Potwisha Campground
4.18318 reviews47050 Generals Highway
Potwisha Campground
$16.00 - $35.00 / 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: $32 per night for regular camping; $16 per night for valid lifetime Access Pass, lifetime Senior Pass, and annual Senior Pass. Entrance fees: $35 per vehicle, $20 per person on foot/bicycle/bus, $30 per motorcycle.
About this campground
Nestled along the crystalline waters of the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, Potwisha Campground offers a gateway to adventure in the lower reaches of Sequoia National Park. This year-round sanctuary beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness charm. Whether you're casting a line into the river's gentle currents, setting off on scenic trails, or simply watching for the abundant wildlife that calls this area home, Potwisha provides an ideal basecamp for your Sierra Nevada explorations.
Potwisha Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tents, RVs, and trailers. It features wheelchair-accessible sites and is open year-round.
Historical SignificanceJust moments from your campsite lies Hospital Rock, where ancient pictographs painted by indigenous peoples tell stories spanning thousands of years. These sacred markings serve as windows into the rich cultural tapestry of the Southern Sierra Miwok and other Native American tribes who once thrived in these foothills, reminding visitors of the deep human connection to this remarkable landscape.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle embrace of mild winters where snow rarely falls, making Potwisha a welcoming retreat when higher elevations lie buried in white. As summer arrives, the campground transforms into a sun-drenched haven where temperatures soar above 100°F, creating perfect conditions for riverside relaxation and early morning adventures before the afternoon heat settles into the canyon.
ElevationPerched at 2,000 feet above sea level, Potwisha occupies a sweet spot where warm, sun-kissed days give way to refreshingly cool evenings. This lower elevation setting creates an inviting microclimate that extends the camping season while offering respite from both winter's chill and summer's most intense heat once the sun dips behind the canyon walls.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground rests in a dramatic transition zone where golden grasslands sweep upward toward towering granite sentinels. Here, the Sierra Foothills reveal their spectacular diversity as morning light illuminates the canyon walls and evening shadows dance across the river. Keep your camera ready for frequent encounters with majestic mule deer grazing in meadows, black bears ambling through camp, elusive bobcats prowling the twilight hours, and a symphony of birdsong that fills the air from dawn to dusk.
Geological RegionPotwisha sits at the heart of the Sierra Foothills ecosystem within Sequoia National Park, where nature stages a remarkable transformation from oak-studded grasslands to soaring granite peaks. This dynamic landscape showcases California's incredible biodiversity through ancient oak groves, fragrant chaparral slopes, and deep river canyons carved over millennia. It's a living classroom where every turn reveals another chapter in the Sierra Nevada's geological story.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible sites are available, specifically sites #39 and #40. These sites are described as more suitable for campers with mobility needs.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size, with some reviewers describing them as spacious and capable of accommodating large groups or multiple tents.
Sites PrivacyThe level of privacy is mixed; some campsites are close together, while others, especially those on the edges, offer more seclusion. One reviewer suggested avoiding central sites for better privacy.
Total Campsites42 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy and scenic views, choose sites along the outer edge, especially #20, #22, and #24. Avoid central sites for less noise.
Best CampsitesSite #20 is highly recommended for its proximity to the river and privacy. Sites #22 and #24 also receive positive mentions for shade and spaciousness.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
- 14 consecutive nights per visit
- 30 nights within a calendar year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 6 people per campsite.
Groups
No designated group sites are mentioned for Potwisha Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are arranged in a single loop with tent and RV options. Sites #39 and #40 are wheelchair-accessible.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; reservations available 4 months in advance on a rolling basis.
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov
Walk-in AvailabilityRequired year-round; no walk-up availability.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made between midnight on the day before arrival and check-out time on the day after arrival incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. For single-night reservations, the entire use fee is forfeited without additional cancellation fees.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Potwisha Campground offers a variety of recreational activities that cater to nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Marble Falls trailhead is directly accessible from the campground, and the Kaweah River is a short walk away, providing opportunities for water-based activities.
Hiking
The Marble Falls Trail is a major highlight, accessible directly from the campground. It is approximately 3.6 miles long with a challenging elevation gain, making it ideal for experienced hikers. The trail offers stunning views of the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River and the surrounding canyon.Fishing
Fishing is permitted at the Kaweah River, a short walk from the campground. A California state fishing license is required.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as American Black Bears, mule deer, bobcats, and numerous bird species are commonly seen around the campground. Visitors are encouraged to store food properly to avoid attracting wildlife.Cultural and Educational Programs
An amphitheater is available, likely used for ranger-led talks and educational programs. However, some reviews noted the absence of ranger-led activities during their visits.Winter Activities
Winters are relatively snow-free and mild at Potwisha Campground, making it accessible year-round. Visitors should be prepared for colder temperatures and occasional inclement weather.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not explicitly supported, though visitors may wade in the Kaweah River.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are currently banned due to fire risks. Use of propane stoves is allowed.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsActive bear area requiring food storage lockers. Rivers have strong currents and slippery rocks, posing drowning risks. Falling tree branches may occur.
Active alertsRoad closures north of Hospital Rock due to damage from winter storms; check park advisories.
Weather forecast
97
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 16%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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 hospital: Kaweah Health Medical Center (approximately 40 miles in Visalia); Ranger Station: Foothills Visitor Center (approximately 4 miles); Police: Tulare County Sheriff's Office (approximately 34 miles).
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 - December 31 (Peak Season)
Trash and recyclingBear-proof dumpsters are provided for trash disposal, and recycling facilities are also available. Visitors are strongly encouraged to use these facilities to prevent attracting wildlife, especially bears.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, with easy access to swimming and fishing areas.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include lack of shade, uneven campsites, noisy neighbors, and enforcement of regulations.
HostNo permanent host presence; visitors are advised to go to the Foothills Visitor Center for issues.
Campground Map
47050 Generals Highway
Driving directionsFollow Highway 198 east from Visalia for 36 miles until you reach the Ash Mountain Entrance Station. The campground is located 4 miles beyond the entrance station on the left or north side of the road.
Accessible year-round via paved roads. Vehicles longer than 22 feet are not advised between Potwisha Campground and the Giant Forest Museum due to winding roads.Nearby places
Visalia (40 miles, approximately 1 hour)
Fresno (85 miles, approximately 2 hours)
Bakersfield (120 miles, approximately 2.5 hours)
Three Rivers (4 miles, approximately 10 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Three Rivers offers restaurants, gas stations, and convenience stores approximately 4 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.2
318 reviews
Potwisha Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Potwisha Campground has a mixed reputation, with some users praising its scenic location and accessibility while others criticize the lack of showers, uneven campsites, and insufficient rule enforcement. The average sentiment score is 4.03, indicating generally positive feedback.
Review Summaries
Based on 318 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback includes the campground's proximity to Marble Falls Trail and Kaweah River, spacious campsites, and well-maintained flush toilets. Visitors also appreciated the presence of wildlife...
Based on 318 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the absence of showers, sloped or uneven campsites, insufficient shade, and a lack of management presence to enforce rules. Noise issues from large groups and generators...
Based on 318 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend reserving outer campsites for better privacy and shade, bringing bug spray for the mosquito-heavy summer months, and preparing for hot weather due to the campground's low elevation.
Based on 318 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews frequently mention high temperatures and the need for shade, while winter visitors appreciate the mild weather. Spring and fall are highlighted as ideal seasons due to moderate...
Based on 318 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The Marble Falls Trail was the highlight of our trip, the views are breathtaking!" "Bathrooms were clean, but the lack of showers was disappointing." "We loved hearing the river at night—it's like a...
Based on 318 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #20 is frequently praised for its proximity to the river and spacious layout. Sites #39 and #40 are noted for their wheelchair accessibility. Site #31 is criticized for its slope and lack of...
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Accessibility Features
Sites #39 and #40 are specified as wheelchair accessible. However, uneven terrain and sloped sites may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
Based on 318 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. Some visitors mention disturbances caused by unattended dogs. Pets are not permitted on park trails, limiting their activities.
Based on 318 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025