Camping near Kings Canyon National Park

Q: Can you camp anywhere in Kings Canyon National Park?

You cannot camp anywhere in Kings Canyon National Park , but there are designated campgrounds within the park where you can camp. Some campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while others require reservations. You can find more information about camping options in Kings Canyon on Hipcamp. Backcountry camping is also allowed in Kings Canyon National Park , but you must obtain a wilderness permit to camp in the backcountry. These permits are issued on a quota system, and you can apply for them online or in person at a visitor center.

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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

Public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Kings Canyon National Park

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Azalea Campground

110 sites In Kings Canyon National Park

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Crystal Springs Campground

49 sites In Kings Canyon National Park

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Sunset Campground

159 sites In Kings Canyon National Park

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Sentinel Campground

82 sites In Kings Canyon National Park

Moraine Campground is right on the edge of the river, making it the perfect camping spot for the angler looking to drop a line while the hotdogs cook on the grill.

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Moraine Campground

120 sites In Kings Canyon National Park

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Sheep Creek Campground

111 sites In Kings Canyon National Park

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Canyon View Campground

16 sites In Kings Canyon National Park

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: A Carbon-Negative Legacy of Gold, Wilderness & Renewal Perched at 4,800 feet near Shaver Lake, this 40-acre sanctuary is where California’s soul stirs. Named for the Musick family, whose 1848 gold strike here sparked the Gold Rush, this very property played center stage for millennia—from the Nuimmu (Mono) people to pioneers, loggers, and innovators. Today, we’re rewriting its legacy as the areas first carbon-negative campground, blending agro-tourism, conservation, and sustainability into every aspect. This place is like no other. There is only 4 sites to ensure groups will have ample space , each site with its own waterfall. Shaver Lake is just a few minutes away and is absolutely stunning and is a MUST SEE!, as well as Dinky Creek wilderness area , and so many other iconic Sierra Nevada destinations. The night sky absent a moon will provide a truly remarkable night sky as is was 1000 years ago. Explore three cascading waterfalls, trails, and climbing routes framed by wild Sierra Manzanita, cedars, and meadows of Indian paintbrush. Rock climbing Borrow kayaks, gear, or blankets onsite, then just 7 minutes away Shaver Lake for fishing, skiing at China Peak, Mono Hotsprings, Mamoth Pools and so so much more. Honoring the Past, Building Anew Walk paths where Nuimmu hunters, Gold Rush dreamers, and Louis L’Amour’s heroes once tread. This land witnessed triumph, tragedy, and reinvention—stories we share to inspire Please note that there is no host on-site during winter months (December–April), and access depends on weather conditions. Visit musickcreekfalls.com for updates and additional details. This property holds profound historical significance, having witnessed pivotal events like the California Gold Rush, the timber and mining booms, and the rise of early electric companies. Inspiring stories in Louis L’Amour novels. It has also borne witness to more somber chapters in history, including acts of genocide. More about its remarkable past can be explored at musickcreekfalls.com We are thrilled to share with you Musick Creek Falls so so much more than just a campground. Come recharge your soul, and feel the magic of the falls. You will never look at camping the same.

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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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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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Five Fours Camp in Three Rivers

2 sites · Tents2 acres · Three Rivers, CA

This is a private campsite with a million dollar view! We no longer open the bunkhouse campsite; so that spot is now another area for your group to relax and enjoy the spectacular views. We welcome dogs and don't charge additional fees for you to bring your dog(s) to camp. The park allows dogs into the park BUT NOT ON ANY TRAILS! (Only the national forests allow dogs on trails, not national parks.) PLEASE, let us know you are bringing dog(s), when you request to book. We currently have 2 - Our boy Chance is a Husky Doberman mix; and we rescued and are fostering the friendliest Great Dane, Winston! We can dog sit your dog(s) while you explore 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 is the southern gateway to the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Our town has some wonderful and unique restaurants, shops and even a brewery next to the River! Our hillside property has great Mountain View’s and the 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. It's conveniently located and easy to find! You can hear the tranqual sounds of the flowing Kaweah river from across the street. Sorry, there is NO river access from this campsite. You can go to Slick Rock Recreation area, Lake Kaweah or into the parks to swim, boat, fish and more. Lake Kaweah is about 8 miles away. You drive by it as you enter Three Rivers. My wife Elizabeth and I bought our log home in 2015 and we have been dreaming and adding here ever since! Our dog Chance chases all the fun wildlife off of our 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 yellow bellied finches are regularly seen here as well. Owls have been heard; but not seen. We love our country home and mountain views, and look forward to sharing them with you!

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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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Blue Moon Orchard Retreat

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Lemon Cove, CA

This place is our sanctuary, our own private slice of heaven. There is an abundance of love and peace here on the farm...even the animals are full of love and affection. Some of the Olive Trees in our Orchard have been here for over 100 years!! The soil is rich and healthy. We use no fertilizers or pesticides preferring to let nature do her thing.Learn more about this land:Camp in our Orchard! We are a small Olive and Citrus orchard and ranch. There are lots of Olives & Citrus during their seasons. Olives Sept-Dec Citrus Dec-May. The Ranch consists of Chickens, Sheep, Goats, Cats, and our ranch dog Merlin. 2 miles to Kaweah Lake with fishing boats, patio boats available to rent from the marina. 15 miles to the quaint town of Three Rivers...River Rafting, fishing etc. 20 miles to the Visitor Center of Sequoia National Forest. Near Mineral King hiking trails. 37 miles to The General Sherman.

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Lemon Cove Village RV Park

60 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Lemon Cove, CA

Welcome to Lemon Cove Village, a family friendly RV Park at the base of Sequoia National Park, just 25 miles from the entrance to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park, and minutes from Three Rivers and the Kaweah River. Nestled in the foothills of the western Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. Lemon Cove Village RV Park is located in the small town of Lemon Cove, population 350. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery including mountains, rocks, oak trees, clean fresh air and is just 19 miles east of Visalia. With Kaweah Lake and the Kaweah River only 4 miles away and the town of Three Rivers just 16 miles north, you will find that there is plenty of exciting exploring or relaxation around every corner. Enjoy nearby: Fishing, White Water Rafting, Boating, Hiking, and Shopping.

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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 inclusive space for solo female 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 - raising livestock - medicinal plant growing + onsite apothecary Come book a cabin, park a bus or RV, bring a tent, bring your cat/dog!

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Isky Ranch

1 site · Tent15 acres · Three Rivers, CA

Three Rivers, Ca is a small rural community known as the gateway to the Sequoia National Forest. This piece of property is nestled next to a flowing river, with a lovely area to relax and enjoy the river. The space available is for tent or dry camping. Take a day trip into the park with the convenience of staying

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Sequoia Mountain Farms

45 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Miramonte, CA

We have over 10 acres of stunning campground conviently nestled only 15-20 minutes from the North entrance to the Sequoias and Kings Canyon! We are located between both, so you have the best access to both attractions here! We have multiple sites to accommodate every type of camping from tent camping to tents-attached-to-cars, to pop-up campers to RVs and trailers with or without power/water hookups. There are wonderful views down into the valley with off-the-chain sunsets and city lights twinkling in the valley distance! Come get away from it all and enjoy the wonderful beauty and quiet serenity of mother nature in the South West Sierras at Sequoia Mountain Farms!!! Welcome Hipcampers! PLEASE read all of the below before booking and screenshot/print the directions below. Please note we have different site types with different prices and capacities. Choose the type that's best for your group. We are outside of Bear and Marmot areas, so no Bear cans needed here. However, we are not far away and nature is wild and can be unpredictable sometimes, so please keep food in your car at night as a precaution. We have not had issues and we don't want to invite any! Hot showers, flushing toilets, deep sinks for washing and WIFI (over 70 mps in many places for you teleworkers) now available for all campers at no extra charge! ARRIVAL: THERE ARE 3 GATES HERE: RIGHT GATE: just to the right of the Giant Sequoia Tree with address sign, goes to the CAMPSITES! Look for ORANGE CONES a few feet off the highway and drive down camp road about 600 feet to the camp. MIDDLE GATE: RV1 and RV2 LEFT GATE: house, please DO NOT ENTER this gate or approch the house. DIRECTIONS: If you put our address in to navigation apps, sometimes it brings you to our neighbors (fire department) for some reason, even after multiple emails to google...if this happens come south/down hill about 600 feet and look for the ORANGE CONES on the same side of the road. Drive between them and down camp road to your site! (There is a pic of the site map in the posted pic's) Go to Google Maps (NOT GOOGLE SEARCH). Search for Sequoia Mountain Farms Campground. Navigator apps sometimes push folks coming from the south up the 245 highway. It is a very windy and slow climb up the hill. It is doable (even for bigger rigs), but we HIGHLY RECOMMEND continuing north on highway 99 towards Fresno and then heading east on highway 180 up the mountain. It's faster, much more scenic and a much smoother drive. This route also goes right by the nearest gas station on your way up! Heading east on highway 180, out of Fresno, the last gas station is a Valero at 35468 E Kings Canyon Rd. (aka Clingan's Junction). From Clingan's, head east on the 180 for exactly 13.8 miles to the 245 highway (it comes up quick with only 1 or 2 small signs), make a right, heading south. If you hit the park entrance, you went too far, turn around drive back about 5 min and look for the 245 on your left. Once on the 245 heading south, go 5.1 miles. On your right you will pass the 'Pinehurst Lodge', which is on google maps, an easy reference point and is 1 minute or less away (great food, bar, pool table and karaoke on weekends in the summer!). Then a few seconds later the U.S Forest Service "Work Center" is on the right and we are just past that on the same side of the road. First you will see a Giant Sequoia Tree in the front yard (campground road is just to it's right with ORANGE CONES on either side) then an apple ranch with an ole loggers cabin chimney from the late 1800s still standing in the front yard directly off the highway! If you hit the 'leaving sequoia national forest' sign and the community center, you went too far, turn around and drive 1 minute back and look for the apple ranch on your left, pass it and turn left at the ORANGE CONES. Please take note of the posted pics from directly across the street facing what you will see when you get here. PLEASE CHECK THE WEATHER: If you ask us about weather, were just going to have to look online too, so please be sure to check it yourself prior to your trip, before asking us to do it for you. Just know we are operating under the assumption that you are aware of the conditions and are prepared for them. If nature happens message us and we will do our best to assist! We look forward to seeing you soon at Sequoia Mountain Farms!! :)

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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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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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you camp anywhere in Kings Canyon National Park?

You cannot camp anywhere in Kings Canyon National Park, but there are designated campgrounds within the park where you can camp. Some campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while others require reservations. You can find more information about camping options in Kings Canyon on Hipcamp.

Backcountry camping is also allowed in Kings Canyon National Park, but you must obtain a wilderness permit to camp in the backcountry. These permits are issued on a quota system, and you can apply for them online or in person at a visitor center.

Where can I camp for free near Kings Canyon National Park?

Free camping near Kings Canyon can be found in designated areas within the neighboring Sequoia National Forest. These undeveloped sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and do not have amenities like restrooms, water, or trash services. Be prepared to practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out everything you bring in. Keep in mind that dispersed camping is not allowed within Kings Canyon National Park itself, as camping is only permitted in developed campgrounds that require a fee.

How much does it cost to camp at Kings Canyon National Park?

Camping fees at Kings Canyon National Park vary depending on the campground and the type of site you choose. Tent and RV sites typically range from $18 to $22 per night, while group sites can cost up to $50 per night. Keep in mind that these prices are for public campgrounds within the park. For more information on camping options and pricing, visit the National Park Service Kings Canyon page.

Can you camp in Kings Canyon National Park?

Yes, you can camp at Kings Canyon, located in Kings Canyon National Park. There are several campgrounds within the park, including Grant Grove, Cedar Grove, and other smaller campgrounds. Some campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while others accept reservations. Be sure to check the National Park Service Kings Canyon page for more information on campgrounds and availability.

Can you camp along the Kings River?

Yes, you can camp along the Kings River in California. There are several campgrounds and campsites available along the river. One option includes the Kings Canyon National Park. This campground offers a variety of amenities, including tent and RV sites, picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms. Make sure to check the specific campground for reservation requirements and availability before planning your trip.

How do I get a campsite reservation at Kings Canyon National Park?

Securing a Kings Canyon National Park campsite reservation is usually a challenge due to the park's popularity. Camping trips typically need to be planned months in advance and even then, available campsites can book up within minutes. The good news is that you have other options for last-minute Kings Canyon National Park campsite reservations. Try snagging one by setting up a free Hipcamp alert for any Kings Canyon campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.

When should I reserve camping in Kings Canyon National Park?

Most Kings Canyon National Park campsite reservations open up months in advance. However, it's notoriously difficult to secure a Kings Canyon National Park reservation even if you plan ahead, as campsites are often booked up within minutes. To increase your chances of snagging a campsite, set up a free Hipcamp alert for any Kings Canyon campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.