Campground

Lodgepole Campground

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, California

About this campground

Lodgepole Campground is located in the breathtaking Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in central California's rugged Sierra Nevada range.

Lodgepole Campground is very popular with tent and RV campers alike.

Map

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Latitude
36.606711° N
Longitude
118.725800° W
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Know before you arrive

Access, sites & campground features

Official facility and campsite inventory, supplemented by clearly marked community reports when the official listing does not publish the detail.

Connectivity

  • VerizonLTEGood coverageVerified by 24 campers · Oct 18, 2026

Community-reported service can change with terrain, weather, congestion, and carrier coverage.

Access

  • Drive-in
  • Hike-in
  • Walk-in

Site types

  • Tent sites
  • RV / trailer sites
  • Standard campsites
  • CabinsCommunity report
  • Group sitesCommunity report

Features

For campers

  • Toilets
  • Drinking water
  • Picnic table
  • FiresSubject to current restrictions
  • Food storage
  • Trash service
  • Amphitheater
  • Firewood available
  • ADA access
  • Alcohol allowedCommunity report
  • Pets allowedDogs are allowed in Lodgepole Campground when kept on a leash no longer than six feet. They are not allowed on park trails, and may not be left unattended or tied to trees.
  • Reservable

For vehicles

  • Sanitary dump
  • Pull-through sites
  • Big rig friendlyPublished vehicle length up to 42 ft
  • Back-in sitesCommunity report
  • Parallel parking sitesCommunity report
  • Water hookupsCommunity report

Official campground guide

Plan with the full campground details

Facility information, site rules, booking windows, and published rates. Source snapshot checked Oct 18, 2026.

Open official source

Overview

Lodgepole Campground is located in the breathtaking Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in central California's rugged Sierra Nevada range. Lodgepole is perched on the banks of the scenic and lengthy Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, at an elevation of 6,700 ft. The inspiring Giant Forest Grove and the mighty General Sherman Tree - the world's largest tree in volume - are just two miles from the campground.

Facilities

Lodgepole Campground is very popular with tent and RV campers alike. It has paved roads, flush toilets, and drinking water. Picnic tables, fire rings, and bear food storage boxes are provided at each site. Lodgepole Village is a quick, 1/4-mile away, offering, a Visitor Center, market and gift shop and coin-operated showers and laundry facilities.

Recreation

Forty miles of trails , including the paved Big Trees Trail , invite visitors to immerse themselves in the majesty of the ancient grove. Several additional popular hiking and wilderness trailheads are close by, including the trail to Moro Rock , a granite dome with spectacular views of the Great Western Divide and western half of the park. Tokopah Falls Trail is an easy walk along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River , leading to an impressive 1200 ft. waterfall. Fly-fishing is also a popular activity on the Marble Fork.

Natural Features

Lodgepole pine, Red fir, and shrubs forest the campground, while towering groves of giant sequoias and craggy granite peaks dot the landscape. The Marble Fork of the Kaweah River is fed by snowmelt and flows seasonally through the site. This region is characterized by warm days and cool nights in the summer and deep snow and cold days in the winter.

Nearby Attractions

The General Sherman Tree, General Grant Tree, Moro Rock and Tunnel Log are nearby, as is the informative Giant Forest Museum and the Lodgepole Visitor Center.

Colorful Crescent Meadow offers views of vivid summer wildflowers and access to Tharp's Log, a cabin in a fallen sequoia.

Tours into Crystal Cave , one of hundreds of marble caves in the park, give visitors an interesting view of rock formations, fossils, rare minerals, and unique wildlife. Tickets are required, but are not sold at the cave entrance. Reserve in advance at: Crystal Cave - Sequoia Parks Conservancy

Crystal Cave is about a 45 minute drive (13 miles/21 km) from the campground. Vehicles longer than 22 feet long are prohibited on the narrow, winding Crystal Cave Road.

Activities & amenities

What Recreation.gov or the campground’s official source specifically lists.

Available activities

  • Other Recreation Concession Site
  • Hiking
  • Interpretive Programs
  • Camping

Amenities and facility features

  • Toilets
  • No on-site showersCoin showers are in Lodgepole Village, about one-quarter mile away
  • Potable water
  • Picnic tables
  • Site fire ring or grateSubject to current restrictions
  • Food-storage locker
  • Dump station
  • Trash service
  • Amphitheater
  • Firewood
  • Pets allowedFollow current leash and area restrictions
  • Accessible Campsites
  • Comfort Station
  • Drinking Water
  • Grocery Store
  • Hiking
  • Ranger Station
  • Shuttle Bus Service

Recreation sites

Published inventory grouped by site type. Individual sites can have stricter limits.

Standard Non-Electric

79 sites
Reservation type
Site-Specific
Equipment
Caravan/Camper Van, Fifth Wheel, Large Tent Over 9x12`, Pickup Camper, Pop Up, RV, Small Tent, Tent, Trailer, Vehicle
Maximum people
6
Maximum vehicles
2
Maximum vehicle length
42 ft
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Accessible sites
2 flagged accessible

Walk To

52 sites
Reservation type
Site-Specific
Equipment
Large Tent Over 9x12`, Small Tent, Tent
Maximum people
6
Maximum vehicles
1
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Accessible sites
None flagged in site inventory

RV Non-Electric

19 sites
Reservation type
Site-Specific
Equipment
Caravan/Camper Van, Fifth Wheel, Pickup Camper, Pop Up, RV, Trailer, Vehicle
Maximum people
6
Maximum vehicles
2
Maximum vehicle length
35 ft
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Accessible sites
None flagged in site inventory

Tent Only Non-Electric

53 sites
Reservation type
Site-Specific
Equipment
Large Tent Over 9x12`, Small Tent, Tent
Maximum people
6
Maximum vehicles
2
Maximum vehicle length
18 ft
Check-in
0:00 AM, 12:00 PM
Check-out
0:00 AM, 12:00 PM
Accessible sites
None flagged in site inventory

Management

5 sites
Reservation type
Site-Specific
Equipment
Caravan/Camper Van, Large Tent Over 9x12`, Pickup Camper, Pop Up, RV, Tent
Maximum people
6
Maximum vehicles
2
Maximum vehicle length
21 ft
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Accessible sites
None flagged in site inventory

Site rules, inventory & rates

Facility rules, inventory procedures, and price seasons published by the official source.

Site rules

Base site allowance
• ENTRANCE FEES APPLY : Check Entrance Fees & Passes - Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (U.S. National Park Service) for details. • Camping fees are $32 per night for regular camping and $16 per night for valid lifetime Access Pass, lifetime Senior Pass, and annual Senior Pass. No other passes receive reduced rates. • If your campsite remains vacant for 24 hours after your arrival date it will be cancelled and made available on rec.gov.  You will be charged for the first night's campsite fee and a $20 cancellation fee, all other fees after that will be refunded. Recreation.gov policies apply to all reservations, cancellations, refunds and date changes. Call (559) 565-4404 if you will be arriving 24 hours after your arrival date so your site won't be cancelled.
Allow Mid Stay Modification
1
Group Reservation Window
4 Months
Maximum stay
14 consecutive days
Max Simultaneous Reservations
2 reservations
Max Stay
30 days
Max Transaction Reservations
2
Reservation cutoff
0 days before arrival
Reservation Window
4 Months
Maximum published vehicles
2 vehicles per site
Check-in
12:00 PM, 0:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM, 0:00 AM
Food storage
Use the provided wildlife-resistant food locker for food, trash, toiletries, and scented items whenever they are not in immediate use.
Fire and stove use
The current official campground record does not publish a campground-specific fire or stove rule. Check current posted restrictions before using any flame.
Pets
Dogs are allowed in Lodgepole Campground when kept on a leash no longer than six feet. They are not allowed on park trails, and may not be left unattended or tied to trees.

Inventory window

Recreation.gov publishes a rolling booking window. The dates below are the official snapshot captured for this catalog build.

Currently bookable through
Dec 1, 2026
Next release
Feb 15, 2027, 7:00 AM PST
Next book-through date
Jun 15, 2027
Group sites bookable through
Dec 1, 2026

Published seasons & rates

SeasonSite typeNightly rateAdditional personDeposit
Peak SeasonMay 20, 2026 – Jun 14, 2026RV Non-Electric$32——
Peak SeasonMay 20, 2026 – Jun 14, 2026Standard Non-Electric$32——
Peak SeasonMay 20, 2026 – Jun 14, 2026Tent Only Non-Electric$32——
Peak SeasonMay 20, 2026 – Jun 14, 2026Walk To$32——
Peak SeasonJun 15, 2026 – Dec 1, 2026RV Non-Electric$32——
Peak SeasonJun 15, 2026 – Dec 1, 2026Standard Non-Electric$32——
Peak SeasonJun 15, 2026 – Dec 1, 2026Tent Only Non-Electric$32——
Peak SeasonJun 15, 2026 – Dec 1, 2026Walk To$32——
Peak SeasonJun 15, 2027 – Dec 1, 2027RV Non-Electric$32——
Peak SeasonJun 15, 2027 – Dec 1, 2027Standard Non-Electric$32——
Peak SeasonJun 15, 2027 – Dec 1, 2027Tent Only Non-Electric$32——
Peak SeasonJun 15, 2027 – Dec 1, 2027Walk To$32——
Peak SeasonJun 15, 2028 – Dec 1, 2028RV Non-Electric$32——
Peak SeasonJun 15, 2028 – Dec 1, 2028Standard Non-Electric$32——
Peak SeasonJun 15, 2028 – Dec 1, 2028Tent Only Non-Electric$32——
Peak SeasonJun 15, 2028 – Dec 1, 2028Walk To$32——

Important facility notices

Read these with current closure and fire notices before departure.

  • If your campsite remains vacant for 24 hours after your arrival date it will be cancelled and made available on rec.gov.  You will be charged for the first night's campsite fee and a $20 cancellation fee, all other fees after that will be refunded. Recreation.gov policies apply to all reservations, cancellations, refunds and date changes.  Call (559) 565-4404 if you will be arriving 24 hours after your arrival date so your site won't be cancelled. To leave a message call (559) 565-3714. Upon making a campground reservation: Site occupants agree to follow ALL campground rules. Failure to comply may result in a fine. You are responsible for your guests.
  • Campground Rules and Regulations:   • Food Storage - You are in an  ACTIVE BEAR AREA. Black Bears are active day and night . When not in arms reach, you must properly store all food, drinks, scented items, coolers, and equipment used to prepare food, inside provided food storage lockers. These items must be stored day and night. Food storage locker dimensions are 28" high x 33" deep x 47" wide.   • 6 Person Limit - There is a maximum of 6 people per campsite . If you exceed this number, purchase 2 sites and spread your group and equipment out evenly between campsites. This is to preserve the natural resources and minimize noise levels. Reservations can be made in advance to accommodate a larger group size at a group campground.   • Check-In and Check-Out is at 12 NOON - Please be prepared to show a screen shot (limited cell service) or printout of your reservation confirmation email upon arrival to the campground. Campsites need to be vacated (vehicles and occupants) by 12:00 NOON.   • Parking Pad - Vehicles must be parked with all four wheels on pavement. Vehicles that do not fit on the provided parking pad must be parked in overflow parking areas.   • Quiet Hours 10pm to 6am - Music, talking, and generators should not be audible beyond your immediate campsite. Unreasonable noise is prohibited any time of day.    • Generator Hours- 8:00AM-11:00AM and 5:00PM-8:00PM   • Fire Restrictions - Check current fire restrictions at nps.gov/seki .  Fires must be attended .  DO NOT build additional fire rings. Glass, aluminum, and food are prohibited in fire rings. Firewood is sold locally. Dead and down wood may be gathered for your campfire. Logs must fit within the fire ring. Chainsaws are not allowed.  Fires must be extinguished completely with water and be cool to the touch before leaving your campsite or going to bed.   • Tents - Pitch tents only on tent pads or within campsite boundaries.    • Dogs/Pets - must always be kept crated, caged, or on a leash no longer than six feet. Pets are allowed in campgrounds and picnic areas. Pets may not be left unattended . Pets are not allowed beyond 100 feet of public roads or parking areas. Pets are not allowed on any Park trails.   • Preserve Natural Resources - Injuring plants or trees by cutting, breaking, or attaching nails or other hardware is prohibited. Driving off pavement is prohibited.   • Bicycles - Helmets required if under 18 years of age. Bicycles are not allowed on any park trails.    • Trash Disposal - Please keep your campsite clean. Place all litter/trash in bear proof campground trash dumpsters. To prevent bears from getting trash please  DO NOT forget to lock or relatch the dumpster . Do not leave cigarette butts, bottle caps, confetti or litter on the ground.   • Water Disposal - Do not dump grey-water on the ground or at the water spigots. Bring a tub to wash dishes or to collect shower water. All grey-water must be disposed of at the restrooms, dish sinks, or at a RV dump-station. Used water must not be allowed to run onto the ground .   • Propane Tank Disposal - DO NOT leave in the park. We are unable to recycle your used propane tanks. Please take them home with you and dispose of them properly.
  • Tire Chains may be required at any time. Be prepared at any time of year for a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. Check Road Conditions at nps.gov/seki . Vehicles longer than 22 feet (including trailers) are not advised between Potwisha Campground and the Giant Forest Museum. Visitors with vehicles over 22 feet in total length hoping to visit the Giant Forest or camp at Lodgepole and Dorst Creek Campgrounds are advised to enter via the northern, Highway 180, entrance to these parks.
  • Dangerous Rivers!  Many drowning victims were playing near rivers. Rivers present a far greater danger than lakes or pools. Surfaces may look calm, but strong currents often run below. Be cautious walking near rivers as rocks can be slippery. Getting out of a cold, swift river is often impossible.  Falling Objects - Don't linger under dead, cracked, or broken branches. Run if you hear cracks or snapping from tree roots, trunks, or branches (know that sometimes there is no sound, and very little time to react). Report falling branches or trees to a ranger.
  • A California state fishing license is required to fish in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and Sequoia National Forest lakes and streams. Fishing licenses may be available at National Park and National Forest markets.

Getting there & contact

Official directions

Both roads leading to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks approach from the west. They are open all day, every day, depending on weather. From the east, no roads reach the park boundary. The Main park road, The Generals Highway, connects the north and south entrances. Winter storms may cause temporary closures from Grant Grove to Lodgepole. • It takes about 1 hour to drive to the campground from the south park entrance (198E) or about a 1 hour from the north park entrance (180E). • Notice: Vehicles longer than 22 feet (including trailers) are not advised between Potwisha Campground and the Giant Forest Museum. Visitors with vehicles over 22 feet in total length hoping to visit the Giant Forest or camp at Lodgepole and Dorst Creek Campgrounds are advised to enter via the northern, Highway 180, entrance to these parks. Arriving from the south (Highway 198): • From Highways 65 or 99: Go east on Hwy 198 E and follow signs for Sequoia National Park to the park entrance.   • Highway 180 E may be reached from Highway 198 E using Hwy 63 N from Visalia.   Arriving from the north (Highway 180): • From Fresno: take Highway 180E, following signs for Kings Canyon National Park to the park entrance.   • Once in the park, follow signs to Sequoia National Park and Lodgepole.

Facility contact

559-565-3341

Sources

Recreation.gov — Lodgepole CampgroundSequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks — campground regulationsRecreation.gov — Lodgepole CampgroundLodgepole Campground official facility detailsRecreation.gov — Lodgepole Campground — food-storage guidanceThe Dyrt community reports — Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National ParkRecreation.gov campground details APIRecreation.gov published seasons and ratesRecreation.gov booking-window release dataRecreation.gov recreation-site inventory