Planning a 4WD Camper or Motorhome Trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

While you are visiting San Francisco, you will find plenty of excitement in the city, but you would be missing out if you didn’t plan at least a couple of days in your rented motorhome or campervan to visit some of the nearby national parks. Just 4 hours out of town, you will find Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. These world-class parks draw visitors from around the globe every year.

Some of the Tallest Trees in the World

Sequoia National Park is of course named for its iconic sequoia trees. Sequoias are a type of redwood. They can grow as high as 311 feet, and may have diameters ranging up to 29’ feet. Kings Canyon is not nearly as well-known as Sequoia, but it too boasts some of these tremendous trees. It also features stunning scenery in the form of meadows, waterfalls, granite cliffs, and the Kings River.

What to See at Sequoia and Kings Canyon

If you can, plan at least a few days to stay at Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Even if you were here for weeks though, you could not see everything. Here are some highlights to put on your itinerary:

• Visitor centers. Drop by the visitor centers at some point during your visit so that you can learn more about the parks and pick up souvenirs. There are several visitor centers scattered throughout the parks, including the Giant Forest Museum, the Kings Canyon Visitor Center, the Lodgepole Visitor Center, the Cedar Grove Visitor Center, and the Mineral King Ranger Station.

• Giant Forest. This famous sequoia grove is located in Sequoia National Park on a plateau. Here you can see the General Sherman Tree. This is the largest sequoia tree known to exist on the planet today. There are a number of long and short hikes you can take though and near the grove.

• Grant Grove. One of the most impressive sequoia groves in Kings Canyon National Park is Grant Grove. Explore 90 acres of massive trees, including the towering General Grant Tree. This tree is the second biggest in the world, and is considered to be the Nation’s Christmas Tree.

• Redwood Mountain Grove. This beautiful location is famous not just for its giant trees, but also for its dazzling assortment of colourful wildflowers.

• Muir Grove. This is a lovely spot to get away from the crowds at the more popular groves. You have to hike for two miles to reach it, but the reward is well worth the effort.

• Atwell and East Fork Groves. These groves are located on the East Fork of the Kaweah River, and offer opportunities for hiking and camping.

• Crystal Cave. You need to hike about half a mile to reach this cave from the parking lot. The tour of the cave itself lasts around 45 minutes. Keep in mind that the marble cavern is on the cool side, even during summer, so you may want to layer up and bring a jacket.

• Cedar Grove. This is a beautiful place to visit if you want to surround yourself with the waterfalls and granite cliffs which characterize the Kings Canyon area. On the trails around the area, you can explore Zumwalt Meadow, Roaring River Falls, Mist Falls and more.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon Activities

There are so many ways you can enjoy Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Here are just a few of the fun activities you can participate in.

• Hiking. Whether you are looking for a steep, challenging trail or an easy, gentle walk, you can find an abundance of hiking paths to suit you. Look into day hikes in the foothills, walks around the Giant Forest and Lodgepole areas, Grant Grove hikes, Cedar Grove hikes, and Mineral King day hikes.

• Climbing. Some awesome spots for climbing include Bubbs Creek in Kings Canyon and Moro Rock and Angel Wings in Sequoia. The experience is a lot like climbing in Yosemite, but with a lot less in the way of crowds.

• Water-based activities. Fishing is the main activity to do at the rivers. Kayaks are permitted, but only advanced paddlers should consider tackling these dangerous waters. You definitely should not attempt to go swimming. The currents are too swift.

• Skiing and snowshoeing. This is a great destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. You can also go sledding in the parks.

• Ranger-led activities. Those who are looking to deepen their understanding of the flora, fauna and geology of the parks will want to look into attending a ranger-led hike or talk.

• Horseback riding. Head to Grant Grove Stables or Cedar Grove Pack Station to go for a horseback ride. These guided tours last 1-2 hours, and take you through some of the most stunning scenery you will ever see.

• Driving. If you feel like giving your legs a rest, you will find that there are many beautiful drives you can take through Sequoia and Kings Canyon.

• Wildlife viewing. Many animals call these two parks home. While you are exploring, watch for black bears, gray foxes, bobcats, gopher snakes, western whiptail lizards, California king snakes, scrub jays, and more.

• Photography. The park offers numerous amazing opportunities for photography, so make sure that you pack your camera and some extra batteries.

Where to Stay in Sequoia and Kings Canyon in Your Motorhome

Where can you park your rented motorhome, campervan or 4WD camper while you are visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon?

NPS Campgrounds

Campgrounds are operated by both the National Park Service (NPS) and the US Forest Service (USFS). First I will go over the NPS campgrounds where you can stay, and then I will talk about the USFS campgrounds.

Here is where you can stay in Sequoia:

• Lodgepole and Giant Forest: In this area, you can park a campervan or motorhome at either the Lodgepole Campground or the Dorst Creek Campground. While you are not required to make a reservation to park at either of these campgrounds, the NPS recommends that you book ahead as they are both quite popular. Note that they are regional. If you will be visiting anywhere between spring and fall, you can stay at Lodgepole Campground, but Dorst is only open through summer and autumn.

• Foothills: In this area, you will find Potishwa Campground, South Fork Campground, and Buckeye Flat Campgrounds. Only Potishwa has spots for campervans and motorhomes—the other two sites are for tent camping only. If your vehicle is longer than 22 feet in length, you should avoid driving between Potwisha Campground and the Giant Forest. Potishwa is open year-round.

Note that you unfortunately cannot stay at Atwell Mill Campground or Cold Springs Campground in the Mineral King Area. The roads which lead up to these campgrounds are not safe for larger vehicles.

Here is where you can stay in Kings Canyon:

• Grant Grove: This is one of the best spots to visit in a motorhome because there are three separate campgrounds in the area which you can use. One of these is the Crystal Springs Campground, which you can stay in during spring, summer or autumn. Another is Sunset Campground, which you may stay in through the same season. If you are looking for a year-round option, try Azalea Campground.

• Cedar Grove: Quite a few campgrounds are available in this part of the park. All are open through part of spring, all of summer, and part of fall. Whether you stay at Canyon View Campground, Moraine Campground, Sentinel Campground or Sheep Creek Campground, you can be assured of beautiful views and fewer crowds that you would encounter at some of the more well-known campgrounds.

USFS Campgrounds

• Hume Lake: There are quite a few campgrounds in this area. These include Hume Lake Campground, Princess Campground, Landslide Campground, Tenmile Campground and Convict Flat Campground. It should be noted that Landslide Campground has a restriction on motorhomes which are longer than 16 feet. You should also note that if you are looking for shade, Convict Flat Campground is not the best choice since it is not surrounded by trees like the rest.

• Big Meadows and Stony Creek: Campgrounds include Stony Creek Campground, Upper Stony Creek Campground, Horse Camp Campground, Buck Rock Campground and Big Meadows Campground. Stony Creek and Upper Stony Creek are fairly large campgrounds, but they are also frequented by many visitors, so you will want to call ahead to book. You should also take note that motorhomes longer than 16 feet may not park at Buck Rock Campground.

Toilets are available at most of the NPS and USFS campgrounds, but not all of the campgrounds have water. So you should check while you are booking whether or not you need to bring your own. Be aware as well that elevation differences between campgrounds can translate to very different weather conditions, so pack accordingly.

Also take note that the exact opening and closing days for these campgrounds is very much contingent on the weather conditions. Road conditions can change daily as well. So do not make an assumption that a particular road or campground will be open. Always double check.

Surround Yourself With Some of America’s Most Breathtaking Natural Beauty

You now know all about what you can see and do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and you know where you can park your campervan or motorhome during your stay. Take as much time as you can in these parks, because any visit is too short. Once you behold the majestic trees and soaring granite walls, you will already be wanting to plan a return trip!