Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Park Camping: Best Guide For Where & How!

What would happen if you took Yosemite National Park and threw it in a blender with Redwoods National Park? You would get Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks!

So, what do you do but take a family camping trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, located in California's southern Sierra Nevada mountains? Here you will find breathtaking scenery including giant sequoias, high peaks, caverns, grassy meadows, river canyons as well as plenty of wildlife. You can experience all this within two neighboring parks that have merged together to create one amazing adventure just for you.

From beautiful wildflower displays during spring months and glorious sunsets at night to awe-inspiring granite monoliths throughout the day, there is no wonder why people come from all over the world just for a chance at exploring these remarkable sights. Discover your own little slice of paradise among mountains with thousands of feet of elevation where waterfalls are plentiful and trails are endless.

We are about to trek through these parks, and their surrounding areas and nail down exactly what you cannot go without seeing. Are you in?

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Special note for 2023

Due to unusually harsh winter conditions, the only place to view the Sequoias is currently in Kings Canyon. The roads have been washed out and Sequoia National Park will continue to come online as repairs are made. Please check the parks' current conditions page for updates.

Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks - A Brief History

These parks are not only beautiful but also rich in history and cultural significance. It's important to acknowledge the indigenous tribes who have lived in the area for thousands of years and to appreciate the efforts of those who created and continue to maintain these parks for us to enjoy. There's so much to explore and discover in Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, and they're definitely worth adding to your travel itinerary.

Kings Canyon National Park

- Location: Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains in California, USA

- Size: 461,901 acres

- Became a national park in 1940

- Native American tribes in the area: Miwok, Mono, Paiute

- Created by: President Franklin D. Roosevelt and improved by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)

- Main attractions: The canyon itself, General Grant tree (the second largest tree in the world), Zumwalt Meadow, hiking trails, and wildlife such as black bears and Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep.

Sequoia National Park

- Location: Sierra Nevada mountains in California, USA

- Size: 404,051 acres

- Became a national park in 1890

- Native American tribes in the area: Yokut and Mono

- Created by: President Benjamin Harrison and John Muir

- Main attractions: Home to the giant sequoia trees, including the General Sherman tree (the largest tree in the world by volume), Moro Rock, Crystal Cave, and hiking trails such as the High Sierra Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail.

Start Here - Visitor Centers

To make the most of your visit to these amazing destinations, it's important to familiarize yourself with the parks' visitor centers. Here's what you can find when you visit each one.

Kings Canyon Visitor Center

Located just 5 miles inside the park entrance, the Kings Canyon Visitor Center is a great starting point for your journey. As far as amenities, this center is outfitted with picnic tables, restrooms, and a bookstore. The bookstore boasts a variety of books, maps, and souvenirs for visitors to purchase.

Details

The visitor center provides comprehensive information about the park's history, geology, and wildlife, as well as safety tips and campground information. Regarding reservations, only the campgrounds require them and can be booked through recreation.gov. The visitor center is free to visit, and ranger programs are offered during the summer months. Lastly, the center is only open from late May to late September, which is the peak season.

Sequoia National Park Visitor Center

The Sequoia National Park Foothills Visitor Center is located just 10 miles beyond the park entrance. This visitor center features a museum that throws light on park ecology and history and includes hands-on displays and a short movie about the park's signature sequoia trees.

Details

If you need park information, the Sequoia National Park Visitor Center is staffed by knowledgeable rangers that are happy to assist with any questions or concerns you may have. You can get campground and trailhead specifics, and make same-day reservations for certain attractions like Crystal Caves. There is no fee for the visitor center, but the Crystal Cave tour does have a fee. You must reserve a time slot for the tour.

The visitor center is open all year, except for Christmas Day. Ranger programs include a variety of offerings throughout the year, from guided walks to star-gazing events. There are also restrooms on-site, as well as picnic tables to sit at and enjoy the scenery.

Area Attractions

Here is a list of some of the key points of interest both in and around the national parks. There is so much to explore, this is just a smattering.

Sequoia National Forest

Sequoia National Forest is a magical place full of ancient giant sequoias, rushing rivers, and towering mountains. The best part is, it is right next door to Sequoia National Park! It’s home to rare wildlife such as the California condor, the giant sequoia salamander, and the western pond turtle.

In addition to breathtaking natural beauty, there are over 800 miles of hiking trails and several campgrounds for visitors to enjoy. With backcountry skiing, fishing, and swimming in mountain lakes, and an abundance of wildflowers in the springtime, and home to the Giant Sequoia National Monument, it's no wonder why this majestic forest draws visitors from all over the world every year.

Hume Lake

Located in the western part of Kings Canyon National Park, Hume Lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming. The lake offers a sandy beach and picnic areas. The entrance fee for the day use area is $10 per vehicle.

Kaweah River

A designated Wild and Scenic River, the Kaweah River flows through Sequoia National Park and offers excellent whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities. Several rafting companies offer guided trips for a fee.

Giant Sequoia Groves

Sequoia National Park is home to several giant sequoia groves, including the famous General Sherman Tree, the largest tree in the world by volume. Admission to the park is $35 per vehicle.

Cedar Grove Area

Located in the heart of Kings Canyon National Park, the Cedar Grove area offers stunning views of Kings Canyon and the surrounding mountains. There are hiking trails, picnic areas, and a campground available. Entrance to the park is $35 per vehicle.

Mineral King Area

Situated in the southern part of Sequoia National Park, the Mineral King area is known for its high alpine scenery and excellent hiking trails. There are several backcountry campsites available, but a wilderness permit is required.

General Sherman Tree

The General Sherman Tree is the world's largest tree by volume, standing 275 feet tall and measuring over 36 feet in diameter. The tree is located in the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park and is accessible via a paved trail. Admission to the park is $35 per vehicle.

Grant Grove Village

Grant Grove Village is located in Kings Canyon National Park and offers lodging, dining, and shopping options for visitors. It is also home to the famous Grant Grove of giant sequoias.

Cedar Grove Village

Located at the headwaters of Kings Canyon, the village offers spectacular views of giant sequoias and breathtaking sunsets. With plenty of hiking and biking trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas, there's something for everyone in this picturesque setting. Nearby there are opportunities to raft down the river or explore Native American archeological sites.

Other Nearby Towns

Several nearby towns offer additional lodging and dining options, including Three Rivers and Visalia.

Lodgepole Village

Lodgepole Village is located in Sequoia National Park and offers lodging, camping, dining, and shopping options for visitors. It is also the starting point for several popular hiking trails.

Hiking Trails

There are numerous hiking trails throughout Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, including the John Muir Trail, the High Sierra Trail, Paradise Creek Trail, and the Mist Falls Trail. The difficulty level varies, but many trails offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Camgrounds

If you are planning on camping in Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Park campsites, you have a few different options operated by the National Park Service to choose from. Here are some short summaries of the park campgrounds in the area starting with Sequoia National Park and then Kings Canyon National Park.

Crystal Springs Campground

Crystal Springs Campground is located in the Sequoia National Park and offers tent camping as well as RV hookups for RV camping. The fees for camping start at $22 per night and the campsite offers amenities such as flush toilets, showers, and fire pits. There are no walk in tent sites available at this location. Some of the activities at the campground include hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Potwisha Campground

Potwisha Campground is another campground located in Sequoia National Park. The camping fees are $22 per night and they offer tent camping as well as RV camping. The campground amenities include picnic tables, fire pits, and flush toilets. There are no walk-in sites available at this location. In addition to camping, visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, and fishing.

Cold Springs Campground

Located in Sequoia National Park, this campground offers tent and RV sites for $22-36 per night, respectively. Tent sites include a fire ring, picnic table, and food locker, while RV sites have electrical hookups. There are no walk-in sites. Popular activities include hiking, wildlife watching, and stargazing.

Buckeye Flat Campground

Buckeye Flat Campground is located in the Sequoia National Park and offers tent camping as well as RV camping. The fees for camping start at $22 per night and the campsite offers amenities such as flush toilets, showers, and fire pits. There are no walk-in sites available at this location. Some of the activities at the campground include hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Sheep Creek Campground

Sheep Creek Campground is situated in the Kings Canyon National Park and offers tent camping sites as well as RV sites. The camping fees start at $18 per night and amenities such as a picnic table, fire rings, and pit toilets are provided. There are no walk-in sites available at this location. Some of the activities at the campground include hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Kings Canyon Campgrounds

There are three campgrounds in Kings Canyon National Park, namely Sunset, Dorst Creek, and Lodgepole. Each campground has amenities such as flush toilets, showers, and fire pits. The fees for camping start at $22 per night and they offer tent camping as well as RV camping. Some of the activities that visitors can enjoy at these campgrounds include hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Sunset Campground

Sunset Campground is one of the three campgrounds located in Kings Canyon National Park. The camping fees are $22 per night and they offer tent camping as well as RV camping. Amenities provided here include flush toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. There are no walk-in sites available at this location. Some of the activities at the campground include hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Dorst Creek Campground

Dorst Creek Campground is another campground located in Kings Canyon National Park. The camping fees are $22 per night and they offer tent camping as well as RV camping. Amenities provided here include flush toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. There are no walk-in sites available at this location. Some of the activities at the campground include hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Lodgepole Campground

Lodgepole Campground nearby Lodgepole Village is the third campground located in Kings Canyon National Park. The camping fees are $22 per night and they offer both tent camping sites as well as RV sites. Amenities provided here include flush toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and showers. There are no walk-in sites available at this location. Some of the activities at the campground include hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Azalea Campground

Azalea Campground sits in the Kings Canyon National Park and offers tent camping as well as RV camping. The fees for camping start at $18 per night and amenities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and pit toilets are provided. There are no walk-in sites available at this location. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and fishing.

Upper Stony Creek Campground

Upper Stony Creek Campground is a forest service campground located near the Kings Canyon National Park. The camping fees start at $12 per night and the campsite offers amenities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and pit toilets. There are no RV sites available at this location, only tent camping sites. There are no walk-in sites available at this location. Some of the activities at the campground include hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Moraine Campground

Moraine Campground is another dispersed camping area located in Kings Canyon National Park. There is no camping fee required and there are no facilities available in this area. Visitors are responsible for ensuring that they leave the site clean and undamaged. Camping is restricted to designated areas only. Some of the activities that visitors can enjoy in the area include hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

South Fork Campground

South Fork Campground is also a forest service campground located near the Kings Canyon National Park. The camping fees start at $12 per night and amenities such as picnic tables, fire pits, and pit toilets are provided. There are no RV sites available at this location, only tent camping sites. There are no walk-in sites available at this location.

Forest Service Campgrounds

These campgrounds are located in and around Kings Canyon National Park. They are managed by the US Forest Service and offer a range of camping options, from tent sites to RV sites. Fees vary depending on which campground you choose, but generally range from $18 to $30 per night. Tent camping sites typically include a fire pit and picnic table, while RV sites may also have electrical hookups and access to water.

Dispersed Camping

If you're looking for a more rustic camping experience, dispersed camping may be for you. This type of camping is allowed in certain areas outside of designated campgrounds, and there are no fees or amenities offered. You'll need to bring your own supplies, including water and firewood. Be sure to check with park rangers for guidelines and permitted areas before setting up camp.

Outdoor Activities

These two stunning National Parks offer a wide variety of outdoor activities that will leave you feeling awestruck by the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Hiking

Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities here, and for good reason. With over 800 miles of hiking trails to choose from, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to picking the perfect trail. Some of the best locations for hiking include the famous High Sierra Trail, the scenic Lakes Trail, and the challenging Rae Lakes Loop.

Watersports

If you're more of a water baby, then you'll love the many opportunities for water-based activities in the area. From whitewater rafting on the Kings River to swimming and fishing in the pristine lakes, there's something for everyone. Be sure to check out Hume Lake and Grant Grove for some of the best locations for water activities.

Rock Climbing

For those looking for a more rugged adventure, rock climbing and bouldering are popular in this area. With over 1,000 established climbing routes, you'll find a challenge no matter your skill level. The Mineral King and Lover's Leap are some of the best locations for climbers and boulderers.

Wildlife Watching

Last but not least, don't miss out on the chance to go wildlife watching. Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks are home to a vast array of animals, including black bears, mountain lions, and elk. Be sure to bring your binoculars, and head to the more remote areas of the park to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures.

Wrapping Up

While Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have many similarities, they both have much to offer for adventurers of all kinds. Not only can you experience the awe-inspiring mountains from the many hiking trails provided in each park, but you can also take advantage of the majestic giant sequoias that can only be found on this side of California.

If you're looking for a weekend getaway or weeklong adventure, consider planning to visit Sequoia National Park or Kings Canyon National Park to take in the impressive scenery and create countless unforgettable memories. Whether it be fishing, camping, horseback riding, sightseeing, or anything else that strikes your fancy; it's guaranteed you'll have plenty to explore in these two neighboring parks.

I will soon begin writing about more camping adventures in an undisclosed location - so make sure to subscribe so you don't miss any amazing adventures!

~ Ron