Crystal Springs Campground (Ca)
4.1365 reviews47050 Generals Highway
Crystal Springs Campground (Ca)
$16.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$32.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees are $32 per night for regular camping and $16 per night for holders of valid lifetime Access Pass, lifetime Senior Pass, and annual Senior Pass. Entrance fees are $35 per vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, and $20 per person on foot or bicycle.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Crystal Springs Campground serves as your gateway to some of America's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. This mountain retreat offers 35 individual campsites and 14 spacious group sites, each equipped with modern amenities including flush toilets, fresh drinking water, and secure food lockers to protect your provisions from curious wildlife. As evening falls, gather around for enchanting campfire programs where rangers share tales of the forest and stars illuminate stories as old as the giant sequoias themselves.
Crystal Springs Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including standard individual sites and mid-size group sites.
Historical SignificanceStep into living history where the magnificent General Grant Tree stands as both the nation's official Christmas Tree and a solemn memorial to all U.S. military veterans. Your camping experience connects you to the region's rich logging heritage, with nearby Converse Basin and the haunting Chicago Stump bearing witness to an era when these ancient giants fell to the logger's saw. Today, these sites serve as powerful reminders of conservation's triumph and nature's resilience.
Weather and SeasonsAt Crystal Springs, summer days unfold with golden warmth that filters through towering pines, while evenings bring a refreshing mountain coolness that makes for perfect sleeping weather under star-studded skies. Perched at 6,500 feet, the campground's elevation creates an ideal climate for outdoor adventures, though visitors should allow time to acclimate to the thinner mountain air that can leave newcomers slightly breathless upon arrival.
ElevationCrystal Springs rests at a breathtaking 6,500 feet, where the mountain air carries the sweet scent of pine and the promise of adventure. This elevated paradise treats campers to sun-drenched days perfect for exploration and crisp, star-filled nights that invite deep, restful sleep. While the altitude creates this magical atmosphere, newcomers to the high country should take it easy their first day, allowing their bodies to adjust to the thinner air that characterizes this mountain sanctuary.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in an enchanted forest where towering sugar pines, aromatic incense cedars, stately firs, and ancient sequoias create a living cathedral overhead. Black bears amble through the understory while mule deer graze in sun-dappled meadows, and a symphony of mountain birds provides the soundtrack to your wilderness experience. Beyond your campsite, the parks reveal a spectacular tapestry of soaring granite peaks, mysterious marble caverns, rushing rivers, and glacier-carved valleys that showcase nature's artistic mastery across countless millennia.
Geological RegionCrystal Springs Campground sits within the legendary Sierra Nevada, where millions of years of geological drama have sculpted one of Earth's most spectacular mountain ranges. Your campsite rests among a diverse mixed conifer forest that blankets ancient granite slopes, while nearby, pristine marble formations hide secret caverns and thundering rivers carve ever-deeper into canyon walls. This dynamic landscape tells the story of fire and ice, of tectonic forces and patient erosion, creating a natural playground that continues to evolve with each passing season.
Campsite details
AccessibilityOne user review mentioned a lack of accessible toilets and a steep walk to the restroom in certain areas, indicating limited accessibility.
Sites SizeThe campground has standard-sized sites accommodating 1-6 people. Group sites can host larger parties.
Sites PrivacyReviews indicate mixed privacy levels. Some sites are described as 'too close together,' while others were noted for being 'secluded' and offering 'roomy, shady spots.'
Total Campsites35 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites 3, 10, 11, and 12 offer good shade and proximity to amenities. Site 14 is challenging for trailers due to tight spaces and sloped terrain.
Best CampsitesSite numbers 3, 10, 11, and 12 are highlighted for favorable conditions and proximity to amenities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 consecutive nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site accommodates 1-6 people.
Groups
The campground offers 14 mid-sized group sites. Specific details on occupancy or vehicle limits for these sites are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are arranged in loops but often close together. Group sites are separate and larger.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 21, 2025, to September 14, 2025, during the peak camping season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability is not mentioned explicitly; reservations are strongly recommended due to popularity.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations have a $10 fee with additional penalties for late cancellations such as forfeiting the first night's fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Crystal Springs Campground offers a variety of recreational activities. Visitors can hike to nearby attractions like the General Grant Tree, Ella Falls, and Panoramic Point. The campground is also a short drive from Hume Lake for fishing and other activities.
Hiking
The campground provides access to several hiking trails, including routes to the General Grant Tree and Panoramic Point. One user described the trails as 'easy to navigate' and praised their proximity to campsites.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available at nearby Hume Lake, located approximately 30 minutes away from the campground.Biking
Biking is permitted on roads within the campground and is a convenient way to access nearby attractions like the visitor center and Grant Grove.Wildlife viewing
The area is home to abundant wildlife such as black bears, mule deer, and various bird species. One user noted seeing deer frequently and described the experience as 'forest bathing in the midst of grand trees.'Cultural and Educational Programs
Nightly campfire programs are offered at the nearby amphitheater, providing educational and cultural experiences for visitors.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire restrictions vary seasonally. Fires must be attended and extinguished completely. Campfire bans are enforced during high fire risk periods.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM–6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsActive bear area requiring strict food storage. Risks include falling branches and slippery rocks at rivers. River currents can be deceptively strong.
Active alertsReports of noise issues and fire ban violations. Seasonal fire restrictions apply.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 13.4 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are located at the Kings Canyon Visitor Center in Grant Grove Village, which includes a ranger station.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash and ash dumpsters are available at the campground. Campers are reminded to keep their sites clean and use bear-proof dumpsters to prevent attracting wildlife.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Ella Falls and within driving distance of Hume Lake.
Common complaintsComplaints include noisy neighbors, lack of ranger patrol, small campsites, and sloped tent areas.
HostNo dedicated host mentioned; rangers patrol occasionally.
Campground Map
47050 Generals Highway
Driving directionsFrom Fresno, CA, take Highway 180 East for 1 1/2 hours. Vehicles over 22 feet are not advised between Potwisha Campground and the Giant Forest Museum when entering through Sequoia National Park. Vehicles over 22 feet should use the Kings Canyon National Park Entrance.
Highway 180 is the primary access road, suitable for most vehicles, but vehicles over 22 feet are not advised for certain sections. Roads include winding and steep portions.Nearby places
Three Rivers (approx. 30 miles), Fresno (approx. 85 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available at Grant Grove Village including a market, gift store, and restaurant.
Camper Reviews
4.1
65 reviews
Crystal Springs Campground (Ca) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Crystal Springs Campground receives mixed reviews. Positive highlights include its natural beauty, proximity to attractions, and basic amenities. Common complaints involve the size and slope of campsites, noise levels, and limited ranger presence.
Review Summaries
Based on 65 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the campground's beautiful setting, clean facilities, and convenient location near attractions like the General Grant Tree and the visitor center.
Based on 65 reviewsCommon Concerns
Campers frequently mentioned unlevel sites, noise from other visitors, and a lack of ranger enforcement of rules. Complaints about overcrowding and the absence of showers were also noted.
Based on 65 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend booking in advance, bringing leveling equipment for RVs, and visiting during weekdays to avoid crowds. They also suggest downloading a map and reviewing site details online before...
Based on 65 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest summer is the most popular season for camping, with visitors appreciating the warm days and cool nights. However, weekends can be noisy and crowded, and fire restrictions are common...
Based on 65 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Bathrooms very clean and well supplied.'
2. 'The campground itself was very nice—sites spaced far apart and enough privacy.'
3. 'We loved staying at Crystal Springs Campground! To ensure you do...
Based on 65 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 12: Positive for shade but noted for being on a hillside. Site 33: Praised for star views but criticized for slope. Site 2: Described as isolated but with limited parking and distant restrooms.
Based on 65 reviewsAccessibility Features
One user highlighted the steep walk to restrooms and lack of accessible toilets as challenges for people with mobility issues.
Based on 65 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed. One camper noted difficulty due to foxtail plants in site 19, which limited their dog's movement.
Based on 65 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025