Kings Canyon National Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Kings Canyon National Park offers exceptional RV camping across 7 developed campgrounds with over 800 sites, featuring America's deepest canyon, giant sequoia groves, and year-round outdoor adventures. Azalea Campground provides year-round access near Grant Grove, while strategic locations like Fresno RV rentals and Visalia camper van options offer prime access to this 461,901-acre wonderland that, combined with adjacent Sequoia National Park, welcomed a record 2,008,962 visitors in 2024—the highest in park history.
What Makes Kings Canyon the Ultimate RV Destination?
Bustling with over 460,000 acres of gorgeous river canyons, towering granite cliffs, and enchanting giant sequoia groves, Kings Canyon National Park captures the majesty and wonder of America's great outdoors. Famous for hosting one of the deepest canyons in North America, it shares its management with Sequoia National Park. Kings Canyon features the glacially carved Kings Canyon that plunges more than 8,000 feet at its deepest point—deeper than the Grand Canyon. The park is home to some of the most famous natural wonders like the General Grant Tree, the world's second-largest tree, and the stunning Cedar Grove area, where the Kings River rushes through the dramatic granite canyon.
You will be in store for a world of limitless adventure during your RV trip to Kings Canyon, from hiking and horseback riding to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. You can explore crystal-clear alpine lakes, fish in pristine mountain streams, or simply marvel at the towering sequoias that have stood for thousands of years. There is no shortage of great spots for photography and wildlife viewing, like Panoramic Point or Zumwalt Meadow. You can even walk amongst magical giant sequoias at Redwood Canyon, which contains over 15,000 sequoia trees in one of the world's largest groves. You will want to bring your binoculars because you will be greeted by roaming wildlife from black bears and mule deer to mountain lions and black-tailed jackrabbits.
The summer is the peak season for RVers and other visitors since the temperature typically reaches a pleasant 70 to 80 degrees. The late spring and early fall are a nice time of year to visit, too, with mild temperatures and less busy roads. In the colder months, Kings Canyon National Park turns into a winter wonderland. While heavy snowfall closes most roads, Azalea Campground remains open year-round, and there are still many ways to explore this breathtaking setting in the winter, from snowshoeing to cross-country skiing. No matter what time of year you take your RV road trip to Kings Canyon, you will be in for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure you will never forget.
The park experienced record visitation in 2024, with over 2 million visitors combined with Sequoia National Park. Recreational visits to Kings Canyon specifically were up 10.5% from the previous year, making advance planning essential for securing campground reservations, especially during peak summer months when the park can host hundreds of thousands of visitors.
RV Rentals in Kings Canyon National Park
Transportation
Driving
You can access Kings Canyon through two main entrances. The Big Stump entrance on Highway 180 provides access to the Grant Grove area year-round, while the Cedar Grove entrance (accessed via the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway on Highway 180) typically opens late April to early November, weather permitting. From November to April, driving to Cedar Grove is impossible since the road is closed due to harsh winter conditions. Most of the roads are suited for RVs inside Kings Canyon, although the winding Kings Canyon Scenic Byway may be challenging for larger vehicles due to narrow sections. The maximum length of RVs allowed varies by campground, with most accommodating rigs up to 30 feet.
Where Are the Best Gateway Cities for RV Rentals?
Central California Gateway Access: Fresno RV rentals position you perfectly for Kings Canyon's main entrance, just 56 miles from Grant Grove. This route provides direct access to the Grant Grove area and serves as an excellent base for exploring both Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, with approximately 90 minutes driving time to park boundaries.
Southern Access: Visalia RV rentals offer premium access to both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks from the south, with Three Rivers serving as a charming gateway community. This location is ideal for multi-park adventures, combining two of California's most spectacular national parks. For enhanced maneuverability on the winding mountain roads, consider Visalia camper van rentals.
Parking
You can park your RV or vehicle at campgrounds and parking lots by the park's visitor centers and major attractions, such as Grant Grove, Cedar Grove Village, and Panoramic Point. Parking may be more limited for RVs during the peak season in the summer. In the winter, Cedar Grove roads are completely closed, so all winter activities focus on the Grant Grove area.
Public Transportation
Although public transportation is not offered inside the park, it is possible to get bus service to nearby gateway communities. Once inside the park, a free summer shuttle operates in the Grant Grove area during peak season. Private tour companies also offer shuttle and guided tour services throughout the region. During the winter, you can explore Grant Grove on snowshoes or cross-country skis from Azalea Campground.
Campgrounds and parking in Kings Canyon National Park
Campsites in Kings Canyon National Park
Reservations camping
Princess Campground
Princess Campground sits next to a large meadow at an elevation of 5,900 feet in the Indian Basin Grove. Located just 3 miles northwest of Hume Lake in Sequoia National Forest, this campground offers 90 sites for tents and RVs. Open typically late May to early September, sites can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet. This is a great option for those wanting to explore both the park and the nearby Hume Lake recreation area. The campground features vault toilets, drinking water and is operated by Sequoia Recreation. Situated between both Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, it's an ideal location for multi-park exploration.
Sunset Campground
Sunset Campground features 157 sites available for tent, RV, or trailer camping. Reservations are highly recommended, with the grounds open from mid-May until early September. Sites vary in size, so if you’re traveling with a larger rig or hauling a long trailer, you may have more difficulty finding a site that will accommodate vehicle size. As with all the campgrounds in this park, there are no hookups available, and there is no dump station. However, dumping can be done at Dorst Creek Campground nearby. The campground doesn’t provide anything too fancy, but you will find flush toilets and payphones here. Food storage is encouraged to be kept within bear food storage lockers in order to discourage wildlife. Lockers are provided at all sites.
Lodgepole Campground
This is a rather popular campground, so it’s a good thing it is also large. There are 214 individual and group sites available for tents, RVs, and travel trailers. Be sure to check in with the campground first before making this your destination in the fall. Certain loops will close during this season and RV camping tends to be limited to the central overflow parking area. It’s strongly recommended that you make reservations for camping to ensure space is left available for your stay.
This campground is in an ideal location tucked between both Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. It lies just a few miles from the Giant Forest Sequoia Grove and has the perk of a free shuttle bus that stops in the campground, meaning you can park and still get around with ease. Reservations can be made in both the summer and fall seasons. The conifer forests here are a perfect setting. As part of Lodgepole Village, this campground provides its guests with ample amenities including a market, laundry, flush toilets, and showers.
Sentinel Campground
Located in the heart of Cedar Grove, Sentinel Campground features 82 sites for tents, RVs, and trailers. Open typically late April to mid-November (weather dependent), sites vary in size and can accommodate some RVs, though checking site-specific dimensions is recommended. This campground sits along the South Fork of Kings River in a spectacular canyon setting. Amenities include flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage lockers, but no hookups or dump station. Dumping can be done at nearby locations in Sequoia National Forest. Cedar Grove Village offers showers, laundry, a market, and dining options within walking distance.
Hume Lake Ranger District
Hume Lake Campground is a popular facility along Hume Lake, one of Sequoia National Forest's most visited destinations. Open year-round, the area offers 60 sites for RVs and tents, with a maximum RV length of 22 feet. The campground provides flush toilets and drinking water. The 87-acre lake offers year-round recreational opportunities, including fishing, canoeing, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Located just 3 miles from Princess Campground and within easy reach of both national parks, Hume Lake serves as an excellent base camp.
Princess Campground
Princess Campground sits next to a large meadow at an elevation of 5,900 feet in the Indian Basin Grove. Located just 3 miles northwest of Hume Lake in Sequoia National Forest, this campground offers 90 sites for tents and RVs. Open typically late May to early September, sites can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet. This is a great option for those wanting to explore both the park and the nearby Hume Lake recreation area. The campground features vault toilets, drinking water and is operated by Sequoia Recreation. Situated between both Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, it's an ideal location for multi-park exploration.
First-come first-served
Sheep Creek Campground
Sheep Creek Campground rests in the canyon, near the Middle Fork of Kings River. Open typically late April to mid-November, it offers 111 sites for tents and RVs up to 30 feet long. Located about a quarter-mile from Cedar Grove Village, this campground provides easy access to amenities while maintaining a scenic riverside setting. Several sites offer beautiful river views, making this a popular choice for RVers. The campground features flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage lockers. Fishing in the Kings River is excellent, and numerous trailheads are nearby.
Moraine Campground
Moraine Campground offers 121 sites for tents and RVs, located in Cedar Grove. Open typically late May to early October, sites can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet. This campground sits along the Kings River and offers spectacular canyon views. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings. The campground's location in the heart of the canyon makes it ideal for hikers wanting to access trails like Mist Falls, Zumwalt Meadow, and Roads End trailheads.
Crystal Springs Campground
Just four miles from the park’s CA-180 entrance, this campground is another that nestles you among towering evergreens. It’s an ideal location, as it is only about five minutes from General Grant Sequoia Grove and an hour from Giant Forest. Camping is open to tents, travel trailers, and RVs from early spring into late fall. If traveling with a larger rig, be prepared to hop around looking for a site that provides a perfect fit. There are no hookups provided, nor a dump station, but dumping can be done at Dorst Creek Campground nearby. Each campsite features a large food storage locker and the grounds offer flush toilets. Generators are permitted for use, but only during the hours between 9 AM and 9 PM.
Azalea Campground
Azalea Campground is open year-round (weather and safety conditions permitting) and offers 110 sites, including one ADA-accessible site. Maximum RV/trailer length is 30 feet. During summer (mid-May through October), all sites require reservations through recreation.gov. Winter camping (November through early May) offers 20 first-come, first-served sites. This campground is perfectly located near the General Grant Grove and offers easy access to numerous giant sequoia trails. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, and bear-proof food storage lockers. Sites cost $32 per night. Senior/Access passholders receive a 50% discount on campsites. The campground is just a short walk from Grant Grove Village, which offers a visitor center, market, and other services.
Alternate camping
Canyon View Campground
These grounds are reserved for only medium and large groups of visitors. The campground lies in the canyon, near the South Fork of Kings River. There are 12 sites for mid-sized groups of 7-15 people and four sites for groups of up to 30 people. These sites are only for car and tent camping. All RVs and trailers must camp in regular campsites in nearby campgrounds. There are no hookups and no dump station, however, flush toilets are provided, and Cedar Grove Village is only a quarter-mile away. Here, you have access to payphones, laundry facilities, showers, and a restaurant.
Backcountry Camping
If you are up for an adventure, Kings Canyon offers incredible opportunities for backcountry camping. You can explore the vast wilderness and stay at designated backcountry campsites throughout the park. The park's backcountry includes the dramatic High Sierra wilderness, with options ranging from moderate overnight trips to challenging multi-day treks. Permits are required for overnight stays and can be obtained from the Roads End Wilderness Permit Station or Grant Grove. Remember that higher elevations may have snow well into July and can be extremely cold even during summer months.
Explore more RV parks and campgrounds across North America for your next adventure.
Private Campgrounds
If you prefer to stay outside of the park, there are plenty of private campgrounds in nearby communities. Three Rivers Hideaway Campground is located outside Three Rivers and offers RV sites with hookups, tent sites, and camping cabins. Sequoia RV Ranch in Three Rivers features full hookup sites along the Kaweah River. Lemon Cove Village RV Park near Visalia offers full amenities and serves as an excellent base camp. Visalia/Sequoia National Park KOA provides family-friendly camping with pools, recreation, and convenient highway access.
Seasonal activities in Kings Canyon National Park
Winter
Winter Photography
Winter offers unique photography opportunities with snow-draped giant sequoias, icicle-decorated granite cliffs, and pristine white landscapes. The contrast of massive sequoia trunks against fresh snow creates stunning images. Clear winter days often provide exceptional visibility of distant peaks. Sunrise and sunset light on snow-covered landscapes is particularly magical.
Snowshoeing
Winter transforms Kings Canyon into a snow-covered wonderland perfect for snowshoeing. The Big Stump area offers excellent snowshoeing with views of logged sequoia stumps surrounded by snow. Rangers often lead guided snowshoe walks from Grant Grove, providing insights into winter ecology. The quiet solitude of snow-covered sequoia groves is magical and unforgettable.
Winter Wildlife
While many animals hibernate or migrate to lower elevations, winter still offers wildlife viewing opportunities. Ravens, jays, and other winter-hardy birds are active. Tracks in the snow reveal the presence of various mammals, including deer, coyotes, and occasionally even mountain lions. Winter is an excellent time to develop tracking skills.
Did you enjoy reading this guide? For more Sierra Nevada adventures, check out our Sequoia National Park guide or explore our Yosemite National Park road trip guide.
Spring
Waterfall Viewing
Spring is the best time to witness Kings Canyon's spectacular waterfalls at peak flow. The snowmelt from higher elevations creates thundering cascades throughout the park. Roaring River Falls, Grizzly Falls, and Mist Falls are all at their most impressive during late spring. The easy quarter-mile walk to Roaring River Falls offers stunning views of water plunging into a narrow gorge. For a more challenging adventure, the five-mile round trip to Mist Falls rewards hikers with views of one of the park's tallest waterfalls.
Giant Sequoia Exploration
Spring offers comfortable temperatures for exploring the giant sequoia groves without summer crowds. The General Grant Grove features the General Grant Tree, known as the "Nation's Christmas Tree," along with numerous other massive sequoias. The paved trail makes this accessible for all visitors. The nearby North Grove and Dead Giant loops provide additional sequoia viewing opportunities with fewer visitors.
Wildflower Meadows
The spring is a great time to explore the vibrant wildflower meadows that bloom throughout Kings Canyon. Zumwalt Meadow offers an easy 1.5-mile loop through a stunning meadow surrounded by granite cliffs, with wildflowers painting the landscape in brilliant colors. Crescent Meadow in nearby Sequoia, accessible from Lodgepole, is another spectacular wildflower destination. The meadows are also excellent for wildlife viewing as animals emerge from winter dormancy.
Scenic Drives
If you want to explore areas of the park accessible by RV in the spring, take the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. This spectacular drive follows Highway 180 into the depths of Kings Canyon, offering jaw-dropping views of granite cliffs, the roaring Kings River, and towering peaks. The Generals Highway connecting Kings Canyon to Sequoia also provides stunning vistas, particularly as you climb through different elevation zones watching the landscape transform.
Fall
Sequoia in Solitude
Fall provides opportunities to experience the giant sequoias without summer crowds. The North Grove loop in Grant Grove offers a quieter experience than the General Grant Tree area. Redwood Canyon, one of the world's largest sequoia groves, is spectacular in fall. The 6.5-mile Hart Tree and Fallen Goliath Loop showcases magnificent old-growth sequoias in peaceful surroundings.
Backcountry Exploration
Fall offers ideal conditions for backcountry camping, with cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery. The High Sierra camps and trails are less crowded than in summer, and stable weather patterns make for excellent hiking conditions. Snow typically doesn't arrive until late October or November at lower elevations, providing an extended season for exploration.
Wildlife Watching
Fall is an excellent time for wildlife viewing as animals prepare for winter. Black bears are particularly active, fattening up before hibernation. Mule deer are common in meadows and along roadsides. Bird watching is excellent, with various species including Steller's jays, Clark's nutcrackers, and numerous woodpecker species. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best viewing opportunities.
Summer
Cross-Country Skiing
Grant Grove provides excellent cross-country skiing opportunities on snow-covered roads and trails. The road to Panoramic Point is groomed for skiing in winter, offering stunning snow-covered vistas of the High Sierra. The Big Stump Basin also provides good skiing terrain for beginners and intermediate skiers. Bring your own equipment or rent from nearby suppliers.
Hiking
With over 800 miles of hiking trails to explore, Kings Canyon is a hiker's haven during the summer. The Mist Falls trail is a moderately strenuous 8-mile round trip that follows the Kings River to a spectacular 45-foot waterfall. For experienced hikers, the Rae Lakes Loop is a legendary 41-mile backcountry trek through some of the Sierra's most stunning alpine scenery. Easier options include the Big Stump Trail, which winds through a former logging area showcasing the massive stumps of harvested sequoias.
Photography
Every vista in Kings Canyon National Park is filled with spectacular natural beauty to photograph, and summer's golden light creates perfect conditions. Panoramic Point offers sweeping views of the High Sierra, including views of peaks in the Great Western Divide. Sunset at Junction View provides stunning canyon vistas. For unique perspectives, capture the General Grant Tree during early morning or late afternoon when the light filters through the forest.
River Activities
The summer is the perfect time to enjoy the Kings River, one of California's designated Wild and Scenic Rivers. While swimming is popular at several locations near Cedar Grove, exercise caution as currents can be strong. Fishing is excellent for trout species, including rainbow, brown, and brook trout. The river also offers world-class whitewater rafting just outside the park boundaries, with several outfitters offering guided trips.
