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Sequoia/Potwisha
Overview
Located at a lower elevation than many other sites in Sequoia National Park, Potwisha Campground offers a unique oak woodland setting that remains accessible year-round. It serves as an excellent base camp for those entering the park via the Ash Mountain entrance. This campground provides a rustic experience focused on the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada foothills, offering a distinct climate and atmosphere compared to the higher-elevation giant sequoia groves located further up the mountain.
Location & Surroundings
The park is situated at approximately 2,100 feet, nestled along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River. Because of its lower elevation, temperatures are significantly warmer here, making it a popular choice for winter and spring camping when higher sites are under snow. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills, ancient oaks, and diverse wildlife. Visitors often find themselves surrounded by the sights and sounds of the river, providing a serene natural backdrop for their stay.
Amenities & Park Features
As a National Park Service facility, Potwisha prioritizes a back-to-nature atmosphere rather than resort-style luxuries. RVers will find potable water and a dump station available for use, though there are no individual hookups at the sites. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring, and a mandatory bear-resistant food locker to ensure safety within active wildlife territory. Flush toilets are centrally located within the loops, maintaining a balance between convenience and rugged outdoor living.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Staying here puts travelers just minutes away from the Hospital Rock picnic area, where guests can explore Native American petroglyphs and grinding stones. A short drive up the winding Generals Highway leads to the Giant Forest, home to the world-famous General Sherman Tree and the Congress Trail. Hikers can also access the Middle Fork Trail nearby, which offers stunning views of Moro Rock and the rugged canyon landscapes that define this legendary California region.
Who This Park Is Best For
Potwisha is an ideal choice for self-contained RVers who appreciate a quiet, primitive camping experience without the need for electricity or Wi-Fi. It is particularly well-suited for travelers with smaller rigs, as site lengths are generally limited to 24 feet. Nature enthusiasts who enjoy birdwatching and river access will find the foothills environment refreshing, while those looking to beat the mountain snow in early spring will appreciate the temperate climate of this lower-elevation gem.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Bobby Kwan
This is a great campsite for family or solo travelers. Flush toilets, sinks inside and outside the bathroom, and they're well lit at night. Certain sites are more open then others, we were in 35 and was able to put a pop-up camper right under the tree. Quiet neighbors and maintained area. Seemed pretty close to all the spots you want to visit in Sequoia, not sure about Kings Canyon since we didn't stay long enough for that. We would stay here again.
Amanda Griffith
The Campsite is easy to find at the beginning of the park, when looking at the forecast look at Three Rivers not the National Park. The tent pads are rocky and definitely not level. The worst part though was the hornets, NOT BEES! Everytime we took any food out we were swarmed. They do bite to get you away so they can steal food. My kids were literally in tears hiding in the tent till dark for any kind of food.
Monette Maclang
Perfect location and a short walk to the river. Clean flush toilet. A short drive to Sequoia trees and Moro Rock. Some sites are not level and lots of shrub. But there are beautiful sites we saw and will book next time. Yes, coming back. The children enjoyed this campground.
Cindy M
Camped here a few nights during 4th July week and like other reviewers said, this campground is at least 10-15c hotter than at higher elevation at lodgepole. We had a trailer at site 23 and an RV at site 22 close to the entrance. Site 22 is nice and shady but it barely fits our 24 ft camper. Site 23 gets a lot of sun, with shades closer to the trees. No firewood or charcoal allowed while we were there. These sites are close to the dumpster and we heard the garbage truck bright and early at 7am one day. The bathrooms were ok clean. There is an RV dump station across the road but someone cut off the hose connector, fortunately there is a faucet near the bathroom to fill water. Rangers came by every day and people were respectful. I would come to this site again but in the spring or fall in cooler weather. We left the day after July 4th and beware the line to get into the park from hwy 189 was miles long.
Bob DeMichele
Wow, the campground was great, campsites spaced out. No guard on duty. Best you have reservations first. Location to Sequoia National Park not too far but the road is challenging to get here, a lot of curves. Maybe, one of my favorite CG. Just a beautiful area.