Sequoia/ Kings boondocking

Taking the family out to Sequoia National Park. Wondering if anyone know of a place near by where I can camp the night?

 

What area specifically will you be? Three Rivers(outside Sequoia main entrance) has an awesome family-owned campground called “Three rivers hideaway”. They take reservations over the phone, and have facilities on site too. We were just there for spring break, the “tent camping” sites are right on the river too(direct access w/ a swim beach). Super cool spot, that is not known by many(due to no real social media presence from the owners). I paid 40 a night if i am remembering correctly, their office number is: 559-561-4413. The campground is 5 mins from the parks main entrance. They also own “Sequoia Adventures” which is a whitewater rafting company, they launch from the campground too.

 

Not as far up as Kings, but the Southern Sequoia can be had off the 395 via Kennedy Meadows or Kernville. Plenty of places to boondock away from everyone. Beautiful country too if you haven’t visited.

Further up the 395, also for a one day, off Independence, take Onion Valley Road. It ends at a campsite, however, it leads to some great hiking for the familia to several high altitude lakes that are stocked. Very nice country to fish.

 

I've been wanting to head up to this area as well, and I've done some searching on the maps but haven't stumbled on a plan yet. I've spent tons of time up in the eastern sierras up the 395 corridor but have been wanting to check out Sequoia and other parts of the western side of the range. I took a trip to kennedy meadows a couple years back which was beautiful but a longer drive than I'd originally expected. I sure wish I had more time off cause it seems like it takes 5-6hrs minimum to get anywhere remote enough for my liking

 

Love Sequoia!!!

+1 for Three Rivers. Lake Kaweah FTMFW!

If you want to stay in the park, I really like camping at Lodgepole. Lots of spots on Mable Fork Kaweah River to camp next too as well.

 

Thanks. Looking into it

 

The family wants to see the Sequoia trees. Probably do the usual tourist things and dry camp at night. Anyone know any good fishing spots? Should also add I plan on going on Memorial weekend. Camp sites have no availability

 

If you’re too burned out for a long drive that weekend, no fishing(although there might be if the creeks are flowing), and best to leave on the early side, Los Padres is within a 2 hour drive. They just opened up Halfmoon. You want the chances to be by yourself, there it is. Or perhaps Alamo mountain? Hungry Valley below in case you get the urge to wheel hard. Dispersed camping and just found out camp fires are okay as long as there is a rock ring and permit at hand. Most of the trails are open now. So many to explore.

Lovely pine aromas today were cosmo sent, damn it was awesome. Although, bugs starting to bug. Upper elevations had a nice cool breeze with no bugs.

Back when I had my 2010 OR, I used to get permits for firewood. Today, I asked if an Alaskan mill was allowed, she said go to town! Fuck yeah! And the best part, the trails I wheeled last year, at their highest elevations, have redwoods. I was blown away. And btw, Sequoias as well. I ended up with a 2 cord permit. can’t wait to fire up my 3120xp for some table tops in Los Padres country.

You should give it a go someday. Laters

 

I forgot to post this in case any Los Padres aficionados are interested in what is open and still closed. Updated this morning.

 

I second Los Padres national forest

 

If I can hijack this thread for a second now that OPs trip is over, seems to be a lot of SE/KI knowledge here. Heading out there in 2 weeks and was just wondering if there is a traffic benefit to touring in 1 direction over the other? We have a spot in Three Rivers lined up, so Ash Mountain Entrance is right there. Is there any benefit to looping around and up to the Big Stump Entrance first and coming back down? Also when we head farther north to get into Kings, going that way to avoid congestion or better to just head up the Generals Hwy all the time?

 

Things to note about the Three Rivers entrance, they have only 2 “checkin stations” at the gate, that feed from a single lane. If you wait until after 0830am, expect some traffic(dependent on weekend, sometimes over 1hr wait). The three rivers entrance is my favorite due to its proximity to many hiking trails in the lower valley, but also provides direct access to the giant sequoias, Wolverton and Lodgepole, and allows the connections between Sequoia and Kings Canyon. The valley will be amazing this time of year, look for Potwisha trail(across the main road from the Potwisha campground, park near the transfer station) because there are petroglyphs and a suspension bridge at the end of the trail crossing the river(direct river access for swimming/lunch break). The giant sequoias are awesome to see in person, just know this will be the main location people will be at. Parking is distant, unless you’re handicapped(10 spots avail directly in front of trailhead, otherwise its a 1 mile hike in from the other parking). Many cool trails to hike in the giants, see The Senate(tree collection). Mono rock is not far from there, its a fun and unique hike too(steps carved out of the side of the rock face). Pack plenty of snacks, drinks etc as there is only 1 store in the valley and 1 at Lodgepole(above the giant sequoias). Bathrooms are normal vault style, some trailheads also have water access for bottles/jugs.
I added some photos from our past 2 trips, both during the kiddos spring break(Mar/Apr 2022/2024) to show the suspension bridge in Potwisha and the giants by General Sherman tree.
Feel free to ask questions, i/we on the forum will fill in with our experiences and adventures. Have a blast bud!