Camping in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon region around Kaweah ranges from 1,500 to over 7,000 feet in elevation, creating distinct seasonal camping experiences. Summer temperatures can reach the high 90s in lower elevations while staying in the comfortable 70s at higher elevations. Winter brings snow above 4,000 feet, making some campgrounds inaccessible from late October through April.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 3-mile round trip to Mist Falls via Kanawyers Trail provides cooling relief in summer months. At Sheep Creek Campground, visitors can access multiple trails directly from the campground. As one camper notes: "We also enjoyed driving down (east) to the end of the road and hiking Kanawyers Trail (aka Cedar Grove Sand Flats) to the Paradise Valley Trail (aka Mist Falls). We did see some very fresh bear scat and heard rumors of other hikers actually seeing the bear."
Sequoia stump exploration: 20-30 minutes required to examine the massive stumps at Princess Campground, remnants of logging operations from 1901-1908. A reviewer shares: "There are sequoia stumps spread throughout the entire campground and adjacent meadow. The facility is well maintained and monitored by camp hosts, who are all very friendly. There is also a lovely paved trail near the adjacent meadow and sequoia grove."
River swimming: Multiple access points provide safe areas to cool off during hot summer days. Water temperature ranges from 55-65°F depending on the season. "There is access to the river for a cooling dip. Bring bug spray," advises a camper who stayed at Buckeye Flat Campground.
What campers like
Giant sequoia accessibility: Several campgrounds situated within walking distance of old-growth forests. "This is a really cool little campground near the entrance of Sequoia National Park. The sites are tent only, so no hookups or anything like that. Pretty nice sites though, a lot of space," reports a visitor at Buckeye Flat Campground.
Waterfront camping sites: Some locations offer campsites directly adjacent to rivers or lakes. A Sentinel Campground visitor explains: "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."
Stargazing opportunities: Minimal light pollution creates exceptional viewing conditions at higher elevations. "The stargazing is beautiful. There is some limited light pollution emanating from the other side of the foothills, but because you are surrounded by foothills you get some good, dark surroundings to really appreciate the stars," notes a Horse Creek Campground visitor.
What you should know
Bear precautions: All food must be stored in provided bear boxes, which vary in size by campground. According to a Horse Creek Campground visitor: "Coyotes, rattlesnakes, meat bees (bring cheap canned meat to set out during the day and they will leave you alone for the most part)" are among the wildlife you might encounter.
Limited cellular coverage: Most campgrounds have no cell service, with the nearest reliable reception in Three Rivers or at visitor centers. Plan communications accordingly and download maps in advance.
Variable campsite elevations: Many sites sit on sloped terrain, requiring strategic tent placement. One camper observed: "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."
Yurt camping Kaweah, California options: Available at select locations including Whitney Portal and Visalia-Sequoia National Park KOA. Yurts near Kaweah typically cost $65-85 per night and include beds, electricity, and heating for cooler months.
Tips for camping with families
Look for creek-adjacent sites: Children can safely play in shallow water under supervision. "The site we pulled into was so big and spacious. There was a man made fire ring with plenty of log seating around it. A big boulder and a long torn down tree separated us from a heard of wild cows. It was fun to watch them," shares a visitor at Tenmile Campground.
Reserve well in advance: Popular family-friendly campgrounds fill 4-6 months ahead for summer weekends. Holiday weekends require booking on the first day reservations open.
Pack for variable temperatures: Day-night temperature swings can exceed 30 degrees. Multiple layers and proper sleeping bags rated for temperatures 10 degrees below expected lows are recommended.
Scout nearby amenities: Stores and services vary widely between campgrounds. "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," notes one Sentinel Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most campgrounds in higher elevations cannot accommodate RVs over 25-30 feet. Call ahead to confirm access for larger rigs.
Plan for steep roads: The drive into Kings Canyon features 10-15% grades and numerous tight switchbacks. Ensure your vehicle can handle these conditions before booking.
Limited hookups: Few campgrounds offer RV connections. At Sunset Campground, "Some site have electric some don't depending on what you want. We stayed at number 107 which was near the top of the hill and was about a 150 foot walk to the edge where you could see the sunset over the valley."
Dump station availability: Services limited to select locations, often closed during winter months. One visitor recommends: "The highlight of our visit to Princess was that after we camped at Hume Lake, we were able to stop back by on our way home and use the RV sewer cleanout and water fill-up station for free! It is usually $10 but for this weekend it was comped, which was awesome."
