RV camping near Kaweah, California offers direct access to Sequoia National Park via mountain roads with elevation gains of 2,000-6,000 feet. The Kaweah River system flows through multiple campgrounds and RV parks, creating seasonal swimming areas during spring and summer months. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing at higher elevations while summer brings 90°F+ days in Three Rivers and surrounding lowland areas.
What to do
River swimming spots: During summer months, Sequoia RV Ranch provides a natural swimming hole in the North Fork of Kaweah River. "There is also a really nice, natural spring-fed swimming hole in the North Fork of the Kaweah River, just a short walk from the campground," mentions one visitor at Sequoia RV Ranch.
Sequoia National Park access: Campers at Three Rivers Hideaway can reach the entrance to Sequoia National Park with a 10-minute drive. A visitor noted, "10 minute drive to the entrance of Sequoia NP and that's exactly what we were looking for," making Three Rivers Hideaway a convenient basecamp for park exploration.
High-elevation hiking: Whitney Portal Campground provides access to multiple trails without requiring permits for day hikers. "I'd camp here to hike Meysan Lakes and the start of the Whitney trail to Lone Pine Lake, neither of which require permits for day hikes. It's a great camp for acclimatization," reports a camper at Whitney Portal.
What campers like
Natural surroundings: Riverfront sites at Nelson Falls RV Park provide direct water access and woodland views. "We saw deer in and around the campground almost daily," notes a visitor at Nelson Falls RV Park, highlighting the wildlife viewing opportunities in this mountain setting.
Cleanliness and maintenance: Many campgrounds in the area maintain clean facilities despite high usage. One camper at Nelson Falls RV Park appreciated that "The bathrooms had flush toilets and hot showers that were very CLEAN. That is usually very hard to find when you are camping!"
Spaciousness between sites: Some campgrounds offer more separation than others. A visitor to Kings River RV Resort mentioned, "The spots are large and comfortable," while another camper at Sequoia RV Ranch noted, "camp sites were spaced out enough that you weren't right on top of your neighbors and close enough that you can hang with them."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have limited connectivity, particularly at higher elevations. At Whitney Portal, a camper mentioned, "I didn't have cell service at this campsite, but other areas up near the portal do have limited service, but also the city of Lone Pine is about a 15 minute drive down the mountain."
Seasonal operations: Several campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Sequoia RV Park runs from May through September, while many higher-elevation sites close during winter months due to snow conditions.
Bear awareness: At higher elevations near Sequoia, bears are common. "Bears will break into vehicles with food, scraps, wrappers, etc. Even a cardboard box can invite the critters' attentions. So keep a clean car if parking there and use the bear boxes provided by the forest service," warns a visitor to Whitney Portal.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Several campgrounds offer river access for children. At Riverbend RV Park, "the creek and river next to property is very pretty" and the park includes "lots of kids play areas," according to a recent visitor to Riverbend RV Park.
Recreation amenities: Look for campgrounds with additional facilities beyond standard hookups. One camper at Sequoia RV Ranch shared, "They rode bikes, played in the river and ran around until they crashed every night. We ventured out to Sequoia National Park only a few miles away, the views were amazing, and there was so much to do."
Temperature planning: Mountain elevations create significant temperature variations. A Whitney Portal camper advised, "It did get chilly at night, but as long as you bundle up in your tent, you'll be completely fine."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking riverfront or view sites, research the specific location. A visitor to Sequoia RV Ranch recommended, "We had site 6 for the first night (water and electric only) and site 54 (a river site with full hookups) for the second night."
Elevation challenges: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating steep grades. At Whitney Portal, "you'll need to ascend/descend a mile in elevation over 13 steep and twisting curves every time you leave or return."
Hookup positioning: Some sites have awkward utility connections. A Three Rivers Hideaway camper noted, "I felt like I was in my neighbors site when I had to dump my tanks. The sewage hookup was right in front of his steps," demonstrating the importance of understanding site layouts at Three Rivers Hideaway.
