Sequoia National Forest encompasses over 1.1 million acres spanning elevations from 1,000 to 12,000 feet, creating diverse camping microclimates throughout the year. Winter temperatures at higher elevations drop below freezing, while summer conditions at lower campgrounds can exceed 90°F, requiring different preparations depending on camping location and season. Cell service varies dramatically across the forest's campgrounds, with connectivity strongest at lower elevations.
What to do
Trail hiking at Whitney Portal: Located at the end of Whitney Portal Road with access to Mount Whitney, visitors find multiple day hiking options without permits. "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," notes a Whitney Portal visitor who emphasizes the value of spending time at elevation before attempting more challenging hikes.
Orange picking at lower elevations: RV parks in the Bakersfield area feature working orange groves where camping guests can pick fruit during their stay. "My son and I enjoyed free orange picking. The oranges are absolutely fantastic and makes you wonder why you can't get the same quality in a store," explains one visitor at Orange Grove RV Park, highlighting this unique agricultural experience available to campers at lower elevations.
Waterfall viewing at Leavis Flat: Stream access campgrounds offer easy viewing of falls and rapids. "There's a nice little creek/waterfall on site and pond, we will definitely be coming back," shares a camper from Nelson Falls RV Park, demonstrating how water features remain accessible year-round at many forest campgrounds, providing relief during hot summer months.
What campers like
Easy river access: Campgrounds situated along the Kern River provide immediate water recreation opportunities. "We stayed in site 81 in our class C RV. Corner site on a creek that ran through the campground. The creek was great to sit in to escape the heat and float down," reports a visitor to KRS RV Resort at Camp James, highlighting how water proximity enhances summer stays.
Natural hot springs: Several campgrounds offer access to geothermal features. "Walk upstream of the creek maybe 50 yards and there's a small hot spring. $15/night to stay. Worth it," notes a camper from Leavis Flat Campground, revealing the availability of these sought-after natural features without requiring difficult backcountry travel.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds report regular wildlife sightings. "Saw deer in and around the campground almost daily," shares one visitor at Nelson Falls RV Park, showing how proximity to wilderness areas creates opportunities for animal observation within established camping areas.
What you should know
Limited shower facilities: Several campgrounds have minimal washing facilities. "There is only one small restroom with one small shower with barely room to change. There are no other services like laundry, clubhouse, pool, gym," reports a visitor from Lake Olancha RV Park, highlighting capacity limitations that can create morning bottlenecks.
Bear activity precautions: High-elevation campgrounds require strict food storage protocols. "Bears will break into vehicles with food, scraps, wrappers, etc. Even a cardboard box can invite the critters' attentions," warns a Whitney Portal camper, emphasizing how bear management extends beyond just overnight food storage.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies dramatically by campsite location. "Zero Cell coverage (we took that as a good thing), but make sure to download your google map," advises a Nelson Falls RV Park visitor, suggesting preparation for navigational challenges when arriving and departing certain campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Creek tubing options: Small water features provide safer alternatives to larger rivers. "The kids rode bikes, played in the river and ran around until they crashed every night," shares a visitor from Sequoia RV Ranch, highlighting family-friendly water activities available at moderate-elevation campgrounds.
Dog-friendly facilities: Many campgrounds accommodate pets with dedicated areas. "There is also a really nice, large, and clean dog park," notes a camper at Sequoia RV Ranch, pointing out amenities that enhance stays for families traveling with pets.
Day trip planning: Proximity to national parks enables daily excursions. "Location is perfect as a launch point for trips into Sequoia NP," explains a Sequoia RV Ranch visitor, demonstrating how basecamp setup at established campgrounds facilitates daily excursions to nearby attractions.
Tips from RVers
Mountain road navigation: Access to higher-elevation RV campgrounds requires careful driving. "The drive up is a little daunting with going up the mountain, but the road was fine just take your time it will be worth it," advises an RVer who stayed at Nelson Falls RV Park, providing practical guidance on road conditions.
Electrical service reliability: Some campgrounds experience voltage fluctuations. "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 camp staff moved us to site 54 which solved our power issue," reports an RVer from Rivernook Campground, emphasizing the importance of monitoring power systems at certain sites.
Dump station availability: Not all RV parks maintain operational dump facilities. "The Dyrt listing shows they have a dump station but when we stopped in after a trip to Alabama Hills we were informed their dump station was no longer 'operational'," notes a visitor to Boulder Creek RV Resort, highlighting the need to verify current amenities before arrival.
