Tent camping near Kaweah, California offers access to high-elevation alpine environments between 7,000-9,000 feet with significant temperature variations. The region sits at the western edge of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, characterized by granite formations, alpine meadows, and dense forest. Many campgrounds close seasonally from October through May due to heavy snowpack accumulation.
What to do
Alpine lake swimming: Twin Lakes Trail Campsites provides access to pristine alpine lakes at 9,000 feet elevation. The hike requires stamina as one camper notes, "6ish mostly uphill trek to the twin lakes campsite." After reaching the destination, swimming in the lakes offers a refreshing reward despite the cold water temperatures.
Sequoia viewing: Cold Springs Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring ancient sequoias. "These sites are nice and open and very unlikely to fill up due to their limited amenities. You're so close to some of the most amazing sequoia groves you have to see these trees," explains one visitor. The campground sits at approximately 7,500 feet elevation with multiple hiking trails connecting directly to sequoia groves.
River recreation: The East Fork Kaweah River runs alongside several campsites, providing opportunities for wading and cooling off. Water temperatures remain cold year-round, even in summer months. "There are sites located along the East Fork of the Kaweah River from which you can climb down into the River. In spring, some river sites have some flooding because of rain and runoff," reports a regular visitor.
What campers like
Uncrowded wilderness: Atwell Mill Campground offers a secluded experience among sequoia stumps from historical logging operations. A camper shares, "This primitive campground is amazing! There were hardly any people and some fellow campers told us it wasn't even crowded on Memorial Day weekend." The 21 first-come, first-served sites spread throughout an old sequoia grove provide ample spacing between neighbors.
Wildlife viewing: Bear sightings occur regularly throughout the region, especially at higher elevations. According to a Cold Springs visitor, "Site 17 out of 21 sites is THE BEST site in camp. Fair warning, this campsite is referred to as 'Bear Ally' by the rangers because that's where they come up from the forest to come checkout food opportunities at camp."
Natural features: Weaver Lake offers tent sites situated among granite boulders that create natural privacy barriers. "The lake is devastatingly beautiful and makes a great backdrop, and the boulders scattered throughout create natural privacy barriers," notes a camper who hiked to the site. The lake sits approximately 3-4 miles from the nearest road access point.
What you should know
Challenging access roads: The drive to Buckeye Flat Campground tests drivers with winding mountain roads. Most campgrounds require significant travel time on narrow roads. For Cold Springs, "Getting to this campground takes a little patience. It is about 45 min drive from SR-198 on Mineral King Rd (partially paved/dirt), but with a couple small pull offs with waterfalls and Sequoias along the way."
Bear precautions: All campgrounds require strict food storage in provided bear boxes. "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," advises a Buckeye Flat camper. Rangers actively patrol to enforce proper food storage regulations.
Water availability: While many campgrounds have potable water available during peak season, supplies can be unpredictable during drought conditions. "The drought is real so bring your water," warns a Cold Springs visitor. Carrying extra water remains advisable throughout the camping season regardless of listed amenities.
Tips for camping with families
Altitude acclimation: Children may need extra time to adjust to elevations above 7,000 feet. Plan for shorter activities during the first 24 hours. "Stayed here the night before a 2-night backpacking trip into Mineral King. Great for acclimating to the elevation," recommends a Cold Springs visitor.
Insect preparedness: Wasps become problematic during warmer months, especially when food is present. A Crystal Springs camper reports, "Every time we brought ANY food out we were swarmed with wasps. It made the experience a bit unbearing." Screened dining shelters and insect repellent prove essential for summer camping with children.
Alternative accommodations: Dunlap Canyon Retreat offers glamping options approximately 25 minutes from Kings Canyon National Park entrance. "I used to camp in the Sequoia's as a kid and I made a last-minute decision to spend a night as close to King's Canyon National Park as possible the weekend after Thanksgiving. We stayed in one of his off-grid yurts and it was perfect. I was toasty warm under the covers at night and felt super cozy and safe."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most campgrounds near Kaweah restrict RV access due to narrow, winding mountain roads and limited turning radius. Tent-only designations apply to many sites, including Buckeye Flat which specifies "The sites are tent only, so no hookups or anything like that. Pretty nice sites though, a lot of space."
Alternative base camps: Consider establishing a base camp at lower elevations with easier road access. "We stayed at lower main camp with 30 ft RV, and had plenty of room," notes a visitor at Dunlap Canyon Retreat, located approximately 30 minutes from Giant Sequoias. This arrangement allows day trips into more remote areas while maintaining comfortable overnight accommodations.
