Crystal Springs Campground Mid-Sized Group Sites
4.2025 reviewsSequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, 47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA, 93271, USA
Crystal Springs Campground Mid-Sized Group Sites
$50.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees for mid-sized group sites are $50 per night flat rate. Entrance fees apply: $35 per vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, $20 per person on foot, bicycle, or bus. Discounts such as Senior Pass do not apply for group sites.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Crystal Springs Campground Mid-Sized Group Sites creates the perfect basecamp for your wilderness adventure. With 14 thoughtfully designed group sites that welcome gatherings of 7-15 people, plus 35 individual sites, this campground strikes an ideal balance between community and solitude. Modern amenities like flush toilets and potable water blend seamlessly with essential wilderness features including bear-proof storage boxes and traditional campfire rings. Just moments from the bustling Grant Grove Village, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore the park's legendary attractions while returning each evening to your peaceful forest retreat.
Crystal Springs Campground Mid-Sized Group Sites caters to tent-only group camping with 14 designated mid-sized group sites. Each site accommodates 7-15 people and up to 4 vehicles.
Historical SignificanceYour stay at Crystal Springs places you within reach of one of America's most sacred natural monuments—the General Grant Tree, majestically crowned as the Nation's Christmas Tree. This living giant stands as the only tree in the world designated as a memorial to military veterans, offering a profound connection to both natural wonder and national heritage. Walking among these ancient sentinels, you'll feel the weight of centuries and the enduring spirit of those who have served.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of Sierra Nevada summers at Crystal Springs, where warm, sun-drenched days give way to refreshingly cool mountain nights. The dry summer climate creates perfect conditions for stargazing and campfire stories, with temperatures that invite daytime exploration and comfortable evening relaxation. While winter brings a blanket of snow to this high-country paradise, the campground welcomes visitors during the glorious summer season when wildflowers bloom and the forest comes alive.
ElevationPerched at 6,500 feet above sea level, Crystal Springs offers a high-altitude escape where the air is crisp and the night sky explodes with stars. This elevated paradise provides natural air conditioning during summer days and creates some of the clearest, most breathtaking celestial displays you'll ever witness. The thin mountain air adds an invigorating quality to every breath, reminding you that you've truly ascended into something special.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living cathedral of mixed conifer forest, where towering sugar pines mingle with aromatic incense cedars, stately firs, and the occasional glimpse of mighty sequoias. This diverse ecosystem pulses with life—from the charismatic black bears (safely observed from a distance) to graceful mule deer threading through the understory. Chattering ground squirrels provide endless entertainment while a symphony of bird songs fills the canopy above, creating nature's own soundtrack to your mountain getaway.
Geological RegionCrystal Springs sits within the dramatic embrace of the Sierra Nevada, a mountain range that tells an epic story written in stone. Here, the landscape bears witness to millions of years of geological drama—ancient rivers and massive glaciers carved deep canyons, tectonic forces thrust peaks skyward, and patient water sculpted miles of hidden caverns beneath your feet. Every vista reveals another chapter in Earth's grand narrative, from glacier-polished granite to volcanic remnants, making each hike a journey through deep time.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible flush toilets and parking options are stated. Specific further details are not provided in the source data.
Sites SizeEach mid-sized group site includes a paved and graveled parking area and space for 7-15 people. A review by Concessa O mentions that their group site accommodated 4 tents with room for 2 more 4-person tents.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is minimal due to the close proximity of group sites. "There is no privacy at this campground. Sites are close together with not a lot of natural privacy (trees, etc)," as noted by Jennifer B. Some sites have shade, while others do not.
Total Campsites49 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite L has no shade, requiring pop-up tents. Site K offers star-gazing opportunities but lacks privacy.
Best CampsitesSite B is noted for afternoon shade and proximity to water and trash facilities. Site H is secluded and surrounded by redwoods.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum guests allowed per group site is 15.
Groups
Each mid-sized group site accommodates 7-15 people and up to 4 vehicles. The sites include 3 picnic tables, a fire ring, and 2 bear boxes.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutMid-sized group sites are tent-only and include paved and graveled parking areas. Each site features three picnic tables, a fire ring, and two bear boxes.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 21, 2025 - September 2, 2025. Reservations are available on a rolling 4-month basis.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability is mentioned for mid-sized group sites; advanced reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyModifications must be made at least 14 days prior to arrival to avoid additional fees. Cancellations within 14 days of arrival incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use 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
Flush toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Crystal Springs Campground offers various recreational activities. Visitors can hike to iconic locations such as the General Grant Tree or explore nearby attractions like Ella Falls and Panoramic Point. Wildlife viewing is abundant, with opportunities to see mule deer, black bears, and squirrels. The campground provides access to a mixed forest environment and proximity to other points of interest in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.
Hiking
Several trails are accessible from the campground, including hikes to the General Grant Tree, Ella Falls, and Panoramic Point. These trails offer varied experiences, from short walks to more strenuous journeys, showcasing towering trees and scenic vistas.Fishing
Fishing is available at Hume Lake, a 30-minute drive from the campground. The lake offers opportunities to catch various fish species. A California state fishing license is required.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as mule deer, black bears, gray squirrels, and resident birds can be observed. User reviews also mention deer sightings, adding to the natural experience.Cultural and Educational Programs
Nightly campfire programs are held at a nearby amphitheater, offering cultural and educational engagement for campers.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not detailed in the data.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned within the provided materials.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within fire rings but must be attended and extinguished completely. Restrictions vary seasonally; check nps.gov/seki for updates.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM - 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsActive bear area requiring strict food storage. Nearby rivers have strong currents and slippery rocks that pose drowning risks. Falling tree branches are another potential hazard.
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
Grant Grove Village (short drive), includes Kings Canyon Visitor Center. Closest hospital is in Fresno, approximately 85 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 21, 2025 - September 2, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are available. User Jamin B notes proximity to trash containers, and users are encouraged to utilize bear-proof dumpsters to reduce wildlife risks.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is surrounded by rivers, lakes, and ponds, with fishing available at Hume Lake 30 minutes away.
Common complaintsMultiple reviews complain about the limited number of restrooms, lack of privacy between sites, and occasional noise from neighboring campers.
HostNo information about campground hosts is provided.
Campground Map
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, 47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA, 93271, USA
Driving directionsFrom Fresno, CA, take Highway 180 East for 1 1/2 hours.
Road access is paved and accessible year-round, though tire chains may be required at any time depending on weather conditions. Vehicles longer than 22 feet are not advised between Potwisha Campground and Giant Forest Museum.Nearby places
Three Rivers (30 miles, 1 hour), Fresno (85 miles, 1.5 hours), Visalia (45 miles, 1 hour).
Nearby supplies
Grant Grove Village offers a visitor center, market, restaurant, gift shop, and post office. Additional stores are located in Three Rivers and Fresno.
Camper Reviews
4.2
25 reviews
Crystal Springs Campground Mid-Sized Group Sites is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Crystal Springs Campground Mid-Sized Group Sites are a mix of positive and negative experiences. Common highlights include the beautiful natural setting, convenience to attractions, and spacious campsites. However, issues like limited restroom facilities, lack of privacy, and noise disturbances were frequently mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 25 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the campground's scenic beauty, convenient location near the General Grant Tree and Grant Grove Village, and spacious campsites with adequate room for group camping. Several users...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the insufficient number of restrooms for the group sites, limited shade at some campsites, lack of showers, and noise disturbances from other campers. Some reviews also...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing portable showers due to the lack of onsite facilities, arriving early to secure preferred parking, and being prepared for potential noise from neighboring sites. A portable...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer months are highlighted for their warm and dry conditions, making it ideal for outdoor activities. However, cool nights are common due to the elevation. Winter-specific experiences are not...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The bear boxes were very useful. Bathrooms were close and clean. Potable water onsite as well." - Douglas L. "The site was spacious and lively. Campground wasn’t too crowded." - Natalia H. "Our site...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback notes that some sites, like Site L, lack shade entirely, while others, such as Site H, are shaded by redwoods. Campsites like Site B are close to amenities like water fountains...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessible flush toilets are present, but users reported overcrowding and described them as needing upgrades. Specific comments about other accessibility features are not detailed.
Based on 25 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed in campgrounds and picnic areas but must be kept leashed or crated. User reviews do not specifically address pet-related experiences.
Based on 25 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025