Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (Fodor's) - Fodor's [47]
Sierra Lodge.
¢–$ | If you’re on a budget, this vintage-1960s cinder-block motel has the cheapest rooms in town. They’re in passable shape, but nothing special—though some have patios, wood-burning fireplaces, and good mountain views. Outside there’s a large deck with plastic flowers on it. Pros: least-expensive lodging choice in town; nice views. Cons: rooms lack character; road noise noticeable at times. | 43175 Sierra Dr., Three Rivers 93271 | 559/561–3681 or 800/367–8879 | www.sierra-lodge.com | 22 rooms, 5 suites | In-room: kitchen (some), refrigerator, Wi-Fi (some). In-hotel: pool, some pets allowed | AE, D, DC, MC, V | CP.
CAMPING
Big Meadows Campsites.
¢ | FREE | Sites at this camp at 7,600 feet are scattered along Big Meadows Creek. Though the area is pretty, there are limited facilities. There is no drinking water. RVs larger than 22 feet are not permitted. Pros: extremely quiet and peaceful; easy to get a space. Cons: no frills; flat; can smell like horses. | Forest Rd. 14S11, 5 mi east off Generals Hwy. (Rte. 198), 7 mi southeast of Grant Grove 93262 | 559/338–2251 | 30 tent and RV sites | Pit toilets, fire grates, picnic tables | Reservations not accepted | No credit cards | Late May–Oct.
Hume Lake Campground.
$ | Hume Lake is small and lovely, but gets busy in summer, so reservations are essential. The campground has many more sites for tents than RVs. It’s set at 5,200 feet. RVs larger than 22 feet are not permitted. Pros: family atmosphere; gorgeous lake setting. Cons: crowded in the summer; lots of screaming kids possible anytime. | Hume Lake Rd., 3 mi south of Kings Canyon Scenic Byway (Rte. 180) 93262 | 877/444–6777 | 60 tent sites, 14 RV sites | Flush toilets, drinking water, bear boxes, fire grates, picnic tables, public telephone, swimming (lake) | Reservations essential | AE, D, MC, V | Late May–Oct.
Landslide Campground.
$ | On a creek that feeds nearby Hume Lake, this quiet camp is set at 5,800 feet. Pros: generous spacing between sites; peaceful atmosphere. Cons: no frills; rather remote. | Tenmile Rd., 12 mi northeast of Grant Grove off Hume Lake Rd. from Rte. 180 93262 | 559/338–2251 | 9 tent sites | Pit toilets, drinking water, fire grates, picnic tables | Reservations not accepted | No credit cards | Late May–Oct.
Princess Campground.
$ | This camp is at 6,000 feet in Sequoia National Forest, near Hume Lake. There’s a fee to use the nearby by unaffiliated dump station, which is the only one in the area. RVs larger than 25 feet are not recommended. Reservations are accepted—and usually essential—but there’s a $10 reservation fee. Pros: well-imagined layout with lots of trees. Cons: not really near anything; no great views unless you hike out of the camp. | Rte. 180, 6 mi north of Grant Grove entrance 93262 | 877/444–6777 | 50 tent sites, 40 RV sites | Pit toilets, dump station, drinking water, fire grates, picnic tables | AE, D, MC, V | Late May–Oct.
Stony Creek Campground.
$ | Along a creek at 6,400 feet, this campground is between Sequoia and Kings Canyon parks. Pros: centrally located; relatively cool on hot summer days. Cons: chilly at night; kind of cramped. | Generals Hwy. (Rte. 198), 13 mi south of Grant Grove 93262 | 877/444–6777 | 49 tent and RV sites | Flush toilets, drinking water, fire grates, picnic tables, public telephone | Reservations essential | AE, D, MC, V | Late May–Oct.
Tenmile Campground.
¢ | FREE | Above Hume Lake at 5,800 feet, this tiny camp is rustic for its lack of facilities. There is no drinking water. Pros: good place to get away from it all. Cons: no frills; so quiet and remote it can feel creepy. | Tenmile Rd., 5 mi northeast of Grant Grove, off Hume Lake Rd. from Rte.