Sequoia National Park

A comfy campout with 2 to 5 mile hikes

Driving to and sleeping at a campground

Ideal for first-timers

Perfect for families with young kiddos

Exploring the "Land of Giants" and Tokopah Falls at Sequoia National Park

Yvonne Leow

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http://www.bewilder.club/experiences/sequoia-national-park-general-sherman-tokopah-falls

Last updated

July 31, 2024

‍Trip · 3-day car camping trip

For · Friends and first-time campers

Vibe · Chill and easy

Drive · 5 hours from LA

Ideal dates · June to September

Pets · Allowed at camp, but not on trails

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park (SEKI) is often called "A Land of Giants" because it's home to towering groves of Sequoia trees, like the famous General Sherman Tree. The park's elevation ranges from 1,300 to 14,400+ feet, and includes a significant portion of the Sierra Nevada, which is the longest mountain range in the country.

Official Park Website

Latest Park and Road Conditions‍

Fire Restrictions

Main image credit: Mariola Grobelska

Prep Itinerary Gear Food

Stuff to know

Buy a 7-day vehicle pass online for $35 before your trip
Black bears call SEKI home. Store any food, scented items and trash in your metal food storage box when you're away from camp & overnight.
Be aware of altitude symptoms like nausea, dizziness, headaches and fatigue. Stay hydrated and take your time on the trails.
Face masks and social distancing are required. Recreate responsibly!

Check the weather

Where to camp

Lodgepole Campground

Tucked next to the Kaweah River at an elevation of 6,700 ft, Lodgepole Campground boasts a visitor center, market (that sells ice and firewood), showers, and laundry facilities. Reserve a tent or RV campsite up to 1 month in advance so snag your spot ASAP!

Each campsite comes with:

A picnic table
A fire ring and bbq grate
Space for up to six people
Two parking spots
Food storage locker
Trash collection (on site)

Check-in: After 12 PM · Check-out: 12 PM

Quiet hours: 10 PM to 6 AM

Nightly Fee: $22‍

View Lodgepole Campground map

Reserve your campsite

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Itinerary

Day One

Exterior of Local Farm to Table Eatery — Outside seating at Locale Farm to Table Eatery. Credit: Yelp

Leave LA by 9 AM and pick up lunch at Locale Farm to Table Eatery

Diners love their sandwiches, bacon fig burger and tacos
Located at 1727 18th St. in Bakersfield · Open Monday to Friday · 10 AM to 3 PM
Last pit stop · Chevron Three Rivers - 41907 Sierra Drive in Three Rivers

Enter SEKI and stretch your legs along Big Trees Trail

It's an easy, paved 1.3 mile loop around a beautiful meadow. Thanks to educational displays, you can also learn about the Giant Sequoia's ecosystem.

Take a quick detour and hike the General Sherman Tree Trail

From General Highway, veer right on Wolverton Road and follow signs to General Sherman Tree Car Park.
This area might be pretty crowded because this easy easy 1.2 mile loop takes you General Sherman, the largest tree in the WORLD!

Drive to Lodgepole Campground and set up camp

Prep dinner, s'mores, and enjoy an evening of storytelling and stargazing

In 1890, Sequoia National Park was the first U.S. national park that was formed to protect a living organism: the Sequoia tree.

Day 2

View of Tokopah Falls in Sequoia National Park — Tokopah Falls. Credit: All Trails

Sleep-in, make brunch, and prep for a day hike to Tokopah Falls

Pack a daypack with snacks, sunscreen, jacket, water, and sandals
Remember to tuck away your food in your car or food storage bin
It's a moderate 4-mile round-trip hike that offers plenty of shade and easy enough for kids!

Return to camp for an afternoon picnic

Prep a picnic lunch and find a picnic table near the Kaweah River at camp
Hang around camp, or if you're feeling ambitious...

Hike to Willow Meadow from Lodgepole Campground

An easy 3.4 mile round-trip hike to a beautiful meadow that's great for kids

Cook up dinner

Prep a delicious meal and warm up with your favorite hot bevvie.
Roast up s'mores and soak up your last night in SEKI!

Thousands of years ago, SEKI was home to several Native American groups, including the Western Mono (Monache), the Foothills Yokuts, and the Tubatulabal.

Day 3

Lodgepole and Willow Meadow Trail in Sequoia National Park — Lodgepole and Willow Meadow Trail. Credit: All Trails

Cook up brekkie, pack up and check-out before noon

Clean up around camp and throw away any random pieces of litter

Head home!

SEKI protects more than 275 caves. Restoration is ongoing, but you can sign up for a 50-minute guided tour of Crystal Cave in the park. Learn more.