South Tule Campground

4.19

348 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

686 ft

Price

$20 - $30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

103 campsites

Season

Season opens January...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens . site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

686 ft

Price

$20 - $30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

103 campsites

Season

Season opens January...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens . site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

South Tule Campground

$20.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Displayed nightly rates are $30 for sites with electric hookups and $20 for non-electric sites. Discounts may apply for Interagency Senior Annual...

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

viewscleanshowersrestrooms

Some mention

noise

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

Read all reviews

Campground Map

South Tule Campground

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

The campground is easily accessible via Highway 190, which is paved and has clear signage. Roads leading to the facility appear to be in good condition as per user comments.

Nearby places

Porterville: 8 miles.

Nearby supplies

Supplies can be found at the Eagle Feather gas station just 5 minutes away from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at South Tule Campground

The Sierra Nevada foothills showcase nature's dramatic seasonal personality at South Tule. Spring emerges as the crown jewel of camping seasons, when vibrant wildflowers paint the hillsides in brilliant purples, yellows, and oranges—creating an Instagram-worthy backdrop for your outdoor memories. Summer brings intense sunshine and soaring temperatures that transform the lake into a refreshing oasis. Experienced campers recommend bringing shade structures and planning water activities during the hotter months, as the campground's open landscape offers minimal natural shade. Fall and winter provide milder temperatures perfect for hiking and exploring the surrounding terrain.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.5 / 5

Summer can be extremely hot with limited shade, reducing comfort despite activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall noted for moderate weather and pleasant conditions for camping and boating.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 7% in CA

Spring is called the 'crown jewel' with vibrant wildflowers and excellent camping conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winter has lower lake levels but fewer crowds; milder climate at low elevation.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens January 1, 2025 and closes December 31, 2025.
Current Alerts: .

About South Tule Campground

Nestled along the northeastern shores of Success Lake, South Tule Campground (also known as Tule Campground) offers outdoor enthusiasts a gateway to Sierra Nevada foothill adventures. This expansive recreation haven features 103 thoughtfully designed campsites, many equipped with convenient electric hookups for modern camping comfort. Families and adventurers alike will appreciate the full-service amenities, including hot showers, flush toilets, and fresh drinking water throughout the grounds. A well-maintained dump station serves RV travelers, while children can burn off energy at the on-site playgrounds. Boating enthusiasts will find easy lake access with convenient boat ramps just moments from their campsite.

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.

Historical SignificanceThis area holds stories waiting to be discovered by curious campers exploring the rich heritage of California's Central Valley and Sierra Nevada foothills.

Weather and SeasonsThe Sierra Nevada foothills showcase nature's dramatic seasonal personality at South Tule. Spring emerges as the crown jewel of camping seasons, when vibrant wildflowers paint the hillsides in brilliant purples, yellows, and oranges—creating an Instagram-worthy backdrop for your outdoor memories. Summer brings intense sunshine and soaring temperatures that transform the lake into a refreshing oasis. Experienced campers recommend bringing shade structures and planning water activities during the hotter months, as the campground's open landscape offers minimal natural shade. Fall and winter provide milder temperatures perfect for hiking and exploring the surrounding terrain.

ElevationPerched in the rolling Sierra Nevada foothills, South Tule Campground occupies the gentle slopes characteristic of this transitional landscape between valley floor and mountain peaks. While specific elevation details vary across the campground, visitors enjoy the moderate foothill climate that offers a perfect balance—high enough to escape valley heat, yet low enough to avoid alpine extremes.

Natural Features and ScenerySouth Tule Campground embraces an open, sun-drenched landscape along Success Lake's scenic northeastern shoreline. The terrain unfolds in gentle rolls dotted with scattered trees that frame rather than dominate the vista. This sparse canopy creates unobstructed views of the shimmering lake waters and surrounding golden hills. During spring months, the seemingly austere landscape transforms into a natural gallery as native wildflowers burst into bloom, carpeting the foothills in a spectacular display of color that draws photographers and nature lovers from across the region.

Geological RegionThe campground rests within the iconic Sierra Nevada foothills, where ancient geological forces created a landscape of weathered granite, rolling hills, and seasonal waterways. This transitional zone between California's Central Valley and the towering Sierra Nevada mountains features distinctive sparse tree coverage—primarily oaks and occasional pines—that have adapted to the Mediterranean climate. Spring rains awaken dormant seeds, producing the region's famous wildflower displays that blanket the decomposed granite soils in temporary splendor.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 11:00 AM.

Check-out

Check-out is at 12:00 PM.

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

Site layoutThe campground includes pull-through and back-in sites, some closer to the road. Campsites are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and water spigots.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is first-come, first-served as it is not reservable.

Cancellation PolicyChanges made to a reservation may incur a $10 change fee. Late cancellations (after midnight 1 calendar day prior for individual campsites) will result in forfeiture of the first night's recreation fee and a $10 cancellation fee.

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.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

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.

HikingHiking opportunities are available, though no specific trails or difficulty levels are detailed.

FishingFishing is a popular activity with species like bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and occasional trout. Success Lake provides ample opportunities.

SwimmingAccessible swimming areas are available, but some reviews noted the water as unclean.

BikingBiking opportunities exist, with no specific trails or terrain details provided.

BoatingBoating is a key activity, supported by a marina and rental options. Activities include kayaking, paddle boating, and motorized boating.

Wildlife viewingBirdwatching is notable in the area, with one user highlighting the diversity of bird species.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as black widow spiders and cockroaches have been noted by users. Additionally, puncture vines and goathead thorns are prevalent.

Active Alerts.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed at designated fire rings. Visitors are encouraged to buy firewood locally.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced after 10 p.m.

Emergency ServicesMailing address mentions Porterville as the closest town, approximately 8 miles away, which likely has emergency services.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are located at the entrance of the campground, leading to long walks for disposal. Recycling options are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe campground is near Success Lake, which covers 82,500 acre-feet of water when full. However, the water level varies seasonally.

Camp HostUser reviews highlight mixed experiences with staff; some campers praise the friendliness of employees like Nancy, while others report rude behavior and lack of assistance.

Weather at South Tule Campground

Reviews

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

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