Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park are two of the most popular weekend getaways in California. Home to the tallest trees and deepest canyons, they promise a beautiful escape from your everyday life. But while nature ensures stunning vistas and plenty of outdoor activities, places to stay in and near Sequoia and Kings Canyon are equally important.
Last updated: September 21, 2024
Where to Stay in and near Sequoia and Kings Canyon
Lodging. A simple word that can make or break your getaway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Lodging can be too expensive, too uncomfortable, or too cheap. There are too many “toos” you want to avoid prior to your trip to the two adjacent national parks.
A good rule of thumb is to decide what kind of vacation you dream of. While for some visitors, camping is the best way to explore the area, others prefer to stay in comfortable lodges and hotels in and near Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Luckily, the region accommodates visitors from all walks of life. Without further ado, let’s see where you can stay in and near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK
Wuksachi Lodge
There is no better place to stay in Sequoia National Park than the Wuksachi Lodge. Nestled in the heart of the park, close to the Giant Forest and Crescent Meadow, Wuksachi yet enjoys a secluded location just off the Generals Highway.
When to Stay: The stone-and-cedar lodge is famous for its dramatic views of the sequoia forest and the Sierra Nevada. Its 102 rooms offer comfort of the home away from home 365 days a year.
A full-service restaurant with enormous picture windows, a cocktail lounge, and a little shop make your stay in Sequoia and Kings Canyon complete. Even your pets are allowed to enjoy the Wuksachi Lodge.
WHERE TO STAY IN KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK
John Muir Lodge
The John Muir Lodge, a modern lodge in Kings Canyon National Park, strives to continue the work of its namesake, John Muir: to preserve the Sierra Nevada realm. The place sits in Grant Grove Village near the Grant Grove area, yet has the feel of tranquility and serenity.
It’s much smaller compared to the Wuksachi Lodge and accommodates only 36 parties at a time. Nevertheless, the stone-and-timber retreat is in no way inferior to other favorite places you may want to stay at while exploring Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Just a look at an open beam ceiling, stone fireplace, and handcrafted wood furniture is enough to recognize subtle splendor and magnificence of the classic lodge.
When to Stay: The John Muir Lodge is open year-round, offering a pleasant stay and opportunity to enjoy Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks at any season.
Grant Grove Cabins
Are you longing for a more rustic experience during your stay in both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks? The Grant Grove Cabins in Grant Grove Village is all you’ve been looking for.
Scattered within a walking distance of the Grant Grove and General Grant Tree, the cabins vary in styles and basic amenities. While some of the timber accommodations allow you to enjoy all the conveniences of a classic lodge or hotel, the tent cabins usually have a shared bathhouse.
When to Stay: Some of the Grant Grove Cabins welcome the visitors of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks all year long.
WHERE TO STAY IN SEQUOIA WILDERNESS
Bearpaw High Sierra Camp
Bearpaw High Sierra Camp offers some style and comfort for hikers wishing to explore the remote parts of Sequoia National Park. The simple camp with astounding views over the Great Western Divide is located 11.5 miles into Sequoia Wilderness. An average visitor needs approximately 7 hours to cover this distance on foot along the High Sierra Trail.
While accommodations are very basic, food at Bearpaw High Sierra Camp always satisfies hungry outdoors lovers. Moreover, the camp caters to the guests with dietary restrictions. Informing the staff about any specific diets and food preferences a week before the arrival, however, is necessary.
Moreover, a wilderness permit is required to explore this remote section of Sequoia National Park and stay at Bearpaw High Sierra Camp. You can pick up the permit at the Lodgepole Wilderness Permit Desk.
When to Stay: Bearpaw is a seasonal camp that welcomes its guests from June through September.
Pear Lake Winter Hut
From December to April, Pear Lake Winter Hut invites experienced backcountry skiers to explore the untamed beauty of the park. Up to ten people can stay in the hut at a time, enjoying Sequoia’s winter wonderland. Due to such a limited space, advance reservations along with proper personal equipment are required.
When to Stay: You can enjoy the humble services of the hut during the winter season, normally from December through early April.
PRIVATE LODGING NEAR SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON PARKS
Montecito Sequoia Lodge
Montecito Sequoia Lodge is an all-inclusive lodge in the Giant Sequoia National Monument. The lodge, built primarily in the 1970s, retains its rustic feel with a modern twist. All of the cabins have private baths with the exception of Rustic Mountain View Cabins that still use a shared bathhouse.
Floor-to-ceiling windows of New Forest Cabins allow the guests to admire the wild beauty of Sequoia every minute of their stay. A small private lake and a year-round outdoor hot tub allure tired visitors to relax after a long day of hiking and exploring the parks.
When to Stay: The place is open year-round, allowing its guests to enjoy the natural wonders of the parks at any season.
CITIES AND TOWNS TO STAY IN NEAR SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS
If you are unable to book a room inside Sequoia and Kings Canyon Parks, places nearby offer ample accommodations for every budget.
Three Rivers
A convenient location makes the incorporated community of Three Rivers a perfect base location for exploring the two national parks in one visit. The place sits just south of the Ash Mountain entrance, allowing for easy access to the Giant Forest. Alpine lakes and spectacular views of Mineral King are also only 28 miles away.
To make your stay in and near Sequoia and King Canyon even more convenient, Three Rivers offers enough places to eat and stock up on food.
Where to Stay in Three Rivers During a Visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- Buckeye Tree Lodge & Cabins. One thing that makes this place especially irresistible is its location. Set right in front of the Ash Mountain entrance, the lodge is just a short drive away from the main highlights of both parks. Furthermore, splendid river views and numerous hiking trails nearby ensure the start of your adventures right at the door of your cabin.
- Pebble Creek. For our 2-day stay in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, we opted for the comfort and convenience of an Airbnb. While it took us a while to find Pebble Creek at first, this large house with a fireplace and outdoor patio met all our expectations.
Visalia
Located 38 miles away from Sequoia National Park, Visalia adds some urban vibes to your stay. Furthermore, the city’s affection for oak trees correlates with the mission of your visit: to enjoy nature at its best. On the other hand, the rich architectural history of the area may ignite your curiosity. So prepare for quite diverse views and sites during your visit to and stay in Sequoia and Kings Canyon region.
For families with children, Visalia offers the ImagineU Children’s Museum. Popular with youngsters and adults, the place uses its interactive exhibits to teach the visitors about water conservation, science, history, and local agriculture. Speaking about agriculture, Visalia Farmers Market invites you to try fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables all year round.
Where to Stay in Visalia During a Visit to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Visalia offers a wide range of accommodations that suit different budgets. Certainly, there is more of a city feel, rather than rustic vibes in Visalia. Nevertheless, its close proximity to both Sequoia and Kings Canyon works perfectly for a short stay.
- Sequoia Lodge. The Sequoia Lodge is a budget hotel with simple rooms, an outdoor pool, and free breakfast. Located near some of the popular attractions of the city, it allows you to explore Visalia after a long day in the parks without asking for extra time or effort. The place is basic, with no fancy features, but it lets you save some money for private tours in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.
- Holiday Inn Express. Holiday Inn Express offers an affordable stay near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The hotel is known for its bright rooms with a stylish design along with an indoor pool and a hot tub. Hungry hikers that are about to venture to the wilderness of Sequoia and Kings Canyon will also appreciate delicious breakfast included in the room rate.
- The Darling Hotel. Chic, vintage-inspired boutique hotel with an extravagant rooftop restaurant and splendid views of the Sierra Nevada – your stay in Sequoia and Kings Canyon edges on a luxurious side at The Darling Hotel.
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