Sequoia & Kings Canyon Camping: Choosing a Campground, Reservations, and Fees

By Jocelyn Pion · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Sequoia & Kings Canyon

Yes, you can camp inside both parks. Sequoia & Kings Canyon has about 20 campgrounds spread across five geographic areas, from a forested canyon floor to elevations above 7,900 feet in the Sierra Nevada. Most sites can be reserved through Recreation.gov, sometimes six months in advance. A few remain first-come, first-served.

Campgrounds in the park (12)

• Campground Potwisha Campground see NPS · 42 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Azalea Campground recreation.gov · 110 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Cold Springs Campground see NPS · 40 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Atwell Mill Campground see NPS · 21 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Buckeye Flat Campground see NPS · 27 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Sunset Campground see NPS · 158 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Crystal Springs Campground see NPS · 35 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Crystal Springs Campground Group Sites see NPS · 14 sites Directions ↗
• Campground South Fork Campground see NPS · 0 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Lodgepole Campground see NPS · 214 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Dorst Creek Campground see NPS · 222 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Sentinel Campground see NPS · 82 sites Directions ↗

Show interactive map Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO

Can You Camp Inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon?

Yes, camping in a designated site is allowed in both parks. Outside marked sites, dispersed camping isn't allowed in frontcountry areas, including developed areas and places near roads. Backcountry camping follows different rules, covered below.

Both parks share the same administration and entrance fee, which is $35 per vehicle, but their campgrounds are managed separately on Recreation.gov. Elevations range dramatically, from about 1,300 feet in the Foothills to more than 13,100 feet in the Sierra. The campground you choose determines both the atmosphere and the activities you can reach on foot from your site.

Campgrounds Inside the Park

Foothills (Sequoia, low elevation, year-round)

Potwisha (42 sites, open year-round) is Sequoia's most accessible campground. At about 2,100 feet, it's still practical in winter when snow closes the Generals Highway. Running water and flush toilets are available. It accommodates tents and RVs.

Buckeye Flat (28 sites, tents only, closed in winter) sits in a pleasant setting along the Marble Fork. RVs and trailers aren't allowed.

Giant Forest and Lodgepole (Sequoia, about 6,600 feet)

This is the main area for sleeping among the giant sequoias.

Lodgepole (about 214 sites) is Sequoia's largest campground. It has running water, flush toilets, a dump station, and a grocery store and laundry at Lodgepole Village, just a few minutes away on foot. It's open from spring through fall, with some sites kept open in winter depending on conditions. Reservations are required during peak season.

Dorst Creek (about 218 sites, seasonal) lies a little farther north along the Generals Highway. It has plenty of capacity and works well for groups and families. Sites go quickly when the Recreation.gov reservation window opens.

Mineral King (Sequoia, remote area, about 7,900 feet)

You reach Mineral King by a narrow road that runs for about 12 miles and doesn't allow RVs or trailers. The challenging drive pays off with solitude and alpine scenery.

Atwell Mill (about 21 sites, seasonal) and Cold Springs (about 40 sites, seasonal) offer primitive facilities, including drinking water and pit toilets. Expect a true high-country setting.

Grant Grove (Kings Canyon, about 6,600 feet)

Grant Grove is the first area you'll reach when coming from Fresno on Highway 180. It has several campgrounds near the General Grant Tree.

Azalea (about 110 sites) is the only year-round campground in Grant Grove. It has running water and flush toilets.

Crystal Springs (about 36 sites) and Sunset (about 157 sites) are seasonal. Sunset is especially well suited to families, with plenty of space and direct access to the trails in Grant Grove.

Cedar Grove (Kings Canyon, canyon floor, about 4,600 feet)

Cedar Grove is accessible via Highway 180, about 31 miles east of Grant Grove. The road closes in winter. This is the park's most dramatic area, with campgrounds lining the Kings River on the floor of a granite canyon.

Sentinel (about 82 sites), Sheep Creek (about 111 sites), Canyon View (about 16 sites), and Moraine (about 120 sites) follow one another along the road through Cedar Grove. All are seasonal, generally open from May through October. Sheep Creek and Moraine have the most capacity. Canyon View works well for small groups looking for a little more peace and quiet.

RV or Tent: Which Site Should You Choose?

Most campgrounds in the park accommodate both tents and RVs, but you'll want to know about a few restrictions before you go.

Maximum vehicle length: Most campgrounds along the Generals Highway, including Lodgepole, Dorst, Azalea, and Sentinel, accept vehicles up to about 23 to 30 feet, depending on the site. A few sites for larger units, up to 39 feet, are available at Lodgepole and Sentinel. Check the limits when you make your reservation.

Areas closed to RVs and trailers: Mineral King has a road that's too narrow, and Buckeye Flat is tents only. If you're traveling by RV, rule out these two areas.

Hookups: The park's campgrounds don't have water, electric, or sewer hookups. Bring a battery or generator if you need one. The Sequoia & Kings Canyon RV camping guide covers all the restrictions that apply to motorized vehicles.

Camping Nearby: Private Campgrounds Outside the Park

When the park is full, which is common in July and August, several private campgrounds and Sequoia National Forest campgrounds are available within a few miles of the entrances.

On the Highway 198 side of Sequoia, the town of Three Rivers offers a range of lodging, including campgrounds along the Kaweah River. On the Highway 180 side of Kings Canyon, several Sequoia National Forest sites sit near Grant Grove. These alternatives are valuable when the park is full or when you're arriving in the off-season and some of the park campgrounds are closed.

For lodges, cabins, and hotels in and around the park, see all your options in the Sequoia & Kings Canyon lodging guide.

Backcountry Camping

Backcountry camping is allowed in designated wilderness areas in both parks with a wilderness permit.

You can get permits through Recreation.gov for most trailheads. During peak season, from June through September, some permits go on sale six months in advance. A first-come, first-served allotment is available the evening before at the area's ranger station.

Follow the basic rules. Camp at least 200 feet from water sources and trails, bury or pack out organic waste, and leave no trace. You must store food in an approved bear canister or in bear boxes when they're available. The Sequoia & Kings Canyon hiking guide covers the high-country routes that combine multi-day treks with nights in the wilderness.

How and When to Reserve a Campsite in Sequoia & Kings Canyon

One reservation platform: Recreation.gov is the reservation portal for all reservable sites in both parks.

Reservation window: Recreation.gov opens reservations six months, or 180 days, before your arrival date. The most popular campgrounds, led by Lodgepole and Cedar Grove, can sell out within minutes of opening. Log on at midnight Pacific Time on the day reservations open if you're targeting a July or August weekend.

First-come, first-served sites: Some sites at each campground can't be reserved in advance. Arrive early in the morning, before 9 a.m., to improve your chances, preferably on a weekday.

Maximum stay: During peak season, stays are often limited to 14 consecutive nights per campground.

The best time to camp at higher elevations, including Giant Forest and Cedar Grove, is June through September. Spring and fall are more comfortable in the Foothills. The When to Visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon guide details conditions by area and month.

Fees: How Much Does a Night of Camping Cost in Sequoia & Kings Canyon?

Sites in developed campgrounds, including Lodgepole, Dorst, Sentinel, Azalea, and Sunset, cost about $22 to $26 per night. Primitive campgrounds in Mineral King are less expensive, at about $12 to $15 per night.

In addition to the campsite fee, you'll pay:

• The park entrance fee: $35 per vehicle, valid for seven days in both parks.
• Recreation.gov reservation fees: about $8 to $10 per transaction, nonrefundable.

The America the Beautiful pass ($80 per year) covers entrance fees at all federal recreation sites in the United States. It pays for itself starting with your second national park visit. For entrance fees and annual passes, see the National Parks Fees & Passes page.

Camping Safety and Best Practices

Black Bears: Food Storage Is Required

Sequoia & Kings Canyon is home to a large population of black bears (Ursus americanus). Bears frequently visit campgrounds, especially in summer and fall.

Follow this absolute rule. Store all food, drinks, and scented items, including toothpaste, cosmetics, and trash, in the bear boxes, the metal lockers at each site, or in a bear canister. Never leave anything in your vehicle. Bears will break windows to get at a forgotten cooler. You may be fined for failing to follow the rules. The Sequoia & Kings Canyon wildlife guide explains what to do if you encounter a bear on the trail.

Ticks and Rattlesnakes

Foothills trails are prone to ticks from March through July. Wear long clothing and check yourself after every outing. Rattlesnakes frequent sunny, rocky areas at lower elevations. Stay on marked trails and watch where you put your hands.

Cold Nights at Higher Elevations

Even in midsummer, nights at 6,600 feet can drop to around 41 to 46°F. A sleeping bag rated for 32°F comfort is recommended in higher-elevation areas. Overnight freezes are possible at Giant Forest and Cedar Grove in May and September.

Which Campground Is Right for You?

Families with children: Lodgepole, for its full services and nearby giant sequoias, or Sunset in Grant Grove, with plenty of capacity and easy trails.

RV or van travelers: Potwisha, for its low elevation, year-round opening, and easy access, or Lodgepole, with a dump station and grocery store.

Hikers and wilderness lovers: Atwell Mill or Cold Springs in Mineral King, for solitude and direct trail access, or the Cedar Grove campgrounds for canyon outings.

Off-season, fall or winter: Potwisha and Azalea are the two campgrounds open year-round. Check road conditions before you leave. Snow chains are required on the Generals Highway as soon as the first snowfalls arrive.

To plan your entire trip, including access, routes, and activities, find every section in the Sequoia & Kings Canyon guide.

Frequently Asked Questions