Visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in your RV
TL;DR: Explore California's Sequoia and Kings Canyon in an RV. Tips include assessing campgrounds, when to arrive, how to beat the crowds, and more. Don't miss the diverse beauty beyond giant sequoia trees; visit visitor centers for history and ranger recommendations. Make the most of your RV adventure in these stunning parks!
In the state of California, you can find nine national parks. Three are located in the desert while two are located on the coast. Still four others are located in the mountains, with three of the mountainous parks being found in the Sierra Nevada range. We have previously discussed the logistics and planning behind visiting Yosemite National Park in your RV. Just a couple hours south of Yosemite, you can find Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park. Because they are so close in proximity, these parks function as one unit, although they are technically separate. Here, you can find the world-famous giant Sequoia trees, but there is also so much more to be discovered in these incredible parks. There are mountains, valleys, meadows, rivers, lakes, old growth forests, and historic buildings, with many different park sections and areas available to visit. Both parks are very RV-friendly, and they make excellent places to spend a vacation in your RV. If you are looking to visit either (or both!) of these parks with your home on wheels, consider the following tips while planning your trip.
1. Assess campground options
There are several campground options in both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Each has a range of different characteristics, including the RV sizes accepted, accommodations such as bathrooms and showers, and proximity to other amenities. They are also each located in different areas of the two parks, so choosing your campground based on the activities you wish to enjoy is suggested. Six campgrounds accept reservations up to six months in advance, and these include Potishwa, Dorst Creek, Buckeye Flat, Lodgepole, Sentinel, and Sunset campgrounds. There are also six first come, first-served campgrounds, including Moraine, South Fork, Azalea, Atwell Mill, Sheep Creek, and Cold Springs. These typically fill on the weekends, so it’s best to come in the mid-morning in the middle of the week to find a site.
2. Arrive during the day
Most people drive Highway 180 to enter these parks, and this road is rather narrow and windy. This is not to deter you, as this can be accomplished while driving or towing an RV. However, for the best possible experience and to avoid any mishaps, you should plan to travel and arrive during the day. This will give you plenty of light to see and enjoy the entrance to the park. This road is very scenic, so be sure to snap some photos!