Tent camping options near Kaweah Lake offer access to both Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon. Sites range from 4,200 to 9,000 feet elevation with varying temperatures depending on location and season. Many campgrounds don't take reservations, requiring early arrival during peak summer months from June through August.
What to do
Swimming in river spots: At Belknap Campground, campers enjoy cooling off during hot summer days. As one camper notes, "There's a decent swimming hole. Vault toilets. A few water spigots scattered throughout the campground. Camp host Dan keeps everything clean and is really nice too."
Hiking to alpine lakes: Several trails accessible from campgrounds lead to pristine mountain lakes. "Great access to many different hiking trails of varying difficulty," notes a visitor about Cold Springs Campground. The Mineral King area offers multiple options for day hikers.
Wildlife viewing: Bears and marmots are common throughout the area. One camper at Atwell Mill mentioned, "We only saw 1 adolescent bear the 5 days we were up there." Marmots are particularly common at higher elevations, with one visitor noting they have "the biggest marmots I've ever seen!"
Historical exploration: Many campgrounds feature remnants of logging operations. At Atwell Mill, campers stay "in an old Sequoia Grove that was milled. There are still a couple sequoias nearby that you can hike right up to, but even cooler are the giant stumps left over that you can right next to."
What campers like
Solitude at higher elevations: The challenging drive to Mineral King Valley rewards with fewer crowds. "Great campground and would highly recommend. Close by King's canyon and so much to see in both parks!" notes one visitor about Cold Springs, while another adds that sites are "nice and open and very unlikely to fill up due to their limited amenities."
Riverside camping: Many campsites allow visitors to fall asleep to the sound of flowing water. A Belknap Campground visitor shared, "Spent a very enjoyable 3 days at Belknap. Our site was between a creek and the river so we listened to water the whole time. So relaxing!"
Spacious sites: Buckeye Flat Campground offers larger than average tent sites. According to one camper: "Pretty nice sites though, a lot of space. I think there can be fire restrictions in the summer since it can get so dry, so just be aware of that."
Bear boxes: All campgrounds provide bear-proof storage. "Each site has storage lockers for your food, so be sure to lock it up in order to keep the bears from getting into it," explains a Buckeye Flat visitor, while another Belknap camper notes "each campsite has a bear locker."
What you should know
Long drives on rough roads: Reaching some campgrounds requires patience. The road to Mineral King takes "about 45 min drive from SR-198 on Mineral King Rd (partially paved/dirt), but with a couple small pull offs with water falls and Sequoias along the way." Another visitor warns it's "a long and windy dirt road, with steep drop offs."
Limited amenities: Most campgrounds offer basic facilities. "Vault toilets and potable water are provided. No cell service, but they do have a pay phone you can use," explains a visitor to Cold Springs. Another camper adds, "Be sure to bring all the supplies you need."
Wildlife concerns: Both bears and marmots can cause problems. "Keep food in bear boxes. I have seen bears there, but not every time. Also be wary of marmots," advises a Cold Springs visitor. One Belknap camper warned, "There was a bear in the campground our last night there. So put your food away at night."
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns significantly affect camping conditions. "The drought is real so bring your water," advises one camper. Fire restrictions often apply during summer months, and some roads close entirely during winter.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible campgrounds: Some locations are more child-friendly than others. "Cold Springs campground is a must for camping in Mineral King. Remote, but not too remote and great for kids," notes one regular visitor.
Look for river access: Dunlap Canyon Retreat offers water activities for children. One visitor described "a wonderful campground with a beautiful pond" where families can canoe and enjoy walking trails.
Pack for varying temperatures: Even summer nights get cold at higher elevations. "Chilly early mornings catching trout and cooking them by lunch," describes one visitor about family traditions at Tulare County Balch Park Campground.
Watch for insects: Wasps can be a problem in late summer. A visitor to Crystal Springs noted: "Every time we brought ANY food out we were swarmed with wasps. It made the experience a bit unbarring."
Tips from RVers
Choose lower elevation campgrounds: Most high-elevation sites accommodate tents only. Dunlap Canyon Retreat offers "RV parking area is very open with space between and provides water and sewer and picnic table," according to one camper.
Prepare for limited hookups: Few campgrounds offer full services. One Dunlap visitor mentioned that "when we stayed he had one spot with full electric but he is working on full hookups for all the sites."
Consider temperature variations: Lower elevations get extremely hot in summer. A visitor to Weaver Lake Trail Campsites recommends backpacking to higher ground: "Getting to Weaver Lake may be a bit of a journey for some folks, but it's worth it. It's a beautiful place few people visit. Clean, quiet, and gorgeous."
Mind road conditions: Many access roads aren't suitable for larger vehicles. One would-be camper at Moses Gulch reported, "I turned around after three miles because my old truck was shaking apart."
