Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks campgrounds sit between 2,000 and 7,500 feet elevation, creating distinct camping experiences at different altitudes. Most campgrounds feature bear-resistant food storage boxes due to active black bear populations in the area. Water access varies significantly by location, with higher elevation sites typically having more limited facilities during shoulder seasons.
What to do
Hiking to alpine lakes: 6.3-mile round trip to Kearsarge Pass from Onion Valley provides access to stunning alpine scenery. "Even if you are just going to day hike, it provides access to incredible country. The sites are pretty private (sort of walled in by bushes, trees and rocks), with well-maintained fire pits, tables and bear lockers," notes camper Matt P.
Granite slides exploration: Upper Stony Creek Campground offers unique geological features for adventurous visitors. "The granite slides and pools don't have a clear path to get to. You kind of have to slip through other sites farther towards the hike-in sites to get to, which was uncomfortable... there's some scrambling, so be prepared," explains camper Veronica S.
Movie filming location tours: The Alabama Hills Recreation Area contains numerous sites where Western films were shot. "From the moment you drive down Whitney Portal Rd to Movie Rd, it has uniquely amazing views. Movie Rd has the best dispersed camp spots. All with amazing views," shares Rachel W.
Night sky observation: The dark skies at Whitney Portal provide exceptional stargazing opportunities. "Look at ALL THE STARS! Try not to freeze to death. Enjoy the view!" advises camper Derek B. The high elevation (8,300 feet) creates particularly clear viewing conditions away from light pollution.
What campers like
Creek access for cooling off: Several campgrounds feature refreshing water access. At Upper Stony Creek Campground, "We most enjoyed having morning coffee and walking along the stream over the large boulders. It was summer so we appreciated this site at higher elevation with the chilled air at night," notes Laura H.
Private campsites: Many campers appreciate the spacious layout at Sheep Creek Campground. "We tent camped here. It is beautiful! Spots are very private. Lots of trees for shade, close to the creek, short walk to the village where there is a store, restaurant, gift shop, showers," reports Elise P.
Vault toilet cleanliness: Unlike many wilderness areas, several campgrounds maintain exceptionally clean facilities. At Onion Valley, Sarah R. found "the cleanest pit toilets I've ever experienced. The scenery is sublime. We stayed here as a first night before a several day backpacking trip in the Sierras."
Trail access directly from camp: Campers value not having to drive to trailheads. "There are several great hiking trails that are very near the campground, and the sites are scenic and fairly separate. We saw a lot of deer during our stay," notes Warren K. about Dorst Creek Campground.
What you should know
Rapidly changing conditions: Weather shifts quickly at high elevations. "It gets cold at night so make sure you come prepared. I've been trying to convince my friends to come with me forever but they don't believe me when I tell them it's worth the drive," advises Megan S. about Onion Valley.
Limited water availability: Many campgrounds restrict water access seasonally. At Tuttle Creek Campground, campers report "water faucets are locked, and dump station is closed. We specifically chose this campground for the convenience of water and dump station. Otherwise, the sites are spread apart and the scenery is beautiful," notes camper K L.
Pest management: Some campgrounds experience rodent issues. At Tuttle Creek, one camper noted, "Beautiful campground. We were in site 28. Clean pit toilets. Stunning views. But we were invaded by deer mice. They got in our campervan. We killed more than 10 of them," reports Deb H.
Dispersed camping restrictions: The Alabama Hills area has significantly reduced overnight camping options. "The only places you can camp are designated now. Tuttle creek. Everywhere else there are signs for no camping and only day use," warns Emily D. about recent policy changes.
Tips for camping with families
Ranger programs: Educational opportunities enhance family camping. At Sheep Creek Campground, "The park rangers host many programs. There is also a small store and informational center with the rangers station. They also operate an outdoor ampitheather," says robherr.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many families enjoy animal sightings from camp. "We saw a lot of deer during our stay," reports Warren K. about Dorst Creek, while another camper noted, "We were visited by deer and entertained by a family of quails as we sat around our fire."
Family-friendly trails: Multiple campgrounds offer accessible hiking options. "The hike to the waterfall is easy for kids and the trailhead is in the campground," explains Elise P. about Upper Stony Creek. Another option is the "Zumwalt Meadow loops which is a super easy trail (more of a walk) and well worth traveling a few more miles down the road," according to Kelsey M.
Spacious sites for multi-family camping: Sentinel Campground offers ample room for larger groups. "Huge campsites, ours was right on the river. Gorgeous place! Surrounded by trees and wildflowers. The bathrooms were well maintained. Friendly staff," reports Katherine M.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Lodgepole Campground, certain sites work better for RVs. "Spot 198 is the best for RV's in my opinion, but it only accommodates up to 22ft. If you can fit, it's amazing. It's the closest spot to the river and there is no one around you," advises Alma L.
Generator restrictions: Engine noise regulations are strictly enforced. "Generator hours are thankfully enforced," notes one Lodgepole camper, while another at Dorst Creek mentioned, "We were allowed to run the generator certain hours in our loop."
Leveling challenges: Many mountain campsites require technical setup skills. At Dorst Creek, "We barely fit on the site and had to use some crazy leveling techniques to get us set up," explains Christy C. Another camper noted, "Also no real level flat ground for tent camping. Sites are smallish & close together."
Dump station access: Services vary widely between campgrounds. "The dump station is very nice and free to use," reports a Lodgepole camper, while others note seasonal closures like at Tuttle Creek where the "dump station is closed until May."
