Sentinel Campground, near Three Rivers, California, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of [Kings Canyon National Park](https://thedyrt.com/camping/california/near/sequoia-and-kings-canyon-national-parks). With spacious sites nestled among towering trees and right by the river, it’s a prime location for camping enthusiasts who appreciate nature's tranquility.

This campground offers essential amenities like clean restrooms and picnic tables, making it comfortable for families and groups. Campers rave about the peaceful atmosphere, with one visitor noting, “You can hear the river all day long,” which adds to the overall charm of the place. Fire pits are available for cozy evenings, though be mindful of fire restrictions during high-risk seasons.

For adventure seekers, the surrounding area is packed with hiking trails and stunning views, including the nearby Zumwalt Meadow. Many campers have enjoyed exploring the park, with one stating, “So many amazing hikes and walks to do within the two parks.” Just remember, this is bear country, so keep your food secured in the provided bear boxes.

Whether you're here for a weekend escape or a longer stay, Sentinel Campground offers a serene environment and easy access to the natural wonders of Kings Canyon. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors while still having the comforts of a well-maintained campground.

## Overview

 Sentinel Campground in Cedar Grove is nestled in the stunning Kings Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the United States. With views of a lovely meadow central to the campground, the sound of the Kings River, and glowing mountainsides just beyond the trees, Sentinel Campground is a wonderful place for families to spend time in the great outdoors.
## Recreation

 Cedar Grove provides a plethora of hiking trails, from the hiking newcomer to the avid backpacker, and everyone in between. Day hikers can hike to Mist Falls, Cedar Grove Overlook, around the peaceful Kanawyer Loop along the Kings River, through Zumwalt Meadow, and more. Visitors can also fish for trout in the Kings River, or take a scenic horseback ride through the canyon with the Cedar Grove Pack Station. 
## Facilities

 Each site in Sentinel Campground provides a fire ring, picnic table and large bear-proof food storage box. The roads through Sentinel Campground are paved, making it easier for both RVs and smaller cars to access the entire campground. There are five comfort stations throughout the campground, all with flush toilets, sinks for dish-washing, and drinking water. The Cedar Grove Visitor Center is located just outside Sentinel Campground, and Cedar Grove Village is across the street and offers a convenience store, gift shop, snack bar, hotel, showers and laundry. 
## Natural Features

 Tall granite mountainsides cradle the south fork of the Kings River, as streams and creeks feed the river with snowmelt from higher elevations. Abundant wildlife roam through the tall ponderosa pine and incense cedar trees, meadows and along riversides. Hikes into the backcountry out of Cedar Grove will give visitors an ever deeper understanding of the beauty and uniqueness of Kings Canyon National Park. 
## Contact Info

 For facility specific information, please call (559) 565-3792. 
## Nearby Attractions

 Hume Lake, Grizzly Falls, Mist Falls, Zumwalt Meadow, Roaring River Falls, Sequoia Groves and numerous hiking trails attract visitors to this area. Campfire stories, nature and wildlife presentations, and ranger-led hikes are also available during most of the season.
## Charges & Cancellations

 Payment in full will be charged to your credit card upon completion of the reservation. A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Additional fees will apply for late cancellations All cancellations made between midnight on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival are considered late cancellations and will incur a $10.00 cancellation fee and will also forfeit the first nights use fee. Cancellations for a single nights reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. If your campsite remains vacant for 24 hours after your arrival date it will be cancelled and made available on rec.gov. You will be charged for the first night's campsite fee and a $10 cancellation fee, all other fees after that will be refunded. Recreation.gov policies apply to all reservations, cancellations, refunds and date changes. Call (559) 565-3792 if you will be arriving 24 hours after your arrival date so your site won't be cancelled.

Sentinel Campground — Kings Canyon National Park

Looking for the best campgrounds near Hume, CA? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Hume, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Hume, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Hume

The Best Camping Near Hume, California

Wonderful mostly shaded spots next to the Kings river. Spaces next to the meadow are especially nice. Lots of bird watching opportunities. Amenities are the usual for a national park campground. There are showers, laundry, store, and food within walking distance at Cedar Grove. There is also a very small visitor center and amphitheater for ranger presentations. You also have several day hiking opportunities from the campground and even more a short walk or drive away.

Great spot in Kings Canyon NP

We camped in a site near the restrooms and a trail. There was a small stream at the back of the site that occupied kids making fairy houses for hours. Beyond that was the river, which gave a peaceful backdrop for sleep. Plenty of shade, water spigot very convenient. Definitely coming back.

Quiet and peaceful

We loved this campground. Far from most of the hiking and especially from the entrance but the roaring river was definitely the highlight of our trip! Very nice cool weather!

Phenomenal 

Beautiful campground close to the ranger station, surrounded by pine trees and rivers. We had site 8, which was a large site close to the restrooms. there were several great spots to put a tent, a large fallen tree separating use from a site on one side, and backs to a beautiful meadow. We had a pop up trailer and two large dogs which must always a be on a leash. There was a large bear box, a new large picnic table and a fire pit.

Our family has been coming to Kings for over 40 years so we love it. Coming in July, we spend our days at the river swimming and lounging. This trip we encountered quite a bit of afternoon rain and thunderstorms for the first 5 days. Usually it’s not super crowded but this time Yosemite closed from the fires and we got inundated with a lot of ill-mannered people. 

There are beautiful hikes, rivers for fishing, lots of wildlife, and beautiful views. There is a small store and snack bar nearby.  Sentinel is probably one of the quieter campgrounds because it’s close to the ranger station.

Some cautions: very steep and twisting road to enter the canyon. We had some damage to our van from rocks coming down to the road as we were driving on. The thousand foot steep drop made it hard to swerve. Also there are bears so don’t leave any food out or in your tent. If you leave your coolers in your car make sure the are covered. Be careful in the rivers as the current is super strong. Also please pick up your trash.



Kings Canyon at its Best

King’s Canyon is equally amazing, but much less crowded, than Yosemite Valley. We visited on the Sun/Mon after July 4th, and although this campground was almost full, the others in the canyon were completely empty the entire time. Leaving us the run of the park when it came to visiting sites and hiking. 

Although everyone should visit the Yosemite Valley at least once, Kings Canyon would be my multi-day choice a second time around for sure. Crystal clear waters, scenic hiking and stunning waterfalls.

Campsites are typical national park style, with minimal ground cover and no firewood to collect. It should go without saying that this is an active bear area, and all rules apply. 

Services are very limited after dark throughout the Sierra Nevada park systems, and the remote location makes modern amenities hard to come by. Bring anything you think you may need.

Basic bathrooms, no showers. Small store/rangers office and maybe a small eatery open in peak season throughout the day.

Great location!

Sentinel campground is closest to the ranger station, where the Mational Park service rangers host many programs. There is also a small store and informational center with the rangers station. They also operate an outdoor ampitheather.

Close also to the general store, which is about a quarter mile away. There are spots available there. Also rooms for rent,

Flush toilets and water spigots are available throughout the campsites.

Shady and exceptional

The Sentinel Campground in Kings Canyon is one of the best campgrounds that I've visited recently. We visited in later September on the last day that the Visitors Center down in the Canyon was open. About half of the campgrounds and campsite loops on the canyon floor were closed already. I would say that this is the best time to visit Kings Canyon. It wasn't too hot or too busy even though some of the facilities and activities were closed.

There are a handful of campsites along the river but you probably have to arrive very early to get those. The other campsites are an easy walk to the river and visitors center. There were also a surprising number of prime spots to set up a tent in each site. There are plenty of bathrooms, water spigots, and trash/recycling bins around the campground. There are also picnic tables and bear boxes. Bear precautions are a BIG deal in the area. The campground is quiet and wooded with beautiful, tall trees.

We hiked the Zumwalt Meadow loops which is a super easy trail (more of a walk) and well worth traveling a few more miles down the road. It's also worth stopping and visiting the waterfalls just off the road. Honestly, the drive down into the canyon is worth is if you do nothing else.

Beautiful Wooded Campground on Canyon Floor

Huge campsites, ours was right on the river. Gorgeous place! Surrounded by trees and wildflowers. The bathrooms were well maintained. Friendly staff.

Beautiful!

Of all the places we took our kids on their first camping road trip (Grand Canyon, Yellowstone etc)it was right here in California that they found their favorite here at Kings; big trees ( and fallen giants you could walk through) cave tours, hikes, rivers .. they loved it. So much to cover its best to go to Recreation.gov and choose your camp area. Highly recommended by this family !

Kings Canyon Campgrounds


Sentinel was the only campground available for a visit to Kings Canyon and Sequoia.  Be prepared for a LONG drive to get anywhere. 

The campsite was amazing!!!  You are nestled by the river and under beautiful big trees. The site was spacious with a picnic table, fire pit and bear box. 

The restroom is dated, but it’s a flush toilet and running water, which is a gift. They do have a sink to clean dishes. 

I found it to be pretty quiet. Most sites were dark shortly after sunset. A lot of people were up and out early in the morning. So many amazing hikes and walks to do within the two parks.

Amazing getaway

Great place to stay. With clean sites and plentiful amenities, you can camp comfortably while seeing the sites that California has to offer.

Fun with beautiful views

Absolute favorite campground, you can hear the river all day long. The site we got was really big. Restrooms are clean, the only down thing you can’t have fire during the high risk seasons for wild fires. 

Weekend getaway 

Great spot and so much less crowded than Yosemite. Bathrooms are not so great 

Photos of Sentinel Campground — Kings Canyon National Park

Real photos from real campers