Tule Campground

For Californians seeking a refreshing and accessible outdoor escape, Tule Campground near Porterville is consistently highlighted as a gem. Nestled in the picturesque Sierra Nevada foothills, right by the tranquil waters of Success Lake, this campground offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and thoughtful amenities. Whether it’s your family’s first time camping and you’re looking for a welcoming and well-equipped environment, or you’re a seasoned road-tripper needing a comfortable stop with excellent facilities, Tule Campground exceeds expectations. Locals rave about its cleanliness, the friendly atmosphere, and the sheer variety of activities available, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to relax, explore, and create lasting memories in the heart of California.

What truly sets Tule Campground apart is its dedication to providing a high-quality experience. From spacious sites and clean restrooms with hot showers to dedicated play areas for children and unique facilities for equestrian campers, it’s designed to cater to a diverse range of needs. The commitment of the camp hosts and the well-maintained grounds ensure a peaceful and enjoyable stay, proving that a fantastic outdoor adventure doesn't have to mean sacrificing comfort.

Tule Campground is ideally situated at Success Valley Dr, Porterville, CA 93257, USA. This places it approximately 8 miles east of the city of Porterville, right on the northeastern shore of Success Lake, in the scenic Sierra Nevada foothills. Its location offers a fantastic balance: it's far enough from urban centers to provide a sense of natural escape, yet close enough to Porterville for easy access to last-minute supplies, groceries, or services.

Accessing the campground is straightforward. From State Highway 99, you would typically take State Highway 190 east for about 25 miles until you reach the campground entrance. The roads leading to and within the campground are well-maintained, making it easily accessible for all types of vehicles, including large RVs and those towing trailers. Its elevation, around 671 feet, means it generally remains accessible year-round, though checking current conditions, especially regarding lake levels or any local advisories, is always a good practice.

For local Californians, particularly those residing in the Central Valley, Tule Campground is a convenient and highly appealing destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. The relatively short drive from cities like Visalia, Hanford, Bakersfield, and Fresno makes it an effortless escape to nature, minimizing travel time and maximizing outdoor enjoyment.

Tule Campground is praised by visitors for its comprehensive and well-maintained services, which contribute significantly to a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. It’s particularly noted for amenities that cater to both families and those seeking more comfort than a typical primitive site.

• Campsites: The campground offers a total of 103 sites, accommodating a variety of camping styles. Sites are spacious and well-kept, with many suitable for RVs and trailers ranging from 30 to 80 feet in length. Each site typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill.
• Hookups: A significant convenience, Tule Campground provides sites with electric hookups (50-amp, 30/20/15-amp) and water hookups. Approximately 24 sites have both electric and water, while 74 sites have water hookups, making it ideal for RVs and pop-ups.
• Restrooms with Hot Showers: Customer reviews consistently highlight the cleanliness and good maintenance of the flush toilets and hot showers. While one reviewer wished for soap dispensers and more consistent toilet paper, the overall consensus is that these facilities are "amazingly tidy" and a major plus, especially for road-trippers.
• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available on-site for RV campers, making it easy to manage waste during your stay.
• Potable Water: Potable drinking water stations are scattered throughout the campground, ensuring easy access to fresh water.
• Playgrounds: For families with children, the campground features "a couple of playgrounds," providing safe and fun areas for kids to play and burn off energy.
• Picnic and BBQ Areas: In addition to individual site amenities, there are "plenty of picnic and BBQ areas" available, suitable for day use or larger gatherings.
• Camp Hosts: The presence of "fantastic" and "amazing" camp hosts is frequently mentioned in reviews. They are on-site to assist campers, provide information, and ensure a pleasant atmosphere.
• Pet-Friendly: Tule Campground is dog-friendly, allowing pets on a leash (6-foot or shorter) at all times, making it a great option for those who travel with their furry companions.
• Reservations: Campsites are reservable up to 6 months in advance via Recreation.gov, which is highly recommended, especially for electric sites and during peak seasons.
• Affordable Pricing: With nightly rates around $22-$30, Tule Campground is considered "very reasonably priced," offering excellent value for the amenities and location.

Tule Campground's natural setting and recreational opportunities are key highlights, making it a desirable destination for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.

• Success Lake Access and Water Activities: The campground’s location on the shore of Success Lake provides direct access to a variety of water-based activities. The lake offers "great opportunities for boating and swimming," with "kayaking the lake's quiet, unpopulated coves" being a favorite activity. There are also on-site boat ramps for easy launch.
• Fishing: Anglers will appreciate the fishing opportunities in Success Lake, where they can fish for bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and the occasional trout. The Tule River, which feeds into the lake, also offers year-round fishing with a valid California fishing license.
• Scenic Views and Natural Beauty: The campground offers "amazing views of rolling hills" and a "beautiful, green" landscape, particularly at the end of March. Stunning sunsets over the lake are a common rave among visitors. The area features sparse stands of trees, and in springtime, wildflowers bloom on the surrounding foothills, creating a vibrant display of color.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Beyond the playgrounds, the overall atmosphere is highly family-friendly. Park Rangers often host "Campfire Programs, fun activities, and giveaways every Saturday evening at the campground registration building" during the summer, including movie nights with free popcorn, enhancing the family experience.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Grounds: Consistently highlighted in reviews, the campground is noted for being "clean, well-kept," and "very safe and greenly spacious on each campsite." This commitment to maintenance ensures a pleasant and inviting environment for all visitors.
• Quiet Hours and Respectful Campers: Despite its popularity, campers generally respect quiet hours (gates closed 10 PM to 6 AM), contributing to a "nice and quiet" atmosphere, especially during the off-season.
• Proximity to Local Attractions: While offering a wilderness feel, the campground is close enough to Porterville for convenience and also serves as a gateway to other parts of the Southern Sierra Nevada, including the Tule River and its canyons, and potentially closer access to Sequoia National Forest.
• Pet-Friendly Trails: The surrounding grounds provide plenty of space for dogs to run around (on leash), making it an excellent spot for pet owners.

For the most current information regarding Tule Campground, including availability, reservations, and specific policies, contacting the park office directly or using the official reservation platform is recommended.

Address: Success Valley Dr, Porterville, CA 93257, USA

Phone: (559) 784-0215

Mobile Phone: +1 559-784-0215

For reservations, Tule Campground utilizes the Recreation.gov system:

Recreation.gov Website: www.recreation.gov

It is always advisable for local Californians planning a visit to call ahead or check the Recreation.gov website. This ensures you have the most up-to-date information on site availability (especially for popular electric hookup sites), current fire restrictions, lake levels, or any seasonal advisories that might impact your stay. The camp hosts are also a valuable resource once you arrive.

Tule Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination for Californians, particularly those in the Central Valley, offering a diverse and high-quality outdoor experience right in their backyard. Its strategic location near Porterville ensures easy accessibility, making it an ideal choice for both spontaneous weekend getaways and planned family vacations without the need for extensive travel.

For local families, Tule Campground is a dream. The abundant playgrounds, spacious sites, and the availability of water-based rentals on Success Lake provide endless entertainment for children, fostering a love for the outdoors from a young age. The positive feedback from a first-time camping family truly underscores its welcoming and well-prepared environment, alleviating common anxieties associated with initial outdoor adventures. The presence of attentive camp hosts and overall park security further enhances the sense of safety and comfort, allowing parents to relax.

Beyond families, the campground's appeal extends to RV enthusiasts and those who appreciate modern conveniences in a natural setting. The availability of electric and water hookups, coupled with clean flush toilets and hot showers (a true luxury in many campgrounds), makes Tule a fantastic "refresh" stop during a road trip or a comfortable base for a longer stay. The budget-friendly pricing, around $22 a night, offers incredible value for the amenities provided.

Furthermore, the unique inclusion of equestrian facilities caters to a niche but passionate group of Californians, allowing them to bring their horses and explore the beautiful surrounding trails. Whether it's for fishing, boating, hiking, or simply enjoying the peaceful rolling hills, Tule Campground provides a versatile and highly enjoyable outdoor experience. It's a testament to California's diverse recreational offerings, proving that a fantastic escape into nature is often closer than you think, making Tule Campground a highly recommended spot for any local looking for their next memorable outdoor adventure.

Tule Campground

Success Valley Dr, Porterville, CA 93257, USA