Visitors come to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to see some of the largest trees, highest mountains, voluminous waterfalls and deepest canyons. They stay for hiking, biking, fishing, backpacking, cross-country skiing and wildlife watching. With activities to satisfy everyone from the hard core adventurer to the armchair outdoorsman, Sequoia and Kings Canyon attract 2 million people per year to these natural treasures.
Geography
The 14 available campgrounds in Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park cover disparate terrains. Available between 2,100 and 7,500 feet in elevation, environments range from dry foothills to high altitude conifer forests. For those wishing to be closer to giant sequoias, the higher elevation campsites of Lodgpole, Dorst, Grant Grove and Atwell mark the closest.
Considerations
Bears are a frequent problem in the parks. Campers must store all food, scented items and trash in bear-proof containers. Additionally, the parks maintain strict stay limits on the campgrounds. User groups are allowed up to a 14-day stay from June 14 to September 15 and are allowed up to 30 days total per year. Campsites are limited to six people and one vehicle per site. Additional parking is available outside of the sites.
Amenities
All campsites located in Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park have a picnic table, fire ring with a grill, and a metal bear box. Depending on the particular camping area, restroom facilities range from flush to pit toilets. Most campgrounds, with the exception of South Fork, have drinking water. Only certain campsites allow RVs and trailers; these restrictions are subject to change, so contact the National Park Service in advance if you have a particular campground in mind. RV dump stations are located only at Potwisha and Lodgepole Campgrounds.
Time Frame
While Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are year-round recreation destinations only four of the 14 established campgrounds, Potwisha, South Fork, Lodgepole and Azalea are open all year. Campgrounds are available on a first come, first served basis, with the exception of Lodgepole, Dorst and certain group campgrounds that are open to reservations. Reservations for these sites are available up to five months in advance. During the peak summer months of July and August, plan ahead for first come, first served sites, as sites will fill up on weekends.
Backcountry Camping
Backcountry camping, also known as backpacking, is a way to escape the crowds; it is sometimes the only way to see some of the parks most remarkable sights. If you want to see a lot of scenery without suffering through 10-mile days, camp at Paradise Valley. The hike is 4.5 miles each way and packs in alpine scenery and views of mist falls.
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