Cabin camping near Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offers accommodations at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 7,500 feet, providing varying temperatures and landscapes across seasons. The Kings River flows through Kings Canyon, creating a cooler microclimate in riverside cabin sites during summer months when temperatures can reach 90°F at lower elevations. Winter cabin options remain accessible when higher-elevation campgrounds close due to snowfall from November through April.
What to do
Hiking to alpine lakes: The Monarch Lakes Backcountry area provides access to scenic hiking destinations with cabin accommodations nearby. "Great site to get to after a short (semi difficult) hike. If you want to head off into other parts of the backcountry (or are coming back) this is a great calm and serene area with fantastic scenery. The lake isn't too cold if you want to rinse or just cool off," notes one visitor to Monarch Lakes.
River swimming: Cabin campers can access designated swimming holes at lower elevations. A visitor at Sequoia RV Ranch mentions, "There is a really nice, clean dog park. There is also a really nice swimming hole that we did not test out in March. Easy and quick to Sequoia and a coffee shop and brewery just down the road!"
Winter backcountry access: For experienced winter adventurers, Pear Lake Winter Hut provides seasonal cabin accommodations. "I backpacked here and it was amazing. Absolutely beautiful views and scenery, but need to be in way better shape than I was as the hike goes from 8,000 feet to 11,000 feet over 6 miles," advises a hiker who visited the cabin.
What campers like
Riverside locations: Cabins situated near rivers receive consistently positive reviews. A visitor to Sentinel Campground notes, "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."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The parks' diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife near cabin areas. "The campsite I got was great. There was restrooms fire rings and tables. At night you have to store your food in the bear box because there are bears in this area," explains a visitor to Canyon View Group Sites.
Lower crowds than other parks: Kings Canyon receives fewer visitors than other California national parks. "Kings Canyon is equally amazing, but much less crowded, than Yosemite Valley. Although this campground was almost full, the others in the canyon were completely empty the entire time. Leaving us the run of the park when it came to visiting sites and hiking," reports a camper at Sentinel Campground.
What you should know
Bear precautions: Bear activity requires proper food storage at all cabin locations. "Bear precautions are a BIG deal in the area. The campground is quiet and wooded with beautiful, tall trees," states a visitor to Sentinel Campground.
Limited services after dark: Plan cabin arrivals during daylight hours for easier navigation. "Services are very limited after dark throughout the Sierra Nevada park systems, and the remote location makes modern amenities hard to come by. Bring anything you think you may need," advises a camper at Sentinel Campground.
Electricity limitations: Some cabin sites experience power issues during peak periods. A visitor to Sequoia RV Ranch reports, "We had issues with low voltage from the electric post on site 6 which caused our RV's electrical system to cycle on and off every minute or two. The onsite techs diagnosed an issue with the city-supplied power and mentioned sites 1 through 10 had issues with power, mostly on the weekends."
Tips for camping with families
Look for riverside cabin sites: Streams provide natural entertainment for children. At Three Rivers Hideaway, a camper noted, "Best part of the stay is the spot they have on the river my dog can swim in every day."
Consider proximity to ranger programs: Some cabin locations offer educational activities for children. "Lodgepole Campground is an excellent choice for campers looking to experience the best of Sequoia National Park. With spacious sites, easy access to hiking trails like Tokopah Falls, and nearby amenities like a market, it's a hassle-free way to enjoy the outdoors," reports a visitor to Lodgepole.
Verify site size for larger family groups: Group cabin sites accommodate different numbers of people. A visitor to Canyon View Group Sites notes, "The site could easily accommodate 20 people. Each site had 4 bear boxes which was plenty for our group. Bathrooms were kept clean."
Tips from RVers
Check road access details: Mountain roads present challenges for larger vehicles. A visitor to Whitney Portal warns, "From any real city getting to Whitney Portal will take hours and hours on the longest most boring roads in the world."
Reserve utility sites well in advance: Power and water hookups for cabin areas with RV accommodation fill quickly. "We stayed 4 nights the first two dry camping in spot 14 in the Oak Grove, nice and spacious with a little deck picnic table and fire pit. The last two nights in spot 26 which was spacious on the small river and full hook up," explains a visitor at Sequoia RV Ranch.
Consider seasonal alternatives: Different elevation cabins offer varied conditions year-round. "We visited right before Christmas and so we were treated to chilly temperatures and a relatively empty park. As a result, the experience was quiet and relaxing with a soundtrack dominated by the creek right outside our site," shares a winter visitor to Sequoia RV Ranch.
