10 Best Camping Spots In Sequoia National Park

camping in sequoia national park
Melanie
Melanie 
Published
| 5 min read

Sequoia National Park features awe-inspiring views of greenery and waterfalls. Of course, among its biggest attractions - literally and figuratively - are its eponymous sequoia trees, with the largest being General Sherman, which is 275 feet (83.82 meters). Another big tree you can check out, and drive through, is Tunnel Log, which is 8 feet (2.44 meters) high and 17 feet (5.18 meters) wide, allowing certain types of vehicles to drive through there safely. If you prefer to do your exploring using your own two feet, you can explore the numerous hiking trails in the park, which include Big Trees Trail, which allows you to enjoy scenic views of mature sequoias.

You can give yourself more time to see the park’s attractions. Stay at one of the best camping spots in Sequoia National Park and make it easy for yourself to explore the area.

1. Dorst Creek Campground

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

As fall brings cooler temperatures throughout the parks, firefighters are preparing to begin ignitions on the Lost Grove...

Posted by Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks on Wednesday, October 11, 2017

This campground is fully paved, is relatively level, and has accessible campsites, making this an ideal option for travelers with mobility issues or who use wheelchairs. In addition, it has amenities such as picnic tables and grills that guests can use. RVs and trailers can be accommodated here, and there’s a dump station right on the campground. Single-tent sites are available as well. Flush toilets, meanwhile, are available seasonally.

The campground is usually open from mid-June to Labor Day weekend. You will need to make reservations prior to your visit.

Dorst Creek Campground

Website: Dorst Creek Campground

Address: Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271, United States

2. Buckeye Flat Campground

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Attention, campers! More camping options are becoming available in the parks, with more to come throughout the spring...

Posted by Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks on Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Planning to take on Paradise Creek Trail or Middle Fork Trail? Consider setting up camp at Buckeye Flat Campground, which is close to both trails. The campground is typically open from late March to late September, although this may change depending on the weather.

RVs are not permitted in this campground, which has 27 tent-only sites. Two of its campsites are accessible and have great amenities, such as an extended picnic table and a designated accessible parking space. While the distance from the parking to the campsite is paved, do be aware that the ramp is somewhat steep. There are also accessible flush toilets on the campground.

Buckeye Flat Campground

Website: Buckeye Flat Campground

Address: Mile 6, Generals Highway, Sequoia National Park, CA 93271

3. Big Meadows Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Outdoor enthusiasts will love this campground, owing to the number of activities they can try around the area, including fishing in Big Meadows Creek, Stony Creek, and Hume Lake, or hiking one of the trails in the area, such as Hume Lake Loop trail or into the Jennie Lakes Wilderness.

The campground is usually open from mid or late June to the end of October. Do be aware that bears call the surrounding area their home, so be sure to store your food properly. Guests are not allowed to bring firewood from outside the area to prevent the spread of invasive insects.

Big Meadows Campground

Website: Big Meadows Campground

Address: California, USA

4. Crystal Springs Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This campground, which is usually open between late May and late September, features both individual and group sites - both of which are available for reservation on a rolling basis. The campground features cell phone reception, so you can stay connected.

Grant Grove Village, located nearby, features a market, a restaurant, and other commercial establishments should you need to pick up supplies or food. Regardless of whether you’re buying or making your own food, make sure to store your leftovers or supplies in the provided food storage to avoid unintentionally inviting black bears to your campsite.

Crystal Springs Campground

Website: Crystal Springs Campground

Address: Crystal Springs Road, Grant Grove, CA 93633

5. Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Calaveras Big Trees State Park on Tuesday, September 27, 2022

The campgrounds, which feature standard and group sites, will put you close to the green giants, the sequoia trees. Their presence, along with the nice elevation, helps create a cool environment. Trails you can explore in the area include North Grove Trail, South Grove Trail, Bradley Trail, and Lava Bluffs Trail. Beaver Creek is nearby if you want to fish or swim.

Dogs are welcome in some of the campgrounds in the park, provided that they are kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet (1.8 meters) and they are kept in your tent or an enclosed vehicle at night. They are also not allowed to enter the woods for everyone’s safety.

Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Website: Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Address: 1170 CA-4, Arnold, CA 95223, United States

6. Cold Springs Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This campground, which has over 40 campsites, is a great option for travelers who want to experience the traditional way of camping. RVs are not allowed here, but you can pitch a tent on your selected site between May and October. Potable water is seasonally available, although there are instances wherein guests may not use it during spring and fall.

Pets can be brought here, provided that they are leashed at all times and are not brought to any of the trails. Their leashes should not be longer than 6 feet (1.8 meters).

Silver City Resort is relatively accessible from the campground.

Cold Springs Campground

Website: Cold Springs Campground

Address: Mineral King Rd, Three Rivers, CA 93271, United States

7. Atwell Mill Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This campground, which can be found near the East Fork of the Kaweah River, is designated a primitive camping site, which means that it does not allow RVs and trailers but welcomes guests staying in tents. Leashed pets are welcome here as well. It is usually open from late May until late October. It also usually closes its doors during holidays.

The campground offers potable water, food storage lockers, and trash and recycling services seasonally. Make sure to take all the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your possessions from bears and marmots.

Atwell Mill Campground

Website: Atwell Mill Campground

Address: Mineral King Rd, Three Rivers, CA 93271, United States

8. Potwisha Campground

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Good news, campers! Potwisha Campground, located in the foothills of Sequoia National Park, will reopen tomorrow, 11/18,...

Posted by Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks on Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Potwisha Campground is open all year round, weather permitting. Some of its sites may be reserved before your actual trip, while others are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are also campsites here that allow RVs, provided that they are not longer than 24 feet (7.3 meters). Two of its sites also have accessibility features and come with designated accessible parking spaces.

Cell phone service may be available near the park entrance, depending on your chosen carrier. Meanwhile, you can use the WiFi at the Foothills Visitor Center.

Potwisha Campground

Website: Potwisha Campground

Address: California 93262, United States

9. Stony Creek Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This campground sits on the southern section of Hume Lake. There are also various creeks near the campground, providing you with various options on where to go fishing or wading. Hiking Jennie Lake Trail is another fun activity you can do in this area.

50 campsites are available for reservation here, and guests can stay for a maximum of 14 nights per visit. The campground offers various amenities for your convenience, including vault toilets and drinking water. Fire pits are also available if you want to have a lovely night out under the stars.

Stony Creek Campground

Website: Stony Creek Campground

Address: California, USA

10. Lodgepole Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This campground, which is on the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, usually welcomes visitors between late April and late November. The entire area is paved, has wheelchair-accessible amenities, and has two campsites that are accessible, making this a good option if you or someone you’re traveling with uses the assistive device.

Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the fact that there are trails near the campground. Do be aware that this area sees a lot of bear activity. Make sure to observe all the necessary precautions in storing food and keeping yourself protected from these animals.

Lodgepole Campground

Website: Lodgepole Campground

Address: 47050 Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271, United States

Bond with sequoias in this park

Sequoia National Park Giant Forest
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user LGalcan used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Sequoia National Park is a fantastic destination if you want to surround yourself with nature. Stay at one of these campgrounds so that you can be at a prime location to explore the beauty of this unique park.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Melanie is a freelance travel writer. She considers freelancing for Trip 101 to be a combination of two of the things she loves: writing and traveling. She has gone sightseeing with family,...Read more

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