Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
USA Holiday Destinations
 This area will leave a lasting impression in the minds of visitors, of the immense size of the glacial canyons to the majestic beauty of the giant sequoia trees. The sheer size and diversity of the natural landscape is truly awe inspiring. Immense mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns and the world's largest trees. It is a perfect destination for RV rental holiday makers who want to be inspired.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activites all year round. However some areas remain unplowed in winter and therefore are not adivsable travel destinations. Before you head off on your RV rental holiday make sure you check the prevailing conditions as these can change very quickly.
FISHING
Fishing is permitted in most parts of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and in adjacent national forests. Persons 16 years of age or older are required to have a California State Fishing license. Get park-specific regulations at any visitor center.
CAMPING
The parks contains 14 campgrounds which all together provide over 800 established campsites. Fees for these campgrounds vary depending on their location and proximity to the major attractions. Visitors should be aware there is a camping limit of 14 days during the period from approximately June to September with a total limit of 30 days per year. Only three of the park's campgrounds are open year-round: Lodgepole, Azalea, and Potwisha.
Some of the campgrounds do not allow RV rentals and trailers, while at other campgrounds, many sites are not suitable for very long RVs. There are length limits on some of the highways and mountain roads. Make sure you check before you plan your visit.
Only two of campgrounds take reservations for summer stays: Lodgepole and Dorst Creek.
Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance of the date you wish to start camping there. It is recommended that camper rental travelers ensure their trip is organised as far in advance to avoid dissapointment at the major attractions.
DRIVING TOURS
The driving tours available depend very much on what time of year you visit. In Spring and Summer there are five popular drives
- General's Hwy -- Ash Mountain to Lodgepole
Offers dramatic views of the surrounding forest and Marble Fork canyon.
- Genera'ls Hwy -- Lodgepole to Grant Grove
Fantastic views of North Fork and Marble Fork canyons. Look down on Cedar Grove Village 4,000 feet below. Great views of the world's largest grove of sequoias.
- Hwy 180 -- Grant Grove to Hume Lake
Provides a birds eye view of the ghost forest of sequoia stumps and the Boole tree. Also has a lovely view of the Hume lake
- Hwy 180 -- Hume Lake to Roads End
Provides progressively more stunning views of the Kings Canyon and of several forks of the Kings River. Not available in Winter
- Mineral King Road
Provides progressively more breathtaking views of the Kaweah River. Also provides great views of a high alpine valley surrounded by tall peaks.
RIVERS
All of the rivers inside Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park are potentially hazardous to human health. Great care should be taken when walking near any of ther rivers in the park. The rivers are at their most dangerous during spring time through to early summer when melting snow makes river waters extremely fast moving, icy cold, and potentially hazardous.
Drowning is the number-one cause of death in the parks. Victims report that they did not intend to swim, but rather fell in accidentally. It should be assumed that anything next a river bed could be slippery and cause you to fall. Amazingly strong currents make it hard to stay on your feet meaning, once you have fallen in a river, it may be nearly impossible to get back out.
ROCK CLIMBING
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are a fantastic place to go rock climbing. The rock here is strikingly similar to Yosemite in quality. Enjoy an endless variety of climbs from easy to extreme -- without the crowds of more famous climbing areas. If you enjoy rock climbing you will love these climbing routes including the Chimney Rock, Obelisk and Grand Sentinel.
Quite possibly the best way to unwind after a long day rock climbing is in the comfort of a matress, pillow and blanket. You can climb with confidence knowing that the comfort and convenience of your RV rental is waiting for you when you return to the campsite.
PICNICKING
The park contains many picnic areas which have been outfitted with a range of facilities. Grill plates, water outlets, and rest rooms can be found in some of the picnic areas. However it is your responsibility to store all food and waste properly. This means you should never leave food on or around picnic tables unattended. It is vitally important to place all your trash in the bearproof garbage cans and dumpsters provided. Do not forget to close any latches that are present. Using the bearbox near your table to store all food when not preparing or eating it will ensure the bears do not wander into your camp while you are still there.
Also, RV rentals travelers are advised to secure their vehicle any time they leave the campground. This incluldes locking all doors, windows, vents and other openings. Bears are extremely smart and will find a way if you give them one.
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