Best Cabin Camping near Independence, CA

Cabin Reviews near Independence, CA

196 Reviews of 23 Independence Campgrounds

• 

  Andy H.

  Ranger

  Jun. 25, 2019

  Muir Trail Ranch

  Most Rustic/Posh Outdoor Experience Ever!

  Backing up to the John Muir Trail all the way into the back country of the high Sierra is this Gem of a ranch. It has amazing amenities, such as cabins, tent cabins, developed hot springs, all meals included, toilets and running water, horses back tours/packing, backpacker resupply, and store. 

  Getting there however is quite a feat. First you have to traverse a one lane road nearly 30 miles back into Florence Lake. Then you have to take a boat ride to the other side of the lake, and finally you have to hike 5+ miles to the ranch. It is all worth it for the sunning views, great food, amazing fishing, hiking, and all around experience.

  Read More
• 

  Missy R.

  Guide

  May. 12, 2021

  Sentinel Campground — Kings Canyon National Park

  Amazing getaway

  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.

• T

  Thomas K.

  Scout

  Sep. 1, 2023

  Three Rivers Hideaway

  Very nice campground, very close to Sequoia NP

  Clean restrooms and showers, nice picnic tables and fire rings, very nice tent sites. And the Wi-Fi was very good and covers the entire campground well. The campground has access to the river, though it did not carry a lot of water when we visited and you couldn’t swim.

• 

  Erin A.

  Ranger

  Mar. 31, 2021

  Sequoia RV Ranch

  Perfect Spot for Sequoia

  Stayed 4 nights the first two dry camping in spot 14 in the Oak Grove, nice and spacious with a little deck picnic table and fire pit. The last two nights in spot 26 (pictured) which was spacious on the small river (probably larger later in spring) and full hook up. Pretty mountain views from both sites. Turkeys and lots of birds roaming. We did see a bear too (in Sequoia not at the campground).

  A lot of the other sites looked a little tight but not bad. Bath houses were okay not great. Showers use quarters. The place was completely full for our entire stay (Easter week).

  The greatest part was the proximity to Sequoia/Kings Canyon (8 miles to the entrance). Would definitely stay again should we visit the parks in the future.

  Read More
• 

  Dave V.

  Legend

  Oct. 1, 2018

  Big Pine Creek Campground

  Blue skies, Emerald lakes, Refreshing creeks!

  CAMPGROUND REVIEW: Big Pine Creek Campground, CA

  https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20312&actid=31

  As we traveled up Rt 395, along the Eastern Sierras, we searched for a campground offering trails into the wilderness…but also one with a shower, as they seem to be a rare commodity…and our last campground was primitive.

  Reviews stated Big Pine Creek had showers and modern restrooms, so we drove through the night arriving at 7:00 Sunday morning…hoping for an available site. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.

  Turns out, the camper at site 2, beside the Host site, was packing up…so we claim jumped the site. Also turns out…after we paid $22 for the night…Big Pine Creek Campground does not have showers, nor modern restrooms.

  So, to set the record straight…there are vault latrines and a river of cold glacier runoff of roughly 40F degrees. However, next to Big Pine Creek Campground is Glacier Lodge (they share the same entrance road and is privately owned)…and they will rent you a shower for $5/5 minutes. For that $5 shower, you can use the modern toilet.

  Don’t let that run you off, though. We loved Big Pine Creek Campground. The sites are spacious and the backdrop is gorgeous. Not many campgrounds offer stellar trails into the Inyo John Muir Wilderness…more on that later. Mule deer roam between campsites, ground squirrels and magpies are everywhere. We also noted a resident lizard.

  Most sites are somewhat tiered because of the sloped terrain. Site 2 parking pad was large enough for our SUV, but little else. You have a large bear resistant locker in front of a large fixed picnic table, situated on a large, raised, leveled pad that also has the fire pit. Up a few steps is the raised timber tent pad. Numerous large pines and smaller hardwoods populate the sites. Our neighboring site was visible with little obstruction, but was occupied by a delightful French family on holiday, that we enjoyed.

  Big Pine Creek Campground is often filled with campers from all over the world and makes for interesting conversations.

  Drinking water was a little walk. Last year’s winter had an avalanche destroy their water lines, so others were rerouted. No electric. Also, no cell service. Perfect for unplugging, relaxing and meeting your fellow campers.

  There is a trout pond near the entrance that folks were capitalizing on. They were also fishing the creek. The glacier fed creek is cold…like 38 degrees cold. The trails…in a word…Epic!

  The North Trail was incredible. We started late and only went to the first and second of seven alpine glacier lakes. The water is so emerald green, it’s surreal. We hiked out and back in 6.5 hours, taking an hour respite for a polar bear plunge in the near freezing lake. I was advised we missed the most beautiful third lake…also referred to as Emerald Lake. The North Fork Trail into The John Muir Wilderness does require permits for backcountry camping…an easy process and well worth it…https://www.recreation.gov/permits/John_Muir_Trail_North_Of_Devils_Postpile_Aa10/r/entranceEntryExitDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=72203&entranceId=315543&permitTypeId=1009473747&entryType=1

  Of note, along the way is Lon Chaney’s (of Frankenstein, Werewolf and Hunchback of Notre Dame movie fame) backcountry cabin. Lon Chaney would bring guests back by horse and mule train. Upon his passing, it was gifted to the parks.

  One horse/mule train passed us on the trail, returning after they deposited their riders and goods out into the wilderness.

  The host couple were very helpful and a joy to glean local and trail information from.

  A wonderful campground to visit.

  Read More
• D

  Don B.

  Traveler

  May. 31, 2023

  Sequoia RV Ranch

  Right on the river and spacious dry camping area

  We stayed in the dry camping area for a week and had a great time. Lots of space in dry camping area, a fire pit, and a picnic table at the site. We shared a tour of this campground in a video here https://youtu.be/S4dlqUQAY8A?t=251

  The relaxing sounds of the river are great and the full hook-ups  RV site loops are right on the river. This was the most affordable option we found available at the time to have easy access to get to Sequoia NP

  we would stay again

• 

  Kathy M.

  Guide

  Jul. 1, 2017

  Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park

  Popular outpost for exploring Sequoia and Kings Canyon

  Lodgepole is a very popular camp ground in the Sequoias. There is a river that runs through the camp ground that is easily accessed and made for a lot of fun during our visit. The lodge offers many accommodations including food, laundry, visitors center, and shuttle access. The camp sites we stayed in were only for tents and included fire pit with grate (needed to be dug out a bit) and picnic table. Bear box on each site and additional shared boxes in walking distance for additional storage. Water and bathrooms within short walking distance. This is a busy campground and I find that it's hard not to get to know your neighbor. We were very fortunate to have other kids our daughters age by us however I can see how this could be inconvenient for some. Rangers patrol sites often and lots of wildlife in area. We enjoyed our stay and felt that it offered great access to both parks and enjoyed the trails that led directly from the campgrounds.

  Read More
• 

  DEREK B.

  Ranger

  Jun. 9, 2015

  Canyon View Group Sites — Kings Canyon National Park

  Kings Canyon National Park - Canyon View Group Campground

  Getting there: A long drive on windy roads behind people generally doing 10mph under the speed limit. Take your time because you sure wont be able to rush. Once inside the campground the road looks more like a lunar landscape with more potholes than pavement. Campsites: The group campsites are fairly spacious and easily fit 15 of us, they are rated to hold 20 people but that might be a bit of a squeeze. All the campsites provide 3 picnic benches, 3 bear boxes (not enough so be weary of how many coolers you have), and only one fire pit with grill grate. Trying to get 15 people around a single fire pit and still within range of the warmth was a major issue. There are shared restroom areas with full plumbing and potable water through the campsite. This campsite was also really, really far away from most of the stuff we wanted to do, I would NOT stay at this campsite again. WARNING: The rangers here are asshats. They were constantly patrolling and searching for a reason to write us a ticket (-1 star). They gave us 3 warnings the first day of our stay for BS nit picky reason (we don't want to put our shit in the bear bin when we are sitting around snacking on it you dick). The Park: Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park were nice but everything you want to do is at least an hour drive each way on windy roads. Kind of a pain. What to do: Go out on some hikes, there are a ton of trails. Go see the giant Sequoias, either General Sherman or General Grant. Go explore some caves, they are awesome.

  Read More
• J

  Joseph Z.

  Guide

  Dec. 12, 2024

  Big Meadow Campground - Us Forest Service Sequoia National Forest (CA)

  Base camp Jennie lakes wilderness

  I enjoy this site my spot was directly below the footbridge to head up to Weaver and Jennie lakes. Excellent brook trout fishing and feels off grid. Amazing rock formations near by and plenty of hiking for all levels in close vicinity.