Camping is the best way to wake up under the giant sequoias and granite walls of Kings Canyon National Park. The park has two main areas to pitch a tent: the higher-elevation Grant Grove region near the park entrance, and the deep canyon at Cedar Grove beside the Kings River. This guide covers the best campgrounds, how to book them, and how to camp safely in bear country.
Grant Grove Campgrounds (6,500 Feet)
Grant Grove sits at higher elevation among the sequoias and is the first camping hub you reach after entering the park. Because it is open longer and closer to the entrance, it fills fast in summer.
- Azalea Campground: the only Grant Grove campground open year-round, with about 110 sites in the forest near the General Grant tree.
- Sunset Campground: the largest in Grant Grove, with around 150 sites and reservable spots in peak season.
- Crystal Springs Campground: a quieter option, usually open summer only.
Cedar Grove Campgrounds (4,600 Feet)
To camp on the canyon floor beside the rushing Kings River, head down the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway to Cedar Grove. These campgrounds are only open when the road is, roughly late spring through mid-November.
- Sentinel Campground: the most popular Cedar Grove site, central to the village, the river, and the Roads End trailheads.
- Sheep Creek Campground: a large overflow-style campground a short walk from the river.
- Moraine Campground: opens when other Cedar Grove sites fill, with riverside sites surrounded by canyon walls.
Cedar Grove is the ideal base if you plan to hike toward Mist Falls or start a longer trek. In fact, the trailhead for our Kings Canyon backpacking itinerary begins right at Roads End, just minutes from the Sentinel and Sheep Creek campgrounds.
How to Book a Campsite
Reservable sites are booked through Recreation.gov, typically up to six months in advance. The most popular weekends at Sentinel and Sunset sell out quickly, so set a reminder for the booking window. A number of sites remain first-come, first-served, especially early and late in the season, so arriving by midday on a weekday improves your odds of a walk-up spot.
Bear Safety and Food Storage
Kings Canyon has a healthy population of black bears, and they are skilled at finding food. All campgrounds require you to store food, coolers, and scented items in the metal bear lockers provided at each site. Never leave food in your car overnight; bears will break in. Following these rules protects both you and the bears.
What to Pack
- A sleeping bag rated for cold nights, since temperatures drop sharply at Grant Grove's elevation even in summer.
- Plenty of drinking water or a filter, plus layers for chilly evenings.
- Firewood bought locally, since collecting wood is prohibited in the park.
Backcountry Camping
If campgrounds feel too tame, the park's wilderness is vast. Overnight trips into the high country require a wilderness permit, which is quota-controlled in summer for popular routes out of Roads End. Plan ahead and reserve early if you intend to backpack the Rae Lakes Loop or beyond.
From sequoia-shaded sites at Grant Grove to riverside spots deep in the canyon, Kings Canyon offers some of the most scenic and least crowded camping in the southern Sierra. Book early, store your food, and you are set for an unforgettable stay.
Kings Canyon Camping Guide: Best Campgrounds and How to Book FAQs
Sentinel Campground at Cedar Grove is the best base for canyon hikes and the Roads End trailheads, while Azalea Campground at Grant Grove is the top choice for camping among the giant sequoias and is open year-round.
Some campgrounds offer reservable sites through Recreation.gov up to six months ahead, while others are first-come, first-served. Popular summer weekends fill quickly, so book early or arrive by midday on a weekday for a walk-up spot.
Yes, black bears are active throughout the park. Every campsite has a metal bear locker, and all food, coolers, and scented items must be stored inside it. Never leave food in your vehicle overnight.
