Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park - campgrounds (U.S. National Park Service)

As of July 11, 2008, the parks entered a Stage 1 Fire Restriction. This means that no wood or barbecue fires are permitted below 6,000 feet, except in designated campgrounds. This includes Ash Mountain Picnic Area, Hospital Rock Picnic Area and backcountry travel below 6,000 feet. Gas or propane stoves may be used at all elevations. It also means that no smoking below 6,000 feet is permitted, except within a developed area, a campground, an enclosed vehicle, or a building which allows smoking. Increased fire danger may lead to further restrictions. Check bulletin boards and visitor centers in the parks before starting any fire. More >>>

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW about park campgrounds and storing your food from bears are on this page and its links:

OPENING DATES & VEHICLE-SIZE LIMITS
Only three campgrounds are open year-round: Lodgepole, Azalea, and Potwisha. Four campgrounds do not permit trailers and RVs: Buckeye Flat, Canyon View, Atwell Mill, and Cold Springs. In other campgrounds, site size varies and many sites are not suitable for very long RVs. For specific information on each campground please use the links below:

CAMPGROUNDS:
Alphabetical listing (with map at bottom of page)
Geographical listing (with map at top of page)

RESERVATIONS
All but two campgrounds are first-come, first-served; Lodgepole and Dorst take reservations for summer visits.

Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance of the date you wish to start camping there. For example, you can make a reservation for July 4 beginning on January 4.

Reservations by phone available toll free: 10 am-midnight EST from March 1 - October 31 and 10am - 10pm EST from November 1 through February: 1-877-444-6777 (TDD 1-877-833-6777).

Reservations online - use these links:
For Lodgepole Campground
For Dorst Campground

Customer Service: 1-888-448-1474 or nrrscs@reserveamerica.com.

BUSIEST TIMES
All park campgrounds often fill up on Saturday nights in July and August. However, chances of finding a campsite from Sunday afternoons through Friday afternoons are very good. See "Group Campsites" below for information on sites for groups of 12 to 50 and follow links for details.

THIS IS BEAR COUNTRY. Food storage is required!
All campgrounds in these parks may be visited by black bears. With their excellent intelligence and sence of smell, they easily learn to seek human food. Then these usually shy animals may damage cars, coolers, and tents to get at it. If a bear gets very destructive, it must be killed.
You can prevent this! Always follow all requirements to store your food properly year-round.
Campgrounds offer metal bear-proof storage boxes (box sizes are listed for each campground; avoid bringing coolers that won't fit). Check park bulletin boards for instructions when you arrive, or click the "Black Bear" link on the right for more information.
While black bears can be dangerous, it's our food, not us, that they are after. There are no grizzly bears in these parks. more...

FIRE, SMOKING, AND WATER RESTRICTIONS:

Fire danger and drought are regular summer issues here. Look for postings or ask about fire restrictions before you ignite any flame in the summer; they may be imposed at any time. As for drought, water may be limited during very dry summers and water use may be limited at RV sanitary dump stations or other locations. Call before you come if you hope to rely on park water supplies: 1-559-565-3341.

Visitors await the beginning of an evening campfire program in Lodgepole Amphitheater

SMB Photo

Evening ranger programs are a cherished part of camping tradition in many of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks campgrounds.