Best Camping in and near Kings Canyon National Park

98% (146 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Kings Canyon National Park adventure.

This spot is home to the country's deepest canyon and its largest grove of sequoia trees.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Kings Canyon National Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Kings Canyon National Park

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Azalea Campground

110 sites In Kings Canyon National Park

Crystal Springs Campground

49 sites In Kings Canyon National Park

Sunset Campground

159 sites In Kings Canyon National Park

Sentinel Campground

82 sites In Kings Canyon National Park

Sheep Creek Campground

111 sites In Kings Canyon National Park

Canyon View Campground

16 sites In Kings Canyon National Park

Moraine Campground

120 sites In Kings Canyon National Park

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Top-rated campgrounds near Kings Canyon National Park

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Musick Creek Falls

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Shaver Lake, CA

Musick Creek Falls is 40 acres and lies just south of Shaver Lake. At an elevation of, 4800 feet (1.46 km). The land is in a green and lush state of regrowth following the Creek Fire four years ago. Exhibiting novel and intriguing wildflowers such as Sierra Manzanita, sweet peas, Indian paintbrush, and cedars. The terrain is natural, beautiful, and rugged. This property boasts three exquisite cascading waterfalls, hiking trails, rock climbing, mountain biking, and stargazing opportunities. With proximity to Shaver Lake and China Peak Ski Resort, you are just minutes from any outdoor activity imaginable. Including, but not limited to, hiking, water and snow skiing, fishing, boating, stargazing, and sooo much more. The road into the property, although being maintained by us and the community, is still a dirt and gravel road. There are a few potholes and water bars. If you've rented a new Lamborghini, you should probably park on the asphalt, or use the Helicopter pad. The spigot provides excellent spring water. The water is flown in daily, condensed against Musick Mountain and filtered through acres of underground granite aquifers, where the minerals are added, raising the PH to around 9. The high PH helps rid the body of pollutants is essential to the whole Musick Creek experience. We want you to leave here healthier and happier than when you arrived. There is trash and a composting outhouse on site. My wife and I stay here on site as long as the dog will allow it. We out heaping amounts of privacy or hospitality as we know how to read the room. Please explore everywhere. Be sure to check out all three waterfalls and Shaver Lake. Don't stay gone too long, though, as just about every night, there is an unforgettable sunset and the sounds and smells of the Sierra Nevada. The experience is supernatural. There is powerful medicine here, and it is undeniable. The weather is very mild most of the year, where a sweatshirt is perfect most nights and not too hot during the day We have kayaks available for use free of charge. Musick Creek Falls offers an affordable option compared to campgrounds and cabins in the area, which are often booked up and very expensive. Most cell phones have good reception throughout the property. We also have spare tents, camping gear, blankets, etc. if you forget something. Musick Creek borders on a Nature Conservancy, The Musick Creek Confluence. Since nearly all proceeds from your support go to the preservation of the area and its ecosystem, It is crucial that we respect our downstream neighbors. Unfortunately, there was an incident where a large family had trash blowing downstream. I know that this is not the norm for Hipcampers. As we are the most respectful and best looking of all the camping crowd. Though some are better at the leave no trace policy than others. It is critical that we deposit all trash into the receptacle. There are garbage bins for your use next to the shipping container, and one can be put at your site upon request. Sasquatch has been known to rip the limbs clean out of the sockets of campers he/she/it has suspected of littering. I scolded the squatch one year bravely, I mustard up the courage to look him is his glowing eyes and demand he return those arms immediatly but when he/she/it tried handing back the arms to the campers... well Im sure you can see the problem there. Please be courteous to our neighbors, as the golden rule is the law of the land. We appreciate your support more than you know, and we are thrilled to share this amazing place with our Hipcamp community. Please be careful during your stay. Rocks can be slick in the water, and when the moon is small, it is very dark. Some nights can be cold, and there are timber rattlers. Timber rattlers get huge and are green. Now if you've ever seen a pissed off rattlesnake coiled up and ready to strike, these are not them. They are not responsible for any bites dog or human year in and year out. I steped on a big one at night and it looked at me like it could not believe how rude and clumbsy I was to the point I took my hat off and apologized red cheeked and ashamed Now The Golden Bears or these new hybrid species that are caused from big bears having to migrate south due to environmentalism and bigger bears are mating with smaller bears making new species They will eat your skin first while the rest of you watches! Lol Im so only totally mostly kidding Please be advised that in the winter months of December through April, there will be no host on site, and access will be limited as weather permits. For more info, visit https://musickcreekfalls.com. I just have to add, for anybody still reading, that Hipcampers are truly an amazing group of people. Maybe it's just that I get to meet you when you're on Vacation and down for anything, but I have not met a single Hipcamper I didn't like, which is incredible as I live out in the wilderness because I don't like people. You all have given me a renewed sense of community, and I am grateful for you all. There is absoloutly nothing I wouldnt do for you, and while you are my guests you are under mine and the forest protection. Protection from bordom , cold, hunger ,danger , mechanical mishap and Dick Cheney ,If you are friends of the falls, then you are my family. What's mine is yours, and the Falls is ours. The responsibility of preserving this place and this planet belongs to all of us as well. Thank you for your support, and thank you for being you, exactly as you are.

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Camp ikigai Animal Sanctuary 501c3

37 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents72 acres · Squaw Valley, CA

Camp ikigai is a 72 acre farm/ranch stay near Sequoia-Kings (SEKI) Canyon Nat'l Parks. Rescued/EOL horses, sheep, chickens, and ducks freely roam the property. The property has a communal clubhouse with a fully stocked kitchen, washer/dryer, firepit, hot/cold showers, compost and pit toilets, and an above ground swimming pool. Our business is committed to inclusivity and respect for people from all backgrounds and a safe space for solo female and LQBTQIA+ travelers. 30 minutes from park entrance, 20 min from nearby lakes, 50 minutes from Fresno. 3 hrs from SF, 3.5 from LA. We have running hot/cold water for our outdoor shower but NO flushable toilets. We have pit and compost toilets filled with cedar shavings for now! Our priorities: 1. Wildfire prevention 2. Community building 3. Environmentalism and Sustainability If you're coming July-Mid August please know it is HOT (95 average/75 night) and wildfires are a consistent threat. With that, wildfire prevention is a high priority. We have a lot of projects we have started and could use all the help we can get! Some of those are: - invasive species management - tiny home building - gardening/greenhouse building - event space building - vertical agriculture - chicken farming (underway and we have a lot of eggs to eat and share!) - raising livestock - medicinal plant growing + onsite apothecary - bus conversion site - tool and machinery share/rental Come book a cabin, park a bus, bring a tent, bring your cat/dog! We know the world is dark right now and we are just trying to bring a little light.

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Dunlap Canyon Retreat

43 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents22 acres · Dunlap, CA

22 acres of camp sites and another 40 acres nextdoor to a hang gliders and paragliders landing. We have restrooms with showers attached to a geodesic dome on property. BBQ , water at sites. A seasonal 2 acre pond. We are about 25mi from sequoia and Kings Canyon right off the Highway 180 and a close drive from restaurants, stores. Beautiful views. We strive to make sure you have an amazing experience in the outdoors. We are still working on making the campground 100% so sorry in advance but what we are lacking we will make up for it with making your experience memorable hope to meet everyone soon P.S I got 6 things ask you to do while you are here 1.Enjoy your time here 2. If you need anything or have concerns say something ( I will try to accommodate the best I can) 3.Have fun 4. Only TP in toilets please 5. Make memories 6. Be respectful to your neighbors ( Get to know them. I don’t really have quite hours just keep in mind some ppl might be waking up early to hike in the park)

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Kings Canyon Campground

21 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · Wilsonia, CA

This rustic campground is located in Kings Canyon on hwy 180, 16 miles past the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Park entrance. Ten Mile Creek running thru the property. Magnificent views of Kings Canyon from the property. Google plus code for maps R497+877 Hume Station, California Campground sites with picnic tables. Flushing toilets on site. Water and sewer hookups available at some sites. 6 miles to the mighty Kings River, 12 miles to Grant Grove and the Giant Sequoia’s, 16 miles to Cedar Grove, 22 miles to “Roads End” and trail head for the endless backcountry trails including the Pacific Crest trail. Easy access to General’s Hwy for Sequoia National Park access

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Five Fours Camp in Three Rivers

2 sites · Tents2 acres · Three Rivers, CA

This is essentially a private campsite with a million dollar view! We are no longer opening the bunkhouse campsite; so that spot is now another area for your group to hang out. We are animal friendly and don't charge extra for you to bring your dog(s) to camp. Please LET US KNOW YOU ARE BRINGING DOG(S), when you request to book. Our dog Ruby, is a Black Mouth Cur, and our boy Chance is a Husky Doberman mix. Both are friendly with other dogs large and small. They look forward to meeting you and yours! Although we welcome dogs, the park only allows them into the park BUT NOT ON ANY TRAILS!! Only the national forests allow dogs on trails, not national parks. We can be available to dog sit your dog(s) while you explore in the park for $7/hour. Please contact us ahead of time, if possible, so we can arrange to be available to dog sit on your chosen day(s). Three rivers, California is the lower gateway to the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National parks; and has some unique restaurants, shops & even our own brewery! Our hillside property has great mountain views on 2.25 serene stepped acres. Our driveway turns directly off of Sierra drive, four miles past the town center (3R post office) and just 2 miles from the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks entrance - so it's conveniently located and easy to find! Five Fours Camp is up a private driveway, leaving the roadway below. You can't see it; but you can still hear the tranqual sound of the Kaweah River flowing across the street. Sorry, there is NO river access from this campsite. I know! We were heartbroken too when we found out we couldn't just cross the street and swim! You CAN go to Slick Rock and swim, boat, fish and more - about 8 miles away. My wife Elizabeth and I bought our log home in 2015 and we have been dreaming and building here ever since! Our beloved older dog Ruby was rescued shortly after we bought. Our boy Chance was rescued during the beginning of the pandemic. They chase all the fun wildlife off of their property! In addition to deer, we have seen fox, bob cats, an Ocelot, too many coyotes, wild turkeys and bear crossing an animal highway along our upper hillside property line. Hawks, hummingbirds, quail, blue birds, woodpeckers and Sime yellow bellied finches are regularly seen here all over as well. Owls have been heard; but not seen. We love our mountain views and look forward to sharing them with you!

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Sequoia Highland Camp

17 sites · Lodging120 acres · Dunlap, CA

Discover Sequoia Highland Camp nature retreat, perched at almost 5000 feet altitude, offering breathtaking views of a valley on one side and snow-capped peaks on the other. Nestled on 120 acres of pristine forest in the Sierra Nevada mountains, this haven is conveniently located near Kings Canyon, a mere 200 miles from both San Francisco and Los Angeles. It serves as an accessible and idyllic base for exploring Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks. Sequoia Highland Camp is home to a variety of cabins and yurts, surrounded by a landscape that includes a pond, meadows, and a forest, providing an immersive experience in the untouched Sierra wilderness. Enhance your stay by booking additional facilities such as the Bungalow (recreation and bar), the Cloud room (yoga and workshop space), the Cloud (yoga and workshop space in a dome), a yoga deck, a sunset spot (no need to book), and a stargazing structure (no need to book). Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains and create lasting memories in this serene and well-appointed camp.

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The Mountain Chapel Campground

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Badger, CA

While on a family backpacking excursion through Sequoia King’s Canyon National Park, and the surrounding area, we came across this charming campground. A long-forgotten chapel in the mountains that was formerly a summer camp. From here, a short 15-minute drive will take you directly to the main entrance of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park for access to the Giant Sequoias at Grant Grove and the Grant Grove Village. For those who prefer to travel off the beaten path, a short 30-minute hike will take you to the National Forest. We are excited to invite you to camp at this hidden gem, while we undertake to restore the campground to its original splendor. Easy drive to available parking, with easy access and pull through drive for any vehicle, even with trailers. For campers bringing their own tents, we provide beautiful and well- shaded sites with level ground, soft grass, tucked underneath the many old-growth trees.

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Mill Creek Station HWY 395 Bishop

1 site · RV1 acre · Bishop, CA

Mill Creek Station was originally the place where the mules werechanged out to oxen to go up old Sherwin Grade to the north. MillCreek Road was the old road going to Mammoth and north toReno. It was later a gas station and mini-mart.Learn more about this land:Mill Creek Station Hip Camp parallels Hwy 395, nine miles north of Bishop, half an hour to Mammoth Mountain, an hour from the entrance to Yosemite and two and half hours from Death Valley. Surrounded by world class mountain biking, climbing, hiking, skiing, as well as historic railroad and mining museums. All halfway between Los Angeles and Reno in the eastern Sierra. We have space for three motor homes or RVs. There are no pull throughs so if you are towing a car you may disconnect it and park the car in our parking lot. You must be self contained with water and power. Generators are OK. There is a restroom but there is no shower. We have a hanging fire pit in the backyard behind our house which you may use. Upon request we will open it for you. Wi-fi is available at our residence on the front porch or the backyard .We are 420 friendly but request that cigarette smoking be contained to open areas away from those of us who cannot tolerate cigarette smoke. No Pets please.Our backyard is unique as it was an old stone quarry at one time and now has an outdoor stage for occasional music events which you are invited to attend as well as to explore the rocks. Mill Creek Station was originally the place where the mules were changed out to oxen to go up old Sherwin Grade to the north. Mill Creek Road was the old road going to Mammoth and north to Reno. It was later a gas station and mini-mart. We have a mineral museum and a climbing and mountaineering exhibit dedicated to Warren Harding, a legendary rock climbing pioneer and friendRecreation is unlimited in this area. Mammoth Mountain ski area is ½ hour away. It is also a world class mountain biking destination. There are many other cycling areas in the vicinity as well as hiking, rock climbing, bouldering, fishing, kayaking and general outdoor exploration. We are at an elevation of 4,500 ft and rarely have snow in the winter. We can provide a long list of climbs, hiking trails, and other adventure sports and scenic exploration. In Bishop the Paiute Casino is 6 miles to the south. Laws Historic Railroad and Mining Museum is 14 miles away. It is open to the public with 11 acres of interesting displays of the old western railroad buildings and artifacts including the huge 20 Mule Team Borax wagons. It is a great place to picnic. We are close to western Nevada’s historic mining towns like Goldfield, Tonopah and Gold Point. Death Valley is 2 ½ hours away. Las Vegas is 5 hours and the eastern entrance to Yosemite is 1 hour to the north by Mono Lake. Enjoy your visit!Roger and Mary Lou

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Aberdeen Resort

15 sites · RVs10 acres · Independence, CA

Learn more about this land: Relax at Aberdeen Resort! Enjoy Goodale Creek at camp and the amazing views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. We have 10 Overnight Sites with the rest of the park being long term. Explore the many OHV trails, hike from the Park or head up to the many trailheads in the area. Fish Goodale Creek or head across the 395 to the gorgeous Owens River. Unspoiled and wild, the Owens Valley is spectacular and serene.

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Thistledew Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent69 acres · Miramonte, CA

Secluded, private, semi-dry camping at 4000 ft. with an RV accessible pull thru. Located 15 minutes from Sequoia National Park entrance. The view to the east is the western edge of the Sequoia National Forest. This campsite is the only one on the property. Typical weather is sunny with low humidity and moderate temperatures.

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rio vista

1 site · RV, Tent12 acres · Three Rivers, CA

Welcome to 12 acres beautiful mountain and river views! minutes away from sequoia national park entrance and mountain bike trails, swimming, hiking, Kaweah Lake, white water rafting, bird watching, and simply just relaxing. These are all activities that are nearby but there is a lot of hiking on the property. Check in anytime after 1pm and no later than 8pm.

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River Ridge Ranch -722 acres

14 sites · Lodging, Tents722 acres · Springville, CA

Swimming in North Fork Tule River, miles of hiking trails on ranch. River Ridge goes from 1,000' elev. to 3,000' elevation. Hike right on the ranch. We are between Sequoia National Park (about an hour) and the Giant Sequoia National Monument (16 miles to groves up Hwy 190 and no entrance fee). Choose from individual tent sites, group tent sites, tiny cabins. the 5-acre Compound or the Entire Ranch. There are 33 giant sequoia groves in our Southern Region of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, some easily driven to, and some remote. Our ranch is a nature preserve and an education demonstration site, teaching sustainable and regenerative land use practices. River Ridge Institute, our non-profit, hosts a variety of events for the public. Please note: you are expected to leave the ranch and kitchen area as you found it, i.e., dishes washed thoroughly and dried and put away, recycling separated from trash, food scraps in compost buckets, sticky marshmallow removed from forks and surfaces (ick!). Thank you. Enjoy: The Kitchen has a 3-burner cooktop, large fridge, microwave, full dishes and utensils and pots and pans with a big washing area in the back. Propane barbecue grill.. There's a River Barn to use as a remote space and Turtle Cove for swimming. Saturday morning Farmer's Market in downtown at 9 AM - Noon. Ancestral land of the Foothill Yokuts tribe. Homesteaded in 1859, owned by the Negus family from 1909-2000. Barbara and I bought it to save it from subdivision and it's now protected by a Conservation Easement and acts as a community center for the arts, music, poetry, gatherings and outdoor education. We're both biologists, so, just ask us. Please see the Rules and Safety section to review our Waiver of Liability.

The best camping near Kings Canyon National Park guide

Overview

About

John Muir considered Kings Canyon National Park to be a rival to Yosemite, and it’s easy to see why, with an expansive landscape of meadows, canyons, mountains, waterfalls, and groves of towering sequoia trees. Highlights include the glacially carved Kings Canyon, Panoramic Point and its sweeping views, Redwood Canyon with more than 15,000 sequoias, and the General Grant Tree, the second largest tree in the world. Seven developed campgrounds near the main Grant Grove and Cedar Grove visitor areas offer campsites for tents and RVs, but there are also vast areas of wilderness best explored on an overnight backcountry trip.

Kings Canyon National Park Cabin Rentals

High up in the Sierra Nevada, the giant sequoia trees, rugged peaks, and clean mountain air of Kings Canyon National Park are what cabin camping dreams are made of. The sole option for cabin camping within the park, the Grant Grove Cabins put you right in the heart of Grant Grove Village and within walking distance of the General Grant Tree. These cabin rentals include a mix of rustic log cabins, tent cabins, and spacious oversized cabins with amenities like electricity, heating, wood burning stoves, and picnic tables, plus access to showers and toilets in shared bath houses. Reservations for the Grant Grove Cabins are competitive, but fortunately, Hipcamp also has a variety of bookable mountain cabins and vacation rentals near Kings Canyon that offer spectacular Sierra Nevada experiences with easy day-use access to both Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park.

Notable campgrounds

Best for tree lovers: Off the General Highway, the Azalea Campground is just a short walk from the General Grant Grove.
Best for amenities: Located near the Cedar Grove Village and visitor center, the Sentinel Campground is centrally located, with easy access to amenities.
Best for river views: The Sheep Creek Campground offers several scenic riverside loops, and is popular with RVs.

Tips for snagging a campsite

From May to September, reserve a campsite as soon as you know your dates. Reservable campgrounds can be booked up to one month in advance.
If you don’t have a reservation, arrive first thing in the morning to grab a site at a first-come, first-served campground.
Be sure to check on seasonal opening and closing dates, which vary by campground.

When to go

Summer is the most popular time to visit the park. It’s also the best time to explore the high country wilderness, as it’s usually covered by snow during other times. Several campgrounds offer summer programs. Visit in the spring and early summer for waterfalls and wildflowers. The Panoramic Point Road closes once snow falls and reopens when the snow has melted or Memorial Day weekend. Enjoy winter activities like sledding and cross country skiing once there is snow on the ground.

Know before you go

One entrance fee covers access to Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks and Sequoia National Forest.
Wilderness permits are required for overnight stays in the backcountry. There is a quota in place from May to September.
RVs are not permitted on the Panoramic Point Road. There are no RV hookups. Dump stations are only available summer at the Forest service Princess Campground.
Be bear aware and use bear-proof containers for proper food storage.
Anglers 16 and older require fishing licenses.