KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK
These parks are home to giants: immense mountains, deep canyons, and huge trees. Thanks to their huge elevational range, 1,500' to 14,491', these parks protect stunningly diverse habitats. The Generals Highway climbs over 5000 feet from chaparral and oak-studded foothills to the awe-inspiring sequoia groves. From there, trails lead to the high-alpine wilderness which makes up most of these parks. Beneath the surface lie over 200 fascinating caverns.
Although Congress created these two parks at different times, Sequoia and Kings Canyon share miles of boundary and are managed as one park. Sequoia was the second national park designated in this country. General Grant National Park, the forerunner of Kings Canyon, was third.
As you explore this landscape of giants, do so in step with nature. Be aware that human activity may conflict with natural events. One example: human - bear interactions can result in problems for both players. Store all food properly and learn other ways to keep your parks healthy and wild.
And stay safe! Rivers are especially dangerous now. Several people have drowned this year, and there have been frightening rescues. Please be careful, and supervise children near any water. Enjoy a safe visit to these wonderful parks.
All park campgrounds are in black bear habitat, and proper food storage is required. Bears that learn to get human foods become destructive and aggressive and must be destroyed. Don't be part of this problem! Bring coolers that will fit in the bear-proof food-storage boxes provided at most campsites. For bear-box sizes, see details for each campground on the CAMPING page. In the park, look for instructions on food storage on bulletin boards and in the park newspaper.
Park campgrounds are located in the oak woodlands of the warm, dry foothills and in the higher, cooler conifer forests. They range in elevation from 2100 to 7500'. Lodgepole, Dorst, Sunset, Azalea, Crystal Springs, and Atwell campgrounds are near giant sequoia groves. Four campgrounds are open year-round.
Camping Limit: 14 days during the period from June 14 - September 15; 30 days total per year.
Facilities: Campgrounds have drinking water (except South Fork), tables, fire grills, garbage cans, and either pit or flush toilets. Most have bear-proof food storage that you must use. Availability of some of these facilities may be limited in winter. There are no hookups in these parks.
Road & Weather Information: Before visiting call 559-565-3341, then press 4. Conditions vary widely by elevation. Report is updated by 9:30 a.m. daily.
Reservations: Lodgepole and Dorst campgrounds in Sequoia National Park accept reservations up to five months in advance for the period of mid-May to mid-October. Contact 1-800-365-2267; international requests (301) 722-1257; TDD 1-888-530-9796; fax (301) 784-9079. 4 am - 4 pm PST. All other campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
For reservations at some U.S. Forest Service campgrounds, contact 1-877-444-6777; TDD 1-877-833-6777; international requests 1-518-885-3639.
Limits: Most campgrounds permit a maximum of one vehicle and six people per campsite (Potwisha permits two vehicles). Check bulletin boards for information on where to park extra vehicles.
Mid-sized-group Campsites (7-15): First-come, first-served, available only during the summer at Crystal Springs (in the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon Park), and Canyon View (in the Cedar Grove area of Kings Canyon).
Large-group Campsites(>15): Available only during the summer, at Dorst (in Sequoia), Sunset (Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon), and Canyon View (Cedar Grove area of Kings Canyon).
Cedar Grove Lodge (Kings Canyon Park Services): Open late April to mid-October.
Phone Reservations: 866-KCANYON
Details : Front desk 1-559-565-0100. Rooms in a lodge in Cedar Grove Village, deep in the canyon of Kings Canyon National Park. Counter-service restaurant, market, gift shop in building. Elevation 4600 feet (1402m).
Grant Grove Cabins & John Muir Lodge (Kings Canyon Park Services): Open All Year
Phone Reservations: 866-KCANYON
Details: Front desk: 1-559-335-5500. Modern rooms in the John Muir Lodge as well as rustic and housekeeping cabins, all in the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park, 1/2-mile (.8km) to a sequoia grove. Visitor center, market, restaurant, gift shop, & post office nearby. Elevation 6500 feet (1980 m). In winter, you are least likely to encounter road closures enroute to Grant Grove if you enter the park on Highway 180.
Wuksachi Village (Delaware North Park Services): Open All Year
Phone Reservations: 1-888-252-5757
Details: In Sequoia National Park, 4 miles (6.5km) from Giant Forest; 23 miles (37km) from Sequoia Park entrance. Modern hotel rooms in several lodge buildings. Restaurant & gift shop nearby. Elevation 6500 feet (1980m). In winter, you are least likely to encounter road closures enroute to Wuksachi if you enter the park via Highway 198.