Recreational Areas
Beach Park Campgrounds
20 miles NE of Springfield
Call 733-6291
Camping is permitted May through Oct. weather permitting. Dozens of campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area
Located 25 miles SW of Bakersfield near Hwy 43
Call 661-868-7000
This recreation area consists of two lakes (Lake Webb and Lake Evans), and has facilities for fishing camping, swimming, picnicking, boating, and windsurfing. Lake Evans is stocked with fish during the winter months. Picnic areas are also available. Camping and boating permits are required.
Crane Flat Campground
On Hwy 120, 166 sites.
Closed in Winter
Hogdon Meadow Campground
On Hwy 120 West, 105 sites
Open year-round
Porcupine Flat
On Hwy 120 East, 52 sites
Closed in Winter
Sunnyside Walk-in Campground
On Hwy 120 East. 52 sites
Closed in winter and spring.
Tamarack Flat Campground
On Hwy 120 East, 52 sites
Closed in winter and spring
Tenaya Lake
A beautiful large mountain lake off Tioga Pass road.
Tuolumne Meadows Campgrounds
Along the Tioga Road on Hwy 120
East. 314 sites. Dump station.
Closed in winter and spring.
A delightful day excursion through meadows amidst streams, lakes and beautiful wildlife.
Closed in winter and spring.
Wawona Campground
On hwy 120 East, 87 sites
Closed in winter and spring.
Yosemite Valley
The renowned Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall and the sculputred beauty of El Capitan and Half Dome are found in this valley among many other marvels of nature.
Yosemite Creek Campground
On Hwy 120 East. 75 sites
Closed in winter and spring
Glacier Point
Spectacular views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierras. It can be reached by hiking, car or bus.
Closed in winter and spring.
Mariposa Grove
The Giant Sequoias in this grove have towered over all other forms of life for many centuries. The 209-foot Grizzly Giant Sequoia has a circumference of 95.5 feet. Road not plowed in winter and spring.
Parks
Crystal Cave
http://www.sequoiahistory.org/cave/cave.htm
Crystal Cave is located off the Generals Highway in Sequoia National Park, between the Ash Mountain entrance and Giant Forest.
explore the underground beauty of Sequoia National Park! Walk by scenic waterfalls on the half-mile trail to Crystal Cave. Beautiful stalactites and curtains, impressively large rooms, and ornate marble polished naturally by a subterranean stream make a tour of Crystal Cave an unforgettable experience
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park
The park is north of Bakersfield; 20 miles north of Wasco on Highway 43; seven miles west of Earlimart on County Road J22.
Call (661) 849-3433
More info: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=583
This park is the site of the town that was founded, financed and governed by African-Americans. Founded in 1908 by former slave Col. Allen Allensworth and a small group, the town was dedicated to improve African-American social status. Visitors can call ahead for a video presentation on the park’s history, its inhabitants and way of life.
Lake Isabella
Located one hour NE of Bakersfield off of Hwy 178
US Forest Service Visitor Center 760-5646
More information, weather conditions at http://www.lakeisabella.net/
Lake Kaweah
20 miles east of Visalia on Hwy 198 Lemoncove 597-2301 or 597-2005
Website http://www.visitvisalia.org/Lake-Kaweah
Good fishing is to be had at this scenic lake. Accommodations include campgrounds, picnic areas, restroom facilities, and a marina. Call for camping fees and information.
Lake Success
Located 8 miles east of Porterville on Hwy 190
Call 784-0215
Boat docks are available year around. Picnic and camping areas and a marina are accessible as welll. Call for more information.
Money Grove Park
Mooney Blvd and Ave. 272, Visalia
Call 733-6291
A park for all ages that enjoy paddle boats, playgrounds, sports and picnic areas. Call for reservation information
Pine Flat Recreation Area
37 miles east of Fresno on the Kings River, below Pine Flat Dam in Piedra.
Call 787-2589
52-site campground (camping fees charged), plus 60 overflow campsites.
Pixley National Wildlife Refuge
6 Miles W of Earlimart on Road 88, Tulare County
Call 661-725-2767
Situated along the Eastern edge of the San Joaquin Valley, Pixley National Wildlife Refuge consists of 6,192 acres of native grassland and wetland habitats. This popular bird-watching scenic refuge provides habitats for the endangered San Joaquin Kit Fox, Tipton Kangaroo Rat, Blunt-Nosed leopard Lizard and wintering Sandhill Cranes.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
For road conditions, maps, and history please see website at
http://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm
LAND OF GIANTS: This landscape testifies to nature’s size, beauty, and diversity – immense mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees! These two parks lie side by side in the southern Sierra Nevada, east of the San Joaquin Valley. Activity varies by season and elevation, which ranges from 1300′ to 14,494′.
Three Rivers
Enjoy year round camping, fishing, biking, and boating. In addition, tour the quaint town renown as an artist community. Website: http://www.threerivers.com/
Yosemite National Park
For road conditions, directions, see website at http://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm
Special Events
World Ag Expo, in February Tulare California
Website: http://www.worldagexpo.com/
The world’s largest annual agricultural exposition features 2.6 million square feet of show grounds and 1,600 exhibitors.
Museums
Three Rivers Historical Society and Museum
559-561-2707; 42268 Sierra Dr, Three Rivers
http://www.3rmuseum.org/
Exeter Historical Museum
http://exeterhistoricalmuseum.com/
125 S. B Street underneath the Exeter Water Tower.
General Information and Reference Numbers
California State Parks
Information 916-653-6995
Campground Reservations: 800 444 7275
California Department of Boating and Waterways
General Information and Regulations
Call 916 263-1331
Or 888 326-2822
California Department of Fish and Game
General Information and Regulations
Call 916 445 0411
License and Revenue Branch
Call 916 227 2245
National Park Service
Pacific-West Region Office
Call 510 817-1300
U.S.D.A. Forest Service
Pacific Southwest Region 707 562-8737