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Kings Canyon/Sunset
Overview
Sunset Campground serves as a serene gateway to the wonders of Kings Canyon National Park. Situated in the Grant Grove area, this facility offers a classic national park camping experience beneath a canopy of towering pines and incense cedars. It is an ideal basecamp for those looking to explore the Sequoia and Kings Canyon dual parks without the hustle of more commercialized resorts, providing a quiet atmosphere that highlights the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Location & Surroundings
Resting at an elevation of approximately 6,500 feet, the campground provides a cool mountain retreat during the summer months. It is located just a short distance from the Big Stump entrance, making it easily accessible for travelers arriving from the Fresno area via Highway 180. The surrounding landscape is defined by its proximity to some of the world's largest trees and the rugged, high-altitude terrain that makes this region a premier hiking destination.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a rustic camping destination, meaning there are no hookups available for RVs. Each site is equipped with a paved pad, a picnic table, and a fire ring. To protect local wildlife and ensure visitor safety, the park provides bear-resistant food lockers which must be used by all guests for food storage. While the campground offers flush toilets and seasonal potable water, visitors can find showers, laundry facilities, and a general store at the nearby Grant Grove Village.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw is the General Grant Tree, known as the Nation's Christmas Tree, located just a mile from the campsites. Hikers can enjoy the North Grove Loop or take the winding, scenic drive down into the deep granite walls of the Kings Canyon floor. For those interested in water activities, Hume Lake is a short drive away, offering fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating opportunities within the neighboring Sequoia National Forest.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is best suited for adventurous RVers who prefer a rustic, natural setting over modern luxuries and pavement-heavy resorts. Because many sites have length restrictions, it is a perfect fit for smaller motorhomes and trailers looking to immerse themselves in the forest. It specifically appeals to families and nature photographers who want immediate access to world-class hiking trails and the majestic giant sequoia groves.
Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
MrMeowNow
Kings Canyon National Park is a true hidden gem of the Sierra Nevada, offering dramatic landscapes, deep valleys, and towering mountains that feel almost untouched by time. The park’s centerpiece, Kings Canyon itself, is a breathtaking gorge—one of the deepest in North America—flanked by cliffs that soar thousands of feet above the valley floor. Standing in the canyon, you get a real sense of scale and the raw power of nature. The park is perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Trails like Mist Falls, Rae Lakes Loop, and Zumwalt Meadow showcase a mix of rugged terrain, lush forests, sparkling rivers, and serene meadows. The towering sequoias in the Cedar Grove area are equally impressive, offering a quieter, less crowded experience than neighboring Sequoia National Park while still showcasing these ancient giants. Wildlife is abundant, from deer and black bears to a variety of birds, making every hike feel alive and dynamic. The scenery changes with the seasons—spring brings wildflowers and rushing waterfalls, summer offers hiking and camping opportunities, and fall adds a splash of color to the forests. Kings Canyon feels vast, peaceful, and largely untouched, offering a sense of solitude that’s increasingly rare in popular parks. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the grandeur of the Sierra Nevada, whether you’re hiking, photographing, or simply soaking in the majestic landscapes.
Sneha Patil
Visiting Kings Canyon National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The towering canyon walls, massive boulders scattered along the roadside, and the serene stillness of nature create an atmosphere that’s both humbling and awe-inspiring. As you wind through the mountains, every turn reveals breathtaking views—rugged cliffs, lush forests, and dramatic drops that showcase the raw beauty of the canyon landscape. It’s a place that leaves you amazed at every moment.
Marta Stashevska
We paired it with Sequoia, Kings Canyon offers deep glacial valleys, massive sequoias, and roaring rivers. Drive the scenic byway into Kings Canyon for cliff-lined views and waterfalls. Hike Zumwalt Meadow (1.5 mi)- it’s the most popular hike to see the beautiful park- the road that takes you there is amazing as well. Less crowded than Yosemite, but just as beautiful. Fall colours were here already early October.
Phạm Mi
We had the most beautiful drive through Kings Canyon — it absolutely blew my mind! 🌲 Definitely one of California’s most underrated national parks. If you plan to drive all the way to the end of the route, give yourself at least 4 hours — there are so many gorgeous stops along the way. Slow down, soak in the nature, and don’t miss the glowing red sunsets. ❤️
lesley Galloway
Breathtaking start to finish. We loved the ease of driving through the park and seeing everything it had to offer. Visitor centres were closed due to the government shut down but we were still able to find our way to the spots we wanted to see most. I would highly recommend visiting and it’s so easy to get to kings canyon in one day. Dress in layers as it’s such a mixed climate up there. Good walking shoes advised. Pack a picnic and bring plenty water there are so may nice spots to stop. Wear had binoculars to spot wild life and check out cool rock features.