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Campgrounds in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks campgrounds are located in oak woodlands in the warm, dry foothills and in the higher, cooler conifer forests. They range in elevation from 2,100 to 7,500 feet. Lodgepole, Dorst, Grant Grove and Atwell Mill campgrounds are near giant sequoia groves. In general, higher elevation campgrounds are cooler and closer to giant sequoias.
Reservations: Lodgepole and Dorst Campground in Sequoia National Park accept reservations up to five months in advance or the period of mid-May to mid-October. Reservations are available through Biospherics, Inc. All other campgrounds are first-come, first-served. Group Campsites: Available only during the summer, at Dorst, Sunset (Grant Grove), and Canyon View (Cedar Grove). Reservations are accepted by mail only.
Only three campgrounds are open year-round: Lodgepole, Azalea, and Buckeye Flat (usually Potwisha is open year-round, but due to repair work there, Buckeye Flat is open this year instead). Saturday nights in July and August are the busiest times. Your chances of finding a campsite on weekdays through Friday afternoon are very good.
Camping Limit: 14 days during the period from 14 Jun - 15 Sep; 30 days total per year.
Facilities: Campgrounds have drinking water (except South Fork), tables, fire grills, garbage cans, and either pit or flush toilets.
Most have bear-proof food storage that you must use.
Limits: All campgrounds permit a maximum of one vehicle and six people per campsite (Potwisha permits two vehicles).
Parking is available nearby for extra vehicles.
Reservation Information
Dorst and Lodgepole Campground Reservation Information
Click here to make a reservations Online.
Telephone Reservations: 800-436-7275
Customer Service: 800-388-2733
Hours - Open Daily: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm East Coast Time
Road and Weather Information - Call: 559-565-3341 before visiting; conditions vary widely by elevation. Report is updated by 9:30 am daily.
Group Camping Reservation Information
Written reservation requests are not accepted before 01 Jan, and then in order of date of postmark. Only written requests are accepted for reservations.
Please include the following information:
1. Group name, leader's name, address and phone number.
2. Total number of people in the group.
3. Dates of the nights you wish to stay.
4. Alternate dates, should preferred dates be unavailable.
Confirmation of all reservations is made by mail. No telephone notification is given.
Backcountry Permits and Reservation Information
Backcountry permits (also called wilderness permits) must be obtained from the ranger station closest to your trailhead. Approximately 75% of the daily trailhead quota (see trail descriptions) may be reserved. Permits for unreserved spaces are available on a first-come, first served basis. Reservations cost $10.00.
Reserved permits may be picked up after 1:00 pm the afternoon preceding the beginning of the hike, and will be held until 9:00 am the morning of the hike. If you know you will be delayed, call the ranger station to hold your reserved permit.
First-come permits may also be obtained beginning 1:00 pm the day before the start of the trip. More openings may be available after 9:00 am the morning of the trip if there are unclaimed reservations.
The following information in a reservation request is required:
The dates you wish to begin and end your trip.
The trailhead where you will be entering and exiting the park. (Send alternate entry points and/or dates to avoid delays in getting reservations)
Method of travel (foot, horse, ski, snowshoe).
The number of people in your party (maximum is 15, except in Redwood Canyon where it is 10).
The number of pack and saddle stock in your party, if applicable (maximum is 20).
Your best estimate of where you will camp and the number of nights in each location.
The name of your organization or group (if applicable).
Your name, address and phone number.
You may fax this information to: 559-565-4239
Or mail it to:
Wilderness Permit Reservations
HCR 89 Box 60
Three Rivers, CA 93271
For information call: 559-565-3708
You should receive a written confirmation of your reservation within 3 weeks. If you would like to verify that we have received your fax, or if you have not received your confirmation within 3 weeks, phone the Wilderness Office at: 559-565-3708.
Kings Canyon National Park
Camping is available in two areas of Kings Canyon National Park. Campsites in the Grant Grove area are located at approximately 6500 ft / 1981 m, within 1.0 mile / 1.6 km of the Grant Grove of Giant Sequoias. Grant Grove is open all year, although there may be snow on the ground from November through early May. Cedar Grove is located at the bottom of the South Fork Canyon of the Kings River, at an elevation of approximately 4600 ft / 1402 m. Highway 180 to Cedar Grove is open from May through October. Camping or sleeping in vehicles is not allowed in parking lots, pull-outs, picnic areas or trailheads within the National Parks.
All elevations are in feet.
Campground Information
| Campground | Open | Close | Sites | Elev | Toilet | Dump Station | Showers | Fee | Location |
| Moraine | May | Oct | 120 | 4,600 | Flush | Yes | Yes | $14.00 | Just past Cedar Grove Village on Hwy 180, 32 miles east of Grant Grove |
| Sentinel | May | Oct | 83 | 4,600 | Flush | Yes | Yes | $14.00 | Across from Cedar Grove Village, 32 miles east of Grant Grove on Hwy 180 |
| Sheep Creek | May | Oct | 111 | 4,600 | Flush | Yes | Yes | $14.00 | On Hwy 180, 32 miles east of Grant Grove |
| Campground | Open | Close | Sites | Elev | Toilet | Dump Station | Showers | Fee | Location |
| Azalea | All Year | 144 | 6,500 | Flush | Yes | Yes | $14.00 | On the Grant Tree Road, 3 miles from the Big Stump entrance on Hwy 180 | |
| Crystal Springs | May | Sep | 66 | 6,500 | Flush | Yes | Yes | $14.00 | Past Grant Village on Hwy 180, 3 miles from the Big Stump entrance on Hwy 180 |
| Sunset | May | Sep | 119 | 6,500 | Flush | Yes | Yes | $14.00 | On Hwy 180, 3 miles from the Big Stump entrance on Hwy 180 |
Sequoia National Park
Camping is available in three areas of Sequoia National Park. Campgrounds are located within a 4.0 to 12.0 mile / 6.4 to 19.2 km drive of the Giant Forest grove of giant sequoias, at an altitude of approximately 6,700 ft / 2042 m. At this elevation, there may be snow on the ground between November and early May. There are also mid-elevation campgrounds along the Mineral King Road, which is open from Memorial Day through mid-November, weather permitting. Campgrounds in the Foothills are at elevations between 2,100 ft and 3,600 ft / 640 m to 1,097 m, and are generally snow-free, but can be quite hot during the summer months. Camping or sleeping in vehicles is not allowed in parking lots, pull-outs, picnic areas or trailheads within the National Parks.
All elevations are in feet.
| Campground | Open | Close | Sites | Elev | Toilet | Dump Station | Showers | Fee | Location |
| Buckeye Flat | Apr | Sep | 28 | 2,800 | Flush | No | No | $14.00 | In the foothills along the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River, 4 miles (6km) from Sequoia Park entrance & 12 miles (19km) from Giant Forest. Two bear-proof food-storage boxes provided at each campsite: one is 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high, the other is 47-3/4" long x 34" deep x 22" high. There are several additional boxes for sites to share. |
| Potwisha | All Year | 42 | 2,100 | Flush | Yes | No | $14.00 | On the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River, 4 miles (6.5km)from Sequoia Park entrance, under an open stand of oaks. Two bear-proof food-storage boxes provided at each campsite: one is 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high, the other is 47-3/4" long x 34" deep x 22" high. | |
| South Fork | All Year | 10 | 3,600 | Pit | No | No | $6.00* | In the foothills on the South Fork of the Kaweah River. On South Fork Drive 13 miles (21km) from Highway 198(some unpaved road).One metal, bear-proof food-storage box provided at each campsite: 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high. |
| Campground | Open | Close | Sites | Elev | Toilet | Dump Station | Showers | Fee | Location |
| Dorst | May | Sep | 204 | 6,800 | Flush | Yes | No | $16.00* | near Dorst Creek, 10 miles (16km) from Giant Forest, under open stands of evergreen trees, 12 miles north of Giant Forest Village. One metal, bear-proof food-storage box provided at each campsite: 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high. There are several additional boxes for sites to share. |
| Lodgepole | All Year | 250 | 6,700 | Flush | Yes | Yes | $16.00* | along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, 2 miles (3km) from the Giant Forest sequoia grove; 21 miles from Sequoia Park entrance. One metal, bear-proof food-storage box provided at each campsite: 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high. There are several additional boxes for sites to share. |
| Campground | Open | Close | Sites | Elev | Toilet | Fee | Location |
| Atwell Mill | May | Oct | 21 | 6,650 | Pit | $8.00* | 19 miles (31km) from Highway 198 on the steep, narrow, and winding Mineral King Road & 6 miles (10km) before the end of the road. One metal, bear-proof food-storage box provided at each campsite: 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high. |
| Cold Spring | May | Oct | 40 | 7,500 | Pit | $8.00* | 23 miles (37km) up the steep, winding Mineral King Road from Highway 198. RVs & trailers not permitted (not recommended on the road). One metal, bear-proof food-storage box provided at each campsite: 47" long x 17" deep x 17-3/4" high. |
Additional Camping Information
* South Fork: $6.00 night mid-May - Oct. No fee in the winter.
* Dorst, Lodgepole: $14.00 a night during reservation season; $12.00 a night other times.
* Atwell Mill, Cold Spring: $6.00 night Memorial Day - Sep (weather permitting); then the water is turned off and no fee is charged.
Campground Regulations
These rules help to protect your parks and you! Please learn the rules and follow them. Check bulletin boards for details on these and other regulations.
Fires: Gather only dead and down wood; do not cut limbs from trees. Better yet, bring wood from home or purchase it from a market. Make sure fires are out before leaving your campsite.
Quiet hours: 10:00 pm - 6:00 am. Use generators only from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Music should be audible in your campsite only.
Reserving campsites is prohibited in first-come, first-serve campgrounds. You may not hold a site for someone who has not arrived yet. Sites not occupied for 24 hours are considered abandoned and property is impounded.
All food must be stored in metal bear-proof boxes where provided. Most boxes are 2 ft x2 ft x4 ft; avoid bringing coolers that won't fit. Remove all food and related items from vehicles. Food not properly stored will be impounded. Keep a clean campsite; deposit all garbage in bear-proof containers.
Please: Do not use soaps in rivers. Digging, trenching or leveling the ground in your campsite is not permitted.
Food Storage Regulations
Proper food storage is not only essential to successful human-bear management, it is required legally (36 CFR 2.10(d)). Food includes food, trash, recyclables, toiletries, first aid kits, pet food, window cleaner, baby wipes, scented tissue, air freshener, soda cans, bottled beverages, canned food, coolers (full and empty), mosquito repellant, lipstick, tobacco products, and ANY RELATED ITEMS WITH A SCENT. When camping, baby seats should be taken out of the car and put outside.
Frontcountry
Any car with food in it is fair game for a black bear.
In developed frontcountry campgrounds and other developed areas where food-storage lockers are provided, all food must be stored in the bear-resistant food-storage lockers located in each site or in the overflow lockers nearby.
In front country areas where bear-resistant food storage lockers are not provided:
RV and Trailer Information
Trailers are not permitted at Buckeye Flat, Atwell Mill and Cold Spring Campgrounds in Sequoia National Park. Due to terrain, many sites at the remaining campgrounds are not suitable for trailers or recreational vehicles. A limited number of campsites can accommodate vehicles or trailers over 30 feet long. There are no hookups at any park campgrounds.
Sanitary Disposal Stations
Year-round in Potwisha (Sequoia National Park) and the Grant Grove area. Summer only in Dorst, Lodgepole, and Cedar Grove.
Size Limit
On the Generals Highway between Potwisha Campground and Giant Forest Village, a vehicle length limit of 22 feet is advised. Absolute maximum length is 40 feet for single vehicles, 35 feet for trailers. Combination vehicles may not exceed 50 feet. Width limit is 8 feet.
Travel Hints
The Generals Highway from Potwisha to Giant Forest is extremely narrow, winding and steep. Vehicles over 22 feet long are advised to use Highway 180 from Fresno, or to camp in the foothills and use a smaller car to reach the Giant Forest.
The Mineral King Road is not recommended for trailers and RV's.
Steep grades of 5 - 8 %, hot weather, and heavy traffic cause brakes to overheat. Avoid brake failure: use low gear for downhill travel. Overheated engines are common; turn off air conditioning for uphill travel. Use turnouts to allow faster-moving vehicles to pass.
Group Campsite Information
There are three group camping areas in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: Dorst Campground in Sequoia National Park; and Sunset Campground (Grant Grove) and Canyon View Campground (Cedar Grove) in Kings Canyon. All are open from approximately June through September. Parking is limited -- car pool if possible. Each site has flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, firepits, and garbage collection. This is bear habitat: all food must be stored properly.
| Campground | Open | Close | Sites | Fee | Min / Max Persons | Location | Reservations |
| Dorst | Jun | Sep | 5 | $38 - $57 | 12 / 50 | 8 miles north of Lodgepole | DESTINET-NPS, 9450 Carroll Park Dr, San Diego, CA 92121 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset (Grant Grove) | Jun | Sep | 2 | $27 | 12 / 20 | .12 mile west of Grant Grove Visitor Center | Sunset Group Sites, PO Box 926, Kings Canyon National Park, CA 93633 |
| Canyon View (Cedar Grove) | Jun | Sep | 4 | $27* | 20 / 40 | .5 mile east of Cedar Grove Ranger Station | Canyon View Group Sites, PO Box 926, Kings Canyon National Park, CA 93633 |
* Canyon View: $27.00 per site for the first 20, plus $1.00 per person above the first 20
Written reservation requests are not accepted before 01 Jan, and then in order of date of postmark. Only written requests are accepted for reservations.
Please include the following information:
1. Group name, leader's name, address and phone number.
2. Total number of people in the group.
3. Dates of the nights you wish to stay.
4. Alternate dates, should preferred dates be unavailable.
Confirmation of all reservations is made by mail. No telephone notification is given.
Backcountry Camping
Backcountry Food Storage
Plan ahead to store your food in one of the following ways, listed in order of effectiveness. Be aware that there are areas of the park with more stringent regulations due to high levels of human-bear interactions and/ or injuries. Those areas are described in the next section.
Rent or buy Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (SEKI) approved bear resistant food storage containers. This is the preferred method of food storage in the backcountry.
Where available, camp in areas with bear-resistant food storage lockers. Please keep in mind that these are shared with other hikers; locks are not permitted. Never leave anything behind - our backcountry rangers remove hundreds of pounds of garbage from lockers every summer. Be sure to know the locker locations before leaving.
Suspended at least twelve feet above the ground and ten feet horizontally from a tree trunk or other vertical support using the counterbalance method. This method is prone to failure (clever bears, no good trees, etc.) and is recommend against it.
*Don't leave food and containers (ice chests, bags, cans) in cars at the trailhead. You must use trailhead food-storage boxes if they are available. If not, contact a ranger for alternatives. Bears can break into vehicles if they see or smell signs of food.
Special Backcountry Restrictions
SEKI approved bear resistant food storage containers with the capacity to store all food are required from the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend through October 31 at the following locations:
Rae Lakes Loop through Paradise Valley to Woods Creek crossing, through the Rae Lakes Basin and the 60 Lakes Basin into the Charlotte Lake area, and south along the Pacific Crest Trail to Forester Pass.
Also included are the Bubbs Creek drainage and associated trails and cross-country areas from Kearsarge Lakes and Center Basin to Cedar Grove, and all other drainages feeding Bubbs Creek east of, and including East Creek.
This also extends south to the Kings-Kern Divide.
Dusy Basin which includes all camp areas from Bishop Pass to the junction with the John Muir Trail in LeConte Canyon and all cross-country areas in Dusy Basin and Palisades Basin.
Parties traveling through the Rae Lakes area on trips not beginning or ending at Cedar Grove, Kearsarge Pass, Baxter Pass, or Sawmill Pass must either use SEKI-approved bear-resistant food storage containers or camp at sites with lockers.
If a Bear Enters Your Camp
By making loud noises and throwing objects you can often scare bears away before they get to your food. Be bold, but keep a safe distance and use good judgment. Never attempt to retrieve food from a bear. Never approach a bear or get near a cub. Bears are active both day and night. At night and any time you are away from camp, remove all food from your pack and store it properly. Leave your pack on the ground with flaps and pockets open. When you leave an area, take all your garbage with you. If a bear does get your food, you are responsible for cleaning up and packing out all debris, and for reporting it to the nearest ranger.
Note: These regulations and precautions help decrease the chance of personal injury or property damage. However, bear damage and confrontations are still possible, even when all guidelines are followed. All bears in the Sierra Nevada are American black bears, Ursus americanus. This name can be misleading, as they may be black, brown, cinnamon, or even blonde in color. The last grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) in California was killed near Sequoia National Park in 1922. This information does not apply to parks inhabited by grizzly bears.
Backcountry Permits for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Backcountry permits (also called wilderness permits) must be obtained from the ranger station closest to your trailhead. Approximately 75% of the daily trailhead quota (see trail descriptions) may be reserved. Permits for unreserved spaces are available on a first-come, first served basis. Reservations cost $10.00.
Reserved permits may be picked up after 1:00 pm the afternoon preceding the beginning of the hike, and will be held until 9:00 am the morning of the hike. If you know you will be delayed, call the ranger station to hold your reserved permit.
First-come permits may also be obtained beginning 1:00 pm the day before the start of the trip. More openings may be available after 9:00 am the morning of the trip if there are unclaimed reservations.
If you would like to guarantee a date and trailhead for a backcountry trip, you can make a reservation. Starting in 1998, there is a $10.00 nonrefundable fee per permit for a reservation. The fee will allow us to continue providing the reservation service. There is no charge for the permits themselves.
The fee is being collected as part of the Recreation Fee Demonstration Program authorized by Congress in 1996. It allows, for the first time, for fees collected to be returned directly to the park.
The following information in a reservation request is required:
The dates you wish to begin and end your trip.
The trailhead where you will be entering and exiting the park. (Send alternate entry points and/or dates to avoid delays in getting reservations)
Method of travel (foot, horse, ski, snowshoe).
The number of people in your party (maximum is 15, except in Redwood Canyon where it is 10).
The number of pack and saddle stock in your party, if applicable (maximum is 20).
Your best estimate of where you will camp and the number of nights in each location.
The name of your organization or group (if applicable).
Your name, address and phone number.
You may fax this information to: 559-565-4239
Or mail it to:
Wilderness Permit Reservations
HCR 89 Box 60
Three Rivers, CA 93271
For information call: 559-565-3708
You should receive a written confirmation of your reservation within 3 weeks. If you would like to verify that they have received your fax, or if you have not received your confirmation within 3 weeks, phone the Wilderness Office at: 559-565-3708.
Changing trailhead itinerary on a reservation may be done up to 21 days in advance of your start date, if space is available at another trailhead. The same is true of increases in party size if the reservation quota for the trailhead is not full. Changes in number of nights and reductions in party size may be made at any time. We must receive your reservation request no fewer than 3 weeks before the start of your trip.
Permits will not be written late in the afternoon since distances to the first campground on most trails mean hiking for several hours.
General backcountry use guidelines for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks:
Maximum party size is 15 except in Redwood Canyon where it is 10.
Maximum number of stock is 20.
No dogs or cats allowed on trails.
Campfires are restricted in many areas of the parks.
Food must be stored so that it is inaccessible to bears.
No camping within 100 ft / 33 m of lakes or streams.
It is the responsibility of every hiker to know, understand and practice all minimum impact regulations.
Many backcountry users plan a late evening arrival to begin hiking early the next morning. Camping in the "frontcountry" of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is permitted only in established campgrounds. Camping or sleeping in vehicles is not allowed in parking lots, pull-outs, picnic areas or trailheads. Generally, overnight use of the backcountry is not permitted within three miles / 4.8 km of the trailhead. Lodgepole and Dorst (both in Sequoia) are the only frontcountry campgrounds with reservable sites. Other frontcountry campgrounds in the parks are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Except for holiday weekends, campsites are normally available at Grant Grove and Cedar Grove until late into the day. Other park campgrounds fill earlier. Camping is also available in surrounding Forest Service campgrounds and elsewhere outside the parks.
Be Bear Aware
Avoid surprising animals at close range. Whistle, talk, sing, or otherwise make noise when hiking in areas where visibility is limited or bear sign present. Take no pets; they are prohibited in the backcountry. A dog's valor may turn into retreat bringing an infuriated bear to you.
Be alert to sign (droppings, diggings, fresh tracks, etc.), sounds, or other indications of bears. Be particularly wary when hiking wildlife trails, or other areas where bears concentrate.
Food and beverages should never be left unattended. Foodstuffs with strong odors such as fish, cheese, sausage, and fresh meats should be stored in a food cache, a bear resistant container, or suspended 10 feet above ground. Carry all refuse and garbage out! Buried refuse will attract bears.
Keep packs and other personal gear on your person. It is easy to become separated from belongings left lying on the ground when a bear unexpectedly approaches. Bears will investigate, often destructively.
Bears approach anglers because they have learned to recognize them as a source of food. Stop fishing when bears are present.
Do not approach bears
The minimum safe distance from any bear is 50 yards; from a sow with young it is 100 yards. These are MINIMUM distances, there are many times that greater distances are required!
Regardless of precautions taken, you may come across a bear. Usually they will run away. A bear standing on hind legs may only be trying to sense you better, not preparing to attack. Even a charge is often a bluff, ending abruptly short of physical contact.
If you see a bear at a distance, turn around or make a wide detour. Keep upwind if possible so the bear will get your scent and know you're there. Talk in an assured tone to communicate your presence. Treat animals as if cubs are nearby. Assume the bear will be defensive. Do not approach closer to scare a bear away as you may be considered a threat.
Avoid actions that interfere with bear movement or foraging activities.
Be satisfied with a distant photograph, or use a telephoto lense. Many fatalities and injuries have been related to photography.
Do not corner an animal. Allow them plenty of space and an escape route.
Cougar Information
Mountain lions, or cougars, roam throughout Sequoia National Park. Your odds chances of seeing one of these secretive animals are low. The likelihood of encountering an aggressive lion is very remote. People are more likely to be struck by lightning than attacked by a mountain lion.
Nevertheless, it is wise to be prepared. Avoid hiking alone. Watch children closely. Do not let children run ahead of you on the trail. Hikers in particular are encouraged to read these tips carefully. Following them will allow both you and mountain lions to enjoy the parks safely.
The reclusive behavior of mountain lions and their tendency to live in remote areas explain why we know relatively little about these graceful cats. They once ranged from northern Canada through South American and from coast to coast. Probably no other land mammal in this hemisphere had a more extensive range. Due to hunting and habitat loss, mountain lions have been limited primarily to the West since the 1920's.
For many, the mountain lion is the quintessential symbol of wilderness: a large animal ranging freely in wild areas independent of human interference. Cougars are the largest carnivore in the north coast redwood parks. Cougars are at the top of the food chain and therefore serve as an indicator of the ecosystem's health. When in mountain lion habitat, it is critical to understand the behaviors that cats use to survive. You can then act accordingly to protect yourself and these animals in their native habitat.
Hiker Safety Tips
Don't run. Mountain lions are likely to chase things that run, since they associate running with prey.
Do not bend over or crouch down; try to appear as large as possible. Attempts to hide are likely to be unsuccessful; mountain lions see most people long before people spot them.
Hold your ground or move away slowly while facing the lion.
If you have little children with you, pick them up without bending over.
If the lion behaves aggressively, wave your hands, shout, and throw sticks or stones at it.
If attacked, face the cat and fight back.
Report any lion sightings to a ranger immediately.
Minimum Impact Camping Regulations
Wilderness protection is the law, but it also requires your personal commitment. Protect the wilderness environment by following these policies and regulations:
Pets, weapons and motorized or mechanical equipment are prohibited in national park backcountry.
Shortcutting trails is prohibited. Stay on trails to reduce erosion and preserve vegetation. Do not build rock cairns or other trail markers.
Pack out - never bury - all trash.
Selecting a Campsite
Camp at least 100 ft / 30 m from water where terrain permits. Never camp closer than 25 ft / 775 m to water.
Camp on bare ground, never on vegetation or in meadows.
Choose a site screened from trails and other campers if possible.
Avoid sites near dead standing trees or limbs.
Avoid making "improvements". Do not construct rock walls, bough beds, new fireplaces, trenches, etc.
Campfires
Wood fires are permitted in Kings Canyon National Park below 10,000 ft / 3050 m except in Granite Basin and Redwood Canyon. Fires are permitted at lower State Lake - 10,250 ft / 3124 m.
Fires are permitted in the Kaweah Drainage of Sequoia National Park below 9000 ft / 2743 m except in Hamilton Lakes and Mineral King Valley above Mineral King Ranger Station.
Fires are permitted in the Kern Drainage of Sequoia National Park below 11,200 ft 3414 m with some exceptions.
Use only existing fire rings; do not build new ones. Do not add rocks to existing rings.
Use only dead and down firewood.
Never leave fires unattended.
Burning aluminum foil or foil-lined packets is prohibited. Don't burn plastic -- the fumes are toxic.
Put out fires 1/2 hour before leaving by adding water and stirring the ashes. Don't use dirt to put out fires.
Sanitation
Bury human waste 6 inches 15 cm deep and at least 100 ft / 30 m from trails, camps and water sources. Purify all water from natural sources by boiling for 3 to 5 minutes, or use a filter that eliminates giardia and water-born bacteria. Never wash directly in a water source - clothes, dishes or yourself. Carry water 100 ft / 30 m from the source before washing. Biodegradable soaps pollute; dispose of them like any soap, well away from water.
Food Storage and Bears
When bears repeatedly obtain human food and garbage, they may become destructive and dangerous and must be killed. To prevent this, follow these regulations:
Food must be stored properly any time you are not preparing and eating it. Store anything with an odor (soap, sunscreen, garbage) the same as food.
Food and related supplies (coolers, etc.) left at trailheads must be stored in metal food storage boxes where provided. If none are available, ask a ranger for alternatives. Items left in vehicles attract bears; property damage can result. Some backcountry locations have metal food storage boxes. Light-weight, bear-proof canisters may be rented at Lodgepole, Mineral King or Cedar Grove. If these are not available, you must post a 24-hour guard or use the counterbalance method of hanging food. Camp near hanging food to better defend it. If a bear gets your food, you must pack out all debris.
To minimize the chances of a bear getting your food, please follow these recommendations:
Avoid bringing odorous foods.
Plan to camp, eat and hang food before dark.
Leave packs on the ground, empty of food and scented items, with the pockets open.
Make loud noises and throw things to scare bears away should they approach.
Be bold, but keep a safe distance and use good judgment.
Report injuries, property damage, or unusual encounters to a ranger.
All bears in the Sierra Nevada are American black bears, Ursus americanus. This name can be misleading, as they may be black, brown, cinnamon, or even blonde in color. The last grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) in California was killed near Sequoia National Park in 1922. This information does not apply to parks inhabited by grizzly bears.
Stock Users
Proper stock use is an important way for you to minimize impacts, adequately care for your animals and help to preserve wilderness access privileges. Please take the time to read and become familiar with the stock use guidelines and regulations.
All members of your party are responsible for following these regulations. Violations of any of these laws can result in fines of up to $5000 and six months imprisonment. A ranger will review these regulations with you when you pick up your wilderness permit.
If the area you are planning to visit does not appear on this list, there are no bear boxes in that area. You must carry a bear canister or hang your food.
Areas where there are bear boxes for food storage:
Bubbs Creek Trail
9900 ft Elevation / John Muir Trail
Charlotte and Kearsarge Lakes
Charlotte Lake
Copper Creek Trail
Lower Tent Meadow
Hockett Plateau
Hidden Camp / Lower South Fork Meadow
Kern Canyon
Junction Meadow
Little Five Lakes / Cliff Creek / Chagoopa
Big Arroyo Crossing
Lodgepole Backcountry
9 Mile Creek Crossing / High Sierra Trail
Mineral King Area
Franklin Lake (3)
Rock Creek
Lower Rock Creek Crossing / Pacific Crest Trail
Sugarloaf Valley / Roaring River
Comanche Meadow
Tyndall / Crabtree Area
Crabtree Ranger Station
Woods Creek Trail
Arrowhead Lake
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This site is in no way associated with the United States Government, the Department of the Interior or the National Park Service
Charlotte Creek
East Lake (2)
John Muir Trail / Center Basin Trail
Sphinx Creek (2)
Vidette Meadow (2)
Kearsarge Lakes (3)
Hockett Meadow (cable)
Hockett Meadow
Horse Creek (cable)
South Fork Meadow / Rock Camp
Upper Camp / South Fork Pasture (2)
Kern Hot Springs (2)
Lower Funston Meadow
Upper Funston Meadow (2)
Big Five Lakes
Cliff Creek / Timber Gap Trail Junction
Columbine Lake
Little Five Lakes
Moraine Lake
Pinto Lake
Bearpaw (4)
Buck Creek Crossing / High Sierra Trail
Clover Creek South Crossing / Twin Lakes Trail
Emerald Lake (2)
JO Pass Trail / Twin Lakes Trail Junction
Mehrten Creek Crossing / High Sierra Trail
Pear Lake (2)
Twin Lakes (2)
Upper Hamilton Lake (3)
Monarch Lake (2)
Lower Rock Creek Lake
Lower Soldier Lake (Upper Rock Creek Lake)
Lost Lake
Ranger Lake (2)
Roaring River Ranger Station (3)
Seville Lake (2)
Sugarloaf Meadow
Lower Crabtree Meadow
Tyndall Creek Frog Ponds
Tyndall Creek / John Muir Trail
Wallace Creek / John Muir Trail
Lower Rae Lake
Lower Paradise Valley (2)
Middle Rae Lake (2)
Middle Paradise Valley
Upper Paradise Valley
Woods Creek Crossing / John Muir Trail (2)
California National Parks
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