Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks feature tent camping opportunities ranging from 3,000 to 9,000 feet in elevation across diverse ecosystems. Cold night temperatures can drop substantially even during summer months, especially at higher elevations where sites like Twin Lakes Trail Campsites sit at approximately 9,000 feet. Most campgrounds in this region close from late fall through spring due to snow conditions, with the majority operating from May through October.
What to do
Explore mountain lakes and wilderness trails: Twin Lakes Trail Campsites requires a challenging "6ish mostly uphill trek" to reach the campsites, but rewards hikers with extraordinary alpine scenery. According to one visitor, "Campsite sites are very nice with bear boxes and a locker toilet. Whole area is at about 9,000 ft elevation so it gets cold and the views are unreal."
Visit historic mill sites: Remnants of early logging operations offer educational opportunities. At Atwell Mill Campground, campers can explore an old Sequoia Grove that was once harvested. A visitor notes, "You'll be camping 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."
Go fishing or paddling: Several campgrounds offer water activities. At Dunlap Canyon Retreat, "the property was wonderful, very quiet, and peaceful. There are 2 lakes on the property" where visitors can canoe or fish. Another camper mentioned they enjoyed "peaceful pond to canoe" during their stay.
What campers like
Secluded camping options: For campers seeking isolation, Weaver Lake Trail Campsites offers primitive sites reached via a moderate hike. One camper shared, "Easy 3-4 mile hike to beautiful weaver lake. Camp sites are spread out through out the side of the lake. Even spots with no amenities but an awesome lake." Another noted it's "Worth The Effort. 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."
Spacious group accommodations: Canyon View Group Sites provides ample room for larger parties. A camper reported, "We booked this campground for a family vacation it was everything we hoped for. The site could easily accommodate 20 people. Each site had 4 bear boxes which was plenty for our group."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many sites offer chances to observe native animals. At Cold Springs Campground, one visitor commented, "Keep food in bear boxes. I have seen bears there, but not every time. Also be wary of marmots." Another mentioned, "They have the biggest marmots I've ever seen!"
What you should know
Challenging access roads: Many of the best tent camping near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks require navigating difficult roads. At Cold Springs Campground, a visitor warned, "The only down side is the drive up the mountain, which takes about 45 minutes and does not access sequoia, only mineral king trails. Worth the drive, beautiful views, but would not recommend if scared of heights." Another camper noted, "Getting to this campground takes a little patience. It is about 45 min drive from SR-198 on Mineral King Rd (partially paved/dirt)."
Limited services: Most campgrounds lack modern amenities. At Atwell Mill Campground, campers should plan accordingly: "This primitive campground is amazing! They have bear boxes, nice firepits, picnic tables, potable water, and vault toilets. The bathroom did have a major fly infestation in early summer but it didn't bother us."
Seasonal pests: Insects can be problematic during certain times. In Crystal Springs Campground, one camper reported, "Staying here the end of August 2018, was pretty warm but nice weather. I normally camp in colder weather so the amount of contact we had with wasps here was extremely annoying. Every time we brought ANY food out we were swarmed with wasps."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible locations: For families with young children, select campgrounds with easier access. Buckeye Flat Campground offers "Pretty nice sites though, a lot of space" according to one visitor, who added, "There are bathrooms with running water, and the sites have picnic tables and fire rings. Each site also has storage lockers for your food."
Plan for altitude adjustment: Higher elevation campgrounds require acclimatization time. A visitor to Cold Springs Campground advised, "Stayed here the night before a 2-night backpacking trip into Mineral King. Great for acclimating to the elevation."
Pack for temperature fluctuations: Dunlap Canyon Retreat provides a lower elevation option with good amenities. A camper remarked, "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." The same location offers "clean bathrooms and laundry room" which can be helpful for family trips.
Tips from RVers
Consider alternative camping styles: While many Sequoia and Kings Canyon campgrounds are tent-only, some offer mixed accommodations. At Dunlap Canyon Retreat, an RVer noted, "RV parking area is very open with space between and provides water and sewer and picnic table." Another visitor mentioned, "We stayed at lower main camp with 30 ft RV, and had plenty of room. Spencer was very accommodating and made sure we had everything we need."
Plan for limited hookups: Most tent camping areas near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks lack RV facilities. At Buckeye Flat Campground, a visitor with a roof tent explained, "It would have been a good site for a tent but we are traveling with a roof tent. Our site was a bit uneven with no way to level it."
