Quaking Aspen
4.38124 reviewsQuaking Aspen
$34.00 - $233.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$34.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$233.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $34 per night for standard non-electric campsites to $233 for group tent-only areas. Yurt fees range between $106 and $127 per night. Holiday rates add $2 per night.
About this campground
Nestled high in the Giant Sequoia National Monument at 7,000 feet, Quaking Aspen Campground invites you into a world where ancient giants touch the sky and mountain streams sing through pristine meadows. Here, you'll find yourself choosing between cozy cabins, unique yurts, spacious group sites, or traditional campsites, all serving as your basecamp for exploring legendary sequoia groves and the famous Trail of 100 Giants just moments away.
Quaking Aspen provides a mix of camping types, including tent, yurt, and group camping.
Historical SignificanceYou're camping in the shadows of living monuments, including the nearby Freeman Creek Grove where the majestic President George Bush Tree stands sentinel. These ancient sequoias have witnessed centuries of history, from Native American stewardship to modern conservation efforts. While recent wildfires have left their mark on some surrounding trails, they've also revealed the forest's remarkable resilience and the ongoing story of renewal.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days unfold with gentle warmth, typically reaching the comfortable 70s and 80s, perfect for hiking among the giants. As darkness falls, the mountain air cools dramatically, sometimes dipping into the crisp 30s during June nights—a reminder to pack that extra layer. The dry season brings reliably clear skies for stargazing, while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, closing the campground but creating a different kind of magic.
ElevationPerched at 7,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada, this mountain sanctuary offers the perfect escape from summer heat below. The elevation gifts visitors with crystalline air, star-filled nights that seem close enough to touch, and temperatures that remind you why mountain camping feels so refreshing—cool, invigorating, and wonderfully removed from the valley floor.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape where Giant Sequoias reign supreme, their massive trunks rising from carpets of ferns and wildflowers. Crystal-clear streams meander through emerald meadows, creating perfect spots for quiet reflection or family picnics. While fire scars on distant ridges tell nature's story of destruction and rebirth, the campground itself remains an untouched haven, offering front-row seats to one of Earth's most awe-inspiring forests.
Geological RegionYour adventure unfolds in the heart of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, a crown jewel within the greater Sequoia National Forest. This southern Sierra Nevada wonderland spans elevations from 1,000 to 12,000 feet, carved by time into a dramatic landscape of plunging canyons, cascading waterfalls, and rushing streams. It's a geological masterpiece where granite peaks meet ancient forests, creating the perfect backdrop for your mountain escape.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySome sites are marked as accessible but lack consistent maintenance of accessibility pathways.
Sites SizeVaried sizes, accommodating tents, small group camps, and yurts.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some sites are secluded while others are closely packed. "The sites are crazy close together," noted one user, while others appreciated the space available.
Total Campsites36 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid Site E due to lack of level ground and proximity to toilets. Site #6 offers privacy but is near the road. Group sites B and C are quieter and provide meadow views. Yurts have bunk beds and accommodate families well.
Best CampsitesSite #15 is highly recommended for privacy and shade. Sites #24 and #31 offer meadow views. Yurts are spacious and comfortable for groups.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Observed check-in time varies
- no specific details provided.
Check-out
- Check-out typically at noon
- campers report late departures without penalty when communicated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Each standard campsite accommodates up to 12 people
- smaller group sites accommodate up to 12, and larger group tent-only sites can handle more.
Groups
Group sites can accommodate up to 12 people and are spacious, but noise and neighbor issues are occasionally reported.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground layout includes standard campsites, tent-only sites, group sites, and yurts. Some sites are grouped near meadows.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: May 23 to October 25. Reservations start on June 23 each year.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited availability for walk-up sites. Spots may open due to cancellations; first-come, first-serve setup allowed for some sites.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before arrival incur a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations subtract the first night's fee in addition to the $10 fee. Changes to reservations incur a $10 fee.
Accomodation available
GlampingGlamping options are available for visitors looking to enjoy nature with added comfort. These upgraded accommodations offer a unique blend of outdoor atmosphere and modern convenience.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Quaking Aspen offers a mix of recreational activities, from hiking and fishing to exploring nearby attractions like the Trail of 100 Giants.
Hiking
Hiking is a prominent activity, with trails like the Freeman Creek Trail leading to the George Bush Tree, and easy access to the Trail of 100 Giants. Campers also noted proximity to Dome Rock for hiking and views.Fishing
Fishing is available in area streams and the Tule River, although some water bodies may require a hike to access.Biking
Mountain biking opportunities are available near the campground, with trails and terrain suitable for riders.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with morning bird songs and occasional bobcat sightings reported.Winter Activities
The campground is closed during the winter season, limiting winter recreation.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed except during fire restrictions. Firewood available for purchase or collection near campsites.
- Quiet hours begin at 10 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsThis is bear country; campers are advised to store food securely. The area experienced significant fire damage in recent years, and there are risks related to steep mountain roads and fallen debris. Wild bees are reported to be aggressive around food.
Active alertsNo current alerts reported but fire damage and road closures may persist seasonally.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Heavy rain
Precipitation: 7.5%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 68%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Very Light Rain - (7.50% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Heavy rain
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
Closest emergency services are located in the town of Porterville, approximately 28 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - October 25 (peak season dates vary slightly by year).
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available but often reported as being overloaded, leading to animals raiding the garbage.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the Tule River and Bear Creek. No sites directly adjacent to water bodies.
Common complaintsReports of noisy campers not observing quiet hours, lack of bear boxes at some sites, smelly vault toilets, and occasional trash overflow near dumpsters.
HostHosts are described as friendly, helpful, and attentive, providing firewood and answering questions about nearby attractions. Hosts occasionally unavailable during peak hours.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Porterville, California, take Highway 190 East to Springville. Continue from Springville approximately 28 miles to the Quaking Aspen Campground.
Limited turnaround space restricts RVs longer than 26 feet in length. Roads to the campground are narrow and winding, with steep switchbacks. Highway 190 is sometimes closed after Ponderosa.Nearby places
Porterville (approx. 28 miles), Springville (approx. 28 miles), Kernville (approx. 50 miles).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials, are available at Ponderosa, approximately 1 mile away. Porterville, about 28 miles away, also offers supply options.
Camper Reviews
4.4
124 reviews
Quaking Aspen is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Most users appreciate the campground's natural beauty, proximity to hiking trails, and spacious sites. However, vault toilets and lack of cell service were common complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 124 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include the serene meadow views, well-maintained sites, and helpful hosts. Many praised the proximity to attractions like the Trail of 100 Giants.
Based on 124 reviewsCommon Concerns
Frequent issues mentioned include smelly vault toilets, insufficient bear boxes, noisy neighbors, and limited waste management. "Bathrooms weren't well maintained," noted one user.
Based on 124 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water and firewood to supplement purchases. Visit Dome Rock for cell service, and explore the Trail of 100 Giants early to avoid crowds.
Based on 124 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews are most positive in the spring and fall, with fewer noise complaints and better temperatures. Summer reviews noted heat and bugs, while the smell of toilets became a more prominent complaint.
Based on 124 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The vault toilets smell over the top bad," "Campfires were allowed during fire restrictions," "The meadow hike near the campground is lush and green."
Based on 124 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site #29 is clean and relatively secluded. Site #1 lacks a bear box, while Site #13 is close to smelly vault toilets. Group sites are spacious but can be noisy.
Based on 124 reviewsAccessibility Features
Some accessible sites are available, but pathways to bathrooms were not well-maintained.
Based on 124 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome, but leash rules are inconsistently followed, leading to conflicts like barking at neighbors.
Based on 124 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025