92% (171 reviews)
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Sierra National Forest adventure.
“Secret Yosemite” offers scenic beauty, rugged forests, and outdoor recreation with smaller crowds.
Popular ways to camp
Community favorites near Sierra National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Book externally
Public campgrounds in the parkBook externally
Book externally
Stay at a public campground in Sierra National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds near Sierra National Forest
92%
(560)
Kings Canyon Campground
21 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Wilsonia, CA
This rustic campground is located in Kings Canyon on hwy 180, 16 miles past the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Park entrance. Ten Mile Creek running thru the property. Magnificent views of Kings Canyon from the property.
Google plus code for maps R497+877 Hume Station, California
Campground sites with picnic tables. Flushing toilets on site. Water and sewer hookups available at some sites. 6 miles to the mighty Kings River, 12 miles to Grant Grove and the Giant Sequoia’s, 16 miles to Cedar Grove, 22 miles to “Roads End” and trail head for the endless backcountry trails including the Pacific Crest trail. Easy access to General’s Hwy for Sequoia National Park access
The
Sequoia & Kings Canyon
area has a long history of being visited.
Even in the pioneer days, before
the road, people had heard tales
of the
majestic canyon, wild rivers
and of the
groves of
gigantic
trees, that many thought to be a hoax. Folks
would make the difficult trip up into
the mountain to see for themselves.
This site,
in the early 1900’s was
a farmstead
providing fresh
fruits and vegetables to the areas loggers, ranchers, hotels and
backcountry explorers.
During the construction of the new
highway
In the 1920’s the site was
used as
a
labor camp.
During the highway construction days
a lodge and gas station was built and was known as “Barton Flat”.
In
the 1950’s the property
was sold and became
the “Kings Canyon Lodge”.
In 2015 the historic lodge and some of the other cabins
were
destroyed in the
“Rough” fire, by a miracle the original 1928
visible
gas pumps survived the fire
and are still being used to this day. We are hopeful to eventually
rebuild a lodge to serve the many visitors.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$21.25
/ night
100%
(9)
Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping
39 sites · Lodging36 acres · Mariposa, CA
Wildhaven Yosemite offers glamping tents and cabins on a beautiful property with mountain views in Mariposa, CA, just outside Yosemite National Park.
Our glamping experience provides the comfort, cleanliness, and customer service of a hotel while keeping everything you love about a night outdoors in nature.
Our extra-large, safari-style tents feature comfortable beds with linens, electricity, heaters, and all the furnishings needed for a memorable night outdoors. Looking for a little more structure in your night outdoors? Our larger glamping cabins provide a kitchenette, bathroom & shower, AC and heating, improved sound insulation, upgraded views, large windows, and a private patio to get you the fresh air you need.
Your stay includes more than just a comfortable place to sleep.
Guests are treated to hiking trails, communal spaces to socialize, trip planning help, Wi-Fi, and on-site activities such as yoga, wine tasting, and live music (spring through fall).
The 36-acre hillside property is the star attraction, providing sweeping views towards the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas, down onto scenic Mariposa, and across miles of rolling hills.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$149
/ night
88%
(12)
Camp ikigai Animal Sanctuary 501c3
37 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents72 acres · Squaw Valley, CA
Camp ikigai is a 72 acre farm/ranch stay near Sequoia-Kings (SEKI) Canyon Nat'l Parks. Rescued/EOL horses, sheep, chickens, and ducks freely roam the property. The property has a communal clubhouse with a fully stocked kitchen, washer/dryer, firepit, hot/cold showers, compost and pit toilets, and an above ground swimming pool. Our business is committed to inclusivity and respect for people from all backgrounds and a safe space for solo female and LQBTQIA+ travelers.
30 minutes from park entrance, 20 min from nearby lakes, 50 minutes from Fresno. 3 hrs from SF, 3.5 from LA. We have running hot/cold water for our outdoor shower but NO flushable toilets. We have pit and compost toilets filled with cedar shavings for now!
Our priorities:
1. Wildfire prevention
2. Community building
3. Environmentalism and Sustainability
If you're coming July-Mid August please know it is HOT (95 average/75 night) and wildfires are a consistent threat. With that, wildfire prevention is a high priority. We have a lot of projects we have started and could use all the help we can get!
Some of those are:
- invasive species management
- tiny home building
- gardening/greenhouse building
- event space building
- vertical agriculture
- chicken farming (underway and we have a lot of eggs to eat and share!)
- raising livestock
- medicinal plant growing + onsite apothecary
- bus conversion site
- tool and machinery share/rental
Come book a cabin, park a bus, bring a tent, bring your cat/dog! We know the world is dark right now and we are just trying to bring a little light.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$34
/ night
98%
(565)
River Ridge Ranch -722 acres
13 sites · Lodging, Tents722 acres · Springville, CA
Swimming in North Fork Tule River, miles of hiking trails on ranch. River Ridge goes from 1,000' elev. to 3,000' elevation. Hike right on the ranch. We are between Sequoia National Park (about an hour) and the Giant Sequoia National Monument (16 miles to groves up Hwy 190 and no entrance fee).
Choose from individual tent sites, group tent sites, tiny cabins. the 5-acre Compound or the Entire Ranch.
There are 33 giant sequoia groves in our Southern Region of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, some easily driven to, and some remote. Our ranch is a nature preserve and an education demonstration site, teaching sustainable and regenerative land use practices. River Ridge Institute, our non-profit, hosts a variety of events for the public.
Please note: you are expected to leave the ranch and kitchen area as you found it, i.e., dishes washed thoroughly and dried and put away, recycling separated from trash, food scraps in compost buckets, sticky marshmallow removed from forks and surfaces (ick!). Thank you.
Enjoy: The Kitchen has a 3-burner cooktop, large fridge, microwave, full dishes and utensils and pots and pans with a big washing area in the back. Propane barbecue grill.. There's a River Barn to use as a remote space and Turtle Cove for swimming. Saturday morning Farmer's Market in downtown at 9 AM - Noon.
Ancestral land of the Foothill Yokuts tribe. Homesteaded in 1859, owned by the Negus family from 1909-2000. Barbara and I bought it to save it from subdivision and it's now protected by a Conservation Easement and acts as a community center for the arts, music, poetry, gatherings and outdoor education. We're both biologists, so, just ask us.
Please see the Rules and Safety section to review our Waiver of Liability.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$40
/ night
98%
(183)
Musick Creek Falls
4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Sacramento, CA
Musick Creek Falls is 40 acres and lies just south of Shaver Lake. At an elevation of, 4800 feet (1.46 km). The land is in a green and lush state of regrowth following the Creek Fire four years ago. Exhibiting novel and intriguing wildflowers such as Sierra Manzanita, sweet peas, Indian paintbrush, and cedars. The terrain is natural, beautiful, and rugged. This property boasts three exquisite cascading waterfalls, hiking trails, rock climbing, mountain biking, and stargazing opportunities. With proximity to Shaver Lake and China Peak Ski Resort, you are just minutes from any outdoor activity imaginable. Including, but not limited to, hiking, water and snow skiing, fishing, boating, stargazing, and sooo much more. The road into the property, although being maintained by us and the community, is still a dirt and gravel road. There are a few potholes and water bars. If you've rented a new Lamborghini, you should probably park on the asphalt, or use the Helicopter pad. The spigot provides excellent spring water. The water is flown in daily, condensed against Musick Mountain and filtered through acres of underground granite aquifers, where the minerals are added, raising the PH to around 9. The high PH helps rid the body of pollutants. I feel it is essential to the whole Musick Creek experience. We want you to leave here healthier and happier than when you arrived. There is trash and a composting outhouse on site. My wife and I stay here on site as long as the dog allows us to serve out heaping amounts of privacy or hospitality. Please explore everywhere. Be sure to check out all three waterfalls and Shaver Lake. Don't stay gone too long, though, as just about every night, there is an unforgettable sunset and the sounds and smells of the Sierra Nevada. The experience is supernatural. There is powerful medicine here, and it is undeniable. The weather is very mild most of the year, where a sweatshirt is perfect most nights and not too hot during the day We have kayaks available for use free of charge. Musick Creek Falls offers an affordable option compared to campgrounds and cabins in the area, which are often booked up and very expensive. Most cell phones have good reception throughout the property. We also have spare tents, camping gear, blankets, etc. if you forget something. Musick Creek borders on a Nature Conservancy. Since nearly all proceeds from your support go to the preservation of the area and its ecosystem, It is crucial that we respect our downstream neighbors. Unfortunately, there was an incident where a large family had trash blowing downstream. I know that this is not the norm for Hipcampers. As we are the most respectful and best looking of all the camping crowd. Though some are better at the leave no trace policy than others. It is critical that we deposit all trash into the receptacle. There are garbage bins for your use next to the shipping container, and one can be put at your site upon request. Sasquatch has been known to rip the limbs clean out of the sockets of campers he/she/it has suspected of littering. I scolded the squatch but when he/she/it tried handing back the arms to the campers... well Im sure you can see the problem there. Please be courteous to our neighbors, as the golden rule is the law of the land. We appreciate your support more than you know, and we are thrilled to share this amazing place with our Hipcamp community. Please be careful during your stay. Rocks can be slick in the water, and when the moon is small, it is very dark. Some nights can be cold, and there are timber rattlers that share the space with us. Timber rattlers are the most timid and shy of all rattlesnakes. If you are too close, they will give you a polite couple of shakes, indicating that they are merely passing through and would appreciate some space. Please be advised that in the winter months of December through April, there will be no host on site, and access will be limited as weather permits. For more info, visit https://musickcreekfalls.com. I just have to add, for anybody still reading, that Hipcampers are truly an amazing group of people. Maybe it's just that I get to meet you when you're on Vacation and down for anything, but I have not met a single Hipcamper I didn't like, which is incredible as I live out in the wilderness because I don't like people. You all have given me a renewed sense of community, and I am grateful for you all. If you are friends of the falls, then you are my family. What's mine is yours, and the Falls is ours. The responsibility of preserving this place and this planet belongs to all of us as well. Thank you for your support, and thank you for being you, exactly as you are.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$60
/ night
90%
(483)
Sequoia Mountain Farms
80 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Miramonte, CA
Welcome campers! PLEASE read all of the below before booking and screenshot/print the BELOW DIRECTIONS, as google and other mapping apps have taken guests on very difficult routes. Trust us, mapping apps don't account for the issues of small mountain roads!
We have over 10 acres of stunning campground nestled only 15-20 minutes from the North entrance to the Sequoias! We have multiple sites to accommodate every type of camping from tent camping to tents-attached-to-cars and trucks, to pop-up campers to RVs with or without power and water hookups. Please see our RV hook-up spaces on our sister post! (RV sites at Sequoia Mountain Farms). There are wonderful views down into the valley, at night with sunsets off-the-hook, and city lights twinkling in the valley distance. We have multiple sites for large groups.
Hot showers now available for all campers at no extra charge!
We offer three sizes of campsites with different prices and capacities explained below.
SMALL: Price includes 1 vehicle, and up to 3 people.
Extra vehicle: $7/night/per vehicle (unlimited number allowed, but may need to park on the campground road, nearby).
Extra person: No extra persons allowed in small sites (3 max).
Small site #s (9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, 32, 35, and 36)
MEDIUM: Price includes 1 vehicle, and up to 3 people.
Extra vehicle: $7/night/per vehicle (unlimited number allowed, but may need to park on the campground road, nearby).
Extra person: $10/night (maximum of 10 persons allowed in medium sites).
Medium site #s (3, 5, 8, 16, 18, 29, 30, 33, 34, 37)
LARGE: Price includes 2 vehicles, and up to three people.
Extra vehicle: $7/night/per vehicle (unlimited number allowed, but may need to park on the campground road, nearby).
Extra person: $10/night/per person. (20 person max in large sites).
Large site #s (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 12, 17, 24)
Sites 1, 6 and 24 can accommodate RVs/trailers without any hookups. If you need hookups, then see our RV sites. We have two of them.
DIRECTIONS: Navigator apps push anyone coming from the south up the 245 highway north. It is a very winding and slow climb up the hill. It's doable (even for large rigs), but we HIGHLY recommend continuing north on highway 99 towards Fresno and then heading east on highway 180 up the mountain. It's faster, much more scenic and a smoother drive. This route also goes right by the nearest gas station on your way up! To avoid some of the less desirable routes, we recommend navigating to the last stop for gas first, and then to the property.
Coming east on highway 180, out of Fresno, that gas station is a Valero at 35468 E Kings Canyon Rd. (aka Clingan's Junction).
From there, DO NOT INPUT OUR STREET ADDRESS, or you will end up at our neighbor's property to the north (the Federal Fire Work Center). Instead:
- Go to Google Maps (not google search)
- Search for Sequoia Mountain Farms Campground
- Click on Directions
- We are located exactly where our icon appears on Google Maps, and this will take you there.
Assuming there are no road closures we recommend the following as the most desirable route. From Clingan's, head east on the 180 for exactly 13.8 miles to the 245 highway (it comes up quick with only 1 or 2 small signs), make a right, heading south. If you hit the park entrance, you went too far, turn around drive back about 5 min and look for the 245 on your left. Once on the 245 heading south, go 5.1 miles. On your right you will pass the 'Pinehurst Lodge', which is on google maps, an easy reference point and is 1 minute or less away (great food!). Then a few seconds later the U.S Forest Service "Work Center" is on the right and we are just past that on the same side of the road. First you will see a Giant Sequoia Tree in the front yard (campground road is just to it's right with orange cones on either side) then the apple ranch with the ole loggers cabin chimney from the late 1800s still standing in the front yard directly off the highway! If you hit the 'leaving sequoia national forest' sign and the community center, you went too far, turn around and drive 1 minute back and look for the apple ranch on your left, pass it and then turn left after the Sequoia tree into the gravel road with the orange cones (for sites CG01 - CG37). If you rented RV1 or RV2, then your entrance is just to the left of the orange cones.
ARRIVAL: Entering the property, through the orange cones, the road will go slightly downhill and curve to the left. Stay to your left and you will run into the restrooms on your left. Use the property map to locate your site, set up and enjoy. A host is usually around working somewhere and makes multiple rounds on the camp daily.
Please take note of the posted pics from directly across the street facing what you will see when you get here. The address sign is posted on a tree and you can see the apple orchard and ole loggers chimney from the road off to the left and the Giant Sequoia Tree on the right of the address sign with the main entrance just to the right (north) of the tree (with the orange cones).
There are 3 gates.:
TENT SITES CG01-CG37: The FAR RIGHT GATE (north gate), just to the right of the Sequoia Tree, goes to the campsites! Look for the graveled road with orange cones / solar lights easily visible from the road.
RV SITES RV1 and RV2: The MIDDLE GATE (just to the left of the campground road, and to the right of the address sign and mailbox) is for the two RV hook up sites in the big pad / yard directly off the road. These are back in sites, no pull-through access.
HOUSE RENTAL: The FAR LEFT and southern most gate (to the left of the address sign and mailbox) is closest to the apple ranch and chimney; leads to the house which is also a rental. CAMPERS, PLEASE DO NOT APPROACH THE HOUSE OR BACK YARD UNLESS INSTRUCTED OTHERWISE. Thank you for understanding.
We look forward to seeing you soon at Sequoia Mountain Farms!!! :)
Please message us for any questions! We are happy to help! We want you to have the best experience possible, so if we can help, we definitely will!
Also, please check the weather online before you come up to the mountain! Just know we are operating under the assumption that you are aware of the conditions and are prepared for them. If nature happens message us and we will do our best to assist! :)
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$30
/ night
97%
(18)
Sequoia Highland Camp
17 sites · Lodging120 acres · Dunlap, CA
Discover Sequoia Highland Camp nature retreat, perched at almost 5000 feet altitude, offering breathtaking views of a valley on one side and snow-capped peaks on the other. Nestled on 120 acres of pristine forest in the Sierra Nevada mountains, this haven is conveniently located near Kings Canyon, a mere 200 miles from both San Francisco and Los Angeles. It serves as an accessible and idyllic base for exploring Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks.
Sequoia Highland Camp is home to a variety of cabins and yurts, surrounded by a landscape that includes a pond, meadows, and a forest, providing an immersive experience in the untouched Sierra wilderness.
Enhance your stay by booking additional facilities such as the Bungalow (recreation and bar), the Cloud room (yoga and workshop space), the Cloud (yoga and workshop space in a dome), a yoga deck, a sunset spot (no need to book), and a stargazing structure (no need to book). Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains and create lasting memories in this serene and well-appointed camp.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$103.50
/ night
Booked 16 times
Golden Arrow Gold Claim
1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Buck Meadows, CA
Bring the whole family out for a relaxing weekend of gold panning or metal detecting on my 20 acre claim just down the road from the west entrance to Yosemite national park. Just a stones throw off of highway 120 and a few short miles east of Rush Creek Lodge and spa!
Camp here at Golden Arrow and hide out under the trees along soldier creek during the heat of the day! If you don’t feel like panning there are several good fishing holes to be found across the claim along the approximately 1400ft stretch of soldier Creek. Plenty of level space to park your RV, Travel Trailer, or Conversion Van…
It’s rare to find an active claim that is accessible by 2wd and even more rare to find someone willing to welcome you to pan on their claim and keep what you find! Take advantage of this rare opportunity and try your luck at hunting down some gold on your next vacation!!
Pets
from
$30
/ night
91%
(88)
Pinehurst Lodge Bar and Grill
9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Miramonte, CA
3 acres located just outside Sequoia National park. An easy 15 minute drive to the gates of the National park. Hiking, creeks and waterfalls nearby. Located with a bar and grill and general store. Currently eight campsites available. Amenities include Wi-Fi, Restrooms and showers located onsite available for use. Horseshoe pits, corn hole game, pool table and dart board game. Bar and grill serves amazing food and drinks, menu attached. Saturday nights live music or karaoke. Pet friendly. ***Please be advised Saturday nights and possibly some Friday nights in the summer can tend to be a little loud with music from karaoke. Music might be heard from some or all campsites. The rest of the week nights are quiet.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$40
/ night
78%
(16)
Granite Mountain RV Park
32 sites · RVs10 acres · Oakhurst, CA
Our property takes pride in its no-frills approach, emphasizing our prime location, ease-of-access, and affordable prices. While we offer minimal services and amenities, this straightforward approach caters to travelers seeking a practical and unembellished stay while visiting, or just passing through on their way into the park.
We offer a simple and convenient arrival experience. For guests who have already made reservations, just drive straight to your assigned spot!
Walk-ins are also welcome, with a self-check-in area available on the property complete with clear instructions on how to book a site and get settled in after a long day on the road.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$49
/ night
96%
(246)
Hudson and Wendy's Land
2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Oakhurst, CA
Welcome to Hidden Falls Yosemite Camp. Come and enjoy our beautiful and private micro climate, created by the cascading waterfalls from Nelder and Lewis Creek. Camp by the creekside and fall asleep to the sound of the meandering creek, with absolutely incredible views of the stars overhead. Both creeks feed into the head of the Fresno river next to the campsite. You'll be surrounded by Oaks, Alders, Pine and Cedar trees. Take a day trip to Yosemite, hike/bike in the mountains, or explore the nearby towns of Oakhurst and Bass Lake.
The south gate to Yosemite is approx. 20 minutes and Bass Lake is 5 minutes by car.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$72
/ night
94%
(100)
The Mountain Chapel Campground
13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Badger, CA
While on a family backpacking excursion through Sequoia King’s Canyon National Park, and the surrounding area, we came across this charming campground. A long-forgotten chapel in the mountains that was formerly a summer camp.
From here, a short 15-minute drive will take you directly to the main entrance of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park for access to the Giant Sequoias at Grant Grove and the Grant Grove Village. For those who prefer to travel off the beaten path, a short 30-minute hike will take you to the National Forest.
We are excited to invite you to camp at this hidden gem, while we undertake to restore the campground to its original splendor.
Easy drive to available parking, with easy access and pull through drive for any vehicle, even with trailers.
For campers bringing their own tents, we provide beautiful and well- shaded sites with level ground, soft grass, tucked underneath the many old-growth trees.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$35
/ night
The best camping near Sierra National Forest guide
Overview
About
In the western Sierra Nevada between Yosemite and Kings Canyon national parks, Sierra National Forest is an outdoor lover’s dream. With a diverse landscape spanning rolling foothills to towering peaks, the forest is also home to five wilderness areas, two wild and scenic rivers, two national scenic byways, two nationally designated trails, and numerous lakes. Hiking, climbing, biking, horseback riding, off-roading, fishing, swimming, boating, paddling, and rafting are all popular activities. With more than 60 developed campgrounds and plenty of space for dispersed camping, campers have options for spending a few days exploring the region’s riches.
Notable campgrounds
- Best for Shaver Lake access: Dorabelle Campground is the only forest service campground at Shaver Lake.
- Best for hot springs: The Mono Hot Springs Campground is located near several natural hot springs; amenities can be found at the Mono Hot Springs Resort nearby.
- Best for exploring the Ansel Adams Wilderness: Set on the shores of Lake Thomas Edison, Vermillion Campground is just a ferry ride away from trails.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- During peak summer season, plan to reserve a campsite as soon as you know your dates. Reservations can be made at least three days and up to six months in advance.
- If you don’t have a reservation, arrive first thing in the morning to grab a site at a first-come, first-served campground.
- Be sure to check on seasonal opening and closing dates, which vary by campground.
When to go
Summers are the most popular times for camping in the forest. Although the forest is less crowded than many area parks, popular campgrounds fill up early. Visit in the spring and early summer for wildflowers and rafting, and fall for colorful foliage. Winter activities, including downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing, are also popular and snow dependent. Snow and ice can also affect road and trail access.
Know before you go
- Permits are required for backpacking in the Ansel Adams, John Muir, Dinkey Lakes, and Kaiser wildernesses. Permits go on sale in March for dates six months ahead.
- Campfire permits are required outside of developed campsites. Some areas do not permit any fires, even when fire regulations are not in place.
- Forest products, including mushrooms, bracken fern, and firewood, require permits.
- Be bear aware and store scented items outside your tent in a bear-proof container.
- Fishing licenses are required for anglers 16 and older. Special regulations apply to wild and scenic rivers.
- Motorboats must be registered to access Bass Lake.
Nearby attractions
- Experience the tranquility of riverside camping near the Merced River. With its clear waters, abundant fishing opportunities, and scenic surroundings, the Merced River camping experience blends adventure and relaxation in California's serene wilderness.
- Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting and relaxing fishing sessions when camping near Tuolumne River. With ruggedly beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife, the Tuolumne River camping experience is truly one for the outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list.
Top cities near Sierra National Forest
- Sierra National Forest
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.