Dorst Creek Campground-Sequoia And Kings Canyon National Park
4.4790 reviewsSequoia and Kings Canyon National Park 47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271, USA
Dorst Creek Campground-Sequoia And Kings Canyon National Park
$16.00 - $80.00 / 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$80.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees include $32 per night for regular camping, $16 with valid lifetime Access Pass or Senior Pass, and group sites range from $60 to $80 per night. Entrance fees apply: $35 per vehicle for a 1-7 day pass, $20 per person for foot/bicycle/bus, and $30 per motorcycle. Additional $10 cancellation/change fee.
About this campground
Nestled high in the majestic Sierra Nevada at 6,700 feet, Dorst Creek Campground offers an authentic mountain escape within the breathtaking landscapes of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. This well-appointed wilderness retreat features modern conveniences including paved roads, flush toilets, and fresh drinking water, while bear-proof food lockers ensure peaceful coexistence with the local wildlife. Adventure beckons just beyond your tent, with scenic hiking trails leading directly from the campground into some of California's most spectacular high-country terrain.
Dorst Creek Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles. It features primitive, RV, tent, and group camping sites, although no cabin or glamping options are available.
Historical SignificanceStep into the footsteps of conservationist John Muir at this historically rich campground, which serves as your gateway to the legendary Muir Grove trailhead. From here, you're perfectly positioned to explore some of the park's most iconic treasures, including the awe-inspiring General Sherman Tree—the largest living thing on Earth—and the fascinating Giant Forest Museum, where centuries of natural and human history come alive through engaging exhibits and interpretive programs.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the Sierra's dramatic seasonal transformations at Dorst Creek, where summer days bask in golden sunshine while evenings bring refreshing mountain coolness that invites cozy campfire gatherings. As winter approaches, the landscape transforms into a pristine wonderland blanketed in deep snow, creating a completely different camping experience. Even during the warmest months, the high elevation demands respect—pack your three-season gear to stay comfortable when temperatures drop under the star-filled mountain sky.
ElevationPerched at 6,700 feet in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, Dorst Creek Campground offers the perfect high-altitude retreat where crisp mountain air invigorates your senses. Summer visitors enjoy the best of both worlds—pleasantly warm days ideal for exploration followed by refreshingly cool nights perfect for sleeping. When winter arrives, this elevated paradise transforms into a snow-laden wonderland, offering a completely different but equally enchanting camping experience.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living postcard where towering Lodgepole pines and stately red firs create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering dappled sunlight onto the forest floor below. This stunning campground serves as your front-row seat to nature's grandest theater, featuring ancient giant sequoias that have witnessed millennia, dramatic granite peaks that pierce the sky, wildflower-dotted meadows that burst with seasonal color, and crystal-clear mountain streams that provide a soothing soundtrack to your wilderness adventure.
Geological RegionDiscover your basecamp in the heart of the legendary Sierra Nevada range, where 6,700 feet of elevation places you among some of Earth's most spectacular geological wonders. This remarkable landscape tells a story written in stone and wood—massive granite peaks carved by ancient glaciers stand sentinel over groves of giant sequoias, the world's largest trees. Peaceful meadows carved by time alternate with babbling streams that have sculpted their paths through this mountainous terrain, creating a diverse ecosystem that showcases the raw power and delicate beauty of the Sierra Nevada.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers designated accessible campsites, including sites 6, 11, and 172–175, which feature accessible parking, level tent pads, and paths to facilities. However, the amphitheater is noted to have a steep path that may be challenging for wheelchair users.
Sites SizeSites vary in size. Some are spacious enough for RVs, while others are more suitable for tents. Specific sites, such as Site 97, are noted for being close to the creek.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site. Reviews mention that some sites offer good privacy, particularly those further into the campground, while others are less secluded and close to neighboring sites.
Total Campsites222 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose campsites further into the campground for more peace and quiet, away from generator noise. Sites near Dorst Creek offer relaxing water sounds.
Best CampsitesSite 047 in Loop B is praised for privacy and proximity to the Muir Grove trail.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM.
Check-out
12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Amaximum of 14 nights per visit during peak season (June 14 - September 14), and 30 nights total per year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 6 guests per single tent/RV site.
Groups
The campground offers four group sites with capacities ranging from 12 to 50 people. Fees are $60-$80 per night depending on the site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground layout includes multiple loops with varied campsite privacy and terrain. Seasonal shuttle stops at three locations in the campground.
Open and Closed SeasonClosed during 2025 due to winter storm damage recovery. Standard operating hours: January 1 - December 31 (subject to seasonal exceptions).
Reservation PlatformsReservations are available via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability mentioned; all sites require reservations.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations for individual sites result in forfeiture of the first night plus a $10 fee. Group site cancellations within 14 days incur a similar penalty.
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
Dump station
Flush toilets
Laundry Facilities
Activities you can enjoy
Dorst Creek Campground offers a mix of outdoor activities. Its location in the Giant Forest region provides access to over 40 miles of hiking trails, including the trail to Muir Grove, Big Trees Trail, and Tokopah Falls. Fly-fishing is available in Dorst Creek and Marble Fork of the Kaweah River. A seasonal free shuttle service connects campers to major attractions in the park.
Hiking
The campground provides direct access to trails like the Muir Grove Trail, a 2.5-mile hike to a serene sequoia grove, and the Tokopah Falls Trail leading to a 1,200 ft. waterfall. Hiking options range from easy to moderate difficulty.Fishing
Fly-fishing is popular in Dorst Creek and the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River. A California state fishing license is required.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include deer, chipmunks, squirrels, and occasionally black bears. Deer are particularly prevalent, with sightings reported every 2 hours by some campers.Cultural and Educational Programs
Nightly ranger-led interpretive programs are held at the amphitheater in Lodgepole Village, nine miles away.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not available due to the campground's closure during heavy snow conditions.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires must be attended and kept within rings. Restrictions may apply during dry summers. Firewood is sold locally or can be collected.
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsActive bear area—proper food storage is required. Rivers present drowning hazards due to strong currents and cold water. Falling branches or trees are a potential risk.
Active alertsWinter storm damage has closed the campground for 2025. Mineral King Road has weekday construction delays, and several roads are closed due to past storm damage.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2.5 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Emergency services can be accessed at Lodgepole Village, 9 miles away, which includes a visitor center and ranger programs.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 14 - September 14.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available seasonally, with campers urged to use bear-proof dumpsters to avoid attracting wildlife.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Dorst Creek and small streams, with Tokopah Falls accessible via nearby trails.
Common complaintsNoise disturbances from generators and campers, uneven campsites, and occasional lack of ranger presence to enforce rules.
HostSeasonal staff and rangers are available, but presence may be limited.
Campground Map
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park 47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271, USA
Driving directionsFrom the south park entrance (198E), it takes approximately 1 1/4 hours to reach the campground. From the north park entrance (180E), it takes 45 minutes. Vehicles exceeding 22 feet are not advised between Potwisha Campground and the Giant Forest Museum.
The Generals Highway, connecting the north and south park entrances, may experience temporary winter closures due to storms. Paved access roads are available, but vehicles longer than 22 feet are restricted on some routes.Nearby places
Three Rivers: 11 miles (~20 minutes)
Fresno: ~1.5 hours (~75 miles)
Visalia: ~1 hour (~50 miles).
Nearby supplies
Lodgepole Village, 9 miles away, offers a market, deli, gift shop, post office, coin-operated showers, and laundry facilities.
Camper Reviews
4.5
90 reviews
Dorst Creek Campground-Sequoia And Kings Canyon National Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Dorst Creek Campground generally receives positive reviews for its location, natural beauty, and proximity to trails. Common highlights include wildlife sightings, the Muir Grove Trail, and clean facilities. However, some complaints involve noise from neighboring campsites and limited site privacy.
Review Summaries
Based on 90 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include peaceful settings, spacious sites, abundant wildlife like deer and bears, clean flush toilets, and proximity to trails such as the Muir Grove Trail.
Based on 90 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include crowded conditions, noisy generators, uneven campsites, lack of showers, and limited ranger presence to enforce quiet hours.
Based on 90 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend choosing sites further from the entrance for quieter experiences, bringing soap and lighting for restroom use, and utilizing the free park shuttle. The Muir Grove Trail is a...
Based on 90 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular camping season, with warm days and cool nights. However, some users note increased noise, crowded conditions, and active bears during this time.
Based on 90 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The Muir Grove Trail is amazing and probably our favorite part of the whole visit.' 2. 'Deer within 15-20 feet from our campsite every 2 hours was just magical.' 3. 'The campground is clean, but...
Based on 90 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites like 97 (near the creek) and 47 in Loop B (secluded) are highlighted as especially good. Site F145 is criticized for lack of privacy.
Based on 90 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible sites like 6 and 11 are well-reviewed for their level ground and proximity to facilities. However, the steep amphitheater path is challenging for those with mobility issues.
Based on 90 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Some users appreciate this policy, while others wish for more pet-friendly trails.
Based on 90 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025