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Success Lake - COE/Tule
Overview
Tule Campground at Success Lake offers a peaceful retreat located in the scenic foothills of the Sierra Nevada. As a Corps of Engineers facility, it provides a unique balance of natural beauty and essential comforts for RV travelers. The park is situated on the shores of Lake Success, serving as a primary gateway for those exploring the San Joaquin Valley and the southern reaches of California's high country. It is known for its expansive views and relaxed pace of life.
Location & Surroundings
Located just outside of Porterville, CA, the park is defined by its sweeping views of the rolling hills and the vast waters of the Tule River reservoir. The surrounding landscape transitions from golden valley floors to the rugged peaks of the Sierras, creating a dramatic backdrop for evening sunsets. Travelers will appreciate the unobstructed horizons and the quiet, rural atmosphere that feels secluded while remaining accessible from major travel corridors.
Amenities & Park Features
The Tule Campground features over 100 campsites, many of which provide 30 or 50-amp electric hookups for modern RVs. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, allowing for traditional campfire evenings under the stars. Visitors have access to several park features:
- Clean flush toilets and hot showers for guest convenience.
- A centrally located dump station and potable water access.
- Large, gravel-padded sites designed to accommodate big rigs and trailers.
The layout is spacious, ensuring that guests do not feel crowded during their stay.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Water recreation is the primary draw here, with incredible opportunities for boating and fishing right at your doorstep. Anglers often visit for the healthy populations of largemouth bass and crappie. Beyond the lake, the park is a short drive from the Sequoia National Forest, where giant ancient trees and alpine hiking trails offer a cool escape. Visitors can also explore the Tule River or head into Porterville for local culture, shopping, and dining experiences.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for nature enthusiasts and boaters who prefer a quieter, government-run facility over a commercial resort. It is a perfect fit for families looking for an affordable lakeside vacation or road-trippers seeking a reliable basecamp for exploring the southern Sierra Nevada mountains. If you value wide-open spaces, star-filled nights, and direct access to outdoor recreation, this park provides a serene environment to unhook, relax, and enjoy the California landscape.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Discounts
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
varun medha
The service was extremely poor. There was no electricity or water, even though I booked a campsite that was supposed to provide water for a 30-foot RV camper. Nancy, the office clerk, was very rude to us and others when we asked for help with water and electricity. She rudely said, 'you're on your own.' To be honest, the location was very good, but there was no service for campers, and Nancy was very unprofessional. I usually don't like pointing out mistakes in people and their names, but this was one really bad experience.
Fabmumof2
Such a shame. Views from the campground are stunning as long as you look past the poorly placed dumpsters. The sites aren’t cleaned between guests, lots of cigarette butts, bottle caps etc. We arrived after Easter weekend and the garbage dumpsters were all overflowing for days, after we pointed out our concerns regarding attracting vermin to the Ranger they did replace one with a slightly less full one. Shower had hot water, but other guests left it a mess. The noise from the highway and the park entrance road is endless and sadly continues well into the night. We liked the location for getting into Sequoia NP and Forest. Price was also great. I love to see parks used by visitors and local communities-but it’s heartbreaking to see so much litter.
Gregory Kuhn (Greg)
Clean, mostly quiet close to the Sequoia National Forest and Park and part of Lake Success. Spacious suites that are pretty close to level, lots of open sky with few trees to block Starlink, restrooms with showers, some electric sites but most without. Close to highway 190 so quite noisy in that regard.
Mick Mayfield
Campground is alongside hwy with lots of road noise. The camper beside us used his truck for heat, so ran late then very early - so not a lot of sleep. The campground could use a good mowing, then pickup all the little things like butts, pop tops, etc. just enough to catch your eye.
Zoe Littmann
Not the worst place I’ve camped but certainly not the best. You’re right by the main road so there is road noise, although we couldn’t hear inside our trailer. Bathrooms were available but no warm water in showers. Some people “camping” here looked like long term squatters but they did not bother us. Biggest pain was all the stickers/thorns all over the ground that kept getting my dog’s feet and all in our shoes. Very annoying. Location to town is good. Would stay again if needed but certainly wouldn’t be a “must return”.