Pumpkin carriage adventures

Camping at Sequoia kings canyon national parks will offer an unforgettable experience. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, located in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, offers fantastic camping opportunities in the great nature.

These parks are renowned for their giant sequoia trees, rugged mountain landscapes, and diverse ecosystems. There are many scenic points to visit and hiking trails to go for in this national park.

In this post, I will go over the key points to know when planning for camping trip at Sequoia and kings canyon national parks.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are located in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, USA. These two adjacent parks are managed as one unit and offer a combined area of over 800,000 acres of protected wilderness.

Sequoia National Park is situated in the southern Sierra Nevada, Sequoia National Park is renowned for its giant sequoia trees, including the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume. The park is located east of Visalia, California, and is accessible via Highway 198.

Kings Canyon National Park is adjacent to Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park features rugged mountain landscapes, deep canyons, and the Kings River. The park is accessed via the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway (California Highway 180) east of Fresno, California.

Together, these parks offer a diverse range of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives amidst some of the most breathtaking landscapes in California.

Getting to Sequoia Kings Canyon National Parks from Los Angeles:

1. By Car:
   • Start by heading north on Interstate 5 (I-5) toward the city of Bakersfield.
   • Continue on I-5 until you reach the interchange with California State Route 99 (CA-99) just north of Bakersfield.
   • Take CA-99 North toward Visalia. Follow signs for Visalia/Fresno.
   • In Visalia, take the exit for California State Route 198 (CA-198) East. Follow the signs for Sequoia National Park.
   • CA-198 will take you into Sequoia National Park, where you’ll find various attractions and trailheads.
   • To access Kings Canyon National Park, continue on CA-198 East. After passing through Three Rivers, you’ll reach the entrance to Kings Canyon National Park.
2. By Bus or Shuttle:
   • Several companies offer bus tours or shuttle services from Los Angeles to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. These services typically include transportation, guided tours, and sometimes accommodations.
   • Check with tour operators or shuttle companies for availability, schedules, and pricing.
3. By Air:
   • While there are no airports directly within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, you can fly into Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) or Bakersfield Meadows Field Airport (BFL), both of which are relatively close to the parks.
   • From the airport, you can rent a car and drive to the parks following the directions mentioned above.

Campgrounds:

Camping at Sequoia kings canyon national parks requires some planning to do since there are so many things you can enjoy. Shown below is the map of Sequoia Kings Canyon National Parks. As shown in the map below, the parks offer several campgrounds, both developed and primitive, providing a range of camping experiences to suit different preferences.

Here are list of some of the popular campgrounds within Sequoia Kings Canyon National Parks:

Lodgepole campground:

Lodgepole Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in Sequoia National Park, offering visitors a convenient location near many of the park’s attractions. Here’s what you need to know about Lodgepole Campground:

1. Location: Lodgepole Campground is located in the heart of Sequoia National Park in the Lodgepole village. It is situated along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, providing a picturesque setting surrounded by towering trees and stunning mountain scenery. Shuttle buses are available from Lodgepole campground connecting to some of the key destinations.
2. Amenities: The campground offers a range of amenities to make your stay comfortable, including:
   • Campsites: Lodgepole Campground has over 200 campsites available for tents and RVs. Sites are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage lockers.
   • Restrooms: Modern restroom facilities with flush toilets and sinks are available for campers.
   • Drinking Water: Potable water is available at various locations throughout the campground.
   • Visitor Center: The Lodgepole Visitor Center is nearby, providing information about the park’s attractions, trail conditions, and ranger-led programs.
3. Reservations: Lodgepole Campground accepts reservations, which are highly recommended, especially during the peak summer months. Reservations can be made online through the National Park Service reservation system. Here is the link to their website https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/index.htm
4. Nearby Attractions: Lodgepole Campground is conveniently located near many of Sequoia National Park’s top attractions, including:
   • Giant Forest: Home to some of the largest trees on Earth, including the General Sherman Tree, the Giant Forest is a must-see destination for visitors to the park.
   • Moro Rock: A granite dome offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, accessible via a steep staircase carved into the rock.
   • Crescent Meadow: A beautiful meadow surrounded by giant sequoias, with several hiking trails leading to nearby attractions such as Tharp’s Log and the Tunnel Log.
   • Tokopah Falls: A scenic hike along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River to a stunning waterfall nestled in a granite canyon.
5. Activities: Lodgepole Campground provides easy access to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, and fishing in the nearby river.

Overall, Lodgepole Campground offers a convenient and comfortable base for exploring the wonders of Sequoia Kings Canyon National Parks, with its prime location, amenities, and proximity to top attractions making it a popular choice for visitors.

Dorst Creek campground:

Dorst Creek Campground is a popular camping destination within Sequoia Kings Canyon National Parks. Here’s a brief overview:

• Location: Dorst Creek Campground is located in Sequoia National Park, near the Giant Forest area and the Generals Highway. Dorst creek campground is located 9 miles away from Lodgepole campground but shuttle connections are available.
• Amenities: The campground offers campsites equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage lockers. Restroom facilities with flush toilets and drinking water are available. Additionally, the campground provides easy access to hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.
• Reservations: Reservations are recommended, especially during the peak summer season. Campsites can be reserved online through the National Park Service reservation system. Here is the link to their website https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/index.htm
• Nearby Attractions: Dorst Creek Campground is close to many popular attractions within Sequoia National Park, including the Giant Forest, Moro Rock, Crescent Meadow, and Tokopah Falls. Visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the park’s iconic sequoia groves.

Overall, Dorst Creek Campground offers a convenient and comfortable camping experience amidst the stunning natural beauty of Sequoia Kings Canyon National Parks.

Potwisha campground:

Potwisha Campground is a popular camping site located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains within Sequoia National Park. Here’s a brief summary:

• Location: Potwisha Campground is situated in the foothills of Sequoia National Park, close to the town of Three Rivers, California. It is conveniently located near the park entrance, making it easily accessible for visitors.
• Amenities: The campground offers basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage lockers at each campsite. Vault toilets and drinking water are available within the campground. However, there are no hookups for RVs.
• Reservations: Reservations are recommended, especially during the peak season (spring through fall). Campsites can be reserved online through the National Park Service reservation system. Here is the link to their website https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/index.htm
• Nearby Attractions: Potwisha Campground provides easy access to various hiking trails and scenic viewpoints within Sequoia National Park. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the Hospital Rock, Marble Falls, and the Ash Mountain entrance to the park.

Overall, Potwisha Campground offers a convenient and peaceful camping experience in a beautiful natural setting, making it an ideal base for exploring Sequoia National Park.

Grant Grove campground:

Grant Grove Campground is a popular camping destination located in Kings Canyon National Park, California. Here’s a brief summary:

• Location: Grant Grove Campground is situated within Kings Canyon National Park, near the Grant Grove area. It is conveniently located close to the General Grant Tree, one of the largest sequoias in the world, and other notable attractions in the park.
• Amenities: The campground offers basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage lockers at each campsite. Vault toilets and drinking water are available within the campground. However, there are no hookups for RVs.
• Reservations: Reservations are recommended, especially during the peak season (spring through fall). Campsites can be reserved online through the National Park Service reservation system. Here is the link to their website https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/index.htm
• Nearby Attractions: Grant Grove Campground provides easy access to various hiking trails and scenic viewpoints within Kings Canyon National Park. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the General Grant Tree, the Gamlin Cabin, and the Grant Grove Visitor Center.

Overall, Grant Grove Campground offers a convenient and picturesque camping experience amidst the stunning giant sequoias of Kings Canyon National Park.

Azalea campground:

Azalea Campground is a picturesque camping site located in Kings Canyon National Park, California. Here’s a brief summary:

• Location: Azalea Campground is nestled within Kings Canyon National Park, near the Grant Grove area. It offers a serene setting surrounded by towering sequoia trees and scenic landscapes.
• Amenities: The campground provides basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage lockers at each campsite. Vault toilets and drinking water are available within the campground. However, there are no hookups for RVs.
• Reservations: Reservations are recommended, especially during the peak season (spring through fall). Campsites can be reserved online through the National Park Service reservation system. Here is the link to their website https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/index.htm
• Nearby Attractions: Azalea Campground offers easy access to various hiking trails and attractions within Kings Canyon National Park. Visitors can explore nearby highlights such as the General Grant Tree, North Grove Loop Trail, and the Grant Grove Visitor Center.

Overall, Azalea Campground provides a tranquil camping experience amidst the natural beauty of Kings Canyon National Park, making it an ideal retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Sequoia kings canyon national parks offers variety of campgrounds. There are also several group campgrounds available in the Cedar grove, Hume lake, and Sequoia national forest area. You can check out more detail at their website. https://www.californiasbestcamping.com/seki/sequoia_kings_canyon_map.html

Whether you’re pitching a tent under the towering sequoias or parking your RV in a scenic mountain setting, camping at Sequoia Kings Canyon National Parks provides an unforgettable wilderness experience amidst some of the most spectacular landscapes in California.