The best camping in Manzanar National Historic Site, CA

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100% (2)

The best camping in Manzanar National Historic Site, CA

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.

5. Five Fours Camp in Three Rivers

100%
(421)
43mi from Manzanar National Historic Site · 2 sites · Tents
This is a essentially a private campsite with a million dollar view during the day, and wonderful stargazing at night! We welcome dogs and don't charge additional fees for you to bring your dog(s) to camp. The park allows dogs into the park BUT NOT ON ANY TRAILS! (Only the national “forests” allow dogs on trails, not national parks.) PLEASE, let us know you are bringing dog(s), when you request to book. We currently have 2 dogs - our boy Chance is a 6yo Husky Doberman mix; and we rescued and are fostering a (approx 3yo) Great Dane, Winston! Unfortunately, we can NOT dog sit your dog(s) while you are in the park having 2 large male dogs in our house. Also you can not leave the dog alone in the campsite. We are in Three Rivers - the southern Ash Mountain gateway to the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Our town has some wonderfully unique restaurants, creative shops and even a delicious brewery with seating next to the River! Our hillside property has great Mountain View’s and the driveway turns directly off of Sierra drive, four miles past the town center (3R post office) and just 2 miles from the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks entrance. There’s even a convenience store a quarter mile away! It's conveniently located and easy to find! You can (seasonally) hear the tranqual sounds, or all out roar of the flowing Kaweah river from across the street. Sorry, there is NO river access from this campsite. You can go to Slick Rock Recreation area, Lake Kaweah or into the parks to swim, boat, fish and more. Lake Kaweah is about 8 miles away. You drive around it after you top the hill entering Three Rivers. My wife Elizabeth and I bought our log home in 2015 and we have been dreaming and adding here ever since! Our dog Chance chases all the fun wildlife off of our property. In addition to deer, we have seen fox, bob cats, an Ocelot, too many coyotes, wild turkeys and bear crossing an animal highway along our upper hillside property line. Hawks, hummingbirds, quail, blue birds, woodpeckers and yellow bellied finches are regularly seen here as well. We have had turkey families coming through frequently recently! Owls have been heard; but not seen. We love our country home and mountain views, and look forward to sharing them with you!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$71
 / night

8. Three Rivers Sequoia Camp

100%
(15)
46mi from Manzanar National Historic Site · 1 site · Tent, RV
Welcome to your gateway to the wild! Nestled in the heart of Three Rivers, our private camp spot offers a peaceful retreat just minutes from the entrance to Sequoia National Park. Set near the North Fork of the Kaweah River, you’ll fall asleep to the sounds of flowing water and wake up to birdsong and mountain air. Whether you’re here for adventure or relaxation, this is your perfect basecamp. Spend your days exploring the park’s world-famous giant sequoias, swimming in crystal-clear river pools, hiking scenic trails, or just unwinding under the stars by your campsite. The site is tucked away in a quiet corner of our property, offering a blend of natural beauty and simple comfort. Expect clear night skies, mountain views, and the kind of serenity only the Sierra foothills can offer. You’ll have easy access to town for supplies or a bite to eat, but once you’re back at camp, you’ll feel miles away from everything. Ideal for tent campers or vanlifers looking for a peaceful, well-located spot to recharge and reconnect with nature. Includes WiFi
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$65
 / night

10. OrangeRay~Three Rivers

99%
(202)
47mi from Manzanar National Historic Site · 2 sites · Lodging
OrangeRay, home of Pixie's Place Animal Sanctuary and Hospice was founded in 2007, when I left L.A. for the forest by the river to create, and to expand my shamanic pursuits. Being that Three Rivers was home to the socialist Kaweah Colony in the 1800's; which helped in the founding of Sequoia National Park; the area is rich in history. Poet John Muir was enchanted and inspired by this area; Walt Disney fell under her spell as well when he envisioned a "Swiss Chalet" style resort which never came to fruition. The water wars of California began right here; gold rush...right here! "Kaweah" is the name given by the Indians for the sound the Crow makes. Three Rivers literally sits on slabs of quartz crystal, making rock hunting superb! As an energy practitioner, the quartz heightens the healing process; as well as creating an energy vortex. My property sits on an area that was once an Indian village, and then the school house for the children of the pioneers. There was a huge Hare Krishna Colony up here in the 60-70's. As a photographer and filmmaker, the lighting up here is amazing! The night skies literally pulsate with their celestial canopy. A great spot to sky watch as well! The property is not kid-friendly, and is not really here for children as much as it is offered for the inner child in adults. WE ARE 420 friendly which is in opposition to most "family" landscapes....so please note this is not personal but I prefer no children xo Also, I prefer no pets, as it disrupts the balance here with the animal residents :) I share fresh eggs when available :) (The shower is not available to guest :)
Toilets
Campfires
Wifi
from 
$85
 / night

11. The Mountain Chapel Campground

92%
(125)
47mi from Manzanar National Historic Site · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
While on a family backpacking excursion through Sequoia King’s Canyon National Park, and the surrounding area, we came across this charming campground. A long-forgotten chapel in the mountains that was formerly a summer camp. From here, a short 15-minute drive will take you directly to the main entrance of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park for access to the Giant Sequoias at Grant Grove and the Grant Grove Village. For those who prefer to travel off the beaten path, a short 30-minute hike will take you to the National Forest. We are excited to invite you to camp at this hidden gem, while we undertake to restore the campground to its original splendor. Easy drive to available parking, with easy access and pull through drive for any vehicle, even with trailers. For campers bringing their own tents, we provide beautiful and well- shaded sites with level ground, soft grass, tucked underneath the many old-growth trees.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night

13. Sequoia Mountain Farms

90%
(570)
48mi from Manzanar National Historic Site · 45 sites · Tents, RVs
We have over 10 acres of stunning campground conviently nestled only 15-20 minutes from the North entrance to the Sequoias and Kings Canyon! We are located between both, so you have the best access to both attractions here! We have multiple sites to accommodate every type of camping from tent camping to tents-attached-to-cars, to pop-up campers to RVs and trailers with or without power/water hookups. There are wonderful views down into the valley with off-the-chain sunsets and city lights twinkling in the valley distance! Come get away from it all and enjoy the wonderful beauty and quiet serenity of mother nature in the South West Sierras at Sequoia Mountain Farms!!! Welcome Hipcampers! PLEASE read all of the below before booking and screenshot/print the directions below. Please note we have different site types with different prices and capacities. Choose the type that's best for your group. We are outside of Bear and Marmot areas, so no Bear cans needed here. However, we are not far away and nature is wild and can be unpredictable sometimes, so please keep food in your car at night as a precaution. We have not had issues and we don't want to invite any! Hot showers, flushing toilets, deep sinks for washing and WIFI (over 70 mps in many places for you teleworkers) now available for all campers at no extra charge! ARRIVAL: THERE ARE 3 GATES HERE: RIGHT GATE: just to the right of the Giant Sequoia Tree with address sign, goes to the CAMPSITES! Look for ORANGE CONES a few feet off the highway and drive down camp road about 600 feet to the camp. MIDDLE GATE: RV1 and RV2 LEFT GATE: house, please DO NOT ENTER this gate or the house. DIRECTIONS: If you put our address in to navigation apps, sometimes it brings you to our neighbors (fire department) for some reason, even after multiple emails to google...if this happens come south/down hill about 600 feet and look for the ORANGE CONES on the same side of the road. Drive between them and down camp road to your site! (There is a pic of the site map in the posted pic's) Go to Google Maps (NOT GOOGLE SEARCH). Search for Sequoia Mountain Farms Campground. Navigator apps sometimes push folks coming from the south up the 245 highway. It is a very windy and slow climb up the hill. It is doable (even for bigger rigs), but we HIGHLY RECOMMEND continuing north on highway 99 towards Fresno and then heading east on highway 180 up the mountain. It's faster, much more scenic and a much smoother drive. This route also goes right by the nearest gas station on your way up! Heading east on highway 180, out of Fresno, the last gas station is a Valero at 35468 E Kings Canyon Rd. (aka Clingan's Junction). From Clingan's, head east on the 180 for exactly 13.8 miles to the 245 highway (it comes up quick with only 1 or 2 small signs), make a right, heading south. If you hit the park entrance, you went too far, turn around drive back about 5 min and look for the 245 on your left. Once on the 245 heading south, go 5.1 miles. On your right you will pass the 'Pinehurst Lodge', which is on google maps, an easy reference point and is 1 minute or less away (great food, bar, pool table and karaoke on weekends in the summer!). Then a few seconds later the U.S Forest Service "Work Center" is on the right and we are just past that on the same side of the road. First you will see a Giant Sequoia Tree in the front yard (campground road is just to it's right with ORANGE CONES on either side) then an apple ranch with an ole loggers cabin chimney from the late 1800s still standing in the front yard directly off the highway! If you hit the 'leaving sequoia national forest' sign and the community center, you went too far, turn around and drive 1 minute back and look for the apple ranch on your left, pass it and turn left at the ORANGE CONES. Please take note of the posted pics from directly across the street facing what you will see when you get here. PLEASE CHECK THE WEATHER: If you ask us about weather, were just going to have to look online too, so please be sure to check it yourself prior to your trip, before asking us to do it for you. Just know we are operating under the assumption that you are aware of the conditions and are prepared for them. If nature happens message us and we will do our best to assist! We look forward to seeing you soon at Sequoia Mountain Farms!! :)
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night

15. TINY in the Eastern Sierra's

100%
(1)
14mi from Manzanar National Historic Site · 1 site · Lodging
THINK TINY, THINK ADVENTURE Modern TINY (16') Home on Wheels was inspired and built with a desire for minimalism, clean lines and efficiency of space. It has all the modern amenities you need in the midst of Nature. Space is sufficient but limited. Tiny is located inside "Lone Pine Mobile Oasis" RV PARK, on the west side of HWY 395, and Lubken Canyon. There is Hwy noise and there are neighbors. Semi's do drive the Hwy during the night. Please preview location before booking. We do have WIFI! The space Our home is only 16' long (8'x16') but has a well-equipped kitchenette, full bath with a shower and a conventional toilet. The kitchenette has the basics and then some... a coffee maker, a portable induction cook top, pots and pans, cooking utensils, basic spices and condiments. It also has a Britta water pitcher/ filter for your convenience! The living / sleeping space is a twin size sofa / daybed with a pull out trundle. The foam mattress size is 38" x 75" for both beds. The top mattress is 8" thick with a weight capacity of 400 lbs and the trundle is 6" thick with a weight capacity of 250 lbs. This may not have enough support or may be uncomfortable for some. The dining space has a movable coffee table /bench /shoe rack/ storage with locking brakes and a lift up dining table / office desk. The bench also stores the 2nd comforter for the bottom bed. TINY is well insulated with Rockwool in all walls, ceiling and floor, has a built in mini split -AC/Heater with remote control, dual pane windows and doors, tinted glass and black out shades for your comfort and enjoyment. TINY only has 50 amps of power and the on demand water heater requires 50 amps. Only 2 lights are able to be used while taking a hot shower. THE BREAKER MAY SHUT DOWN AND WOULD NEED TO BE RESET. (This has not happened in over a year but, just in case) CAUTION: Things appear smaller than they feel like inside! Driving up you may think, "OMG, it's so small", but after you step inside, you will hopefully feel, "WOW, it feels bigger than it looks". The 395 highway may be too close and light sleepers may feel it is still too noisy. Please do not book and leave a bad review if this would bother you.
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
from 
$117
 / night

16. Cartago Springs

78%
(9)
29mi from Manzanar National Historic Site · 2 sites · RVs
Cartago Springs is right off of the 395 HWY, with beautiful panoramic views of the Sierra mountains with bright twinkling open skies at night. Just minutes from cotton wood creek and a short drive to the Alabama Hills and Mt. Whitney. Open land to park your trailer or RV. Star gaze and eat under the stars. Cartago wildlife area is a five minute walk down the road from the property. The Cartago Wildlife area is a protected wet land that homes many different birds and wild life, there are walking trails and a small pond to enjoy. The property sits near what was once the old Cartago dump. You can find beautiful colored glass, porcelains, neat items like silverware, car parts, old lighters, a pickers paradise. feel free to take any treasures you find home with you! If you like to ride, Olancha dunes is just down the road. Cactus Flats Road in Olancha will take you into the Coso Mountains where the trails are endless, the views are beautiful and the peace is surreal. Cartago Springs is a few miles north of the Mobile gas station, where they serve hot food a perfect convince for the traveler. Hope to see you soon!
Water hookup
Sewer hookup
Pets
from 
$24
 / night

18. Sequoia Treehouse On the Rocks

100%
(3)
43mi from Manzanar National Historic Site · 1 site · Lodging
Featured as one of the top best places to stay near Sequoia National Park by Conde' Nast Traveler. Discover the gorgeous landscape that surrounds our treecabin on top of stilts, uniquely sitting on massive boulders. Listen to the sound of the birds, enjoy the beauty of nature, being perched amongst the tree branches on our huge outdoor space made of over 1000 sq ft of decking wrapping all sides of the cabin. Our home is conveniently located two miles from Sequoia National Park entrance. The space Welcome to Sequoia Treehouse_on the Rocks! You have come to the right place if you planned your getaway as a temporary escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Three Rivers is the gateway to the majestic Sequoia National Park, home to the world's giant sequoia trees. Our home is located just 5 minutes away from the park entrance. What better way to rejuvenate your soul, challenge your body and quiet your minds. Get your hiking gear ready and inspire yourself to be one with nature, have more fresh air and add bucketful of adventures. If you are looking at this listing, you are off to a great start. Our unique, modern day tree house is a two bedroom, two bath cabin situated above the ground. Once you reach the large deck, be surrounded by the trees, hear the sound of wildlife and experience the bountiful nature with unobstructed view of Mineral King. You will understand why we fell in love with this beautiful home. We are in a remote area but have the conveniences of modern amenities. We made sure that you will find all the comforts of your home while you are staying with us for your vacation. -5 minutes to the park entrance, 10 minutes to restaurants, shopping, Kaweah Lake and recreation areas. -Master bedroom is located in second level, partly enclosed loft with en suite bathroom, your own outdoor rocking chairs for sitting area to enjoy breathtaking views -Second bedroom with a queen bed and a twin bunk bed , great for children and/or friends traveling together -Plenty of sitting spaces for both indoor and outdoor gathering and dining - Smart TV’s in living room and both bedrooms with Roku system so you can access your own accounts. We provide Netflix for you. -Massive deck wrapping all sides of the cabin for nature sightings -Quiet and remote neighborhood for a tranquil mountain vacation - Double hammock, reading swing - Board games, outdoor games and children's toys for family fun and friendly competition - Gas grill For groups of over 6 occupancy, please check out our listing that includes our tiny house. Guest access Our main house is one of two cabins in our almost 1 acre lot. You will have the main cabin (a little over 1000 sqft) to yourself. The tiny house on the front driveway entrance is ONLY available if you booked it together with the main cabin. ( see separate listing ) Homes are NOT rented seperately to different Families. Property will always remain private for your group. You will get access to everything else in the property (except the tiny cabin, wood bridge between property lines to our neighbor and a locked closet in the bedroom for our storage). You will check yourself in with a unique door code sent out to you prior to your arrival. Please take note of the code in case you don’t have signal before getting to our Wi-Fi. It is the guest’s responsibility to check park status prior to booking their trip. We have no control over park closures and are an independent listing from the park. MUST READ before booking: ACCESS TO OUR CABIN IS ONLY AVAILABLE VIA FLIGHT OF STAIRS, APPROXIMATELY 35 STEPS. Our cabin MAY NOT be suitable for people with mobility issues. The master bedroom is located on second level lofted space, it is partly enclosed with some wall separation from the living room area as well as a barn door, however the door has no lock and is on top of the staircase, please supervise young children if staying in master bedroom. UPDATED summer 2024: Being a true tongue and groove cabin with almost 20 foot ceilings, and having huge windows to maximize amazing views, our upstairs lofted bedroom does get warmer than most areas of the cabin. We recently added a portable AC and fan this summer to help with an already working mini split so you can have the option to use any of these items. It does come with some level of noise, you may use/adjust it to better suit your needs. Our home is located in a mountain abundant with wild life. There will be leaves that constantly fall off trees, there will be spiders making their magical webs after we just dusted it off, there will be constant reminders of nature’s wonders. You will encounter lots of variety of birds, crickets, moth, lizards, critters, deer, bears and even snakes. Do not leave any food in your vehicle or outdoor areas, always keep your vehicle closed. Please attend to your children and do not allow to wander, there could be poison oak on the deep part of our property. We have giant boulders that are fun to climb on, but it is also a risk for falls as some are steep. *We don’t offer refunds for weather, park closures, changes in travel itinerary, illness or mismanaged expectations. Please make sure to check our cancellation policy prior to booking, and avail of your own or travel insurance.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from 
$383
 / night

19. Tiny House / Harry Potter Treehouse

100%
(1)
43mi from Manzanar National Historic Site · 1 site · Lodging
This listing includes two properties: Sequoia treehouse on the Rocks, our two-bedroom cabin perched on stilts on top of giant boulders, surrounded by tree branches. Our “Alohomora tiny house” has a separate bedroom in a 400 sqft house with a Harry Potter-inspired decor. From Hogwarts library and dining hall, Hogwarts Express, and the wall of portraits before you get to Gryffindor's room. You will discover our magical homes are anything but ordinary, it will make any vacation memorable. The space Our Sequoia treehouse: - Master bedroom with partly enclosed loft and en suite bathroom. Your own back deck with rocking chairs to enjoy outdoor breathtaking views of Eagles Nest Mountain in Mineral King. -Second bedroom with a queen bed and a twin bunk bed, great for children and/or friends traveling together -Plenty of sitting spaces for both indoor and outdoor gatherings and dining - Smart TVs in the living room and master bedroom with Roku system so you can access your own accounts. We provide Netflix for you. - A coffee station where we provide complimentary coffee and tea -Massive deck wrapping all sides of the cabin for nature sightings and tons of outdoor games for your group to enjoy -Quiet and remote neighborhood for a tranquil mountain vacation - Double hammock - Gas grill The Alohomora Tiny House: - A one-bedroom separate unit with its own shower bath. - It boasts of a living room and a dining area for four, showcased with Harry Potter-inspired decor from Hogwarts common rooms, 9 3/4 Hogwarts Express Station, Wall of Portraits, and Gryffindor bedroom. -TV with Roku in the bedroom - A mini retro Pacman machine with 5 games. - It has a small kitchenette to prepare some small snacks and a fridge to store some cold drinks. -Has a sink and a coffee maker. -This tiny house is great for teenagers, a couple, or another small family traveling with you. It can accommodate up to 3 adults, with one sleeping on the futon. Please note all amenities listed are to be found in the main house such as a dishwasher, washer and dryer, and a full kitchen. This unit serves as extra sleeping for those traveling with larger groups. *If you are traveling with 6 people or less, you may book just our tree house on a separate listing. The tiny house cannot be booked by itself. Both homes are located on an almost 1-acre property, just two miles from Sequoia National Park entrance. Guest access You will have both homes to yourself. You will check yourself in with a unique door code sent out to you prior to your arrival. Please take note of the code in case you don’t have signal before getting to our Wi-Fi. ACCESS TO OUR CABIN IS ONLY AVAILABLE VIA FLIGHT OF STAIRS, APPROXIMATELY 35 STEPS. Our cabin is NOT suitable for people with mobility issues. The tiny house has a bedroom on the second level with a small narrow staircase typical of tiny homes. Other things to note The master bedroom is located on the second level lofted space, it is partly enclosed with some wall separation from the living room area as well as a barn door, however, the door has no lock and is on top of the staircase, please supervise young children if staying in master bedroom. Our home is located in a mountain abundant with wildlife. There will be leaves that constantly fall off trees, there will be spiders making their magical webs after we just dusted them off, and there will be constant reminders of nature’s wonders. You will encounter lots of varieties of birds, crickets, scorpions, moths, lizards, critters, deer, bears, and even snakes. Do not leave any food in your vehicle or outdoor areas, always keep your vehicle closed. Please attend to your children and do not allow them to wander, there could be poison oak on the deep part of our property. We have giant boulders that are fun to climb on, but it is also a risk of falls as some are steep. *We don’t offer refunds for weather, park closures, changes in travel itinerary, or mismanaged expectations. Please make sure to check the weather advisory and purchase travel insurance.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$428
 / night
100% (2)

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The best camping in Manzanar National Historic Site, CA guide

Overview

About

A visit to this national historic site is a sobering reminder of America's past. This is one of the ten locations where American citizens of Japanese descent were imprisoned during WWII. It's preserved as a reminder not to repeat the mistakes of the past. In 1942, 110,000 men, women, and children were forced to leave their homes and forced to live in remote, military-style camps.

Take a drive and see the basketball courts, dentist's offices, and laundromat. This was fully functioning town but doesn't mean it was a pleasant place to live. Download an audio tour to get a better understanding of the various structures.

Hit the Visitor Center to view a movie that helps you understand what happened here. Also in the Visitor Center are exhibits that include audio footage from real survivors of Manzanar. You can walk through re-created buildings a sense of what life was like.

Weather tends to be extreme here on the edge of Death Valley. It's hot in the summer and freezing in the winter. Be prepared with plenty of water and warmies for the cold.

Camp in the nearby Inyo National Forest to the west of Manzanar. Hipcamp can help you find a spot that meets your needs.

100%
2 ratings · 0 reviews