NPS Photo / Anna Cirimele Picnic Areas of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National ParkThere are many picnic areas available in the parks. All picnic areas have restrooms, and some have water and barbecue grills. Barbecue grills may not be available when fire restrictions are in place. Please check current fire restrictions before you visit for information on wood and charcoal fires, gas or propane stoves, and smoking. Black bears may sometimes approach picnic areas. When eating or preparing food, always keep food within arm's reach. Store food, trash, and any items with an odor in metal food-storage boxes if they are available. Following park food-storage regulations protects park bears and helps prevent aggressive behavior. Sequoia National Park
NPS Photo FoothillsPicnic areas in the foothills are at a lower elevation of 1700 - 2800 feet (500 - 850 m) and are usually impacted by fire restrictions in the summer due to extreme heat. During the milder seasons, it is the perfect place to stop for lunch and take in the green hills and diverse wildlife. Hospital Rock Picnic Area Picnic in an oak woodland near the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River. Numerous picnic areas offer both sunny and shady spots to eat and relax. While you're here, browse outdoor exhibits that tell the story of Native Americans who lived and traveled in this area, and continue to visit this area today. Hospital Rock has outdoor exhibits, water, grills, a telephone, and flush toilets. Foothills Picnic Area Foothills Picnic Area is across the highway from Foothills Visitor Center. In winter and spring, this is a comfortable place to stop on the way up into the mountains, or on the return trip. In summer, the foothills are hot and dry, and fire restrictions may be in effect. Public restrooms, water, a visitor center, and other services are available across the street from the picnic area. 
NPS Photo Lodgepole and Giant ForestRight in the heart of Sequoia National Park, picnic areas in Lodgepole and the Giant Forest sit at an elevation of 6600 - 7200 feet (2000 - 2200 m). Cool weather and shade from the trees provides a lovely spot to stop and rest. Please be aware of bears in these areas. Do not leave food unattended. Crescent Meadow Area The Crescent Meadow Picnic Area is 2.6 miles from the Giant Forest Museum, near Moro Rock and several trailheads. The picnic area rests at the edge of a lush meadow, surrounded by giant sequoias. Crescent Meadow Picnic Area has accessible vault restrooms and designated accessible (but steep) parking stalls. There are no extended picnic tables, water, or grills. Pinewood Picnic Area Located between the Giant Forest Museum and Lodgepole Visitor Center, the Pinewood Picnic Area offers regular and long picnic tables for groups of all sizes. The picnic areas also has flush restrooms, a water faucet, and barbecue grills. 
NPS Photo Lodgepole Picnic Area The Lodgepole Picnic Area is adjacent to Lodgepole facilities, including the Village Market, visitor center, campground, restrooms, laundry, and showers. The picnic area itself has water spigots. Wolverton Picnic Area Located at the end of Wolverton road, this picnic area is a great place to stop for lunch while taking in gorgeous meadow views. This area has informative bulletin boards, water spigots, flush toilets, and barbecue grills. Halstead Meadow Picnic Area Next to a restored meadow, Halstead Meadow Picnic Area is four miles from the Lodgepole Visitor Center. This area has exhibits, vault toilets, and barbecue grills. Mineral KingAt 7,600 feet (2300 m) of elevation, Mineral King has one picnic area close to the Mineral King Ranger Station, where water spigots, vault restrooms, and exhibits can be found. An accessible restroom is located along Mineral King Road at the Lookout Point entrance, 8 miles (13 km) before Atwell Mill Campground and 15 miles (24 km) before Mineral King Ranger Station. 
NPS Photo Kings Canyon National ParkGrant GroveAt 6,600 feet (2,008 m) in elevation, this area is characterized by warm days and cool nights in summer, with deep snow and cold temperatures in winter. Big Stump Picnic Area The first resting spot after the park entrance station on Highway 180, this picnic area makes this a perfect stop to get your bearings after the drive from the San Joaquin Valley. Covered picnic tables offer shelter and parking is usually abundant. It includes extended picnic tables for travelers using wheelchairs, as well as raised barbecues, exhibits, water, and flush restrooms. Columbine Picnic Area This picnic spot is located near the Grant Grove campgrounds and Visitor Center. Parking, grills, vault restrooms, and picnic tables are available year-round. This becomes a snow-play area in winter. 
NPS Photo Panoramic Point Picnic Area This spot is close to the Panoramic Point trail, offering great views of the Kings Canyon, Hume Lake, and the mountains beyond. At the parking area are vault toilets, picnic tables, and food-storage boxes. Be aware that the road to the trailhead is narrow; drive it slowly and carefully. Motor homes and trailers are not permitted. Cedar GroveThis glaciated valley features towering cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, and the powerful Kings River, whose canyon gave the park its name. Picnic tables can be found throughout the canyon and are available anytime the area is open, usually from April through mid-November. Elevation 4700 - 5000 feet (1400 - 1500m). Picnic Areas in Sequoia National Forest and Giant Forest National MonumentClose to Sequoia National Park in the Hume Lake area, Powder Can Picnic Area and Sandy Cove and Hume Lake day use areas offer not only picnicking but also fishing and water activities. |
Last updated: July 19, 2024