for RVs.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of comfortable temperatures (daytime highs typically 60–75°F, nights 40–50°F), abundant wildflower displays across the foothills, and full lake levels for fishing, boating, and swimming. Trails and roads are generally accessible after winter rains, making hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing particularly rewarding. Expect moderate crowds on weekends around peak bloom (April–May), but weekday visits are often peaceful. Peak months: April, May, March Avoid: July, August

Elevation686 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies sun-exposed foothills at 686 feet elevation, where scattered oaks and occasional pines dot rolling granite terrain. Spring rains wake the decomposed granite soils, and wildflowers blanket the hillsides in purple, yellow, and orange through April and May. The sparse tree cover opens views across Success Lake and the golden hills beyond. This transition zone between the Central Valley and the Sierra Nevada lacks dense forest. What shade exists comes from isolated trees rather than canopy.

Programs & ActivitiesCampfire programs are held at the amphitheater during Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 people per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites, drinking water, flush toilets, grills, parking, picnic areas, and showers are available. Reviews highlighted helpful staff in assisting disabled campers with site selection.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, but some are not level. Pull-through sites are available but close to roads.

PrivacyPrivacy varies. Some sites are noted as more private, especially in the north ground, while others lack shade.

Total Campsites103 campsites

Recommended SitesConsider sites with close access to water spigots, especially if camping during hot weather. Site #76 is recommended for its privacy and views.

Best CampsitesSite 76 gets mentioned for lake views and distance from neighboring campers. The north ground reportedly has more private sites. Pull-throughs exist but sit close to roads. Some sites aren't level.

Amenities available

South Tule Campground, part of Success Lake Recreation Area, offers a variety of amenities. Available facilities include flush toilets, showers, potable water, a dump station, and electric hookups at select sites. Campers have access to picnic tables, fire rings, and a playground for children. There is a boat ramp and an amphitheater hosting campfire programs during Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends. "Accessible drinking water and flush toilets are provided," and reviews note that some sites have their own water spigot, though quality or drinkability was questioned by a user. Cell reception is spotty, with Verizon having intermittent service.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at South Tule Campground

Tule Campground offers a wide range of recreational activities, including kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking, and swimming. Success Lake's coves are perfect for kayaking, while anglers target bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and trout. On-site amenities include a boat ramp and marina.

Fishing4.0/5

Success Lake popular for bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill and occasional trout; anglers frequent the lake.

Boating4.0/5

Marina and rental options; boating is a key activity and lake coves suit boat use.

Water Sports4.0/5

Success Lake coves are described as perfect for kayaking and rentals available.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography3.5/5Spring wildflowers, granite foothills and lake coves provide strong photo opportunities seasonally.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

348 reviews

Satisfactory

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

South Tule Campground has mixed reviews, with sentiments ranging from 'fantastic campground' to 'disgusting toilet blocks.' Cleanliness, staff friendliness, and amenities are frequent themes.

Review Summaries

Based on 348 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews highlight spacious sites, clean restrooms (in some instances), hot showers, and a variety of activities. The campground is also praised for its accessibility features and...

Based on 348 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include inconsistent cleanliness of facilities, lack of shade, overgrown grass with thorny weeds, and poor management. Several users mentioned black widows and other insects as a...

Based on 348 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 76 is noted for its great lake view and end-of-row privacy. Sites 83 and 85 are close to restrooms but lack shade.

Based on 348 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring stakes for tents due to windy conditions. Carry pliers to operate water spigots. Avoid walking barefoot due to stickers and thorns. Check site features (e.g., proximity to water spigots) before...

Based on 348 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are noted for moderate weather, while summer can be extremely hot with limited shade. Winter sees lower lake levels but fewer crowds.

Based on 348 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The showers are awesome and the restrooms are good, just bring wipes & soap!" - Armando Marin. "Bring a broom and give it a good sweep. For whatever reason it was really windy that weekend." - Sal...

Based on 348 reviews

Accessibility Features

Disabled campers appreciated staff assistance in site selection and the availability of accessible facilities.

Based on 348 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Users advised caution due to thorny weeds that can harm pets' paws. Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash at all times.

Based on 348 reviews

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South Tule Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

559-784-0215.

Go if

You want lakeside camping with electric hookups and boat access in a family-friendly setting.

Skip if

You need shade or pristine facilities during peak season.

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.

South Tule Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about South Tule Campground

Campground Map

Weather at South Tule Campground

Best Time to Camp at South Tule Campground

Planning Tips

About South Tule Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at South Tule Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Directions

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about South Tule Campground

Best Time to Camp at South Tule Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at South Tule Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews