Pet friendly camping near Hume, California offers varied experiences at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 7,000 feet. Summer daytime temperatures typically reach the mid-70s while nights can drop to the 40s in higher elevations. The Sequoia National Forest and nearby Kings Canyon region features diverse camping options with varying levels of amenities depending on location and campground type.
What to do
Visit Chicago Stump: Located near Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area, this historic site showcases the base of what was once one of the largest sequoias, cut down for the 1893 World's Fair. "A park ranger directed me here when all the campgrounds in the park were full. There are sites all along the road, but the first at the junction is great and big enough for a small RV. Also a quick walk to the Chicago Stump which is a must see," notes Kristian W. from Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area.
Explore Muir Grove: Access this less-visited sequoia grove via a 4-mile round trip hike from Dorst Creek Campground. "Muir Grove is a hidden gem of a hike to a serene grove of sequoias, accessed at the end of the campground near the group sites. Fairly easy 4 miles round trip, hiked with 6 children, youngest hiker is 6; well worth it!" shares Leslie M. from Dorst Creek Campground.
Swim in granite pools: The Upper Stony Creek area offers natural swimming holes formed by granite rock formations. "The granite slides and pools don't have a clear path to get to. You kind of have to slip through other sites farther towards the hike-in sites to get to, which was uncomfortable. Usually there was an open site that we could go through. But accessing the creek is also not easy in these areas... there's some scrambling, so be prepared," explains Veronica S. from Upper Stony Creek Campground.
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: Many campsites offer excellent night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. "Ask him to show you were the clearing is to stargaze-->gorgeous view of the night sky. If you don't go to the clearing, the trees get in the way," recommends Danny W. about Eshom Campground.
Sequoia stumps in campgrounds: Several sites feature historic tree remnants. "The site was freshly raked and clean. Firewood could be purchased for $8 a bundle. There is plenty of wood laying around, along with pine cones, so we didn't need the bundle. Slept just uphill from the river and it was great fall asleep to that sound," writes Ty W. about Upper Stony Creek Campground.
Creek access for cooling off: Many campsites feature nearby water access. "Site#106. Unlevel, but most in this area are not level.#107 not bad. Some loops have no bathrooms so be aware of where you reserve. Good trails to village and grants tree. Crystal springs campground adjacent has more trees, more shade," notes Mark M. from Azalea Campground.
What you should know
Bear activity is common: Most campgrounds require proper food storage in bear boxes. "We stayed over here one night during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Our site (#54) was next to the water spigot for our loop, which was super convenient, however, it had zero shade cover and was very hot and dusty (again it was the first week of July)," reports Kendra L. from Princess Campground.
Early reservations essential: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer months. "This is a very popular campsite, so it fills up quick, and gets crowded. But if you go in early/mid May, before the weather shapes up, you can have the feeling of having the whole lake to yourself. Just be ready for some cold nights!" advises Daniel J. about camping near Hume Lake.
Cell service limitations: Expect minimal or no connectivity at most campgrounds. "No cell service. If you drive north on the highway for 10 minutes or so, you'll find a couple pull-offs with enough service to connect to the rest of the world if you need to," mentions Veronica S. about the Upper Stony Creek area.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with creek access: Water features provide natural entertainment for children. "Campsite 13 is our favorite one here. It's huge, compared to others and has a stream in the backyard. Very private too," recommends Corey M. about Eshom Campground.
Look for ranger programs: Several campgrounds offer educational activities. "Center point for touring sequoia and kings canyon national parks. Free shuttle to take you all over the park. Great stream running through campgrounds upper and lower sections. Great hikes from campground," shares ginny M. from Dorst Creek Campground.
Consider pet-friendly trails: Many areas welcome dogs on leash. "Spent 5 nights at Azalea and had an absolute blast. The America the Beautiful access pass knocks the price down from $22/night to $11/night, so if you don't have it, get it! There were TONS of trails immediately accessible from most camp sites, and a short walk from the rest," notes Connor N. about Azalea Campground.
Tips from RVers
Check site levelness before booking: Many mountain campsites have uneven terrain. "The sites are easy to get into and park. You usually have a lot of room to yourself. There are lots of trees for shade at camp. The lake is (generally) a short walk from camp," explains Daniel J. about Sunset Campground.
Consider elevation impact on temperatures: Higher elevation campgrounds offer cooler nights during summer. "Princess campground is a perfect location to enjoy both the Sequoia & Kings Canyon sides. The elevation helps to keep the temperatures cooler during summer nights which is needed in this area of CA!" advises Allyson K. about camping with pets near Hume, California.
Research road access carefully: Some campgrounds have restrictions for larger vehicles. "If your camper/trailer is more than 17-18ft, do NOT attempt to come here, you'll probably get stuck on the way. You can get to the Scenic Byway by taking one of the forest routes as a shortcut (I wouldn't recommend it for vehicles that aren't either trucks or 4x4 SUVs…you will bottom-out in anything else, bc the road isn't maintained)," warns Kimberly M. about Eshom Campground.
