The Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, located in California, are considered "a land of giants," with foothills, canyons, mountains and caverns galore, according to the National Park Service (NPS). From hiking to sightseeing to swimming, there are many activities throughout the year that tourists can enjoy, according to NPS, and many travelers choose to camp while spending time at the parks.
Campgrounds
The Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have 14 campgrounds, and although some must be reserved, the majority are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the NPS. Tents and recreational vehicles (RVs) can be used at the campgrounds, and each site has a picnic table, a grill and fire ring.
There are no utility or electrical hookups at any of the park's campgrounds, according to the NPS. Call the parks for reservation or additional campground information. Depending on the campground, the camping free ranges from $12 to $18 per night to camp as of 2010, according to the NPS.
Overnight Backpacking and Camping
There are hundreds of thousands of acres in the parks' High Sierra country, according to the NPS, and many visitors hike and go on overnight backpacking excursions.
It's required that all overnight campers obtain a Wilderness Permit. Typically, from the end of September until the end of May, the permits are free, and they can be obtained at any of the ranger's or visitor's centers located inside the parks, according to the NPS.
During other months, there is a $15 wilderness camping fee, and reservations to camp overnight must be made at least two weeks before the camping experience, according to the NPS. The application form to reserve a trip can be found online.
Things to Do
Aside from hiking, there are many outdoor activities that you have the opportunity to participate in. Depending on the weather and season, some examples of the adventurous activities include rock climbing, skiing, horseback riding, bicycling and snowshoeing, according to the NPS. There are also ranger-led programs, including hiking tours, and these activities vary from year to year.
Wildlife
There are hundreds of black bears living inside the parks, and there are also many mountain lions, according to the NPS. When camping, store food in a proper container, and it's important not to approach the wildlife.
Things to Know
The Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are located in a remote section of the state. Also, keep in mind that the elevation changes throughout the parks, going from flat land to rugged mountains. According to the NPS, it's crucial to be self-sufficient and to understand that there are few convenience stores, and because of the amount of visitors, items sell out quickly.
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