Camping in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the towering forests, rugged mountains, and serene river valleys of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks than by camping under the stars. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat in the high Sierra or a family-friendly campground with amenities, these parks offer an incredible range of options for outdoor enthusiasts. From the iconic Giant Forest to the tranquil Mineral King Valley, every campground is a gateway to the parks’ unparalleled natural beauty.
Planning Your Stay
Camping in Sequoia and Kings Canyon requires some planning to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Most campgrounds in the parks require advance reservations, especially during the peak summer season. Reservations can be made online through Recreation.gov and open up months in advance. Some campgrounds, such as Lodgepole and Azalea, offer year-round access, while others have seasonal openings, typically from late spring to early fall.
It’s important to check the current conditions and guidelines before your visit. Weather, road access, and wildfire risks can affect availability and services. For campers seeking a more primitive experience, backcountry permits are required and can also be arranged through the parks’ website.
There are many Campgrounds that are on the Generals Highway or Scenic route 180 into Kings Canyon that are managed by Sequoia national Forest. these campgrounds have great access to both parks and are with in the Sequoia Kings Canyon Paid Entrance of the parks.
Tips for a Successful Trip
- Know the Rules: Follow all park regulations, including food storage guidelines to protect wildlife.
- Pack Smart: Bring essentials for varying weather conditions and make sure your gear meets campground requirements.
- Arrive Early: Campgrounds often have limited parking and spaces fill quickly, even with a reservation.
Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking an RV, camping in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks offers a chance to connect with nature in one of California’s most breathtaking landscapes. Start planning your adventure today and make unforgettable memories in these iconic parks.
Sierra Rec Magazine Recommendations:
Camping in this National park system is a great way to take advantage of the variety of outdoor activities and sights in the parks. The elevation range of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is one of the most dramatic in the United States, spanning from about 1,370 feet (416 meters) in the foothills to 14,505 feet (4,421 meters) at the summit of Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States.
This vast elevation range creates diverse ecosystems, from lowland oak woodlands and chaparral to giant sequoia groves, alpine meadows, and rugged granite peaks. This variation also means that visitors can experience very different weather conditions and landscapes depending on where they are in the parks.
In our experience the best camping is Located towards Kings Canyon side of the parks, however if you are spending a lot of time in Sequoia national Park and the Big Trees, this recommendation will cause a lot of driving. One note for Camping in the Kings Canyon area is knowing that this is an area where Sequoia National Forest land and Campgrounds can be found along the highway into the canyon. We love the Princess Campground located a few miles past the Grant grove before the highway dives into the canyon.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks offer a variety of campgrounds, each providing unique experiences amidst the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada. Here’s a list of campgrounds in these parks:
Sequoia National Park Camping
Potwisha Campground– Sequoia National Park, CA
Located in the foothills at 2,100 feet elevation, it offers 42 sites suitable for tents and RVs, with amenities like flush toilets and potable water. Open year-round.
Buckeye Flat Campground -Sequoia National Park, CA
Situated at 2,800 feet elevation, this campground provides 28 tent-only sites near the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River. Open from spring through fall.
South Fork Campground – Sequoia National Park, CA
A remote campground at 3,600 feet elevation with 10 sites for tents. It offers a more secluded experience and is open year-round.
Atwell Mill Campground -Sequoia National Park, CA
Located at 6,650 feet elevation in the Mineral King area, it has 21 sites for tents and small RVs. Open from late spring to early fall.
Cold Springs Campground– Sequoia National Park, CA
At 7,500 feet elevation in the Mineral King area, this campground offers 40 sites for tents and small RVs. Open from late spring to early fall.
Lodgepole Campground– Sequoia National Park, CA
Situated at 6,700 feet elevation near the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, it provides 214 sites for tents and RVs, with amenities like flush toilets, a dump station, and a nearby market. Open from spring through fall. Multiple Sequoia National Park Scenic Backpacking and Day hike trails leave from this destination. This is a very busy and populated area with day visitors, backpackers and guest services. Shuttle pickups are also available her for getting around the park.
Dorst Creek Campground -Sequoia National Park, CA
Located at 6,800 feet elevation, it offers 204 sites for tents and RVs, with amenities including flush toilets and a dump station. Open from summer through early fall.
Upper Stoney Creek Campground – Generals Highway Sequoia
Upper Stony Creek Campground sits in the mid-elevation of the Sierra Nevada mountains at an elevation of about 6,500 feet. Situated along the scenic Stony Creek, below Shell Mountain, and near the Stony Creek Trailhead, this is an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. This campground is also near the Jennie Lakes Wilderness region, and in between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Stoney Creek Campground– Generals Highway – Sequoia
Stony Creek Campground sits at an elevation of approximatly 6,500 feet in the Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s nestled among Sigar Pines, Jeffrey Pines, Red Firs and the scenic Stony Creek is just steps away. This campground is ideally located along the Generals Highway, in between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, near the Jennie Lakes Wilderness
Dorst Creek Campground– Generals Highway – Sequoia
Ten miles (16 km) from the Giant Forest, this campground rests under open stands of evergreen trees at an elevation of 6,800 feet (2,073 m). This centrally located campground is ideal for those exploring both parks. The trail to the Muir Grove of giant sequoias begins here.
Kings Canyon Camping
Azalea Campground – Kings Canyon National Park, CA
At 6,500 feet elevation in the Grant Grove area, this campground has 110 sites for tents and RVs, with amenities like flush toilets and a dump station. Open year-round.
Crystal Springs Campground – Kings Canyon National Park, CA
Situated at 6,500 feet elevation near Grant Grove, it offers 36 sites for tents and RVs, with flush toilets available. Open from summer through early fall.
Sheep Creek Campground – Kings Canyon National Park, CA
Sheep Creek Campground in Cedar Grove Deep in Kings Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the United States. The Kings River Rushes near by, and glowing mountainsides just beyond the trees, Sheep Creek Campground is a wonderful place for families to spend time in the great outdoors.
Moraine Campground – Kings Canyon National Park, CA
Moraine Campground in Cedar Grove is just down the road from Sheep creek in Kings Canyon, Its location to the deepest parts of Kings canyon and easy access to the Kings river has made it a family favorite for generations.
Canyon View Group Campground – Kings Canyon National Park, CA
Canyon View campground is located on Highway 180, 0.25 miles (400 m) from Cedar Grove Village. This group-only campground is on the floor of the canyon along the South Fork of the Kings River. It was named for its excellent views of Kings Canyon’s granite cliffs. RV & Trailer Information – Trailers and RVs are not permitted
Sentinel Campground– Kings Canyon National Park, CA
Located next to Cedar Grove Visitor Center, and is 0.25 miles (400 m) from Cedar Grove Village. The campground is situated in the canyon along the South Fork of the Kings River under open stands of evergreen trees. Services at Cedar Grove Village include food and showers. RV & Trailer Information – The average sized RV or trailer site is 20-30 feet with larger options available (up to 82 feet). Check recreation.gov to see the size of each site as well as its availability. Please verify that your equipment and vehicles will fit into the site you are reserving, as we will not be able to move you to a different site once you arrive if you are unable to fit into the site or parking pad. The campground has no hookups or dump stations. The nearest dump station is at Princess Campground along Highway 180 at the Hume Lake junction in Sequoia National Forest (available in the summer only).
Sunset Campground– Kings Canyon National Park, CA
Located at 6,500 feet elevation in the Grant Grove area, this campground provides 157 sites for tents and RVs, with amenities including flush toilets. Open from summer through early fall.
Convict Flat Campground – Kings Canyon Highway 180 –
Located in Kings Canyon, 19 miles NE of Grant Grove via Hwy 180. Campground (5 units), vault toilet and suitable for small – midsize trailers. Elevation 3,000 feet. No water. This campground is managed by the Sequoia National Forest.
Kings Canyon Rv Resort & Campground – HICAMP – Kings Canyon Scenic Route
This rustic campground is located in Kings Canyon on HWY 180, 16 miles past the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Park entrance. Ten Mile Creek running thru the property. Magnificent views of Kings Canyon from the property. 21 RV/tent sites
Princess Ground Campground – Kings Canyon Scenic Highway – Sequoia National Forest
Princess Campground sits next to a large meadow at an elevation of 5,900 feet in the Indian Basin Grove. The campsite is just 3 miles northwest of Hume Lake. This campground also has RV Dump station on site. Trails to Indian Grove and Large meadow. This 88-site park consists of several loops, among them 19 tent-only sites. An amphitheater makes for a convivial gathering place. Camp next to giant Sequoia tree stumps from an ancient Sequoia grove or near a lush meadow full of wildflowers. Sites are shaded, parking stands are dirt and gravel.
Please note that nearly all campgrounds require advance reservations, and sites fill quickly. Reservations can be made through Recreation.gov. Additionally, some campgrounds may have seasonal closures or restrictions, so it’s advisable to check current conditions before planning your visit.
