Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (Fodor's) - Fodor's [45]
Canyon View Campground.
$$ | The smallest and most primitive of four campgrounds near Cedar Grove, this one is near the start of the Don Cecil Trail, which leads to Lookout Point. The elevation of the camp is 4,600 feet along the Kings River. There are no wheelchair-accessible sites. Pros: comparatively easy to get last-minute spaces; quieter than the nearby campgrounds. Cons: a fairly long walk away from the village amenities. | Off Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, ½-mi east of Cedar Grove Village 93633 | No phone | 37 tent sites | Flush toilets, drinking water, bear boxes, fire grates, picnic tables, public telephone | Reservations not accepted | No credit cards | Closed late Sept.–early May, as needed.
Crystal Springs Campground.
$$ | Near the Grant Grove Village and the towering sequoias, this camp is at 6,500 feet. There are accessible sites here. Pros: good location; nicely tiered sites. Cons: weekend reservations are a challenge; curvy roads test RV maneuverability. | Off Generals Hwy. (Rte. 198), ¼-mi north of Grant Grove Visitor Center 93633 | No phone | 62 tent/RV sites | Flush toilets, drinking water, bear boxes, fire grates, picnic tables, public telephone | Reservations not accepted | No credit cards | Closed after Labor Day–Memorial Day.
Sentinel Campground.
$$ | Of the four campgrounds in the Cedar Grove area, Sentinel is open the longest. At 4,600 feet and within walking distance of Cedar Grove Village, it fills up fast in the summer. Some sites are wheelchair accessible, and the campground can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet. Nearby, there are laundry facilities, a restaurant, a general store, and a ranger station. Pros: teeming with families; close to the village amenities. Cons: crowded; small spaces; flat. | Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, ¼-mi west of Cedar Grove Village 93633 | 559/565–3341 | Flush toilets, drinking water, bear boxes, fire grates, picnic tables, public telephone | 82 tent/RV sites | Reservations not accepted | No credit cards | Closed Nov.–Apr.
Fodor’s Choice | Sheep Creek Campground.
$$ | Of the overflow campgrounds, this is one of the prettiest. The camp, like the adjacent Cedar Grove, is at 4,600 feet along the Kings River. Pros: pretty setting; river sounds are soothing. Cons: a solid hike from the village; can be jam-packed. | Off Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, 1 mi west of Cedar Grove Village 93633 | No phone | 111 tent/RV sites | Flush toilets, drinking water, bear boxes, fire grates, picnic tables, public telephone | Reservations not accepted | No credit cards | Closed Oct.–early May, as needed.
Sunset Campground.
$$ | Many of the easiest trails through Grant Grove are adjacent to this large camp, near the giant sequoias at 6,500 feet. Pros: gorgeous setting; nicely imaged spacing of sites; good location. Cons: difficult to reserve on summer weekends; can be a bit noisy. | Off Generals Hwy. (Rte. 198), near Grant Grove Visitor Center 93633 | No phone | 200 tent/RV sites | Flush toilets, drinking water, bear boxes, fire grates, picnic tables, public telephone | Reservations not accepted | No credit cards | Closed Oct.–Memorial Day.
OUTSIDE THE PARKS
The only lodging immediately outside the parks is in Three Rivers. Numerous chain properties operate in Visalia or Fresno, about an hour from the south and north entrances, respectively.
If none of the properties listed here suits your needs, check with the Three Rivers Reservation Center (559/561–0410).
Ben Maddox House.
$$–$$$ | This homey B and B is in a tidy white 1876 house surrounded by trees and gardens. Interiors are rich with sequoia redwood woodwork; each guest room has a private bath and a plush bed. You can take breakfast on the sunny porch.