Camping in Sequoia & Kings Canyon, CA
50 campgrounds · 3 areas · Best May through October
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks protect the largest trees on Earth and some of the deepest canyons in North America. Camping here puts you among groves of ancient giant sequoias, beneath the granite walls of Kings Canyon, and along the wild forks of the Kings River. With 14 campgrounds across both parks, you can camp from the foothills at 2,000 feet to subalpine meadows above 7,000 feet.
Why Camp in Sequoia & Kings Canyon
- ✓Camp among the largest living trees on Earth in the Giant Forest and Grant Grove
- ✓14 campgrounds spanning foothill oak woodlands to subalpine forests
- ✓Kings Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon in places with dramatic granite walls
- ✓Access to the High Sierra Trail and backcountry routes to Mount Whitney
Where to Camp in Sequoia & Kings Canyon
Lodgepole
Conifer forest, riversideThe most popular campground in Sequoia at 6,700 feet near the Giant Forest and General Sherman Tree. 204 sites along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River. Camp store, showers, and visitor center nearby. Reservable in summer.
Cedar Grove (Kings Canyon)
Canyon floor, riverside, mixed forestDeep in Kings Canyon along the South Fork Kings River at 4,600 feet. Four campgrounds with riverside sites surrounded by towering granite walls. Excellent swimming holes and access to the Rae Lakes Loop.
Mineral King
Subalpine valley, mountain meadowsRemote high-valley campgrounds at 7,500 feet reached via a narrow 25-mile mountain road. Two small campgrounds offer solitude and access to outstanding high-country hiking. Marmots are notorious for chewing car wires — bring tarps.
Top Campgrounds
Dorst Creek Campground-Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
California · 17.0 mi
Lodgepole Campground-Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
California · 12.2 mi
Canyon View Group Sites
California · 21.5 mi
Whitney Portal
California · 20.0 mi
Logger Flat Group
California · 27.1 mi
Wishon Cabin
California · 21.2 mi
Moraine Campground (CA)
California · 21.3 mi
Sentinel Campground
California · 21.8 mi
Local Tips for Sequoia & Kings Canyon
- 1.Lodgepole fills quickly in summer. Reserve on Recreation.gov; first-come, first-served sites require early morning arrival.
- 2.The Generals Highway connecting the parks is narrow and winding. RVs over 22 feet are not recommended on some sections.
- 3.Bears are very active. All campgrounds have food storage lockers — use them. Bear canisters required for backcountry trips.
- 4.Mineral King road takes 90 minutes for 25 miles. Marmots chew car wiring — wrap your vehicle's undercarriage with a tarp.
- 5.The parks are less crowded than Yosemite but equally spectacular. Weekday visits offer a quieter experience.
Activities
Experience Levels
Gear for Sequoia & Kings Canyon
Make sure you have the right equipment for camping in Sequoia & Kings Canyon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Sequoia and Kings Canyon?
They are adjacent parks managed together. Sequoia has the giant sequoia groves and General Sherman Tree. Kings Canyon has the dramatic canyon, Cedar Grove, and Grant Grove. One entrance fee covers both parks.
Can I drive through a sequoia tree?
Yes. The Tunnel Log in Sequoia is a fallen giant sequoia you can drive through (vehicles under 8 feet tall). It is on the road between the Giant Forest and Moro Rock.
Is RV camping available?
Yes, but with size restrictions. Lodgepole and some Cedar Grove campgrounds accept RVs. The Generals Highway and Kings Canyon roads have tight turns. RVs over 22 feet should check road conditions and campground limits.
How far are Sequoia and Kings Canyon from Los Angeles?
About 230 miles or 4 hours to the Sequoia entrance via Highway 99 and 198. The parks are also accessible from Fresno (about 1.5 hours to Grant Grove).
