Where to Stay in Sequoia National Park: In & Outside

Home to some of the oldest and largest trees in the world, Sequoia National Park is a magical place that has stolen the hearts of many visitors. So, if you’re eager to see these magnificent trees, it’s time to start considering where to stay in Sequoia National Park. 

Planning a stay in or near a national park can be tricky, so I went ahead and compared all the towns near Sequoia National Park, as well as all the lodges and campgrounds inside the park. 

Based on my research, I can tell you it’s better to stay outside the national park since the accommodation options inside the park are limited and don’t offer nearly as many comforts. 

So, the best place to stay in Sequoia National Park is Three Rivers, the town known as the ‘gateway to Sequoia National Park’ that also offers a good range of accommodations. 

Besides Three Rivers, I recommend 3 other towns/cities near Sequoia National Park and hotels in each. I handpicked the very best hotel near Sequoia for each price category, so once you’ve found your dream accommodation, make sure to book it in advance, as the hotels around the US national parks sell out faster than any other!

Let’s go. The Giant Forest is waiting for us! 

Quick Picks for Your Stay

If you want to book right now, browse this list with the best hotels near Sequoia National Park, located in Three Rivers and Visalia: 

Here’s a map to help you visualize all the areas in and around Sequoia National Park I will be talking about in this post:

1. Outside the park:

2. Inside the park:

Things to know before visiting Sequoia National Park

Before you start looking into where to stay when visiting Sequoia National Park, there are a few things you should know to plan your visit. 

• The Sequoia National Park is situated in California, on the Southern side of the Sierra Nevada mountains, and is home to the world’s largest trees.
• The park is open year-round, although some roads can be closed due to snowfall.
• Sequoia National Park has 2 entrances – Ash Mountain Entrance (South entrance), where you’ll find the Foothills Visitor Center, and Big Stump Entrance (North entrance), also used as an entrance for the Kings Canyon National Park. 
• The Kings Canyon National Park is directly adjacent to Sequoia, so you can visit both in one trip.
• The Standard pass for entrance to the park costs US$20 per person, US$30 per motorcycle, and US$35 per vehicle. The same pass is valid for both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, as they are jointly managed.
• The Standard Pass is valid for 7 days, but you can also get an Annual Pass (US$70) or an America the Beautiful pass, which gives you unlimited access to all national parks and costs US$80 per year.
• You can purchase an entrance pass online or at one of the park’s entrances. Both cash and credit cards are accepted, although cards are the preferred form of payment. You don’t need to make reservations in advance to enter the park. 

More practical information is available on the park’s official website. 

1. Where to stay outside Sequoia National Park

As I already mentioned, staying outside the park is the better option for your visit to Sequoia National Park. There’s only 1 lodge within the park’s limits and 7 campgrounds – only 3 of which are currently operating. 

Seeing as the options for Sequoia National Park lodging are extremely limited, finding an available spot can be difficult. And, of course, you can’t expect to get all the same amenities and facilities you might expect within the park, so if you want a comfortable stay, I suggest picking one of the 4 towns listed below. 

NOTE: Whether you decide to stay outside or inside the park, you’ll need to drive. If you didn’t drive to the park in your own vehicle, you can rent a car, as this is the only way to truly experience the park. Just keep in mind that if you visit in winter, you’ll need to have chains on your car. 

1.1 Three Rivers – the gateway to Sequoia National Park

Three Rivers is the closest town to Sequoia National Park, located just 7 miles (11 km) North of the Foothills Visitor Center, near the Ash Mountain Entrance. The town is also the gateway to Sequoia National Park, and it is very convenient to visit the General Sherman Tree – a giant Sequoia tree!  

FUN FACT: The General Sherman Tree is the world’s largest tree, while the world’s second-largest tree, the General Grant Tree, is located in the nearby Kings Canyon National Park. 

The drive from the town to the park’s entrance takes only 10 mins, but you’ll need to drive a little further if you want to visit the park’s top attractions. If your vehicle is less than 8 ft (2.4 m) in height, drive through the Tunnel Log (map), then head to the Giant Forest Museum (map) before stopping to admire the General Sherman Tree (map). 

TIP: Fill up on gas before you enter the park! There are no gas stations or electric charging stations within the park, so you should fill the tank while you’re still in Three Rivers. 

I love the atmosphere of these small towns, and I highly recommend exploring Three Rivers before running off to Sequoia-Kings Canyon. There are plenty of natural spots around the town, such as the Cobble Knoll Recreation Area (map) and the Salt Creek (map), which are perfect for those days when you’re too tired to head to the national park. 

Kings Canyon National Park and the Sequoia National Forest are also easily accessible from Three Rivers. That’s why you’ll find the town super packed at all times. If you had any doubts about where to stay for Sequoia National Park, doubt no more and book your Three Rivers accommodation in advance!

NOTE: Unfortunately, there are no luxury hotels in Three Rivers. Although you’ll find plenty of cabins, vacation rentals, and Airbnbs, if you want luxury, you’ll need to head to the nearby town of Visalia. 

Other accommodation options in Three Rivers

1.2 Visalia – where to stay in Sequoia with family

Located 35 miles (55 km) from Sequoia National Park and the Foothills Visitor Center (a 45-min drive), Visalia is a rural town offering a wide range of accommodations and tons of activities for all ages. So if you were wondering where to stay near Sequoia National Park with family, Visalia is the ideal choice! 

What’s great about this small city is that you’ll find something to do anytime, so you won’t have to worry about the kids getting bored before you make your way to Sequoia National Forest. 

The ImagineU Children’s Museum is one of the biggest attractions in town, but all kids will love the Adventure Park, which features mini-golf courses and go-carts! And if you’d like to do some shopping, there’s the Visalia Mall (map), home to a variety of stores. 

When you want to spend some time outdoors without leaving town, you can head to Riverway Sports Park (map) and play some soccer or baseball, or go out to Mooney Grove Park (map), and have a family picnic. 

NOTE: If you’re traveling with family but want to be immersed in nature, you should consider the Montecito Sequoia Lodge and the Hume Lake family camps, both situated in the Sequoia National Forest and within a short driving distance of the national park. 

Other accommodation options in Visalia

1.3 Tulare – where to stay near Sequoia on a budget

Tulare is the closest city to Sequoia National Park, located just 45 miles (72 km) from the Ash Mountain entrance to the park. This laid-back city is an hour’s drive away from Sequoia  and offers a good selection of affordable accommodations – it’s definitely one of the best places to stay near Sequoia National Park if you’re traveling on a budget. 

Even though the drive from Tulare to the park is longer, and you’ll be spending more on gas, you’ll be saving on lodging. This is especially budget-friendly if your stay is short and you plan on driving to the park just once or twice. 

When you’re not visiting the park, you can go shopping at the Tulare Outlets (map); this is an outlet mall, so a shopping trip won’t break the bank, either. Other affordable things you can do in Tulare include catching a movie at the Galaxy Theatres Tulare and grabbing a meal at the Birrieria Apatzingan (map). 

NOTE: There are no upscale hotels in Tulare, which is another reason why it’s a great option for budget stays. However, if you want to add a touch of luxury to your trip, book your stay in Visalia – it’s just 20 mins away from Tulare! 

Other accommodation options in Tulare

1.4 Fresno – where to stay near Sequoia for a modern city vibe

Compared to the other 3 towns, Fresno is a larger and newer city with a broader range of attractions for all types of travelers. However, it’s also farthest away from the park – the city is 53 miles (85 km) from the North entrance (Big Stump), so you’ll need to drive for 1h 30 mins just to enter the park. 

If you choose to stay in Fresno, you’ll need to drive to the park and a bit longer to reach the main attractions in the park, like the General Sherman Tree and the Crystal Cave, but you’ll be staying in a metropolitan city and enjoying more comforts.

I recommend staying in Fresno if you want to visit both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks on the same trip. The Big Stump entrance is used as an entry point to both parks, and it’s just a little over an hour’s drive from the city, so you can make the most of it and visit the 2 parks. 

I think you’ll need more than a few days here before you head to explore the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, as there are so many cool things to do and try. If you’re with your family, then the Fresno Chaffee Zoo may be the first stop on your schedule! Or perhaps you’ll like a trip below the surface to explore the Forestiere Underground Gardens (map)! 

Fresno is by far the largest city on this list, so it has the most to offer in terms of accommodation and dining. It’s also home to Fresno Yosemite International Airport, so many people who want to visit Yosemite National Park land here. As you can probably imagine, the city is teeming with national park enthusiasts, so be quick when booking your stay. 

Other accommodation options in Fresno

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2. Where to stay inside Sequoia National Park

I already talked about why I recommend staying outside the park, but if you’re really keen on being at the heart of the action, you can also stay inside the park. Below, I present all the accommodation options in the park.

The most important thing to know is that you need to book well in advance – at least a few months ahead. Whether you want to stay at the lodge or at a campground, you need to secure a spot in due time. 

NOTE: The food options in the park are limited – another reason why it’s a good idea to find lodging near Sequoia National Park. The restaurant at the Wuksachi Lodge is open all throughout the day, but that’s your only option to get a meal. So, keep in mind that you’ll need to bring your own food if you’re staying in the park. 

2.1 Lodging – for easy access to all attractions

Sequoia National Park only has one lodge – the Wuksachi Lodge! The lodge is located close to the Congress Trail and Big Trees Trail, has a fireplace in the lobby, and has a restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Free self parking is also available on-site. 

Seeing as this is the only lodge within the park, finding an available room can be difficult. You should also know that it’s pricey – prices range from US$120 to US$360, and even though you’ll be paying a luxury price, don’t expect to find any upscale facilities at the lodge. 

There are a few upsides to staying at the lodge, too! You’ll be close to many hiking trails, so you can get an entire day of hiking if you’re staying here – no need to make the drive! However, you’ll still need a car! You’ll definitely want to visit the General Sherman Tree, and unless you want to hike for more than 1h 30 mins, it’s best to drive. 

NOTE: If you want to stay in a lodge inside a national park, the nearby Kings Canyon National Park has a few more lodges, namely, Grant Grove Cabins, John Muir Lodge, and Cedar Grove Lodge. 

2.2 Wilderness lodging – for adventurers only

The park also hosts wilderness lodges. I decided to feature these 2 in a separate subcategory because one of them is closed indefinitely (there’s no info on when it will reopen) and the other caters to a specific type of traveler. 

Getting to either of these lodges is a difficult task, and you need to be an experienced hiker and/or skier. That’s why I’m not recommending this as a viable option for everyone – if you’re not experienced enough, staying here could be dangerous. 

Here are the 2 wilderness lodges in Sequoia National Park: 

• Pear Lake Winter Hut – open only during the winter months (December through April), this lodge has 10 available beds priced at US$70/person. The lodge is for experienced backcountry skiers and you need to book at least a month in advance. 
• Bearpaw High Sierra Camp – this camp can be reached with a 7-hour hike and has 6 tent cabins that can accommodate up to 3 people. However, this lodge hasn’t been operating since 2019, and it remains unknown whether it will open for the 2025 season. 

2.3 Campgrounds

Many people like to go camping when visiting a national park, and Sequoia National Park has a total of 7 campgrounds. Unfortunately, only 3 of these campgrounds are currently welcoming visitors. As for the other 4, it remains to be seen whether they’ll open for next season. 

Open

The list below features all the campgrounds that are currently welcoming visitors: 

• Potwisha Campground – situated along the Generals Highway and 4 miles (6.5 km) from the Ash Mountain entrance, this campsite has 40 spots and is open year-round to tents, trailers, and RVs. Prices are currently set at US$32/night, and you need to book at least 4 months in advance to secure a spot. 
• Lodgepole Campground – about an hour’s drive away from both park entrances, this campground is very popular with both RV and tent campers. Offering over 200 campsites, each priced at US$32, the campground accepts reservations 5 months in advance. 
• Atwell Mill Campground – as this is the highest-elevation campground in the park, it’s open only during the summer months. The campground is situated 19 miles (31 km) from the Ash Mountain entrance and caters to tent campers only. There are only 21 sites, and each costs US$32, and you can make a reservation 4 months in advance. 

TIP: If you’re staying within the park, you might want to climb Mt. Whitney, the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states. In order to do so, you need to get a permit – more info on the process is available here. 

Closed

At the time of writing this article, the campgrounds listed below are closed for the season. However, if you want to stay at any of these campgrounds, you can click the link and check whether they’re open or if they have any availability. 

• Buckeye Flat Campground – situated just 6 miles (9.5 km) from the Ash Mountain Entrance, this campground offers 27 campsites and can accommodate tent campers only. 
• Dorst Creek Campground – the campground is located a 1h 15 min drive from the park’s South entrance and a 45 min drive from the North entrance. There are more than 200 sites at this campground that cater to tent and RV campers. 
• Cold Springs Campground – located 23 miles (37 km) from Highway 198, this campground has 41 sites and welcomes tent campers only. 
• South Fork Campground – this is a private campground that caters to tent campers. However, the road is indefinitely closed, and even in ideal conditions, it’s difficult to reach. Also, the campground doesn’t take reservations, so I don’t recommend staying here even once it’s open. 

Niche campground: The Wolverton Stock Campsites are an equestrian campground only. In order to stay here, you need to have stock animals – otherwise, your reservation will be canceled. There are only 2 sites available at US$40/night, and they can accommodate trailers, RVs, and tents. Book at least a month in advance if you want to stay here.

FAQs about where to stay in Sequoia National Park

🏞️ Where should I stay if I visit Sequoia National Park?

Three Rivers is the closest town to the Ash Mountain Entrance and the Foothills Visitor Center. Besides being the closest town, Three Rivers also has some amazing hotels like the Sequoia River Front Cabins and Lazy J Ranch Motel. 

🥾 Can you stay inside Sequoia National Park?

🏙️ What is the closest major city to Sequoia National Park?

Fresno is the closest major city to Sequoia National Park. The city is located 53 miles (85 km) away from the Big Stump entrance and offers a wide range of activities and good hotels, such as the DoubleTree by Hilton and the Holiday Inn Express. 

👪 Which hotels in Sequoia National Park are good for families?

If you are traveling with family, you can stay either in the Wuksachi Lodge within the park or in Visalia, a family-friendly town that’s a 45-min drive away from the park. Here, you can stay in amazing hotels like The Darling Visalia and Hampton Inn Visalia. 

🏕️ Are there camping facilities in Sequoia National Park?

Yes, there are camping facilities in Sequoia National Park and a total of 7 campgrounds. However, only 3 of the campgrounds are currently open to visitors. 

🧳 What to pack for Sequoia National Park?

The essentials you need to bring to Sequoia include a backpack, reusable water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, layered clothing, a first-aid kit, and snacks. You should also consider bringing a camera and binoculars. 

📅 What is the best month to go to Sequoia National Park?

The best months to visit Sequoia are June through August. During these months, the weather is stable, all the roads are open, and you don’t need any winter equipment for you or your vehicle. 

⏳ How many days do you need in Sequoia?

To fully experience the park, I recommend spending at least 2 to 3 days in Sequoia. This should be enough time to see the top attractions like the General Sherman Tree, the Giant Forest, and the Crystal Cave and explore some of the hiking trails. 

🚗 Do you need a car in Sequoia National Park?

Yes, you’ll need a car for your visit to Sequoia. This is the only way to get to and around the park for most of the year, except when the Sequoia Shuttle is in operation (usually May through September). 

Final thoughts on the best places to stay in Sequoia National Park

We’ve reached the end! I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in Sequoia National Park and provided enough details to help you plan your trip. 

I know there are so many accommodation options in this post, so to give you some extra help, here are my 2 favorite ones, one in Visalia and one in Three Rivers: 

Remember that the accommodations around the national parks are super busy, so I highly recommend booking yours in advance so you won’t miss the spot. 

Don’t forget to leave a comment below if you have any questions, and I’ll answer them as quickly as possible! 

Have a great trip, 

Victoria

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