Hike and Camp Among Giants in Sequoia National Park

Have you ever wanted to hike and camp among the giants in Sequoia National Park? Join me as I highlight the various camping and hiking options in this breathtaking national park.

Camp in Sequoia National Park

There are six campgrounds available within Sequoia National Park, most of which require advanced reservations. Campsites within the grounds accommodate up to six people and cost $32/night. Most campgrounds open reservations up to four months in advance with a rolling calendar. Check out The National Park Service website for the most up-to-date campground information as well as reservation information

Campgrounds in Sequoia National Park

• Potwisha Campground
  • Elevation 2,100 ft
  • Open year-round
  • 42 sites
  • Reservations required, make up to 4 months in advance
  • Hot and dry in the summer
  • Fire restrictions often in place
• Buckeye Flat Campground
  • Elevation 2,800ft
  • 27 sites (all tent only)
  • Reservations required, make up to 4 months in advance
  • Hot and dry in the summer
  • Fire restrictions often in place
• Dorst Creek Campground
  • Elevation 6,800ft
  • 222 sites (including 4 group sites)
  • Reservations required, make up to 1 month in advance for individual campsites and up to 4 months in advance for group campsites
  • Offers a free seasonal/holiday shuttle from campground to the Giant Forest
  • The trail to the Muir Grove of giant Sequoias begins at this campground
• Lodgepole Campground
  • Elevation 6,700ft
  • 214 sites
  • Reservations required, make up to 4 months in advance
  • This campground typically opens for the season the Wednesday before Memorial Day
  • Walking distance to Lodgepole Village, which houses a market, visitor center, paid showers, and laundry facilities
  • Offers a free seasonal/holiday shuttle from campground to the Giant Forest
• Cold Springs Campground
  • Elevation 7,500ft
  • 40 sites (all tent only)
  • Reservations required, make up to 1 month in advance
• Atwell Mill Campground
  • Elevation 6,650ft
  • 21 sites (all tent only)
  • Reservations required, make up to 1 month in advance

Hike in Sequoia National Park

There are many, many hiking trails available to you in the Sequoia National Park. Be sure to grab a trail map or download a map of the trails before you enter the park as cell phone service within the park is limited. Below are some of the more popular hiking trails within the park but are only a sample of the many trails available. As always, be sure to check the national park service website for the most accurate trail information.

Hike to General Sherman Tree

One of the most popular sights in the forest is the General Sherman Tree. Two hiking trails give you access to the General Sherman Tree, which towers 274.9 feet above ground. The main trail is a 1/2 mile paved walk with a few stairs leading from the parking area located off Wolverton road. There is a small lot off of General Highway for disability parking with a wheelchair accessible trail leading to the tree.

The Congress Trail

The Congress Trail begins near General Sherman Tree and is a paved two-mile loop. This trail takes you past notable giant sequoia trees such as The President, The Congress and The House.

The Big Trees Trail

The Big Trees Trail is a one-mile loop that navigates past both giant sequoias and circles Round meadow. This trail also includes exhibits displaying the natural history of the giant sequoias.

The General Grant Tree

Hailed as the world’s second largest tree, the General Grant Tree sits within the Grant Grove within Kings Canyon National Park, just next to the Sequoia National Park. There is easy access to view this tree via a 1/3-mile paved loop trail.

Moro Rock

From the top of this spectacular granite dome, hikers have a remarkable view of the Great Western Divide. You can reach the top of the dome via a stairway that climbs 300 feet.

Crescent Meadow Loop

Although many visitors come to the Sequoia National Park to gaze in wonder at the giant trees, visitors should not overlook the hiking trails that wander through the peaceful meadows. Crescent Meadow loop is an easy, flat 1.5-mile loop that starts at the end of Moro Rock and Crescent Meadow Road.

Tokopah Falls

This is one of our favorite hikes in the national park! This 1.7 one-way trail starts just past the Marble Fork Bridge in the Lodgepole Campground and winds along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River. At the end of the trail, you are rewarded with the impressive view of the 1200-foot Tokopah Falls cascading down the granite cliffs. For the adventurous hikers, scampering down to the base of the falls allows you to cool off in the water but be careful, the rocks can be slippery!

Explore More

There are miles and miles of hiking trails in the Sequoia National Park. The above highlighted trails are just a sampling of what the park has to offer. Ensure you are prepared for your hike, whether you are planning for a short hike or extended journey. Carry plenty of water with you and keep in mind that this is mountain lion and black bear country!