Day trips into Kings Canyon National Park and swimming at Hume Lake are two of the most common reasons campers choose Princess as a base. Situated in Sequoia National Forest, the campground sits adjacent to Indian Basin Meadow, where deer graze in the evenings and bears have been spotted regularly enough that camp hosts specifically remind arrivals to use the bear lockers at each site rather than leaving food in vehicles.
The campground's three loops hold close to 100 sites, with roughly 20 designated tent-only. Site size varies noticeably: outer loop sites tend to have more separation from neighbors, while inner loop sites sit closer together with open sightlines between them. Several sites back onto woodland or sit near a small stream that runs through part of the campground and into the meadow. Large sequoia stumps, remnants of logging that cleared this grove between 1901 and 1908, are scattered throughout and double as landmarks and, for kids, something to climb. A handful of living sequoias remain in and around the campground. Annie C. notes the trees run large enough that "not all sites have trees suitable for hammocking."
Vault toilets are consistently described across reviews as clean and well-stocked. The camp hosts make regular rounds and keep fire rings cleared between stays. Firewood is available for purchase on-site; outside wood is prohibited due to invasive insects. The campground also has a dump station and water fill-up station, making it functional for RVs up to 50 feet with water and sewer hookups. Cell service is essentially absent, which several campers mention as a feature rather than a drawback.
Access to the campground can be rough, so drivers with low-clearance vehicles should factor that in. Kate S. notes that General Grant Village provides phone service, food, and supplies for those who need to resupply. Hume Lake, about three miles away, gives access to fishing, boating, and swimming. A paved interpretive trail loops near the meadow, with an unpaved spur extending further. The campground runs from late May through mid-September. Reservations fill quickly, especially around holiday weekends, so booking well in advance is the most reliable way to secure a spot.
Description
Overview
Princess Campground sits next to a large meadow at an elevation of 5,900 feet in the Indian Basin Grove. The campsite is just 3 miles northwest of Hume Lake. The 87-acre lake was built to support a one-time commercial logging operation, and is part of the Kings River Watershed, a region of the Sierra Nevada mountains replete with vast stands of timber. The lake now provides countless recreational opportunities for visitors.
Recreation
The Indian Basin Grove Interpretive Trail offers an accessible, paved half-mile loop, and an additional half-mile extension loop through the grove and meadow area. The trailhead is right outside the camp entrance. At nearby Hume Lake, visitors can enjoy fishing, non-motorized boating, hiking, mountain biking and off-road exploring. For hikers of all levels, the 2.6-mile Hume Lake Loop at the lake and features interpretive signs and benches.
Facilities
This 88-site park consists of several loops, among them 19 tent-only sites. An amphitheater makes for a convivial gathering place. Camp next to giant Sequoia tree stumps from an ancient Sequoia grove or near a lush meadow full of wildflowers. Sites are shaded, parking stands are dirt and gravel. This facility is operated by ExplorUS and comments are welcome; comment forms are available from campground hosts or online.
Natural Features
The Sequoia National Forest, located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada in central California, takes its name from the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree, which grows in more than 30 groves on the Forest's lower slopes. The Forest comprises about 1.1 million acres, and elevations range from about 1,000 to 12,000 feet, creating precipitous canyons and mountain streams with spectacular waterfalls such as Salmon Creek Falls and Grizzly Falls.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
Nearby Attractions
The campground provides a great base for day trips to Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, Giant Sequoia National Monument, Boyden Caverns and General Grant Grove.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPrincess is located in California near Hume
Directions
From Fresno, California, go east on Highway 180 to Grants Grove, continuing approximately 12 miles to Princess Campground on the right.
Coordinates
36.802784 N
118.938083 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 20 min from Fresno, CA
- 1 hr 32 min from Visalia, CA
- 1 hr 44 min from Hanford, CA
- 2 hrs 5 min from Merced, CA






























