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Bear Wallow Camping Area Introduce

Nestled in the scenic beauty of Dunlap, CA, Bear Wallow Camping Area offers a unique and immersive outdoor experience for camping enthusiasts. Located right on the Kings River, this campground is renowned for its breathtaking natural surroundings and abundant wildlife, including hawks, frogs, lizards, and foxes. The area is perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Bear Wallow Camping Area is a dispersed camping site, meaning it does not offer plumbing or electricity. This type of camping is ideal for those who want to connect with nature in its purest form. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is free of charge, making it an accessible option for all. However, visitors are reminded to pack out their garbage to maintain the pristine environment.

One of the standout features of Bear Wallow Camping Area is its proximity to Fresno and Clovis, making it a convenient getaway for locals. The stunning scenery and the tranquil flow of the Kings River create a perfect backdrop for activities such as hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. For those planning to have a campfire, it is essential to apply for a fire permit and carry it with you during your stay.

  • Free, first-come-first-served dispersed camping
  • Located on the scenic Kings River
  • Abundant wildlife including hawks, frogs, lizards, and foxes
  • No plumbing or electricity, perfect for a true nature experience
  • Close to Fresno and Clovis for easy access
  • Fire permit required for campfires

Customer feedback highlights the exceptional experience at Bear Wallow Camping Area. Visitors praise the free, first-come-first-served camping, the beautiful natural setting, and the abundance of wildlife. Many appreciate the convenience of being near Fresno/Clovis while still enjoying a true dispersed camping experience. The reminder to pack out garbage and the requirement for a fire permit are noted as important aspects of responsible camping in this pristine area.

Location

CaliforniaFresno CountyDunlap

Customer Reviews

4.0
17 reviews
S
Steve T
Aug 06, 2018

Great camping that's free, first come first served, please pack and remove your garbage. Wildlife such as hawks, frogs, lizards, and foxes are abundant.

J
Josh Golding
Feb 28, 2022

Best dispersed (no plumbing or electricity) camping near Fresno/Clovis. Right on the Kings River and gorgeous scenery all around! Make sure you apply for a fire permit and carry it with you though.

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Nancy Evans
Feb 21, 2022

I'm not much of a camping person, but the area itself is beautiful and peaceful with the sounds of the King's River running through it. If it wasn't for the narrow rough and rocky road getting there I may have given it 5🌟.

D
Daniel Emerson
May 27, 2023

This is a primitive camping area. Great views and good fishing. Vault bathroom are usually clean. Good winter camp.

J
Justin Rodriguez
May 27, 2021

Went there the week after they decided to be close (didn't check if it was open or not) it was nice but I recommend driving up there with a car that can go of road

M
Mark Scott
Jun 07, 2025

While not too far from services, Bear Wallow was a great overnight stay right next to the river. There are some great parking stalls large enough for most RVs. There are more campsites upstream that require a little more "offroading". Those are tent only camping though. There is no cell service so you will need to have a satellite phone or you will need to drive back the way you came about 20 minutes to the top of the mountain to get even a spotting signal.

O
Outdoors beyond nature1980
Apr 10, 2025

The Bear Wallow Trail, nestled within the scenic Sierra National Forest, offers a captivating journey through both natural beauty and a rich tapestry of history. This path, once a vital route for the Yokut Native tribes of the San Joaquin Valley, served as a crucial corridor for hunting migrating Mule Deer that journeyed between the life-sustaining waters of the San Joaquin River and the powerful flow of the Kings River. Embarking on an adventure along the Bear Wallow Trail unveils a vibrant landscape. During the spring and summer months, the trail comes alive with a dazzling display of wildflowers, where the striking purple hues of lupine and the cheerful golden brilliance of California poppies paint the meadows. These colorful displays dance amidst the swaying stalks of oat grass, creating a picturesque scene under the watchful canopy of majestic oak trees, which offer welcome shade along the route. As you traverse the trail, prepare to be rewarded with breathtaking scenic overlooks. The Ridgecrest Heights provide sweeping panoramas, showcasing the tranquil expanse of Delilah Sequoia Highlands. Glimpses of the winding Kings River carve through the landscape below, leading the eye towards the impressive silhouette of Garnet Rock, a prominent landmark that punctuates the horizon. Beyond its natural allure, the Bear Wallow Trail whispers tales of the past. The Yokut people, skilled hunters and deeply connected to this land, relied on this route for sustenance. Their presence echoes through the very soil beneath your feet, connecting modern-day hikers to centuries of indigenous life and tradition within the Sierra Nevada foothills. The Sierra National Forest itself, established in 1893, adds another layer of historical significance to the experience. While specific documented history solely for the Bear Wallow Trail might be less readily available, its integration within this protected forest underscores its long-standing role in the regional landscape and its continued value for recreation and appreciation of the natural world. Today, the Bear Wallow Trail offers a rewarding experience for hikers seeking natural beauty and a touch of history. Whether you are captivated by the vibrant flora, the stunning vistas, or the connection to the land's original inhabitants, a journey along the Bear Wallow Trail promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Sierra Nevada. The presence of the nearby Bear Wallow Camping Area further suggests the area's appeal for those wishing to immerse themselves in the tranquility and beauty of this special place.

O
Outdoors beyond nature1980
Apr 10, 2025

The Bear Wallow Trail, nestled within the scenic Sierra National Forest, offers a captivating journey through both natural beauty and a rich tapestry of history. This path, once a vital route for the Yokut Native tribes of the San Joaquin Valley, served as a crucial corridor for hunting migrating Mule Deer that journeyed between the life-sustaining waters of the San Joaquin River and the powerful flow of the Kings River. Embarking on an adventure along the Bear Wallow Trail unveils a vibrant landscape. During the spring and summer months, the trail comes alive with a dazzling display of wildflowers, where the striking purple hues of lupine and the cheerful golden brilliance of California poppies paint the meadows. These colorful displays dance amidst the swaying stalks of oat grass, creating a picturesque scene under the watchful canopy of majestic oak trees, which offer welcome shade along the route. As you traverse the trail, prepare to be rewarded with breathtaking scenic overlooks. The Ridgecrest Heights provide sweeping panoramas, showcasing the tranquil expanse of Delilah Sequoia Highlands. Glimpses of the winding Kings River carve through the landscape below, leading the eye towards the impressive silhouette of Garnet Rock, a prominent landmark that punctuates the horizon. Beyond its natural allure, the Bear Wallow Trail whispers tales of the past. The Yokut people, skilled hunters and deeply connected to this land, relied on this route for sustenance. Their presence echoes through the very soil beneath your feet, connecting modern-day hikers to centuries of indigenous life and tradition within the Sierra Nevada foothills. The Sierra National Forest itself, established in 1893, adds another layer of historical significance to the experience. While specific documented history solely for the Bear Wallow Trail might be less readily available, its integration within this protected forest underscores its long-standing role in the regional landscape and its continued value for recreation and appreciation of the natural world. Today, the Bear Wallow Trail offers a rewarding experience for hikers seeking natural beauty and a touch of history. Whether you are captivated by the vibrant flora, the stunning vistas, or the connection to the land's original inhabitants, a journey along the Bear Wallow Trail promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Sierra Nevada. The presence of the nearby Bear Wallow Camping Area further suggests the area's appeal for those wishing to immerse themselves in the tranquility and beauty of this special place.

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Mary Campbell
Apr 15, 2025

Restroom a short walk away, great water access, and plenty of space for multiple campers

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Mary Campbell
Apr 15, 2025

Restroom a short walk away, great water access, and plenty of space for multiple campers