Best place to camp in sequoia national park

What is Sequoia National Park well known for?

Sequoia National Park is a place like no other. At first, that may be hard to believe since there are trees, lakes, streams, waterfalls, and hiking trails, just like other forested parks, but Sequoia has giants that have stood tall for more than 2,000 years!

The sequoia trees are recognized as the largest living things on Earth! A sequoia known as General Sherman is the largest tree still living on the planet and has been dated back to the first century.

Redwood trees may be the world’s tallest tree, but sequoias, while still incredibly tall, have a massive trunk that makes them the world’s largest. If you haven’t stood next to a sequoia, it is an experience to add to your summer bucket list.

If giant trees aren’t enough to excite you, perhaps the underground Crystal Cave and Moro Rock align more with your interests.

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Image Credit: https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm

How many acres Sequoia National Park?

Established on September 25, 1980, and covering an area of 202,430 acres, or 316 square miles, Sequoia National Park is less than half the size of Yosemite. Still, it provides days’ worth of exploration and adventure time. Within the park’s borders are seven campgrounds and one lodge.

How much does it cost to camp in Sequoia National Park?

Plan and secure a national park pass and campground reservation before hitting the road. For $80, you can get an America the Beautiful National Park Pass valid for twelve months at over 400 national parks.

For reservations, create an account at recreation.gov to view available sites. Usually, reservations are available six months before camping trips, but Sequoia National Park has recently decided to limit reservations to 30 days. Site reservations go fast during the summer months, June through September, so it is recommended not to hesitate or wait to book once your planned travel dates are within 30 days (camping on July 10, book by June 10).

When adding a reservation date to your cart, it will only be held for 15 minutes before being released. May and October are less busy but check for weather and road conditions to avoid undesirable conditions.

Sequoia national park RV camping

RV camping is not prohibited in Sequoia, but there are enforced restrictions. Each campground will have a list of site-specific rules to help new and returning visitors. There are no RV hookups at any of the seven campgrounds, but three have dump stations: Lodgepole, Dorst Creek, and Potwisha.

Can dogs camp at Sequoia National Park?

Pets are allowed in campgrounds but not on hiking trails or left alone at a campsite. Campground-specific pet rules are available online through the park service website or individual camps.


Campgrounds in Sequoia National Park

Does Sequoia National Park have campgrounds?

Yes, within the park’s borders are seven campgrounds and one lodge. Below we have created a list of the best campsites in Sequoia National Park.

Dorst Creek Campground


Dorst Creek is in the northern part of Lodgepole. With 218 sites to choose from, this campground is larger and known to be more social. Campsites are $22 a night, and on-site facilities include a payphone, flush toilets, and laundry. The Sequoia Shuttle provides transportation to and from the Giant Forest and General Sherman. Reservations can be made online for RVs and tents. There is no max length restriction for RVs at Dorst Creek.

Unfortunately, Dorst Creek was severely damaged by recent wildfires. As damage continues to be evaluated and repairs are made, the campground will remain closed. As the second most convenient camping spot in the park, a 2023 reopening is hoped for, but it is still too early to tell.

Address: Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271

Phone: (559) 565-4488

Lodgepole Campground Upper Loop


Lodgepole is the most visited campground within the national park. Camping spots can be reserved from late April to late November for $22 a night. If you prefer camping outside reservation dates, all 214 sites are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Flush toilets and coin-operated showers are on-site. RVs are allowed here, with a max length of 42 feet.

More centrally located in the park, some of the best campsites can be found upstream along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River. Sequoia Shuttle will transport between park sites and trailheads. Most of the popular hiking trails can be accessed from Lodgepole.

Address: 47050 Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271

Phone: (559) 565-3341

Potwisha Campground


Potwisha Campground is set apart from the others due to the foothill location being grassier and more open with random oak trees instead of giant sequoias. The Middle Fork of the Kaweah River flows along one side of the area, but the temperatures will be noticeably hotter here. A benefit to the change in environment is being able to stay open year-round for camping enthusiasts. Tents and RVs can make reservations for $22 a night at any of the 42 available campsites, but the max RV length is only 24 feet.

Located in: Sequoia National Park

Address: California 93262

Phone: (559) 565-3341

Buckeye Flat Campground


Buckeye Flat is a smaller campground only seven miles from the main park entrance in the foothill region. All 28 campsites are $22 a night and tent-only. No RVs are permitted. The Kaweah River can be heard from within the campground but not visible from the campsites. Hosting fewer sites allows room to spread out and not feel uncomfortably close to other campers. If Dorst Creek is the social campground, this would be the relaxed and quiet opposite.

Address: Sequoia National Park, California 93262

Phone: (559) 565-3341

Atwell Mill Campground


Atwell Mill Campground is on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations are needed to stay at this small, 21-site location. For $12 a night, tent campers can enjoy the sounds of nature and have a unique camping experience. There is potable water, vault toilets, and a payphone when the campground is open. RVs are not allowed to stay in Atwell.

While staying at Atwell, the Sierras are readily available for exploring. The giant sequoias are about 1.5 hours north if you want to take a scenic drive.

Address: Mineral King Rd, Three Rivers, CA 93271

Cold Springs Campground


Forty tent-only sites are available at Cold Springs. This is an excellent choice if you want an alpine adventure without hiking through the backcountry. Reservations may not always be required, but checking first before hoping to find a site on first-come, first-serve grounds is recommended. Remote camping can be accomplished for only $12 a night between late May and early October.

Address: Mineral King Rd, Three Rivers, CA 93271

Phone: (559) 565-3341

South Fork Campground


South Fork Campground is the smallest of all seven, with only ten tent-only camping sites. Located in the foothill region, this is the only other campground open year-round. If the Giant Forest, General Sherman, or Sequoia Grove is on your to-do list, plan for two or more hours of driving time to get from South Fork to any of the main attractions. The road to the campsite is dirt and gravel, making it rough for low-clearance vehicles and winter access. Vault toilets are on-site, but there is no running water available.

Bears and other wildlife are common threats to campers at the seven Sequoia campgrounds. To prevent wildlife problems, food lockers are available at every campsite. Park rangers expect to see all food, trash, and scented items properly locked away when not used. The lockers may vary in size at each campsite, but most will fit a full-size cooler with some extra room. Check campground rules and policies for more detailed information about each location.

Address: S Fork Dr, Three Rivers, CA 93271

Phone: (559) 565-3341

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