Campground Regulations

Alison Taggart-Barone

Throughout the parks, camping is permitted in designated sites only. We offer both reservable and first-come, first-served sites; however, reservations during peak season are recommended. No roadside camping is allowed.

Campgrounds are not day-use areas. The parks offers several picnic areas for day use.

Fees and Holding Sites

A use fee is required per night, per site. Sites typically hold a maximum of 6 people; see specific campgrounds for exceptions or group camping site allowances.

Sites cannot be saved. Sites must be paid for within 30 minutes of arrival. Sites not occupied for 24 hours will be considered abandoned and property will be impounded.

Check In and Out

Gates open/close at 12 pm on open and close dates. Check-in at 12 pm or later. Check out before 12 pm. If you have not checked in by noon on the second day of your reserved, your reserved site may be considered unoccupied and opened to new campers.

Parking

Vehicle length limits vary by area; please check with the individual campground or information posted on recreation.gov. Vehicles must be parked with all four wheels on pavement. Any vehicle that blocks traffic flow must be moved. Check locally for overflow parking options. Your payment stub should be placed on the campsite site post. Please carpool at group sites as parking can be limited.

Site Use

• Please do not trench ground around your tent or otherwise alter the landscape.

• Do not drive nails into trees or wrap them with chains or wire.

• Soapy water kills plants and pollutes rivers. Please dump dirty dishwater only at the utility sinks attached to the restrooms. Use soap and toothpaste only in restrooms.

Campfires & Firewood

Campfire restrictions may apply in some areas. Campfires are permitted only in established fire rings; construction of new stone fire rings is not permitted. Do not leave fire unattended. Be certain to extinguish fires completely with water before leaving.

Have you ever heard that you shouldn't travel with firewood? Learn more about how you protect park resources by getting firewood at or near your campsite. Buy firewood at local markets, including those inside the parks, or gather dead and down wood near your site. Do not cut living or standing trees and leave any remaining firewood after your trip. Chainsaws are prohibited.

Wheeled Vehicles

Bicyclists under the age of 18 years must wear helmets. Roller skates, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, and similar non-motorized devices are prohibited in the campground, on roads, and in developed areas.

Pets

Pets are permitted within the campground but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet (1.8 m). Pets may not be left unattended, and are not allowed to bark constantly. Pets, including those riding in backpacks, are not allowed on any trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Wildlife

Feeding, touching, teasing, frightening, or intentional disturbing of any wildlife is strictly prohibited.

Dump Stations

Wastewater from RVs must be properly discharged. Dump stations are available at Potwisha, Lodgepole, and Dorst Creek campgrounds.

Recycle Fuel Canisters

Do not put propane or other fuel canisters in park trash cans or leave them in the parks. Take them with you when you leave. Check with your city or council about cylinder and canister recycling in your area.

Quiet Hours

Quiet hours are typically from 10 pm to 6 am. Generator hours are between 9 am and 9 pm, except at Lodgepole and Dorst Creek campgrounds where generators can run from 8 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 8 pm. Music and talking should not be audible beyond your immediate area at all times.

Food Storage and Wildlife

You must store all food and scented items in food storage boxes at campgrounds, or in your recreational vehicle. Always remove all food and items from your car or truck. Bears are active day and night, and can easily break into vehicles.

• Food and scented items must be stored in the metal boxes provided.
• While eating and cooking, keep all food, trash, and scented items within arm’s reach.
• Deposit trash immediately in bear-proof trash cans or store it like food. Always close food storage boxes and dumpsters completely.
• Rangers will remove any food that is stored improperly. There is a fine for improperly stored food, trash, and scented items.

Any scented items can attract bears, including:
• Food
• Trash, recycling
• Beverage containers, full or empty Infant car seats
• Coolers, full or empty
• Soap
• Candles
• Lotion, sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Cleaning supplies
• Toothpaste
• Mints or Gum
• Cosmetics, lip balm
• Candy or food wrappers
• Air fresheners
• Scented tissue
• Tobacco products

If a bear approaches in the campground:
• Do not abandon your food.
• Immediately store all food, scented items, and trash properly.
• Gather together and make noise by yelling and banging pots and pans.
• Never surround a bear, separate a mother from her cubs, or run from a bear.
• Never try to get items back from a bear.
• If you are afraid, back away slowly and contact a ranger for help.
• You may see rangers using various hazing techniques to chase bears away.