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Camping opportunities near Hume in California concentrate around Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, with several established campgrounds and dispersed options in the surrounding Sequoia National Forest. The region includes Hume Lake Campground, Azalea Campground, and Princess Campground for developed camping, while Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area and FS Road 13s09 offer dispersed camping alternatives. Most developed campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some areas like Lodgepole Campground also offering cabin options. The national park campgrounds typically provide amenities such as picnic tables, bear boxes, and toilets, while dispersed sites offer more primitive experiences.
Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping access in this mountainous region. Most developed campgrounds operate on seasonal schedules, with sites like Hume Lake Campground open from May through September, while Azalea Campground remains open year-round. Winter conditions can make roads impassable at higher elevations, particularly for RVs or vehicles without proper clearance. Summer reservations at popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for waterfront sites. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, and bear activity requires proper food storage. "We were easily able to drive everywhere in the park we wanted to go. Seeing the Milky Way through the giant trees from just outside our tent was a wonder! The lake was gorgeous and we ended up spending a lot of time there."
The campground options around Hume Lake receive particularly high ratings from visitors seeking water recreation opportunities. Hume Lake Campground provides access to swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating, with sites situated within walking distance of the shoreline. The surrounding forest offers hiking trails with views of sequoias and mountain landscapes. Several reviews mention the convenience of accessing the Hume Lake Christian Camp store for supplies. Campers note varying levels of privacy between sites, with some mentioning close quarters during peak seasons. Wildlife sightings, including deer and bears, are commonly reported. A visitor remarked, "The campgrounds had a variety of tree shaded areas and some pretty large spots near the lake. The spots near the lake went quickly but there were a few lovely spots to hang a hammock that were stunning."
"Azalea CG was a great home base for driving down into Kings Canyon, taking a day trip to Hume Lake, going down to see the Giant Sequoias, and walking to nearby big tree groves."
"Easy walk to campstore, post office, restaurant, and visitor center. Many trails close by. Very busy in summer. No reservations. Tent only loops available."
from $32 / night
Check Availability"Hume Lake Campground was a beautiful place to stay in the Sierra Nevada. The campground is surrounded by tall pines and has a peaceful mountain atmosphere that makes it easy to relax."
"Campsites are spread out nicely, access to bear boxes, dumpsters, and bathrooms are easy. There is 0 cell service at this site, I only had access to WiFi at Grant Welcome center, about 20 min away."
from $36 - $75 / night
Check Availability"If you’re looking to camp in California, Sequoia National Park should be one of your top destinations. They have cabin and tent camping. I have stayed in both."
"I like lodgepole campground for the summer because elevation is high enough it does not get too warm and Hume lake is a short drive to some great trout fishing."
from $32 / night
Check Availability"We reserved two sites next to each other (sites 77 & 78) so we had plenty of space. I have to say this is a very busy campground because it is in a rather popular park (King’s Canyon NP)."
"Great location, centrally located for exploring both Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. Nicely shaded spots and the higher elevation is nice for cooler nights during the hot summer months."
from $32 - $60 / night
Check Availability"This campground sits in Sequoia National Forest and is not too far from Hume Lake (also in the Forest). There are three loops with reservable sites, and there are about 20 tent only sites."
"Clean, quite, and right below Hume lake. Awesome walking trail right outside of camp through a beautiful meadow."
from $36 - $75 / night
Check Availability"I visited both parks and needed a place to sleep in my car, I had seen this spot on this site before so I looked and found it, it’s a dirt road but my matrix did fine driving through."
"Also a quick walk to the Chicago Stump which is a must see."
"So I chose this one because it has a nice stream nearby, it's so nice to camp near water. It was sparsely crowded, very quiet."
"We were able to tuck our tent back by some shaded trees and directly behind our site was Stoney Creek. There were lots of areas to swim and wade which was helpful with the warm weather."
from $36 - $38 / night
Check Availability"The only thing negative I could say about this campground is that a lot of the campsites are very close to each other. But if you choose wisely, as my friend and I did, then I have no complaints."
"It was also very close proximity to pretty much everything. We did a lot of driving around."
from $32 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Usually when a dispersed site is marked Big Rig Friendly, we'll find that there is a large paved or gravel area for us to pull into and setup before you get to dirt road or off-road sites."
"They are marked by stones or wood blocks and a small fire pit next to them."
"Follow signs to the Armenian Campground, the road is fully paved and the campground keeps snow off the entrance forest road in the winter. Big rigs can make it okay."
RangerWe had a spot on the farthest loop, which was beautiful on a ridge but set us about 600 yards/steps from the nearest restroom, which means going to the loo, brushing your teeth or doing the dishes (there are signs not to do these things at the water taps that are closer) all set you back at least 10 minutes if you're not self-contained. Also note the campground has no showers.
ScoutOur site was 104. Decent site with no services. Picnic table was bent up, bathrooms were OK but needed regular service. Half the showers didn’t function for several reasons, dirty and lots of big spiders, not clean, doors would not close or lock, lights did not work.
GuideThe city of los Angeles owns most of the land out here that’s flat and perfect for camping, a lot of the other ideal spots are on day use only roads, aggravating to say the least
GuideMy first camping experience here was truly remarkable. Similar to my previous trips to the eastern Sierras, this campground offered a convenient location near amenities and right on the lakefront. The campsites were beautifully designed, with ample space between them, ensuring a comfortable and spacious stay. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at this campground.
ScoutFound this place just to stay for the night on my way North, the park was mostly full and the amenities are decent. But I left in a bad mood because someone on the staff was using a leaf blower to blow litter around the parking lot at 8:00 a.m. and made it impossible to sleep. Technically quiet time was over, but there was just no need to have a leaf blower going because there were no leaves, it's like the owner is a neat freak and can't tolerate even a small amount of debris on the ground.
GuideQuiet, clean, level paved pads. Restrooms are locked, Porta Potties instead. Dump station locked up. Great for dry stop.
GuideHad three bars with t-mobile. Very quiet and reasonably busy for a Sunday night. Well maintained and gorgeous.
ScoutThe ground is very compacted. Getting ANY stakes down is a mission. The sunsets and starry nights make it worth it
GuideSpent a weekend at Rancheria and it delivered exactly what we wanted— a quiet, low-key few days at Huntington Lake with nothing much to do but be there.
Site Selection Tips: We were in the 110's section and I'd steer people there. It feels noticeably less crowded than the other loops, with good spacing and shade. If you want a quieter stay, aim for the higher-numbered sites rather than the ones packed in closer to the middle of the campground.
Lake Access: The lake is a short, easy walk— convenient if you want to get in the water. Getting into the water is the harder part. The shoreline near the campground is thick with downed logs and trees right up to the edge, so finding a clean entry point takes some scouting. Doable, just not a walk-in sandy beach.
Amenities: Potable water and restrooms were easy to get to and clean the whole time we were there. Standard fire ring, table, and bear box at the site. No showers.
Camp Host: Very diligent and visibly present. He was on top of keeping the grounds in good shape, which showed.
Cell Service: Essentially nonexistent at the campground. I'm told you may pick something up over near the marina on the far side of the lake, but plan on being out of contact for the weekend. Bring satellite if you need to stay reachable.
Activities: There's plenty out there, but nearly all of it requires getting in the car. We drove out to Mono Hot Springs— about 75 minutes each way through the mountains on a one-lane road. Worth doing, but go in knowing it's a real drive, not a quick errand. Same goes for most of what's in the area: the lake is what's at your doorstep, everything else is a trip.
Noise& Ambience: The campground itself is quiet. There happened to be a concert across the lake on Sunday— we went over for it, and coming back to camp afterward with the music still carrying faintly over the water made for a nice festive ambience. A pleasant bonus rather than a disturbance.
Overall: Recommend it if the intent is a low-profile weekend. There isn't much within walking distance beyond the lake itself, which is the appeal. Come for the quiet, and plan a drive if you want more.
Dispersed camping opportunities near Hume, California tend to concentrate around the National Forest lands at elevations between 6,000-7,000 feet. This region experiences significant seasonal variations with winter snow accumulation that can limit access from November through April. Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area and FS Road 13s09 provide primitive sites with no amenities but offer direct access to both Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks.
Fishing at Hume Lake: The lake provides excellent trout fishing opportunities for anglers camping at Sequoia National Forest Hume Lake Campground. "This has to be one of my favorite get away locations. The campsites a very spacious. The lake is great for fishing and they plant it many times throughout the year!" shares Angel C.
Hiking to secluded sequoia groves: Access lesser-known groves from various campsites near Hume. At Princess Campground, "There is a lovely paved trail near the adjacent meadow and sequoia grove. This is an ideal location just outside Kings Canyon National Park, located between Grant Grove and Kings Canyon itself," according to Patrick H.
Cooling off in streams: Escape summer heat by camping near waterways. At Upper Stony Creek Campground, you'll find "granite slides and pools of blue water, trout fishing, and the best tasting drinking water I've ever had in my life. Oh and it's a short distance from the biggest trees in the world," reports Veronica S.
Night sky viewing: Areas away from light pollution provide exceptional stargazing. Near Cherry Gap OHV Staging Area, there's "a nice open meadow to view stars at just outside of the campground," according to Mike T., who recommends asking the camp host where the clearing is for optimal viewing.
Proximity to supplies: Many appreciate being able to restock without long drives. At Sequoia National Forest Hume Lake Campground, campers note "you can even hike down the lake for 1/2 mile to the Hume Lake Christian Camp, where they have a visitor center, kayaks for rent, and even a general store with lots of food and supply options," as Daniel J. points out.
Wildlife encounters: The area hosts diverse wildlife sightings. "Saw many deer groups. Clean campsites and especially restrooms. We got to see two female bears walking at a distance from campground. Wildlife management team came and made sure bear stayed in its nature areas," explains Ginny M. about Dorst Creek Campground.
Access challenges: Some campsites require careful navigation. For Eshom Campground, "If your camper/trailer is more than 17-18ft, do NOT attempt to come here, you'll probably get stuck on the way. You can get to the Scenic Byway by taking one of the forest routes as a shortcut," warns Kimberly M.
Primitive conditions at dispersed sites: Free camping means minimal amenities. At Cherry Gap, one camper noted, "This is a good spot if you go deer hunting or like roughing it," indicating the basic nature of these sites that require self-sufficiency.
Elevation impacts: Higher elevation affects temperatures significantly. At Sunset Campground, "The elevation also means it's 10-15 degrees cooler than other campgrounds," notes Alma L., making it preferable during summer heat but requiring warmer clothing for spring and fall visits.
Reservation strategies: Popular sites fill quickly during peak seasons. For Azalea Campground, "We went up on a Thursday and I am glad we did. If you go up on Friday you will be fighting for a spot and Good luck finding an opening on Saturday," advises Jimmy W.
Choose creek-adjacent sites: Kids enjoy water play opportunities. At Azalea Campground, "The marble creek river is gorgeous and people come, park and spend the day cooling off. Spot 198 is the best for RV's in my opinion, but it only accommodates up to 22ft," suggests Alma L.
Look for ranger programs: Educational activities enhance family trips. At Upper Stony Creek Campground, "The Rangers have a little classroom area where they have Bear Safety talks, trail info, lessons, all for free!" says Garrett M.
Consider shoulder seasons: Less crowded experiences often occur outside peak periods. "We decided to come in the off season in February and we got lucky with weather. Low tonight is only supposed to be in the upper 30s. Very quiet but some sledding and hiking activity close by," reports Lydia H. about winter camping at Azalea.
Select sites with natural play features: Trees and rocks provide entertainment. At Princess Campground, "Site #26, huge stump of a tree, bear boxes, fire rings, picnic tables, water on site, flush toilets. Nice sites for sure," recommends Heather P., noting natural features that engage children.
Check site grade before setting up: Many mountain campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Lodgepole Campground, "We stayed here in July 2012 on our summer road trip out west. This was one of many campgrounds in Sequoia N.P. We barely fit on the site and had to use some crazy leveling techniques to get us set up," recalls Christy C.
Utilize dump stations strategically: Plan around available facilities. One camper at Princess Campground noted, "The highlight of our visit to Princess was that after we camped at Hume Lake, we were able to stop back by on our way home and use the RV sewer cleanout and water fill-up station for free!"
Consider generator restrictions: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours. At Dorst Creek, "Generator hours are thankfully enforced," mentions Alma L., indicating the balance between power needs and wilderness experience that affects RV campers in this region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Hume Lake campsites?
Campsites at Tenmile Campground near Hume Lake feature vault toilets, bear boxes, campfire rings, and picnic tables, with a creek running nearby offering natural cooling. At Fir Group Campground, you'll find basic amenities with no hookups, but it's conveniently located with a store and restaurant within walking distance. Most Hume Lake area campgrounds provide picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, though shower facilities are typically not available. The nearby Christian camp at Hume Lake offers a coffee shop accessible to campers, and many visitors enjoy swimming in the lake as a refreshing alternative to showers. Cell service is generally unavailable throughout the area.
Is a campground map available for Hume Lake camping areas?
Yes, campground maps for Hume Lake camping areas are available through multiple sources. You can obtain physical maps at the entrance stations when you check in at Sequoia National Forest Hume Lake Campground. Digital maps are available on the Sequoia National Forest website and recreation.gov when making reservations. For those exploring the broader area, maps showing Hume Lake's location relative to other nearby options like Azalea Campground in Kings Canyon are available at park visitor centers and entrance stations. The Forest Service and National Park Service websites also provide downloadable PDF maps of the camping areas.
What are the best campgrounds near Hume Lake?
The most popular campground directly at Hume Lake is Sequoia National Forest Hume Lake Campground, which offers nicely spaced sites with bear boxes and easy lake access. For those who prefer camping near but not at the lake, Princess Campground is an excellent option located just below Hume Lake with clean, quiet sites and a beautiful meadow walking trail nearby. Both campgrounds provide convenient access to the lake's recreational activities while serving as great basecamps for exploring both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
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