As you travel in and around Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, you're likely to drive through lands that are managed by different agencies. It may be difficult to know whether you're in a national park or in a national forest.
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In Our Parks |
In National Forests |
Backbacking |
Wilderness permits are required for all overnight backpacking trips in the parks. |
Backpacking permits required in some forests: |
Pets |
Pets are not allowed on trails. They are allowed in parking lots, paved roads, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet (1.8 m). For detailed information, visit our Pets page. |
Pets are allowed in developed areas and on trails. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet (1.8 m). |
Don't leave pets unattended in cars, especially during warm weather. | ||
Collecting Inedible Natural Objects (e.g., wildflowers, pine cones, rocks, bones, antlers) |
Collecting objects is not allowed in the parks. Leave everything to play its natural role in the ecosystem. |
Collecting small amounts of forest products for personal use is allowed. However, products collected cannot be sold and collecting must be done in a responsible manner. Larger collections (e.g., landscaping) would require a permit-contact the nearest Forest Service office.
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Collecting Edible Plants |
You may collect berries, mushrooms, and a couple other plants for immediate consumption. Please visit the parks’ Compendium for specific rules. |
Gathering edible plants for personal consumption is allowed. If you wish to collect larger quantities, it requires a permit. Please contact the nearest Forest Service office for guidance. |
Collecting or Cutting Wood |
Dead wood on the ground may be collected for use as fuel for campfires within the parks in all areas except sequoia groves and where fires are prohibited.
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Dead wood for campfires can be collected without a permit. Wood collection permits for home use are also available. Please contact the nearest Forest Service office for guidance. |
Learn why bringing firewood in from far away is not advised: Firewood Task Force |
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Campfires |
Campfires are only allowed in fire rings or grills in campgrounds and some picnic areas. Always check fire restrictions before you start a fire. Wilderness campfires may be allowed under a wilderness permit for backpackers/stock users elevation restrictions and certain area restrictions exist. See the Minimum Impact Regulations |
Free fire permits are required outside picnic area grills and developed campgrounds, even for gas stoves and lanterns. For California forests, get your permit online. When offices are open, get a permit at Hume Lake office in Dunlap or the Kings Canyon Visitor Center. |
Fishing |
Permitted during the season; a California fishing license is required for ages 16 and up. Check park fishing regulations for exceptions to state regulations. |
Check with the local Forest Service office for forest-specific regulations. |
Hunting |
Hunting is not permitted in our parks. |
While hunting is permitted, please hunt responsibly and obtain necessary licenses. |
Riding Bicycles or |
Keep bikes on roads only, not on any trail. Please visit the parks’ Compendium to learn where E-bike are permitted. |
Ask a ranger which trails permit bicycles. |
Be careful and courteous near pedestrians and horses. People under 18 must wear a helmet. |
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Flying Drones And Other Unmanned Aircraft |
For the safety of others and aircraft, drones and other unmanned aircraft are not permitted in national parks. |
You may fly a drone on forest lands with some exceptions. Drones are not allowed in Designated Wilderness and can’t be flown when Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR’s) are in place. You must follow all FAA regulations. Visit Drone Tips for more information. |
Camping |
Camp only in numbered sites in designated campgrounds. All overnight wilderness camping requires a wilderness permit. |
In campgrounds or, unless posted otherwise, near roadsides. Pull safely off the road and no further. |
Activities That Are Not Permitted In Parks Or Forests
Carrying/Using Marijuana | While California law allows for limited possession and use, it remains illegal under federal law. Since national park and national forests are under federal jurisdiction, the use and transport of marijuana is prohibited. |
Feeding Wildlife | Never feed wildlife in parks or forests! Animals become unnaturally dependent on human foods, can damage property, and even injure people. With bears, once they learn to seek human foods, they are far more likely to get hit by cars and sometimes park and forest officials have to euthanize them to keep people safe. |
Carrying Bear Spray | While bear spray may be allowed in other western national parks and forests, it is not permitted in Sequoia and Kings Canyon and neighboring forests. |
Collecting Cultural Items (arrowheads, pottery shards, etc.) | Archeological sites and artifacts are protected by law. Never pick up artifacts such as pottery shards, obsidian, shells, beads, or arrowheads on any public lands. Please report your finding and location to the nearest ranger. |
Driving Off-Road | Not in either area. Stay on roads. |
Last updated: August 31, 2021