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Sequoia/Potwisha
Overview
Overview
Potwisha Campground is a premier destination nestled in the foothills of Sequoia National Park. Unlike the high-alpine sites located deeper in the park, this facility sits at a lower elevation of approximately 2,100 feet, making it a year-round destination for those seeking to explore the diverse landscapes of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The campground offers a classic National Park camping experience, emphasizing natural beauty and proximity to the rugged wilderness over modern resort-style luxury.
Location & Surroundings
Situated along the banks of the Kaweah River, Potwisha is located just three miles from the Ash Mountain Entrance of Sequoia National Park. The environment is characterized by oak woodlands and dramatic canyon views, providing a sharp contrast to the towering sequoias located higher up the mountain. Travelers will find the winding approach through the foothills to be scenic, though drivers of large vehicles should be prepared for tight turns as they navigate toward the park entrance.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground provides basic amenities designed to support a rustic camping stay. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table to facilitate outdoor dining and evening fires. While there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups available, flush toilets and potable water spigots are accessible throughout the loops. The layout is somewhat compact, so visitors should check the specific site length limits to ensure their vehicle fits within the designated designated parking pads.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Potwisha serves as a strategic base camp for exploring the lower reaches of the park and the famous Giant Forest. Hikers can access the nearby Marble Fork trail or explore the foothills for diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. During the warmer months, the river offers a refreshing escape, while the scenic drive up the Generals Highway allows visitors to transition quickly from the oak-studded foothills into the majestic, ancient groves of giant sequoia trees.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is best suited for self-contained RV travelers who prefer a rustic, wilderness-focused experience over full-service hookups. It is ideal for those who value being among the first to enter the park in the morning or those visiting during the cooler spring and fall seasons when high-elevation campgrounds remain closed due to snow. If you seek quiet nights under the stars, Potwisha offers an authentic connection to the Sequoia landscape.
Features & Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
Jim Cobain
You ever want to just get away from the city and enjoy nature but don't want to have to drive so much? Then this is the perfect place for you. It's not too far and yet far enough to just get away. There's a stream that flows right by, so you can cool off if the weather is beating you down. Just be careful with kids, the current is pretty strong. I honestly don't recommend the stream for kids. If you're going to take your family up there, please take trash bags and pick up after yourselves 🚮. Don't litter. And don't feed the animals. Even the squirrels.
Jeremiah Lilly
I brought my 32’ travel trailer up to this campground and let me say, it was not a drive for the faint of heart. I would likely not bring that large of a trailer up to this campground again… ideally, your trailer will not be much longer than 25’ for this campground. It isn’t impossible, but the road up is steep and narrow with little room for error. Most of the campsites are VERY unleveled so bring lots of leveling blocks if traveling with a camper/RV. The saving grace was that we camped at the beginning of December, so the road up was not busy and neither was the campground. Getting a trailer up there in summer or even spring or fall would be a difficult task I’m sure. We stayed in campsite #17 which unfortunately was on a steep downhill slope - I wasn’t quite able to get my trailer leveled all the way. If I were to bring a trailer up again I would choose somewhere around sites 36-40 as those appeared to be much more level. The dump station seemed to be too tight for me to pull into, so I didn’t risk it and dumped at home. Campground bathrooms were clean, campground was clean and peaceful and was overall a great stay.
Mika Baumgardner
Beautiful campsite and great location with flush toilets, faucets, hand soap, and bear boxes to store food and scented products in. There’s no service but otherwise great and affordable spot near the entrance to the Sequoia National Park. It’s in the foothills which is also nice as it stays warmer than higher up in the mountain. Don’t be fooled however as it’s about 10-20° F warmer at this campsite than it is at the top of the park. Also beware lots of squirrels, birds, and acorns falling all the time. We went in November. Barely any snow but I heard it can get snowier and less crowded in February
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.