Best Tent Camping near Williams, CA

Super cool place to camp in Sequoia National Park. I drove in from the south and passed quite a few full campgrounds before I finally made it to Sunset and scored a spot that I thought was great- up high and dry, no neighbors, a nearby source of downed wood. It looks like the Park Service stays busy downing dead/dying trees, however there were lots of trees providing cover. The closest neighbors were even able to hammock (though I was not due to lack of trees). When noisy neighbors moved in at the adjoining site, I was able to move to a primo site the next day. The new site (52, I think) was right on the edge of the granite slope with an amazing view of the sunset (hence the name of the campground). All sites had the usual amenities of picnic table and fire ring (and the mandatory must use bear boxes), but you need to take a look around for a site that is level and has adequate space between the fire pit and the tent site (mine did not, so no fire for me).  There is a visitor center across the road at Grant Grove Village with ranger station, grocery, post office, restaurant, gas station, and cabins. This is a good place to set up camp if you want to see big trees; the big sequoia tree General Grant is in a sequoia grove just up the road (you could easily hike there from the campground).

Arrived early Friday afternoon in August and there were only 3-4 spots occupied. We got our pick of spots without a reservation. Most spots offer plenty of shade and space between neighbors. Bugs were moderate, bring bug spray. Pit toilets were clean. All camps have a fire ring and picnic table and a few have brick ovens. This is close to the lake, but no direct lake access. Weather was pretty hot and humid until a few hours after dark. Of all the campgrounds on Lake Pillsbury, this one seems the most secluded with privacy and distance from neighbors. The road to get here is mostly dirt and pretty windy, 4WD recommended. This is a popular area for hunting and off roading, so be prepared for a lot of OHV noise and gunshots echoing through the valley. In the evening it sounded like there was a gun range on the other side of the lake, 100 gunshots per minute until after dark. I would give 5 stars except for the OHV and gunfire noise. But the best part, in the right season the elk herds come through the dry riverbed next to the camp. We saw a herd of 30+ elk and listened to them calling all evening and in the morning.

The camping area is first come first serve.  Very peaceful.  There are platforms that are right on the creek where you can pitch your tent.  We have an 8×8 tent and it was a little tight, so if your tent is bigger than that, you might want to call to get exact dimensions.  Otherwise, there is a large open field for camping too.  

Lots of shade and decent space between platforms. Close to the parking area, though the creek is between the parking and the camping platforms, so you can't drive directly up to your site.  Very clean showers and restrooms nearby.  No picnic tables at the individual sites.

One downfall (though very understandable) is not being able to have campfires or camp stoves, even in the winter.  You cant really cook any food, BUT the cafe onsite had very tasty food if you want a hot meal or coffee.  

The camping fee includes use of the hot springs too, which are amazing.  Clothing optional, and I would say not that many people had clothes.  The trail to the hot springs is right by the camping area, and a nice little hike.