Your Guide to the Best Campground in Kings Canyon National Park

Introduction to Camping in Kings Canyon National Park

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Welcome to The Places Where We Go guide to the best campgrounds in Kings Canyon National Park!

If you want a great place to camp in California, look at Kings Canyon National Park. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, south of Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon offers an incredible camping experience. This area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, from breathtaking views and majestic redwood forests to crystal-clear streams and meadows filled with wildflowers. Kings Canyon is the perfect destination whether you’re seeking a peaceful weekend away or an adventurous camping trip. In this blog post, we’ll look at all that Kings Canyon camping offers.

We’ll explore the various Kings Canyon National Park campgrounds and their amenities. It’s a place with breathtaking scenery that affords many activities for you within this stunningly beautiful park. So read on, and get ready to pack your camping gear for a fantastic camping adventure!

Why Should You Camp at Kings Canyon National Park?

Kings Canyon National Park is the perfect destination for anyone looking to get away from it all and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re an experienced backpacker or a beginner camper, the park boasts some of the most stunning landscapes in California. You can explore miles of trails that take you through lush forests and across meadows full of wildflowers. You can also dip in one of the many crisp mountain streams and enjoy breathtaking views from some of the highest peaks in the Sierra Nevada range.

A bit less crowded than neighboring Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a secluded and remote camping option. You’ll be surrounded by the beauty of nature and can choose to venture on hiking trails, go horseback riding, or relax at the campground.

The park has various wildlife, including black bears, deer, and more. With multiple campgrounds to choose from, there’s something for everyone.

Campgrounds in Kings Canyon National Park

The following is a list of campgrounds within Kings Canyon National Park. To answer the question, “What is the best campground in Kings Canyon National Park” we need to consider what’s important to you for a great camping experience. We’ve curated this list with key features of each campground and ratings from vacation planning sites to help you find your best campground in Kings Canyon National Park.

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Azalea Campground

Rated 5 Stars on The Dyrt

Located in Kings Canyon, Azalea Campground is centrally located to both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. The campground is 3.5 miles from the Kings Canyon entrance in Grant Grove, making this site an excellent choice for visitors who want to explore Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park.

This popular campground sits in a mixed conifer forest with incense cedar, fir, sugar pines, and sequoia trees. You can find the Azalea shrub in this area too.

The location is perfect for a peaceful camping getaway. You may even see wildlife during your stay, including black bears, mule deer, and golden-mantled ground squirrels. Azalea is popular for campers interested in hiking, horseback riding, and fishing.

Nearby recreation options include several hiking trails. You can hike to the beautiful Ella Falls, home to a 50-foot waterfall, or take in the views at Panoramic Point to admire the gorgeous high Sierras. Azalea campground is about a 50-minute drive to the General Sherman Tree.

Services are available in Grant Grove Village. The village includes a camp store, post office, restaurant, and visitor center.

Open for Camping: Year-round
Tent sites: 21 sites in winter, expanding to 110 in summer/fall season.
RV sites: No RV
People per site limit: 6
Site amenities: picnic table, fire pit, food storage box
Potable water access: Yes
Restrooms: Yes – no showers
Generator Hours- 9am to 9pm
Pets: Allowed – must always be kept crated, caged, or on a leash no longer than six feet
Cell service: Limited
Reservations: No reservations mid-October through mid-May when the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are required during the summer season. Reservations available through recreation.gov

Canyon View Campground (Best Option for Group Camping)

Rated 4.6 on Recreation.gov

Located on the banks of the Kings River on Highway 180, the Canyon View campground provides a great camping experience for medium and large groups. This campground has stunning canyon views and is surrounded by majestic redwood trees. It’s also close to some of the most popular attractions in Kings Canyon National Park, including Zumwalt Meadows, Roaring River Falls, and Mist Falls.

Canyon View campground gets its name from the outstanding views of the granite cliffs of the area. The campground offers a range of amenities to make your stay comfortable, including picnic tables, fire grates, clean restrooms, and a dump station. You can also take advantage of the nearby trails to explore the canyon’s stunning views and wildlife. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous camping trip or a peaceful escape, Canyon View Campground is the perfect place to pitch your tent.

The group camping sites are in a cedar and ponderosa pine forest at the bottom of the third deepest canyon in the contiguous United States.

Activities in the area include biking, fishing, and horseback riding. You’ll find some of the best hiking trails in Kings Canyon near this campground. There is a nearby Visitor Center at Cedar Grove Village that offers ranger-led programs. The village also offers a small store with access to laundry and showers. Campers can also take advantage of free Wi-Fi and top-notch customer service from the campground staff.

The drive into the Cedar Grove area takes travelers on a winding and steep road. If you fear heights, some sections of this road may make you uncomfortable (at least, that has been our experience – a white-knuckle drive, for sure).

With its stunning canyon views, unique wildlife, and many activities, camping at Canyon View campground will surely be an unforgettable experience.

Open for Camping: Late May – Early September
Tent sites: Four large group sites, 12 mid-sized group site
RV sites: No RV
Site amenities: picnic table, fire pit, food storage box
Potable water access: Yes
Restrooms: Flush toilets
Generator Hours- 9am to 9pm
Pets: Allowed – must always be kept crated, caged, or on a leash no longer than six feet
Cell service: No
Reservations: Reservations are required during the summer season. Reservations available through recreation.gov

Crystal Springs Campground

Rated 4.2 on Recreation.gov

Crystal Springs Campground is an excellent destination for a peaceful and serene camping experience. This campground is located deep in the Sierra Nevada range and offers incredible views of Kings Canyon National Park. You’ll find crystal-clear streams, lush meadows full of wildflowers, and majestic redwood forests that will take your breath away.

The campground offers a range of amenities, including picnic tables, fire pits, and clean restrooms. Several trails are nearby to explore the park’s stunning views and wildlife. Whether you want to relax in nature or take an adventurous camping trip, Crystal Springs Campground is the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Activities include hiking, ranger-led interpretive programs, and summertime campfire programs at the nearby amphitheater. Horseback riding is available through Grant Grove Stables.

Showers and laundry are available near Grant Grove, within walking distance of the campground. Grant Grove Village also offers a grocery store, gift shop, post office, and restaurant. This Kings Canyon campground provides an experience with crystal-clear streams, majestic redwood trees, and stunning canyon views. Wildlife is plentiful in the area, including black bears, mule deer, golden-mantled ground squirrels, and many bird species. With its activities and amenities, Crystal Springs Campground will surely be an unforgettable camping experience.

Open for Camping: Late May through Mid-September
Tent sites: 36 individual total sites – most are tent sites, plus 14 sites for mid-sized groups (7-15 people)
RV sites: Maximum length 25 feet
People per site limit: 6
Site amenities: picnic table, fire pit, food storage box
Potable water access: Yes
Restrooms: Flush toilets
Generator Hours- 9am to 9pm
Pets: Allowed – must always be kept crated, caged, or on a leash no longer than six feet
Reservations: Reservations are required. Reservations available through recreation.gov

Moraine Campground

Rated 4.3 on Recreation.gov

Moraine Campground is the perfect destination for anyone exploring Kings Canyon National Park. This campground boasts some of the most stunning landscapes in California, with miles of trails taking you through lush forests and across meadows full of wildflowers. You can also dip in one of the many crisp mountain streams or enjoy breathtaking views from some of the highest peaks in the Sierra Nevada range.

One hundred twenty-one sites accommodate tents and RV campers. The campground offers a range of amenities to make your stay comfortable, including picnic tables, fire grates, and clean restrooms. Five comfort stations in the campground provide flush toilets, large sinks for dishwashing, and potable water.

Activities in the area include hiking and horseback riding. You can also take advantage of nearby trails to explore the park’s stunning views and wildlife. Day hikers can access Mist Falls, Cedar Grove Overlook, and Zumwalt Meadows. Fishing is another popular activity at the Kings River.

The Cedar Grove Visitor Center is less than one mile from Moraine Campground. Cedar Grove Village also offers a convenience store, gift shop, snack bar, hotel, showers, and laundry.

Open for Camping: Early spring through late fal
Camping sites: 121 sites (tent and RV combined)
RV sites: Yes
People per site limit: 6
Site amenities: picnic table, fire pit, food storage box
Potable water access: Yes
Restrooms: Flush toilets
Generator Hours- 9am to 9pm
Pets: Allowed – must always be kept crated, caged, or on a leash no longer than six feet
Cell service: No
Reservations: Reservations are required. Reservations available through recreation.gov

Sentinel Campground

Rated 4.4 on Recreation.gov

Sentinel Campground offers a unique camping experience in the breathtaking landscapes of Kings Canyon National Park. Sitting on the south fork of the Kings River, you’ll find lush redwood forests, crystal-clear streams, and stunning canyon views from every corner of this campground. It’s also close to some of the most popular attractions in Kings Canyon National Park, including Zumwalt Meadows, Roaring River Falls, and Mist Falls.

There are 82 campsites at Sentinel with access for tent and RV campers. The campground offers a range of amenities to make your stay comfortable, including picnic tables, fire grates, clean restrooms, and a dump station. Five comfort stations in the campground provide flush toilets, large sinks for dishwashing, and potable water.

Cedar Grove visitor center is located just outside the campground. Across the street, Cedar Grove Village provides access to a convenience store, gift shop, snack bar, hotel, showers, and laundry.

Ranger-led programs during the summer provide access to structured activities. Day trip options from the campground include backpacking, fishing, hiking, and boating.

Cedar Grove provides a plethora of hiking trails for the hiking newcomer to the avid backpacker and everyone in between. Day hikers can hike to Mist Falls, Cedar Grove Overlook, around the peaceful Kanawyer Loop along the Kings River, Zumwalt Meadow, and more. Visitors can fish for trout in the Kings River or take a scenic horseback ride through the canyon with the Cedar Grove Pack Station.

Open for Camping: Mid spring through mid fall
Camping sites: 82 sites (tent and RV combined)
RV sites: Yes
People per site limit: 6
Site amenities: picnic table, fire pit, food storage box
Potable water access: Yes
Restrooms: Flush toilets
Generator Hours- 9am to 9pm
Pets: Allowed – must always be kept crated, caged, or on a leash no longer than six feet
Cell service: No
Reservations: Reservations are required. Reservations available through recreation.gov

Sheep Creek Campground

Rated 4.4 on Recreation.gov

Sheep Creek Campground is great for nature lovers visiting Kings Canyon National Park. Situated in an alpine meadow on the middle fork of the Kings River, stunning views of the Sierras and a magnificent canyon view’ll surround you.

One hundred eleven campsites provide ample access to camping spots. Campsites include picnic tables, fire pits, restrooms, and drinking water. Five comfort stations in the campground provide flush toilets, large sinks for dishwashing, and potable water.

The Cedar Grove Visitor Center is just a short walk from the campground. You won’t get cellphone service in the campground, but there are nearby payphones for contact with people back home. Cedar Grove Village provides access to a convenience store, gift shop, snack bar, hotel, showers, and laundry.

Activities include hiking trails accessible from the campground, including Zumwalt Meadow and Roaring River Falls Trail. Day hikers can choose from hikes to Cedar Grover Overlook and Mist Falls. Fishing is popular at the Kings River. And horseback riding enthusiasts can book a ride at the Cedar Grove Pack Station.

This is one of more quiet campgrounds in Kings Canyon National Park. If you’re looking for a great place to relax in Kings Canyon National Park, Sheep Creek Campground is worthy of consideration.

Open for Camping: Mid-May through mid-September
Camping sites: 111 sites (tent and RV combined)
RV sites: Yes
People per site limit: 6
Site amenities: picnic table, fire pit, food storage box
Potable water access: Yes
Restrooms: Flush toilets
Generator Hours- 9am to 9pm
Pets: Allowed – must always be kept crated, caged, or on a leash no longer than six feet
Cell service: No
Reservations: Reservations are required. Reservations available through recreation.gov

Sunset Campground

Rated 4.2 on Recreation.gov

Sunset Campground in Kings Canyon National Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true! Boasting stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Sunset Campground offers a unique camping experience with its close proximity to some of the park’s most popular attractions. From fishing and hiking to bird watching and mountain biking, there are countless ways to explore the beauty of Kings Canyon National Park from the convenience of your very own campsite.

Near Grant Grove Village, Sunset campground offers 157 individual and two group campsites. There are sites for RVs and tents.

Sunset campground is situated well for people who want to explore Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. You can drive from the campground to Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park within one hour. 30 minutes away, you can find fishing at Hume Lake.

Recreational activities include visiting a nearby sequoia grove, including the General Grant Tree. You can hike to Ella Falls or Panoramic Point from the campground, each providing beautiful views. Other popular activities include fishing, horseback riding, and biking.

Whether looking for a peaceful, private escape or an adventure-filled family getaway, Sunset Campground has everything you need to make lasting memories. No matter the season, this is one camping spot you won’t want to miss! It’s a great place to experience the beauty of Kings Canyon National Park.

Open for Camping: Early spring to late fall
Camping sites: 157 sites (tent and RV combined); Two group sites for 15-30 people (tent only)
RV sites: Yes
People per site limit: 6
Site amenities: picnic table, fire pit, food storage box
Potable water access: Yes
Restrooms: Flush toilets
Generator Hours- 9am to 9pm
Pets: Allowed – must always be kept crated, caged, or on a leash no longer than six feet
Cell service: Extremely limited
Reservations: Reservations are required. Reservations available through recreation.gov

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Backcountry Camping in Kings Canyon National Park

Backcountry camping is a great way to experience the beauty of Kings Canyon National Park. Backcountry camping in this stunning national park allows you to enjoy trails that lead through some of the most breathtaking landscapes and terrain. There are numerous backcountry sites to choose from, each with its unique views and experiences. Whether it’s a backpacking trail or a backcountry campground, backcountry camping in Kings Canyon National Park is an excellent way to explore the outdoors.

Between Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, you’ll find over 800 miles of trails. During the quota season (late May to mid-September), wilderness permit reservations are required. These can be made up to six months in advance of your trip. Check the national park website for the latest information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth going to Kings Canyon National Park?

If you want to appreciate the beauty of the Sierras, Kings Canyon qualifies as a must-visit. This area offers more solitude than Sequoia National Park (and the latter, we find more peaceful than most national parks we’ve visited).

One road leads into the deepest part of Kings Canyon, accessible by car. Warning, though – if you are scared of heights, you may find some nervous moments on parts of this drive. At least, that was our experience.

There’s plenty to do with an abundance of hiking trails. If you’re into backpacking, this is a fantastic place to get into backcountry wilderness. It’s also an excellent place for horseback riding – something we’ve experienced at Kings Canyon.

Yes, it is worth going to Kings Canyon National Park.

What is special about Kings Canyon National Park?

The terrain at Kings Canyon bears similarities to parts of Yosemite Valley. It also is home to the largest sequoia grove in the world.

Famous sights in Kings Canyon National Park include the General Grant Tree and Grant Grove. Kings Canyon has one of the deepest canyons in all of North America.

With sheer granite cliffs, magnificent hiking trails, and the roaring Kings River, Kings Canyon National Park is a special place.

What is the difference between Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon?

The main difference between Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon is its geographic location. While both parks are located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains but on opposite sides of the Great Western Divide. Sequoia National Park is located north and east of Kings Canyon in Tulare County, while Kings Canyon lies some 120 miles further south in Fresno County.

In addition, Sequoia National Park is known for its sequoia trees and groves of giant sequoias, the world’s largest tree species by volume. Kings Canyon is home to various vegetation, including ponderosa pines and incense cedars.

In terms of terrain, Sequoia National Park features steep canyons and granite peaks, while deeper, narrow gorges characterize Kings Canyon. Both parks offer recreational activities such as hiking, backpacking, camping, and rock climbing.

Regardless of which park you choose to explore, rest assured that Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are sure to offer a memorable experience.

Kings Canyon National Park: Know Before You Go

✈️ Airport: Fresno Yosemite International Airport (code: FAT) is the closest commercial airport to Kings Canyon National Park
⏰ Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (GMT-8)

Kings Canyon National Park – A Great Place To Camp

Kings Canyon National Park is an incredible destination for campers of all skill levels. With its breathtaking views, stunning landscapes, and excellent backcountry camping options, Kings Canyon National Park will surely provide you with a memorable experience. Whether you are looking for a leisurely weekend getaway or a challenging adventure, Kings Canyon National Park has something to offer everyone. Plan to come and explore the great outdoors of Kings Canyon National Park!

Julie & Art
The Places Where We Go

#kingscanyonnationalpark #camping

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