Dorst Creek Campground
The Quick Take
Dorst Creek sits at the crossroads of Sequoia and Kings Canyon, making it the most strategically located campground if you want to explore both parks without relocating your camp. At nearly 6,800 feet, summer nights run cool enough to actually sleep -- a real advantage over the sweltering foothills campgrounds. The open evergreen canopy gives sites a spacious, airy feel rather than the dense forest claustrophobia you get at some Sierra camps. The big draw is trailhead access to Muir Grove, one of the quieter giant sequoia groves that most tourists never see. The trade-off is real: no flush toilets, no showers, no cell service, and no camp store means you need to arrive fully provisioned. This is the right campground for self-sufficient campers who want a central base camp and do not need to be hand-held.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 222 sites are reservable.
Book at Sequoia & Kings Canyons LodgesWhat You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. No electrical hookups.
Accessibility
6 ADA-accessible campsites. The campground is fully paved, and relatively flat and level. The path to the amphitheater is very steep and would be difficult to reach by wheelchair. Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Rules to Know
- Fires:Buy firewood at local markets, do not cut standing or living trees.
- Bear Safety:Black bears are active in this area.
- Checkout:Check out before 12 pm.
Pro Tips
The reservation window opens exactly one month out, and weekends in July fill within hours. Set a calendar reminder for 7 AM Pacific on your target date minus 30 days -- hesitate and you will be camping in Fresno instead.
The Muir Grove trail starts right from camp and is a moderate four-mile round trip to a sequoia grove with a fraction of the foot traffic you will find at General Sherman. Go in the early morning before day-trippers arrive and you may have the grove to yourself.
No camp store means no firewood sales on-site. Stock up at one of the small markets along the Generals Highway before you climb to elevation -- and bring more than you think you need, because campfires at 6,800 feet on a 45-degree night are not optional, they are survival.
Photos
NPS Photo
NPS Photo
NPS PhotoGetting There
Directions
From either main park entrance, take the Generals Highway to Dorst Creek Campground. If you're approaching from the South, the entrance will be on your left. If you're approaching from the North, it will be out your right.
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