Sequoia National Forest glamping sites near Exeter, California sit at elevations between 5,000-7,000 feet, providing moderate temperatures even during summer months. The region serves as a gateway to both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with several campgrounds featuring glamping accommodations. Many sites operate seasonally from late spring through early fall due to winter snowfall that can restrict access.
What to do
Explore giant sequoia groves: At Princess Campground, visitors can walk among sequoia stumps throughout the campground from trees logged in the early 1900s. "This is a fantastic, all-purpose campground with three large loops set in an old sequoia grove (sadly logged of all old growth from 1901-1908). There are sequoia stumps are spread throughout the entire campground and adjacent meadow," notes a camper.
Hike to nearby meadows: Princess Campground offers a lovely paved trail near the meadow where wildflowers bloom in season. "We enjoyed the walk through the Meadow trail and interpretive signs to learn about the history of the big trees," shares one visitor.
River swimming: Horse Creek Campground provides access to swimming areas during summer months. A visitor mentions, "We had to drive 3 miles up where the river flows to cool down." Another camper at Lindy's Landing found natural water features: "There was a creek running behind our campground which was an easy (less than 10 minute) walk that had a natural rock slide into the water... perfect to cool off in."
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. At Horse Creek Campground, campers report, "Cool Wildlife: Various birds, though I was never able to get a good enough look to identify them. There were also bats at night that really helped with the bug problem and created a cool ambience while stargazing."
What campers like
Private camping areas: Some glamping sites at Quaking Aspen Campground offer significant privacy. "Sites 6-10 looked amazing for tent camping," notes one camper, while another shares, "This campground is a hidden gem. Absolutely beautiful place to get away."
Evening ranger programs: Educational opportunities enhance the glamping experience at Horse Creek Campground. The rangers provide entertainment: "During the summer months the Rangers put on a Campfire program at the campground every Saturday evening."
Clean facilities: Visitors frequently comment on the well-maintained amenities. At Quaking Aspen, one camper remarked, "Quiet campground, lots of space, beautiful scenery, cleanest vault toilets I've ever been in."
Stargazing opportunities: The dark skies above Sunset Campground provide excellent stargazing conditions. One reviewer describes the experience: "You can see the lights of Fresno wayyy in the distance at night depending on which side of the campground you are on. Definitely saving this for an annual attempt to nab a campsite."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most glamping sites in the Exeter area operate seasonally. Sunset Campground is typically open "May 25 to September 6," while Quaking Aspen operates from "late May to early October."
Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds offer full services. At Tenmile Campground, "No showers or anything obviously but they do have showers in the nearby parks seasonally."
Varying site conditions: Campgrounds may have uneven terrain. At Horse Creek Campground, "Nearly every campsite has a major hill, so most will not have a good flat area for a tent. Site 61 is flat and a couple of others have flatter grounds, but many will have you sleeping on an angle."
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire restrictions frequently apply. One camper at Tenmile Campground noted, "There was a fire pit but also a fire band going on."
Wildlife precautions: This is bear country, requiring proper food storage. At Quaking Aspen, campers report, "No food lockers, but also no in-camp bear incidents/sightings in the last few years, per Tim. So we made sure our food was locked in our cars whenever we weren't using it."
Tips for camping with families
Bring entertainment for kids: Natural features can provide hours of entertainment for children. At Sentinel Campground, "There was a small stream at the back of the site that occupied kids making fairy houses for hours."
Choose campsites strategically: Family groups should select sites with adequate space. "Site very clean and well managed and overall it's a pretty spot. Only 2-3 large and dispersed bath rooms. A number of large groups around the site which looks fun," explains a camper at Horse Creek Campground.
Pack essential supplies: The remote locations require advance preparation. "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," advises a Sentinel Campground visitor.
Plan for wildlife encounters: Educational opportunities abound with local wildlife. "There were also bats at night that really helped with the bug problem and created a cool ambience while stargazing. My husband loved listening to them hunt!" shares a camper at Horse Creek Campground.
Tips from RVers
Verify site accessibility: Not all sites accommodate larger RVs. At Lindy's Landing, one camper reported difficulties: "We have a 35 foot 5th wheel and they put us on the far end where it was hard to turn. It took a lot of turning and backing up to get into this spot."
Book water-accessible sites: During high water seasons, some sites offer direct water access. "When the lake is full you can walk right up to the waters edge and actually boat in for camping," notes a Horse Creek Campground visitor.
Contact campgrounds directly: When reservation systems show no availability, calling directly may yield results. At Lindy's Landing, a camper shared their experience: "We tried 2 other campgrounds with NO response, by phone or email. We decided to try calling Lindy's Landing and Campground to see if there was an availability. They answer the phone!"
Expect varied pricing: Costs may differ from advertised rates. One Lindy's Landing camper noted, "Advertised at $35 on The Dyrt, it was $63 with a discount."
