Is there free or dispersed camping near Sequoia National Park?

Yes, dispersed camping is permitted in parts of the Sequoia National Forest, which is directly south of the park. However, availability varies depending on the season, and the area includes few, if any, services. Harvest Hosts stays sit between the two: private property, permission arranged ahead, and no camping fee.

Is Harvest Hosts worth it for a Sequoia trip?

Yes, Harvest Hosts is well worth it for a Sequoia trip. Most RVers spend at least a few days exploring multiple locations within both Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon, so arranging to stay with a local Harvest Host opens up availability. Plus, Harvest Hosts offer fee-free camping on private property in exchange for patronizing their local attractions, distilleries, working farms, and breweries. California has 0 Harvest Hosts locations.

Sequoia National Park RV Camping

The National Park Service operates both Sequoia National Park and its sister park, Kings Canyon, as a single unit for several reasons, the least of which is their proximity. Both national parks are located near the California-Nevada border, but Sequoia is the more frequented of the two. Known for the Giant Forest of towering sequoia trees, this national park is also home to Mineral King, Hospital Rock, Crescent Meadow, Moro Rock, Amphitheater Point, and Beetle Rock. However, it's most famous for the , a Giant Sequoia whose trunk weighs an estimated 1,400 tons. As you're RV camping in Sequoia National Park, you can catch a glimpse of black bears, pikas, bats, mountain lions, and mule deer. Harvest Hosts has plenty of locations within an hour of the entrances where you can park your RV overnight at a working farm, brewery, or distillery.

See All Hosts

Harvest Hosts is a membership program for RV camping: unlock unlimited overnight stays at thousands of locations.

Learn More

Sequoia National Park RV Camping Guide

When to Go

As is the case with Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park is open year-round, and typically busiest during the summer. If you want to avoid the crowds, get to the park before 8 a.m. or plan to visit during the week. Cooler temperatures make spring and fall pleasant times to visit if you're looking for a quieter hike, especially in May and September. The first snow falls in the park during late October, signalling reduced services and the pending closure of certain park locations. Blooming wildflowers often indicate spring isn't far away, and can be an impressive sight to behold on early spring hikes as the snow melts.

Know Before You Go

Sequoia National Park doesn't require timed-entry reservations. Most campgrounds require reservations; some open up four months in advance, while others can be made up to 30 days before you arrive.
General Sherman Tree is one of the park's most popular attractions. Located within Giant Forest, it's part of the Sherman Tree and Congress Trails. Giant Forest is also the biggest outcropping of unlogged Giant Sequoias.
Some of the best hiking trails in Sequoia National Park include Little Baldy Trail, Hazelwood Nature Loop Trail, Crescent Meadow Loop Trail, Tharp's Log Trail, Sunset Rock Trail, and Tokopah Falls Trail. Many are ideal for sunrise, sunset, and wildlife viewing.
The Sequoia Shuttle offers free transportation between the Lodgepole and Giant Forest areas of the park. Several routes carry different numbers to help visitors pinpoint exactly where they're going. The service runs reduced routes and times during the park's offseason.
Road-specific RV length restrictions vary throughout the park. Limits are 40 feet on the road between Potwisha Campground and the Giant Forest Museum, and 24 feet between the Foothills Visitor Center and Potwisha. Lengths are restricted to 22 feet on Crystal Cave Road.
Winter road closures affect the Generals Highway and Highway 180, which aren't maintained through the off-season. If you visit Sequoia National Park in winter, tire chains are often required on all vehicles.
Pets aren't permitted on trails or in park buildings. They're allowed on paved roads, in parking lots and picnic areas, and within inner-park campgrounds. Pets must be leashed on leads no longer than six feet.

Nearby Attractions

Gateway cities to Sequoia National Park include Three Rivers and Visalia. Lake Kaweah, the Giant Sequoia National Monument, and Kern National Wildlife Refuge are located nearby. Explore the South Sierra and Golden Trout Wildernesses, or make it a point to visit the Sequoia National Forest. This attraction features over 50 campgrounds, nearly 1,200 miles of trails, and over 150 lakes and ponds. Popular locations include The Trail of 100 Giants and the Kern and Kings Rivers. Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, and Yosemite National Park are also in the state of California.

Where to Camp

Inside the park. Three campgrounds support RV camping in Sequoia National Park: Potwisha, Lodgepole, and Dorst Creek. Potwisha is the only one open year-round, and RVs are limited to 24 feet. Campsites are located along the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River (mostly on a slope), but see little snow in the winter. Lodgepole Campground is open from May through November and sits within walking distance of Lodgepole Village. At 6,700 feet, it's snow-covered in spring and fall, and often frequented by bears. RVs are restricted to 40 feet here. In Dorst Creek, RVs of nearly any length are permitted. Visitors can get to the Giant Forest and Muir Grove Trail from this campground.

Tips on reserving a campsite. Avoid Buckeye Flat, Cold Springs, and Atwell Campgrounds, as they don't allow RVs. Potwisha, Lodgepole, and Dorst Creek Campgrounds require reservations, which can be made up to four months in advance (one month for Dorst Creek).

Camping outside the park with Harvest Hosts. Since none of the in-park campgrounds offer hookups, most RVers camp outside the park boundaries. While RV campgrounds in California may offer more amenities than you'd find in other states, pricing and availability can vary depending on the season. Harvest Hosts simplifies camping arrangements by partnering with business owners of local working farms, breweries, attractions, and distilleries. In exchange for parking on their private property, RVers enjoy no camping fees if they patronize these businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Subscribe to learn more about Harvest Hosts and our updates!

Can you sleep in your RV in Sequoia National Park?

Yes, you can sleep in your RV in Sequoia National Park if you're parked in a designated campsite in one of the park's three campgrounds. None of these three offer hookups or showers, but Dorst Creek does have a dump station. Most campsites are pull-through sites.

Where can I camp in an RV near Sequoia National Park?

RV camping near Sequoia National Park may be available in Three Rivers and Visalia, but fees, availability, and services vary. Harvest Hosts offers a more convenient and rewarding experience with no camping fees, parking on private property, and a chance to experience the local culture. For example, imagine staying at this luxury glamping vineyard retreat in Three Rivers, or this wild west town museum RV stop in Pearsonville.

Do you need a reservation to enter Sequoia National Park?

No, you don't need a timed-entry reservation to enter Sequoia National Park. All three campgrounds require reservations, which can be made up to four months in advance in Potwisha and Lodgepole Campgrounds and up to one month in advance in Dorst Creek Campground.

What size RV fits at Sequoia National Park?

RVs up to 40 feet long fit at Sequoia National Park, specifically in Lodgepole Campground. However, there are a limited number of spaces this size, so availability may vary. Dorst Creek Campground advertises acceptance of RVs of almost any size, but it's best to verify campsite-specific length restrictions before solidifying your reservation. Potwisha Campground only allows RVs up to 24 feet long.