Notable Campgrounds
- Best for amenities and proximity: The central Lodgepole Campground is near Lodgepole Village, Giant Forest, Kaweah River, and the Tokopah Falls trailhead.
- Best for swimmers: Open year-round, Potwisha Campground is near the park entrance, Foothills Visitor Center, and popular Kaweah River swimming spots.
- Best for Generals Highway access: Set just off the highway and shaded by oak trees, the tent-only Buckeye Flat Campground is near Paradise Creek Trail.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- From May to September, plan to reserve a campsite as soon as you know your dates. Reservable campgrounds can be booked up to one month in advance.
- If you don’t have a reservation, arrive first thing in the morning to grab a site at a first-come, first-served campground.
- Be sure to check on seasonal opening and closing dates, which vary by campground. Wildfires may cause additional closures.
When to Go
Summer is the most popular time at the park and park campgrounds. A free summer shuttle takes visitors to highlights such as Moro Rock, while a paid shuttle provides transport to and from nearby towns like Three Rivers and Visalia. A winter holiday shuttle is sometimes available. In winter, the Mineral King and Cedar Grove areas are inaccessible. Visit in spring or early summer for wildflowers and waterfalls, and in early September for the Dark Sky Festival.
Know Before You Go
- Vehicle size restrictions apply in certain areas. RV hookups are not available, and dump stations are only available in summer, including at nearby US Forest Service Princess Campground near Hume Lake.
- One entrance fee covers access to Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks, plus Sequoia National Forest.
- Crystal Cave tours are available from May to September, and tickets must be purchased online or at a visitor center at least two days and up to six months in advance.
- Black bears frequent the area. Use bear-proof containers for proper food storage.
- Marmots in the Mineral King area have been known to damage cars in late spring and midsummer.
Sequoia National Park
From giant sequoias to marble caves and granite domes, the second oldest national park is a wonder.
Gaze up as you walk among some of the largest trees in the world in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains of California. Sequoia National Park’s aptly named Giant Forest is where you’ll find the largest of them all—the General Sherman tree—although there are plenty of other sequoia groves to explore. The park is also home to vast marble caverns, waterfalls, meadows, glacial valleys, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails. In winter, snowshoeing among sequoia trees is a magical experience. Campers can choose from 14 in-park campgrounds offering options from walk-in tent sites to RV sites.
Gaze up as you walk among some of the largest trees in the world in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains of California. Sequoia National Park’s aptly named Giant Forest is where you’ll find the largest of them all—the General Sherman tree—although there are plenty of other sequoia groves to explore. The park is also home to vast marble caverns, waterfalls, meadows, glacial valleys, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails. In winter, snowshoeing among sequoia trees is a magical experience. Campers can choose from 14 in-park campgrounds offering options from walk-in tent sites to RV sites.
Activities in the park
7 campgrounds in Sequoia National Park
Potwisha Campground gets hot in the summer! Lucky for you, it’s right by the banks of the Kaweah River’s Middle Fork, the perfect place to cool down on those hot, dry summer days, and is just a short drive from the Marble Falls. Experience Sequoia National Park camping year round. Potwisha campground is located in the low Sierra Foothills, allowin Read more...
Set up camp in the lush Sierra Highlands for spectacular wildlife spotting. Summers are hot and dry, so you’ll want to take cover under the shade of the Live Oaks, or go for a dip down in the nearby Kaweah River’s Middle Fork. This small campground has one wheelchair accessible site and is conveniently located next to the Paradise Creek trail to t Read more...
Travel down a rough dirt road into the foothills for some remote Sequoia National Park camping at South Fork Campground, named for its location at the South Fork of the Kaweah River. Two nearby trailheads lead to lots of hilly climbs through oak trees and evergreens, making South Fork the perfect place to get your hike on. You can set up your tent Read more...
Sequoia National Park camping might be a popular activity for nature-seeking tourists worldwide, but you'd never know it here. If you're looking for a true respite from civilization, this is it. It's a full hour from the town of Three Rivers and almost two hours from the Sequoia National Parks main entrance. Atwell Mill Campground is located 19 mi Read more...
Just because you're enjoying some good old Sequoia National Park camping doesn't mean you have to limit yourself to only sequoia trees. Make yourself at home amongst the aspen trees and conifers, or wander the nearby trails to enjoy rocky mountain views. Choose from rivers, creeks, or lakes, all within hiking distance for some crisp, cold water. Read more...
At 6,700 feet of elevation on the banks of the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, Lodgepole Campground is one of the best places to stay in Sequoia National Park. Its central location is close to the Lodgepole Visitors Center, the famed General Sherman tree, the Giant Forest grove, and the Moro Rock trailhead. This gorgeous campground is dotted with Read more...
You should never have to choose between convenience and open space when it comes to Sequoia National Park camping! Dorst Creek campground is the perfect choice for large groups, or those traveling with RVs and trailers. Four large campsite sections are spread out above the peaceful banks of the Dorst Creek, and paved roads make this campground a p Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Summer is the most popular time at the park and park campgrounds. A free summer shuttle takes visitors to highlights such as Moro Rock, while a paid shuttle provides transport to and from nearby towns like Three Rivers and Visalia. A winter holiday shuttle is sometimes available. In winter, the Mineral King and Cedar Grove areas are inaccessible. Visit in spring or early summer for wildflowers and waterfalls, and in early September for the Dark Sky Festival.
Know Before You Go
Frequently asked questions
Can you camp anywhere in Sequoia National Park?
Yes, you can camp in Sequoia National Park, but camping is restricted to designated campgrounds and specific backcountry areas with a wilderness permit. Sequoia National Park offers a variety of campgrounds, including some that are open year-round. You can find more information on camping options in Sequoia National Park on Hipcamp. Just remember to follow all park regulations and Leave No Trace principles when camping in Sequoia National Park.
Can you sleep in your car at Sequoia National Park?
At Sequoia National Park, you cannot sleep in your car while parked outside of designated campgrounds. However, if you have a reservation at one of the park's campgrounds, you may sleep in your car within your assigned campsite. There are several campgrounds within the park where you can reserve a spot for car camping. For more information and to find available campsites, visit Hipcamp.
How much does it cost to camp in Sequoia National Park?
Camping fees in Sequoia National Park vary depending on the campground and the type of site you choose. Most campgrounds within the park charge between $22 and $36 per night for a standard tent or RV site. Some campgrounds also offer group sites, which can cost between $50 and $100 per night. Prices may change depending on the season and availability. For more information on camping in Sequoia National Park, visit Hipcamp.
Is camping allowed in Sequoia National Park?
Yes, camping is allowed in Sequoia National Park. The park offers a variety of campgrounds to choose from, including Lodgepole, Dorst Creek, and Buckeye Flat. Some campgrounds are open year-round, while others are seasonal. Reservations are recommended, especially during the busy summer months. Dispersed camping is not allowed within the park, but you can find dispersed camping options in the nearby Sequoia National Forest.
What is the most popular campsite in Sequoia National Park?
The most popular campsite in Sequoia National Park is Lodgepole Campground. Located in the heart of the park, it provides easy access to many of the park's main attractions, including the Giant Forest, General Sherman Tree, and Tokopah Falls. Lodgepole Campground offers a range of amenities, such as flush toilets, potable water, and a shuttle service to nearby points of interest during the summer season.
How do you get a campsite in Sequoia National Park?
To get a campsite in Sequoia National Park, you can either make a reservation in advance or try for a first-come, first-served site. Here's how:
For more information on camping in Sequoia National Park, including campground details, visit the Hipcamp Sequoia National Park page.
How do I get a campsite reservation at Sequoia National Park?
Securing a Sequoia National Park campsite reservation is usually a challenge due to the park's popularity. Camping trips typically need to be planned months in advance and even then, available campsites can book up within minutes. The good news is that you have other options for last-minute Sequoia National Park campsite reservations. Try snagging one by setting up a free Hipcamp alert for any Sequoia campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.
When should I reserve camping in Sequoia National Park?
Most Sequoia National Park campsite reservations open up months in advance. However, it's notoriously difficult to secure a Sequoia National Park reservation even if you plan ahead, as campsites are often booked up within minutes. To increase your chances of snagging a campsite, set up a free Hipcamp alert for any Sequoia campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.
Public campgrounds (book externally) —