The best desert campgrounds near Three Rivers, California

Looking to camp near Three Rivers, California and explore the desert terrain? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 280 options to choose from, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Whether you're into stargazing at Death Valley Stargazing Camp (171 reviews), exploring the Carrizo Plains at Heritage - Carrizo Plains (37 reviews), or relaxing at Wandering Star Ranch (20 reviews), there's something for everyone. Average prices per night are around $50, with options as low as $15. Popular amenities include toilets, trash, and pet-friendly sites. And if you're into paddling, biking, or whitewater paddling, you're in luck - these activities are popular near Three Rivers, California. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

86% (54)

Top-rated campgrounds near Three Rivers

Looking to camp near Three Rivers, California and explore the desert terrain? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 280 options to choose from, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Whether you're into stargazing at Death Valley Stargazing Camp (171 reviews), exploring the Carrizo Plains at Heritage - Carrizo Plains (37 reviews), or relaxing at Wandering Star Ranch (20 reviews), there's something for everyone. Average prices per night are around $50, with options as low as $15. Popular amenities include toilets, trash, and pet-friendly sites. And if you're into paddling, biking, or whitewater paddling, you're in luck - these activities are popular near Three Rivers, California. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

86% (54)

Top-rated campgrounds near Three Rivers

1. Thistledew Ranch

93%

(53)

20mi from Three Rivers · 1 site · Tent, RV

Secluded, private, semi-dry camping at 4000 ft. with an RV accessible pull thru. Located 15 minutes from Sequoia National Park entrance. The view to the east is the western edge of the Sequoia National Forest. This campsite is the only one on the property. Typical weather is sunny with low humidity and moderate temperatures.

2. Cartago Springs

78%

(9)

48mi from Three Rivers · 2 sites · RVs

Cartago Springs is right off of the 395 HWY, with beautiful panoramic views of the Sierra mountains with bright twinkling open skies at night. Just minutes from cotton wood creek and a short drive to the Alabama Hills and Mt. Whitney. Open land to park your trailer or RV. Star gaze and eat under the stars. Cartago wildlife area is a five minute walk down the road from the property. The Cartago Wildlife area is a protected wet land that homes many different birds and wild life, there are walking trails and a small pond to enjoy. The property sits near what was once the old Cartago dump. You can find beautiful colored glass, porcelains, neat items like silverware, car parts, old lighters, a pickers paradise. feel free to take any treasures you find home with you! If you like to ride, Olancha dunes is just down the road. Cactus Flats Road in Olancha will take you into the Coso Mountains where the trails are endless, the views are beautiful and the peace is surreal. Cartago Springs is a few miles north of the Mobile gas station, where they serve hot food a perfect convince for the traveler. Hope to see you soon!

3. TINY in the Eastern Sierra's

100%

(1)

47mi from Three Rivers · 1 site · Lodging

THINK TINY, THINK ADVENTURE Modern TINY (16') Home on Wheels was inspired and built with a desire for minimalism, clean lines and efficiency of space. It has all the modern amenities you need in the midst of Nature. Space is sufficient but limited. Tiny is located inside "Lone Pine Mobile Oasis" RV PARK, on the west side of HWY 395, and Lubken Canyon. There is Hwy noise and there are neighbors. Semi's do drive the Hwy during the night. Please preview location before booking. We do have WIFI! The space Our home is only 16' long (8'x16') but has a well-equipped kitchenette, full bath with a shower and a conventional toilet. The kitchenette has the basics and then some... a coffee maker, a portable induction cook top, pots and pans, cooking utensils, basic spices and condiments. It also has a Britta water pitcher/ filter for your convenience! The living / sleeping space is a twin size sofa / daybed with a pull out trundle. The foam mattress size is 38" x 75" for both beds. The top mattress is 8" thick with a weight capacity of 400 lbs and the trundle is 6" thick with a weight capacity of 250 lbs. This may not have enough support or may be uncomfortable for some. The dining space has a movable coffee table /bench /shoe rack/ storage with locking brakes and a lift up dining table / office desk. The bench also stores the 2nd comforter for the bottom bed. TINY is well insulated with Rockwool in all walls, ceiling and floor, has a built in mini split -AC/Heater with remote control, dual pane windows and doors, tinted glass and black out shades for your comfort and enjoyment. TINY only has 50 amps of power and the on demand water heater requires 50 amps. Only 2 lights are able to be used while taking a hot shower. THE BREAKER MAY SHUT DOWN AND WOULD NEED TO BE RESET. (This has not happened in over a year but, just in case) CAUTION: Things appear smaller than they feel like inside! Driving up you may think, "OMG, it's so small", but after you step inside, you will hopefully feel, "WOW, it feels bigger than it looks". The 395 highway may be too close and light sleepers may feel it is still too noisy. Please do not book and leave a bad review if this would bother you.

4. Sequoia National Forest

98%

(270)

905 sites · Ponderosa, California

Astonishing natural diversity and the biggest trees on earth! Plan to be awed.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Inyo National Forest

96%

(453)

2001 sites · Lone Pine, California

Explore ancient pine forests, curious rock formations, and massive peaks in this sprawling national forest.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Three Rivers

100%

(8)

Stony Creek Campground

16mi from Three Rivers · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sequoia National Forest

100%

(3)

Upper Stony Creek Campground

16mi from Three Rivers · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sequoia National Forest

100%

(3)

Eshom Campground

18mi from Three Rivers · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sequoia National Forest

100%

(2)

Horse Camp Campground

20mi from Three Rivers · 5 sites · in Sequoia National Forest

Buck Rock Campground

20mi from Three Rivers · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sequoia National Forest

100%

(1)

Big Meadow Campground

20mi from Three Rivers · 45 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sequoia National Forest

100%

(5)

Wishon Campground

21mi from Three Rivers · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sequoia National Forest

Tenmile Campground

22mi from Three Rivers · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sequoia National Forest

Hume Lake sits between the 2 sections of Kings Canyon National Park. While crowded around the entrance and main beach (there’s a sleep-away camp here), drive just beyond the camp mess-hall for easy parking and hiking paths down to the water’s edge.

95%

(21)

Hume Lake Campground

25mi from Three Rivers · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sequoia National Forest

We fit 4 tents and 2 easy ups and a large 3 burner camp stove

100%

(3)

Belknap Campground

26mi from Three Rivers · 13 sites · in Sequoia National Forest

100%

(2)

Coy Flat Campground

26mi from Three Rivers · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sequoia National Forest

Spot 49 is super roomy. Highly recommend.

95%

(14)

Princess Campground

26mi from Three Rivers · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sequoia National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

K

Kabir

November 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Thistledew Ranch

Michael’s campsite was even better than advertised. Very private, expansive, and unbelievable views. My dog loved exploring the area. He was an extremely courteous host, very responsive to messages. It was a perfect location to take day hikes in the nearby parks. I will absolutely be returning

Edwin

November 2025

Tent

3 nights at Thistledew Ranch

This campground is great! Awsome views, great location, quiet and private. There was power and water for use. Plenty of flat areas for your tent and personal camp toilet. About 15 mins from the kings canyon gate and 1hr from general sherman tree. Nearest gas station and coffee shop is about 20 minutes away.

J

Joey

October 2025

18 ft pop-up camper

1 night at Thistledew Ranch

Fantastic stay on Michael’s land! Very remote and quiet. I had zero issues with mosquitos, wasps, bees, etc. The water and electrical hook up was a huge plus. If you’re looking for something off the grid that’s close to sequoia and kings canyon, this is your spot!

j

julia

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Thistledew Ranch

It was a great spot! Beautiful & flat! Lots of trees & firewood around :) 10/10 would camp here again!!

M

Mia

September 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Thistledew Ranch

Great place to stay! It was our first time camping & with our 18 month old. My husband and baby loved it! The campsite was clean when arriving. They provided complementary water, fire wood & power! SUPER SAFE FOR KIDS. My baby absolutely loved it & wouldn’t stop running! :) really pretty at night too! Have in mind on visiting sequoia & kings canyon National park this is the spot to stay!

D

Darin

August 2025

17 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Thistledew Ranch

The campsite was large and super-quiet - not a sound all night except the crickets. This is Michael's only site, so there was nobody around at all. We couldn't see any houses or hear any neighbors. The road is not too far off, but is very rarely traveled - we saw maybe a dozen cars in 6 hours, none came by at night. The road to the site is hard-packed soil, a little bumpy but not bad. We stayed in Michael's campsite in a 17' Casita, and the land was flat enough that we only needed a single "Lego" block to level side to side and we didn't have to unhitch to level front to back. Although we didn't use them, the campsite had water and 20 amp power to recharge the RV batteries or use the microwave. Firewood is available if you don't mind chopping - hatchet and shovels for the fire ring were provided. As another reviewer mentioned, there is a small pond that attracts insects, so that may be an issue if you cook outside. We would definitely stay here again.

C

Caitlin

August 2025

17 ft campervan

1 night at Thistledew Ranch

Secluded campground with great views and campfire area was lovely. We enjoyed a quick one night stay and would love to come back in the future! Getting there was fairly easy and appreciate the clear instructions.

S

Shelby

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Thistledew Ranch

The land and space was beautiful and big enough to feel secluded, but safe with the ranch nearby up the road. Had a lovely time, would recommend to a friend and come again.

J

John

July 2025

27 ft Class A

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Thistledew Ranch

WOW!!! We had an amazing stay. The camp site is beautiful, and Mike is an awesome host..

Juliana

July 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Thistledew Ranch

This place was perfect for just me and my pup. It was super quiet and the area had so many beautiful trees and wildflowers. The instructions weren’t hard to follow either. My host let me book last minute and made sure I got to the spot okay in the dark. I felt safe as a solo traveler.

K

Kai

July 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Thistledew Ranch

Great little spot not far from Seqouia National park. Loved staying the night here!

J

John

June 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Thistledew Ranch

This spot is great! It's quiet and secluded, so nice to not be in a campground. Our dog was able to run and play (within reason given it's bear territory). Having a water spigot really helped a lot. The stars!

Dru

June 2025

18 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Thistledew Ranch

Perfect remote campsite with surprising amenities. You felt off grid but in fact had a couple bonus comforts. Perfect experience!

j

julian

June 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Thistledew Ranch

You get the whole place to your self! Bring a lot of water and you'll be fine.

Z

Zack

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Thistledew Ranch

10/10 water was cool and clean, outlets worked, plenty of wood. The description was perfect had no trouble finding the place. Saw some really awesome wildlife and there were wild flowers everywhere. Bring bear mace and read everypart of the hosts description

J

John

June 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Thistledew Ranch

Great spot. Nobody else around. Had electric hook up allowing to charge our battery packs. About 20 minutes from SNP entrance. Close to a few small restaurants.

Heather

June 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Thistledew Ranch

Decided to go camping on a whim. Unfortunately for me, I still had work to get done so I needed electricity to keep my computers charged. Lucky for me - I found Thistledew Ranch. It was a peaceful location just off a windy mountain road that is lightly travelled and people tend to drive slow past. Lots of trees, but shade is somewhat limited during the mid-day hours (so if you go when it's hot, might want to bring something for shade). Well-kept fire-pit and lots of space for vehicles/tents/RVs. I was also quite happy because it was the first time I was able to let my dog off leash and he was definitely a happy camper (pun intended). Mike came down at one point and introduced himself and he was responsive to messages. But overall, this is not a hipcamp where you are going to get "room service" (which I was personally fine with, but I gather some campers might be looking for more ...) Also - the restaurant near the site is very good! Friendly staff, good food and drinks, indoor and outdoor seating, and dog friendly! Final note - be prepared for no cell service (I have T-Mobile). Overall - I definitely plan to return!

Richard

May 2025

30 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Thistledew Ranch

Beautiful and quiet private camp. Host is super helpful. Highly recommend.

Megan

May 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Thistledew Ranch

Great place. Super private. Definitely follow the directions; the other way of approach is a bit gnarly!

M

Megan

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Thistledew Ranch

This was the perfect spot for a quick weekend trip to Kings Canyon and Sequoia NPs! It was just over a half hour to the Grant Grove Village area, and another hour-ish from there into Kings Canyon itself or the Giant Forest area of Sequoia National Park. The site is secluded and simple, but did have a power outlet and water for those who need it, as well as a fire ring. Everything was exactly as described and we were able to arrive and depart as needed without having to connect directly with the hosts. No bugs in mid-May 2025. The directions were clear and easy to follow, except that the wooden bear sculpture marking the entrance was a little difficult to see, especially in the dark. Thankfully the directions including distances from different landmarks helped us find it on the second pass, and the light left on in the site helped us know we were in the right spot. Thanks so much!