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Kings Canyon National Park

Camping in Kings Canyon National Park

Kings Canyon Camping Guide

Kings Canyon National Park offers a range of camping experiences, from the developed sites at Eshom Creek to remote backcountry locations along the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails. High-altitude sites like those near Forester Pass and Rae Lakes provide access to rugged alpine scenery, while Upper Paradise Valley sits along the Kings River. Many locations, including Woods Creek and Arrowhead Lake, feature bear-resistant food storage boxes essential for multi-day treks through the wilderness.

Kings Canyon Camping Guide — Map
Crd637 / CC BY-SA 3.0
A

Kings Canyon National Park

Kings Canyon National Park is an American national park in the southern Sierra Nevada, in Fresno and Tulare Counties, California.
B

Eshom Creek Campground

Developed campground located in the Sequoia National Forest near the park's western boundary.
C

Upper Paradise Valley

Backcountry camping area along the Woods Creek trail, situated near the Kings River.
D

campsite

Wilderness campsite located near the boundary of the John Muir Wilderness.
E

campsite

High-altitude backcountry camping spot situated within the John Muir Wilderness.
F

Upper Paradise Valley

Established backcountry site along the Kings River, frequently used by Rae Lakes Loop hikers.
G

Camp Area. 10,500ft. Bear Box.

High-altitude site in the Center Basin area, equipped with a bear-resistant food storage box.
H

Camp Area. 10,400ft.

Backcountry camping area located in the alpine terrain of the Bubbs Creek drainage.
I

Forrester Pass North Camp Area. 12,200ft.

High-elevation campsite on the northern approach to Forester Pass along the John Muir Trail.
J

Center Basin Creek Camp Area. 10,600ft.

Backcountry site located at the junction of the John Muir Trail and Center Basin trail.
K

Camp Area. 11,300ft.

Alpine camping spot located on the northern ascent toward Forester Pass.
L

Woods Creek Camp Area. 8,500ft. Bear Box.

Major trail junction site for the Rae Lakes Loop and John Muir Trail, featuring a suspension bridge and bear boxes.
M

campsite

Backcountry campsite located within the Evolution Valley region.
N

Baxter Creek Camp Area. 9,500ft.

Site located at the intersection of the John Muir Trail and the Baxter Pass trail.
O

Dollar Lake Camp Area. 10,300ft.

Backcountry camping area on the shores of Dollar Lake along the John Muir Trail.
P

Arrowhead Lake Camp Area. 10,400ft. Bear box

Alpine camping area with bear-resistant storage, located between Dollar Lake and Rae Lakes.
Q

Camp Area. 9,800ft.

Wilderness site located along the South Fork of the Kings River.
R

campsite

Backcountry campsite located in the northern section of the park near Goddard Canyon.
S

Lower Rae Lake Camp Area

Popular backcountry site in the Rae Lakes basin, offering views of the Painted Lady peak.
T

Glen Pass North Camp Area

High-altitude camping area located on the northern side of Glen Pass.
Riverside Hotel
Taxi · 8 min
Kings Canyon Camping Guide
2h
Walk · 6 min
Corner Café
45 min
Walk · 18 min
Riverside Hotel

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Kings Canyon National Park: Absolute Essentials Kings Canyon Peaks and Passes Kings Canyon Lakes and Waterfalls Kings Canyon Viewpoints