ABC'S of CAMPING at SEQUOIA and KINGS CANYON

Details

Campgrounds are listed alphabetically below with descriptions. Use this list to determine your preferences. In general, higher elevation campgrounds are cooler and closer to giant sequoias. All but two campgrounds are first-come, first-served. Lodgepole and Dorst take reservations during the summer. Only three campgrounds are open year-round: Lodgepole, Azalea, and Potwisha. Four campgrounds do not permit trailers and RVs: Buckeye Flat, Canyon View, Atwell Mill, and Cold Springs. In other campgrounds, site size varies and many sites are not suitable for very long RVs. Saturday nights in July and August are the busiest times. Your chances of finding a campsite on weekdays through Friday afternoon are very good.

ATTENTION: BEAR COUNTRY!

Details

All campgrounds in these parks may be visited by black bears. If these usually shy animals learn to seek human food, they may damage cars, coolers, and tents. If a bear gets very destructive, it must be killed. To prevent this, follow requirements to store your food properly year-round. Many campgrounds offer metal bear-proof boxes (box sizes are listed for each campground; avoid bringing coolers that won't fit). Check park bulletin boards for instructions when you arrive. There are no grizzly bears in these parks. While black bears can be dangerous, it is our food, not us, that they are after.

Atwell Mill Campground (in Sequoia)

Open

Open late May through October 31.

Details

In the Mineral King area along the East Fork of the Kaweah River in a once-logged sequoia grove. At 6650-foot elevation (2027m), 19 miles (31km) from Highway 198 on the steep, narrow, and winding Mineral King Road and 6 miles (10km) before the end of the road. Trailers and RVs not permitted in the campground; not recommended on the road. 21 sites,1 handicap site, pit toilets, and payphone. Within 1/2-mile of Silver City Resort with restaurant, gifts, limited supplies, and showers. Water is turned off in mid-October. *****One metal, bear-proof food-storage box provided at each campsite: 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high.

Azalea (in Kings Canyon)

Open

Open All Year

Details

In the Grant Grove area, 3-1/2 miles (5.6km) from Kings Canyon Park entrance. At 6500-foot elevation (1981m) under open stands of evergreen trees, 1/4-mile (.4km) to a sequoia grove. 110 sites, flush toilets, pay phone. Within 1/2-mile (.8km) of visitor center, market, restaurant, gift shop, and showers. In summer ranger programs offered, horseback riding nearby. *****Several metal, bear-proof food-storage boxes are provided for campsites to share: 47" long x 34" deep x 28" high.

Buckeye Flat (in Sequoia)

Open

Late spring to early September (last night open is usually the end of Labor Day weekend)

Details

In the foothills along the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River, 4 miles (6km) from Sequoia Park entrance and 12 miles (19km) from Giant Forest. Elevation 2800 feet (853m) in an open stand of oaks. 28 sites,1 handicap site, tents only, flush toilets.*****Two bear-proof food-storage boxes provided at each campsite: one is 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high, the other is 47-3/4" long x 34" deep x 22" high. There are several additional boxes for sites to share.

Canyon View (in Kings Canyon)

Open

Open as needed May to October.

Details

In Cedar Grove area near the Kings River. Elevation 4600 feet (1402m). 37 sites, flush toilets, pay phone at the village (1/4 mile/.4 km). 1/4 mile (.4km) from market, restaurant, showers, laundry, and horseback riding. Ranger programs nearby in July and August.*****One metal, bear-proof food-storage box provided at each campsite: 48" long x 34" deep x 28" high.

Cold Springs (in Sequoia)

Open

Open late May through October 31.

Details

In the Mineral King area, 23 miles (37km) up the steep, winding Mineral King Road from Highway 198. RVs and trailers not permitted (not recommended on the road). Elevation 7500 feet (2286km) in aspen trees and conifers. 31 sites and 9 walk-in sites, pit toilets, pay phone, ranger programs in July and August. 2-1/2 miles (4km) from Silver City Resort with restaurant, gifts, limited supplies, gasoline and showers. Water is turned off in mid-October. *****One metal, bear-proof food-storage box provided at each campsite: 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high.

Crystal Springs (in Kings Canyon)

Details

Open late May to mid-September. In the Grant Grove area 4 miles (6km) from Kings Canyon Park entrance. Elevation 6500 feet (1980m) in open evergreen stands, 1/4 mile (.4km) from the Grant Grove of sequoias. 36 sites and 14 mid-size, flush toilets, pay phone. Just 1/4 mile (.4km) from visitor center, market, post office, gift shop, and restaurant. In summer: ranger programs, showers, and horseback-riding nearby.*****Several metal, bear-proof food-storage boxes are provided for campsites to share: 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high.

Dorst (in Sequoia)

Open

Open late May through Labor Day (early September).

Reservations

Online or by Phone at 1-800-365-CAMP

Details

At 6800-foot (2073m) elevation near Dorst Creek, 10 miles (16km) from Giant Forest, under open stands of evergreen trees. 204 sites, flush toilets, RV disposal station, pay phone, group sites. 8 miles (13km) from Lodgepole market, deli, post office. Ranger programs in summer.*****One metal, bear-proof food-storage box provided at each campsite; sizes vary. Smallest boxes are 47 long x 17 deep x 17-3/4 high. There are several additional boxes for sites to share.

Group Campsites

Open

Approximately June through September

Details

At Grant Grove and Cedar Grove (in Kings Canyon), group campsites are available by mail-in reservation only.

Lodgepole (in Sequoia)

Open

Open All Year

Reservations

Online or by Phone at 1-800-365-CAMP

Details

At 6700-foot (2042m) elevation along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, 2 miles (3km) from the Giant Forest sequoia grove; 21 miles from Sequoia Park entrance. One metal, bear-proof food-storage box provided at each campsite: 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high. There are several additional boxes for sites to share. ********* SUMMER:214 tent and RV sites, flush toilets, RV disposal station, summer ranger programs, pay phone. Within 1/4-mile (.4km) of Lodgepole market, restaurant, gift shop,and laundry. In summer showers available. Reservations are recommended. ******** FALL/WINTER/SPRING: 25 walk-in tent sites, RV availablity limited by snow on a first-come, first-served basis. One set of flush toilets, and pay phones.

Moraine (in Kings Canyon)

Open

Open as needed May to October.

Details

Open as needed May to October. In the Cedar Grove area, down in the canyon along the Kings River. Elevation 4600 feet (1402m). 120 sites, flush toilets, pay phone in the village (3/4 mile/1.2 km). 3/4-mile (1.2km) from market, restaurant, gift shop, showers, laundry, and horseback riding. Ranger programs in July and August.*****One metal, bear-proof food-storage box provided at each campsite: 48" long x 34" deep x 28" high.

Potwisha (in Sequoia)

Open

Open All Year

Details

On the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River, 4 miles (6.5km) from Sequoia Park entrance, under an open stand of oaks. At 2100-foot (640m) elevation (hot in summer, snow-free in winter) 12 miles (19km) from the Giant Forest sequoia grove. 43 sites, 1 handicap site, flush toilets, RV disposal station, and pay phone. Ranger programs on summer weekends.*****Two bear-proof food-storage boxes provided at each campsite: one is 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high, the other is 47-3/4" long x 34" deep x 22" high.

Sentinel (in Kings Canyon)

Open

Open late April to mid-November.

Details

In the Cedar Grove area, down in the canyon along the Middle Fork of the Kings River. At 4600-foot (1402m) elevation under open stands of evergreen trees. 83 sites, flush toilets, pay phone in the village (1/4 mile/.4 km). Within 1/4-mile (.4km): market, restaurant, gift shop,showers, laundry, and horseback riding. Ranger programs July-early September. The road to this area closes in mid-November. *****One metal, bear-proof food-storage box provided at each campsite: 48" long x 34" deep x 28" high. There are several additional boxes for sites to share.

Sheep Creek (in Kings Canyon)

Open

Open as needed May to October.

Details

In the Cedar Grove area, down in the canyon near the Kings River. Elevation 4600 feet (1402m). 111 sites, flush toilets, pay phone in the village (1/2 mile/.8 km). 1/2-mile (.8km) from showers, laundry, restaurant, market, gift shop, horseback riding. Ranger programs in July and August.*****One metal, bear-proof food-storage box provided at each campsite: 48" long x 34" deep x 28" high. There are several additional boxes for sites to share.

South Fork (in Sequoia)

Open

Open All Year

Details

In the foothills on the South Fork of the Kaweah River. On South Fork Drive 13 miles (21km) from Highway 198. Elevation 3600 feet (1100m), where the oaks stop and evergreens begin. 13 sites, NO drinking water, pit toilets. The last miles of the road to this campground is unpaved, and may be slippery when wet.*****One metal, bear-proof food-storage box provided at each campsite: 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high.

Sunset (in Kings Canyon)

Details

In the Grant Grove area, 3 miles (5km) from Kings Canyon Park entrance. Elevation 6500 feet (1980m)in an open stand of evergreens 1/4 mile (.4km) from a sequoia grove. 157 sites, flush toilets, and payphone. 1/4 mile from visitor center, market, restaurant, gift shop, and showers. In summer: ranger programs and horseback riding nearby.*****Several metal, bear-proof food-storage boxes are provided for campsites to share: 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high.

Campgrounds you can reserve online

Onion Valley Campground

Mileage:14 mi

Description: Located in the eastern Sierra, thirteen miles west of the town of Independence, California, near Kearsarge Pass, Robinson Lake, and Golden Trout Lakes Trailheads. Elevation is 9,200 feet. Restrooms are provided. Firewood is for sale on-site. Trailers are not recommended. Tent Trailers are OK. Some sites are available on a first come, first serve basis.
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Grays Meadows Campground

Mileage:16 mi

Description: Located in the eastern Sierra, six miles west of the town of Independence, California near Onion Valley and the Shepherd Pass Trailhead. Campground is located next to a stream that is stocked weekly. Sites 10, 12, 13, 14, 40, 41, 46, and 51 are close to the creek. Night time security patrols are provided during periods of high bear activity. Early trout fishing season starts first weekend in March. Some sites available on a first come, first serve basis. Firewood for sale in campground.
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Cove Group Campground

Mileage:17 mi

Description: This USFS group campground is part of the Hume Lake Ranger District, Sequoia National Forest. It is located approx. 95 miles NE of Fresno, adjacent to Sequoia National Park. Hume Lake is approx. 18 miles from the campground, offering swimming, trout fishing, boating and hiking. Normal season dates are 5/15 to 9/15. 1/4 mile to gas, store, showers.This facility is operated by California Land Management. Your comments are appreciated; comment forms are available from campground hosts or directly at www.clm-services.com., Giant Sequoia Mercantile Now Open In Springville, CA The Giant Sequoia Mercantile offers a wide variety of books, maps, gifts, local art, and other merchandise that will serve to make your trip to the Monument more memorable. Begining in mid-June 2009 - the Giant Sequoia Mercantile will also be offering a variety of camping equipment and supplies making it the perfect place to stop for those last minute items you may have left at home., A second Giant Sequoia Mercantile is scheduled to open on the 4th of July at 13247 Sierra Way in Kernville, CA - the southern gateway to the Giant Sequoia National Monunment.
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Stony Creek / Sequoia Campground

Mileage:17 mi

Description: This USFS campground is part of the Hume Lake Ranger District, Sequoia National Forest. It is located approx. 80 miles NE of Fresno, adjacent to Sequoia National Park. Hume Lake is about 18 miles from the campground, offering swimming, trout fishing, boating and hiking. Normal season dates are 5/15 to 10/1. One quarter mile to gas and store, firewood sold on-site. This facility is operated by California Land Management. Your comments are appreciated; comment forms are available from campground hosts or directly at clm-services.com., Giant Sequoia Mercantile Now Open In Springville, CAThe Giant Sequoia Mercantile offers a wide variety of books, maps, gifts, local art, and other merchandise that will serve to make your trip to the Monument more memorable. Beginning in mid-June 2009 - the Giant Sequoia Mercantile will also be offering a variety of camping equipment and supplies making itthe perfect place to stop for those last minute items you may have left at home., A second Giant Sequoia Mercantile is scheduled to open on the 4th of July at 13247 Sierra Way in Kernville, CA - the southern gateway to the Giant Sequoia National Monument.
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Whitney Portal Campground

Mileage:17 mi

Description: Whitney Portal is located in the eastern Sierra, 13 miles west of Lone Pine, CA. This campground is adjacent to Whitney Creek. Roads are paved. Restrooms are provided. Firewood is available for sale. Small store with showers nearby. Popular activities include hiking and fishing. Whitney Portal is 1/2 mile from Mt. Whitney, Meysan Lake, National Recreation trailheads.
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Big Meadows Cabin Campground

Mileage:18 mi

Description: No bedding or linens provided. However, out-of-state or out-of-country guests call 559-338-2251 to make special arrangements
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Fir Group Campground

Mileage:18 mi

Description: This USFS group campground is part of the Hume Lake Ranger District, Sequoia National Forest. It is located approx. 95 miles NE of Fresno, adjacent to Sequoia National Park. Hume Lake is approx. 18 miles from the campground, offering swimming, trout fishing, boating and hiking. Normal season dates are 5/15 to 9/15. 1/4 mile to gas, store, showers. This facility is operated by California Land Management. Your comments are appreciated; comment forms are available from campground hosts or directly at clm-services.com., Giant Sequoia Mercantile Now Open In Springville, CAThe Giant Sequoia Mercantile offers a wide variety of books, maps, gifts, local art, and other merchandise that will serve to make your trip to the Monument more memorable. Beginning in mid-June 2009 - the Giant Sequoia Mercantile will also be offering a variety of camping equipment and supplies making it the perfect place to stop for those last minute items you may have left at home., A second Giant Sequoia Mercantile is scheduled to open on the 4th of July at 13247 Sierra Way in Kernville, CA - the southern gateway to the Giant Sequoia National Monument.
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Lone Pine Campground

Mileage:19 mi

Description: Located in the eastern Sierra, six miles west of the town of Lone Pine, California. Campground is seven miles from Whitney Trailhead. Firewood is for sale at the campground. Popular activities include hiking and fishing. Restrooms are provided. Some first come, first serve sites may be available.
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Aspen Hollow Campground

Mileage:23 mi

Description: This USFS group campground is part of the Hume Lake Ranger District, Sequoia National Forest. It is located approximately 85 miles NE of Fresno, adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park. Hume Lake is approximately one mile from the campground, offering swimming, trout fishing, boating and hiking. Normal season dates are 5/15 to 9/15. This facility is operated by California Land Management.Your comments are appreciated; comment forms are available from campground hosts or directly at www.clm-services.com., Giant Sequoia Mercantile Now Open In Springville, CA The Giant Sequoia Mercantile offers a wide variety of books, maps, gifts, local art, and other merchandise that will serve to make your trip to the Monument more memorable. Beginning in mid-June 2009 - the Giant Sequoia Mercantile will also be offering a variety of camping equipment and supplies - making it the perfect place to stop for those last minute items you may have left at home., A second Giant Sequoia Mercantile is scheduled to open on the 4th of July at 13247 Sierra Way in Kernville, CA - the southern gateway to the Giant Sequoia National Monument.
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Logger Flat Campground

Mileage:23 mi

Description: This USFS group campground is part of the Hume Lake Ranger District, Sequoia National Forest. It is located approx. 85 miles NE of Fresno, adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park. Hume Lake is approx. three miles from the campground, offering swimming, trout fishing, boating and hiking. Normal season dates are 5/15 to 9/15. Three miles to gas and store.This facility is operated by California Land Management. Your comments are appreciated; comment forms are available from campground hosts or directly at www.clm-services.com, Giant Sequoia Mercantile Now Open In Springville, CAThe Giant Sequoia Mercantile offers a wide variety of books, maps, gifts, local art, and other merchandise that will serve to make your trip to the Monument more memorable. Beginning in mid-June 2009 - the Giant Sequoia Mercantile will also be offering a variety of camping equipment and supplies making it the perfect place to stop for those last minute items you may have left at home., A second Giant Sequoia Mercantile is scheduled to open on the 4th of July at 13247 Sierra Way in Kernville, CA - the southern gateway to the Giant Sequoia National Monument.
More Info on this Campground

Note: All mileage numbers are "as the crow flies"