Home to the world's largest trees by volume, towering granite peaks, and pristine wilderness. Essential RV guidance for navigating mountain roads and size restrictions in California's Sierra Nevada.
⚠️ Important RV Restrictions: Some roads in these parks have strict RV length limits (22ft maximum on certain routes). Read this guide carefully before booking your RV to ensure compatibility.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks protect some of the most magnificent landscapes in California. These adjacent parks offer giant sequoia groves, granite canyons, and alpine wilderness, but require careful planning for RV travelers due to mountain road restrictions and elevation changes.
Most popular and accessible. Located in Giant Forest area near General Sherman Tree. Flush toilets, bear boxes, and dump station. Close to visitor center, market, and restaurants. Reservations essential May through September. Road accessible to large RVs.
Dorst Creek Campground (Sequoia)
📍 218 sites💰 $26/night🚗 35ft max🌲 Quieter option
Family-friendly with programs. Less crowded than Lodgepole with evening ranger programs. Located among sequoias with easy access to hiking trails. Flush toilets and bear boxes. No hookups but dump station available.
Potwisha Campground (Sequoia)
📍 42 sites💰 $26/night🚗 30ft max🌡️ Lower elevation
Year-round option. Located at 2,100ft elevation near park entrance. Warmer in winter and accessible when higher campgrounds are closed. Along Middle Fork Kaweah River. Good for visiting Sequoia in shoulder seasons.
Azalea Campground (Kings Canyon)
📍 110 sites💰 $26/night🚗 30ft max🏞️ Grant Grove area
Kings Canyon access. Located in Grant Grove area near General Grant Tree ("Nation's Christmas Tree"). Flush toilets and bear boxes. Close to visitor center and General Grant Grove Museum. Good base for Kings Canyon Scenic Byway exploration.
📊 Campground Comparison
Campground
Sites
Max RV Length
Hookups
Dump Station
Price/Night
Best For
Lodgepole
Many sites
35-40 ft
No hookups
Dump on-site
$22/night
Near Giant Forest, showers
Potwisha
42 sites
35 ft
No hookups
Dump on-site
$22/night
Year-round, lower elevation
Dorst Creek
218 sites
35 ft
No hookups
Flush toilets
$22/night
Ranger programs
🏕️ Outside Park Options (Full Hookups)
RV Park
Distance to Park
Max RV Length
Hookups
Price/Night
Features
Sequoia RV Ranch
8 mi from entrance
No limit
Full 50-amp
$120/night
Riverside
Lemon Cove Village
25 mi
Pull-thru 40+ ft
Full
$60/night
Pool, family
🏪 Nearby Services & Grocery
Three Rivers (15 minutes from park entrance):
Village Market: Full grocery store, last major shopping before park
Three Rivers General Store: Basic supplies, camping gear, ice
Generals Highway (CA-198 to Giant Forest): 40ft RV maximum
Kings Canyon Scenic Byway: 22ft RV maximum beyond Grant Grove
Mineral King Road: RVs prohibited (cars only)
Crystal Cave Road: RVs prohibited
Recommended RV Types by Destination
Lodgepole/Dorst (Giant Forest): Class A up to 35ft, Class C up to 30ft ideal
Kings Canyon Scenic Byway: Class C under 22ft ONLY
Grant Grove area: Class C up to 28ft
Potwisha (entrance area): Most RV types acceptable
💡 Pro Tip: Our 22ft Class C RVs (Winnebago Solis, Pleasure Way Ontour) are perfect for exploring all accessible areas of both parks including the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.
🌲 Must-See Attractions
Giant Sequoia Groves (RV Accessible)
General Sherman Tree: World's largest tree by volume. Paved 0.5-mile walk from parking.
General Grant Tree: "Nation's Christmas Tree" with easier access than Sherman.
Big Trees Trail: 1.2-mile paved loop through Giant Forest (wheelchair accessible).
Grant Grove Trail: Easy walks among ancient giants in Kings Canyon.
Scenic Drives
Generals Highway: Connects both parks through sequoia groves (RV accessible to 40ft)
Mineral King: High alpine valley with backcountry access
Roads End: Trailhead for backcountry wilderness permits
🌡️ Weather and Seasonal Planning
Spring (April - May)
Many higher elevation roads still closed. Potwisha and lower elevations accessible. Wildflowers in foothills. Check road conditions before traveling.
Summer (June - September)
Peak season with perfect weather. All RV campgrounds open. Daytime highs 70-80°F, cool nights 40-50°F. Reservations essential. This is when 80% of our customers visit.
Fall (October - November)
Excellent weather with fewer crowds. Beautiful fall colors. Some facilities may close after October. Road conditions become variable.
Winter (December - March)
Higher elevation areas often closed due to snow. Potwisha remains open year-round. Chains may be required on mountain roads. Limited services available.
📍 Getting There from Irvine
Route to Sequoia: I-5 North → CA-99 North → CA-198 East → Generals Highway
Route to Kings Canyon: I-5 North → CA-99 North → CA-180 East
Distance: 280 miles (560 round trip)
Drive Time: 3.5 hours without stops
Fuel Cost: Approximately $150-180 for a Class C RV
Important Stops
Visalia, CA: Last major city with full services, groceries, and fuel
Three Rivers, CA: Last chance for supplies before Sequoia entrance
Fresno, CA: Alternative base for Kings Canyon approach
🚐 Mountain RV Driving Tips
Preparation
Check Brakes: Essential for mountain driving; have them inspected before trip
Transmission Fluid: Ensure adequate levels for steep grades
Tire Pressure: Check all tires including spares
Emergency Kit: Flares, tools, first aid, warm clothing
Driving Techniques
Use Lower Gears: Downshift on steep descents to save brakes
Pull Over Policy: Use turnouts to let faster traffic pass
Speed Control: Drive slowly on curves and steep sections
⚠️ Altitude Considerations: Higher elevations (6,000-8,000ft) can affect some people. Stay hydrated and take breaks if you feel lightheaded or nauseous.
🎒 Mountain Camping Essentials
Clothing
Layered clothing for temperature changes
Warm jacket for cold mountain nights
Rain gear for afternoon thunderstorms
Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support
Hat and sunglasses for high-altitude sun
Safety and Comfort
Bear spray and proper food storage knowledge
Headlamps and flashlights
First aid kit with altitude sickness remedies
Camera with extra batteries (cold drains them quickly)
Binoculars for wildlife viewing
Food and Water
Extra water (mountain air is dehydrating)
Non-perishable snacks for energy
Bear canisters for backcountry food storage
Cooler ice (limited availability in parks)
💡 Bear Safety: Both parks have active black bear populations. Store ALL food, toiletries, and scented items in bear boxes provided at campgrounds. Never leave food in your RV unattended.
Book Your RV for This Trip →
Experience the giants of the Sierra Nevada. Our smaller Class C RVs are perfect for navigating mountain roads while providing full comfort and amenities.
⚠️ Disclaimer: All information on this page is provided for general reference only. Prices, amenities, availability, phone numbers, and policies may change without notice. For the most current and accurate information, please contact the campground, park, or service provider directly. RV We Go is not responsible for any inaccuracies or changes to third-party information. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.