Looking for the best campgrounds near Sequoia National Forest, CA? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Sequoia National Forest, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
$34 - $233 / night
"We arrived on a Sunday and there were first come first serve campgrounds available. We stayed one night but there were plenty of spots to choose from."
"It was very clean and there is a bunkbed with two full size beds and another separate full size bed. The bathrooms were also kept very clean."
$34 - $106 / night
"However, it is located directly across from the trailhead to the Trail of 100 Giants, a 1/2 mile walking tour of some of the biggest trees Sequoia has to offer."
"We arrived very late at night so no one was working but was able to grab a spot by booking at the front drop off pillar - u just fill out the paperwork and add cash in it and drop it in the pillar."
$39 - $340 / night
"All sites are well kept, with access to clean bathrooms and coin operated showers. Staff is friendly and available when needed. Prices are a tad high but expected with a clean upscale Campground."
"Clean showers and bathrooms. Polite guests. Respectable to after hour policies. Ground keepers make sure everyone is happy. Full hook up sites make it easy. Shaded tent sites make it comfortable."
$34 - $147 / night
"there is only one place for trash upon exit), but every site has a beautiful view of the mountainside and the stars, and if you get one of the good sites along the river, you're a few steps from the best"
"Camp 3 is a good location if you can book it quickly outside of the Summer months."
$34 - $106 / night
"A nice secluded campground up the river from kern’s more populated sites, in the heart of the Sequoia National Forest."
$54 - $250 / night
"The campsites were clean and spacious, the bathrooms were sanitary and showers were hot. Only downside happen to be the on-site general store was shut down the whole weekend."
"Beautiful nice place Close to the river"
$57 - $232 / night
"At one point we even ran out of TP and had to drive to the neighboring campground down the road to ask the host there for some more rolls, which she happily provided."
"Porta-potties were kept clean and trash was emptied from large trash containers regularly.
Bears are common in the area and there are no bear lockers for food. So keep this in mind."
"We arrived on Sunday afternoon. The weekend crowd was moving out. We had the campground A Loop to ourselves. Really nice to be out of the Valley heat."
"Very beautiful well kept supposedly it had just opened an hour or two before I arrived after being closed for two years. Great campground"
TravelerA nice secluded campground up the river from kern’s more populated sites, in the heart of the Sequoia National Forest. First come first serve style camp site, showed up at 5 pm on a last minute late night camping trip and arrived to an empty campground.
GuideThis campground is a great area for yourself to be immersed into the forest. We arrived on a Sunday and there were first come first serve campgrounds available. We stayed one night but there were plenty of spots to choose from. The roads around the campground are drivable for all type of cars. Due keep in mind you will need a to obtain campfire permit online before you arrive depending if there are fire restrictions or not. There is no service within the campground so make sure you have everything available to you. There are 2 hikes nearby but unfortunately one of the hikes, Freeman Creek Trail, was closed due to restoration work being done at the time. Definitely would recommend if you plan a little trip into Sequoia National Forest.
RangerReview
Made reservation on Recreation.gov. Arrived at 4pm. Sites are said to be assigned upon arrival. Camp host was the only tent found pitched in the entire campground. It’s during the pandemic and some places are closed. Campground sign said full. Yelled to see if anyone was there in the campsite and no answer from the camp host. Left a voicemail with campground to let them know my name and reservation info and I have was going to look for a spot. Picked a spot with shade - very few available. Some trees, but not large Sequoias like you may expect since it’s near the Sequoia National Forest. This place is desert hot and might be a bit miserable for folks to just hangout here. There’s no hookups. It’s near Lake Isabella. Went to bed and didn’t see a camp host that evening. ANTS!! So many ants in my camper in the morning. Ack!! Talked to a waitress in town and she says the campground I was at is known for an ant problem. Had to get diatomaceous earth at the hardware store in town along with ant traps galore now that my camper was overrun. Find out from the locals this campground has a reputation for being bad. I had to reconsider my plan to stay there and went elsewhere... so frustrating.
LegendThis is a really cool little campground near the entrance of Sequoia National Park. The sites are tent only, so no hookups or anything like that. Pretty nice sites though, a lot of space. I think there can be fire restrictions in the summer since it can get so dry, so just be aware of that. As far as places go, it wasn't too pricey. I think we paid about $20 a night. There are bathrooms with running water, and the sites have picnic tables and fire rings. Each site also has storage lockers for your food, so be sure to lock it up in order to keep the bears from getting into it.
As for stuff to do around here, you obviously have to check out the trees. Go look at General Sherman and all the other Sequoia trees. They're so amazing and honestly it humbles you a little. Also check out Moro Rock Trail. The view from the top is amazing. You'll also probably see a fair amount of wildlife while you're hiking around, so be careful of the bears. Out of all my trips to California, I've seen the most bears here in Sequoia. They are super cool creatures, just keep a respectful distance and of course don't feed them.
TravelerHad a wonderful time exploring the area of the Alabama Hills below and was a wonderful campsite to beat the heat of the valley, at that time was over 100 degrees. The stream was flowing and had just been load with fish, the campground was open and as well as the store/restaurant. The Burger and Beer was a welcome site after a week in the sierras, the big surprise was breakfast, the single pancake was big enough to feed three people. Do not order the short stack unless you have an army of people to feed. The campsite was kept very clean and well organized, firewood for campfires and an abundance of information about the hike to the top and surrounding areas.
GuideBy far the best campground I've been too.
I was on campsite 044. Really secluded surrounded by trees, close to bathroom and water faucet. The bathrooms are clean and have toilet paper. Right next to a river, where the sound relaxes you. Flat ground for the tent and in no sight of other campers. Close (walking distance) to Mt Whitney Trailhead
GuideGreat camp ground. no running water that time of year. Toilets were clean and bear boxes were easily accessible.
GuideOverall nice site with full hookups & wi-fi/cell. Had a nice shade tree but it can be real sunny without one. Laundry right on site! Close to lake Isabella and all of the Kern. Great for last minute reservations too, online booking works
LegendWe got a spot right on one of the river branches, with a great mountain view. Park was relatively empty. The weather was unseasonably warm and sunny with cool nights. Nice, semi-grassy sites with fire-pits made from washing machine tubs(good idea!). Staff was friendly. Campground close to nice coffee shop--Sequoia Coffee Co; quaint little bar/deli--Totem Market; and nice restaurant with a great patio view right on the river--Gateway Lodge. Also close to small market and general store. Would definitely stay here again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find glamping accommodations in Sequoia National Forest?
Glamping accommodations in Sequoia National Forest can be found near popular areas like Lake Isabella and along the Kern River. Lake Isabella-Kern River KOA offers full hookup sites with amenities like Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and shade trees—perfect for those seeking comfort while exploring the forest. For a more secluded experience, Headquarters Campground provides a peaceful setting up the river from more populated Kern sites. While traditional glamping structures are limited within the forest itself, many private operators near forest boundaries offer glamping experiences with easy access to forest attractions. Look for accommodations near Kernville, along Highway 190, or in the Quaking Aspen area for the best combination of comfort and forest access.
What types of yurts are available in Sequoia National Forest?
Yurt options within Sequoia National Forest are limited compared to traditional camping, but several options exist in and around the forest. Sequoia National Forest Quaking Aspen Campground serves as a good base area where private operators sometimes set up seasonal yurt accommodations nearby. More permanent yurt facilities can be found at private resorts adjacent to the forest boundaries, particularly near Lake Isabella and around Kernville. These yurts typically feature canvas walls on wooden platforms, basic furniture, and some include amenities like beds, electricity, and heating. Styles range from simple wilderness yurts to more luxurious options with private bathrooms. For specific yurt reservations, check with private campgrounds and glamping operators as the Forest Service itself doesn't directly manage yurt accommodations within the forest.
How does glamping in Sequoia National Forest differ from Sequoia National Park?
Glamping in Sequoia National Forest offers a more rustic, less regulated experience compared to Sequoia National Park. The Forest spans a larger area with diverse ecosystems and typically has fewer crowds. Buckeye Flat Campground in Sequoia National Park provides tent-only sites with more developed facilities and stricter regulations, whereas Forest locations like Redwood Meadow offer proximity to attractions like the Trail of 100 Giants but with more basic amenities (pit toilets, no running water). National Park glamping tends to have more services and interpretive programs but requires advance reservations, while Forest glamping provides more solitude, flexibility with first-come-first-served options, and often allows longer stays. The Forest also generally has fewer fire restrictions outside peak fire season.
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