Best Tent Camping near Three Rivers, CA
Sequoia National Park offers multiple tent camping options near Three Rivers, California, including Cold Springs Campground, Buckeye Flat Campground, and Atwell Mill Campground. These primitive tent campgrounds are located within the park boundaries, providing access to giant sequoia groves and mountain wilderness. Sites are primarily designated for tent camping, with several locations prohibiting RVs due to narrow access roads and smaller campsite footprints.
Most tent campsites in the area feature dirt or natural surfaces with minimal improvements. Buckeye Flat offers standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to vault toilets, while Cold Springs provides bear boxes for food storage due to active wildlife. A review mentioned that "the water is COLD, even in summer" at riverside campsites. Seasonal access varies significantly, with higher-elevation tent sites typically open from late May through October. Fire restrictions may be implemented during dry periods, and all tent campgrounds require food storage in bear-resistant containers. Mineral King Road leading to Cold Springs Campground is particularly challenging, with one camper noting it's "about 45 minutes drive from SR-198 on Mineral King Rd (partially paved/dirt)."
Tent campers frequently use these areas as basecamp for day hikes or backpacking trips into the high country. Sites at Cold Springs and Atwell Mill provide a more secluded tent camping experience compared to more developed areas. One visitor observed that even at Cold Springs, "it is unlikely to fill up due to limited amenities." Areas farther from the main park entrance offer deeper wilderness immersion, with tent sites at Atwell Mill described as having "hardly any people" even during holiday weekends. Backcountry opportunities also exist at Weaver Lake and Twin Lakes, both accessible only by trail and requiring wilderness permits for overnight tent camping. These walk-in tent sites provide solitude and pristine surroundings for campers willing to hike several miles with their gear.
