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

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

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

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

Designed by
Yvonne Leow
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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

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
View from Lodgepole Campground

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 

Lodgepole Campground
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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.
General Sherman Tree
General Sherman Tree. Credit: AllTrails

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.
June 1, 2024

Bewilder at LAist Super-Fun Saturday

Make wildflower seed bombs with Bezzi the Yeti at LAist's Super Fun Saturday

Event in 2 days

Bewilder Basecamp: Spooky Wonders

Join Bezzi the Yeti on her first spooky camping adventure!

Shop curated gear

Everything your family needs for a fun and easy campout

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Bezzi's Pick
$399.95

NEMO 4-person Aurora Highrise Tent

This colorful tent can fit 4 to 6 people, and is easy to set up and pack out!

Bezzi's Pick
$249.95

NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair

Lean back, and we mean all the way back, in this luxurious camp chair. You'll never want to sit up.

Bezzi's Pick
$249.95

NEMO Roamer Self-Inflating Mattress

These are the cushiest sleeping pads we've tried! They come in Extra Wide and Double (for extra cuddles).

Bezzi's Pick
$99.95

Big Mo Toddler Sleeping Bag

A sleeping bag that's designed for toddlers from ages 18-36 months.

Bezzi's Pick
$139.95

Big Mo 20° Down Kids Sleeping Bag

A sleeping bag designed for kiddos age 2-4 years old

Bezzi's Pick
$42

First Peak All-Season Sweatshirt

A cozy sweatshirt for ages 6 months to 4T designed for outdoor exploration.

Bezzi's Pick
$38

First Peak Flannel

A durable and soft flannel shirt that's kid-sized from 6 months to 4T

Bezzi's Pick
$59.95

NEMO Fillo Luxury Camping Pillow

Bring your own or splurge on this pillow that's designed for outdoor fun.

Bezzi's Pick
$100

GCI Outdoor Slim Fold Cook Station

Picnic tables don't always cut it for cooking outside. This one is easy to use and has plenty of counter space.

Bezzi's Pick
$89.99

Coleman Pack-Away Cot

Elevate your sleep system (literally) with this heavy-ish but easy to set up cot.

Bezzi's Pick
$69.95

Kelty Lowdown Chair

It's sturdy, reliable, well-designed, and a tad pricier than most camp chairs, but it'll last for awhile.

Bezzi's Pick
$189.99

Camp Chef Everest 2 Burner Stove

A popular and reliable dual-burner camp stove that stays hot in windy conditions.

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Meal & snack ideas

It turns out everything tastes better when we're outside

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Bezzi's Pick
Dinner

Ham and cheese campfire sandwiches

Bezzi's Pick
Dinner

Moroccan apple beef stew

Bezzi's Pick
Breakfast

Apple sweet potato hash

Bezzi's Pick
Breakfast

Banana coconut french toast

Vegan

Bezzi's Pick
Lunch

Chicken soba noodle salad

Bezzi's Pick
Breakfast

Apple maple sausage sandwiches

Bezzi's Pick
Dinner

Chicken pad thai

Bezzi's Pick
Breakfast

Frittata

Gluten Free · Vegetarian

Bezzi's Pick
Dinner

Baked sweet potatoes and chili

Vegetarian

Bezzi's Pick
Breakfast

Huevos rancheros verdes

Vegetarian

Bezzi's Pick
Dessert

Banana boats

Gluten Free · Vegetarian

Bezzi's Pick
Breakfast

Scrambled eggs n' bacon

Gluten Free

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