Best campground to experience both parks

Question

Hi all!

My wife and I are headed to SeKi this early summer, planning to spend either 2 or 3 nights camping. We will be arriving from Yosemite, and departing southeast the last day, towards Morro Bay.

Considering our short time in the parks, it seems like a single, centrally-located campground sounds like a more efficient idea than moving between campgrounds. Do you agree with that statement? If so, which campground would you recommend in terms of location, scenery and accessibility to the major areas of both Kings Canyon and Sequoia?

Thank you very much!

Answer

For a short trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, your idea of choosing a single, centrally-located campground is very practical. Moving between multiple campgrounds can waste valuable time driving, especially since the parks are large and driving distances between key sites can be significant.

When considering location, scenery, and accessibility to major areas in both parks, here are the top campground options:

Lodgepole Campground: Located in Sequoia National Park near the Giant Forest, it provides easy access to major highlights like the General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock, and Crescent Meadow. It’s well-situated for day trips into Kings Canyon via the scenic Hwy 180, though driving times to the deepest parts of Kings Canyon (like Grant Grove) can be around 1.5–2 hours.
Grant Grove Campground: Located in Kings Canyon near the General Grant Tree and close to scenic drives like Highway 180, this campground is quieter and less crowded than Lodgepole. It offers a good base for exploring the northern parts of Sequoia via Hwy 180, but expect about 1–1.5 hours driving to Giant Forest.
Dorst Creek Campground: Slightly off the main highway in Sequoia, Dorst Creek is more secluded with fewer amenities but provides good access to both Mineral King and the northern Sequoia/Kings Canyon area. Best for those seeking a more rustic experience.

For a 2–3 night stay and wanting to experience the highlights of both parks efficiently, most first-time visitors choose Lodgepole Campground. It offers more amenities (bathrooms, water, and nearby shuttle options), is centrally located to Sequoia’s major attractions, and still allows for a reasonable drive into Kings Canyon if you plan a day trip to Grant Grove and Zumwalt Meadow.

Tip: Make reservations early, as these campgrounds fill quickly during summer.
Consider arriving early to snag a prime campsite near amenities if you don’t have reservations.
If you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind some extra driving, Grant Grove can also work as a central base, especially for exploring Kings Canyon’s highlights first and then Sequoia’s Giant Forest area.

In summary, for short stays, staying at a single campground like Lodgepole offers the best balance of convenience, scenery, and accessibility. You’ll be able to maximize your time hiking, sightseeing, and exploring without the stress of moving campgrounds.

Best campground to experience both parks

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