Dorst Creek Campground
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park, California
Sequoia National Park, California

Dorst Creek Campground
Sequoia National Park


Dorst Creek Campground

Dorst Creek Campground is along the Generals Highway between Grant Grove and Lodgepole, 10 miles northwest of Lodgepole. Campsites are in a confer forest with nearby meadows and streams. Dorst Creek Campground's central location makes it an excellent basecamp for visiting sites in both Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Besides its more than 200 individual campsites, Dorst Creek also has 4 Group Campsites.

Some campsites at Dorst Creek Campground are designated for RVs or trailers only, some as walk-in tent-only sites, some as tent-only, and many as tents, RVs or trailers. The campground is among the most modern in the area with upgraded facilities and excellent amenities. The spacious campground is popular with families. Children have room to ride their bikes, clamber on rocks, and explore the area. Vehicles over 22-feet long should enter the parks via Highway 180.

You can purchase your park entrance pass in advance online and save time at the entrance gate: Park Entrance Pass.

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Dorst Creek Campground Basics
Dorst Creek Campground Location: Off Generals Highway, 10 miles NW of Lodgepole, Sequoia National Park
Elevation: 6,800 feet
Mileage/Driving Time: From Visalia - 62 miles, 1:35
Number of Sites: 218 sites
Camping Season: Open mid-June through September, depending on weather
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Campground and Park Information: (559) 565-3341 or (559) 565-4487

Campsite Designations at Dorst Creek Campground
RV or Trailer Only Sites: #1-61
Walk-in, Tent-only Sites: #62-73
Tent, RV, or Trailer Sites: #74-163
Tent-only Sites: #164-192
Group Sites: A-D

Reservations at Dorst Creek Campground
Reservations required: Reservations can be made for camping dates from June 28, 2023, through early September.
Booking Window: Reservations can be made from up to one month in advance of arrival date for single campsites. Group campsites can be reserved up to 4 months in advance of arsrival date.
Camping Limit: 14 nights from June 14 to September 14 with 30 days total per year
Maximum RV/Trailer Length: "Dorst Creek Campground has sites for RVs and trailers of nearly any length, including pull-through sites."
Vehicles over 22-feet long should enter the parks via Highway 180.
Wheelchair Accessible Sites: #6, 11, 172-175, 177, 180
Favorite Campsites: #12, 15, 95, 105, 147, 156, 204, 205, 208
Entire 99-127 loop, especially #105,
Campground map: Dorst Creek Campground Map
Fees: $32 per night
Reservations: Dorst Creek Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: Check-in any time, check out by Noon

Dorst Creek Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, bear-resistant food locker, fire ring; no hook-ups
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water, amphitheater
Showers and laundry: 10 miles away at Lodgepole Market
Dump and water station: Yes
Attractions near Dorst Creek Campground: Take the trail to Lost Grove. Attend ranger programs in the summer. At nearby Lodgepole, hike up the trail to Tokopah Falls. Visit Lodgepole Village. Within easy driving or shuttle distance visit sites such as the General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock, and Crystal Cave (purchase tickets in Lodgepole Visitor Center, not sold at cave entrance), Drive through Tunnel Log and hike to Tharp's Log Cabin.


Dorst Creek Campground, Sequoia National Park

Dorst Creek Campground


Dorst Creek Group Campsites

Dorst Creek has 4 group sites:

  • Sites A and B - 12 to 15 people, $60 per night
  • Site C - 12 to 50 people, $80 per night
  • Site D - 12 to 40 people, $70 per night

Sites can accept up to 2 RVs or trailers or 11 vehicles if they fit on the paved parking area designated for that group. They may be used for sleeping and other inside the vehicle activities. All other activities must occur in the site (not the parking area). Sites have picnic tables, fire pits, tap water, and food lockers.

Campsites open from mid-June to one day after Labor Day. Reservations may be made up to one year in advance by calling (877) 444-6777 or at Dorst Creek Group Campground Reservations.




Dorst Creek Campground, Sequoia National Park

Dorst Creek Campground

Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks
Attractions and Activities

Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park visitors have many wonderful places to explore. Those staying at Dorst Creek Campground are mid-way between Sequoia and Grant Grove.

  • In Sequoia, tour Crystal Cave, climb to the top of Moro Rock, stand before the towering Sherman Tree, and visit the Giant Forest Museum.
  • Participate in Ranger-led Programs at Grant Grove, Cedar Grove, Wuksachi Lodge, and John Muir Lodge.
  • Do some fishing along the Kings River in Cedar Grove or hike to Mist Falls.
  • Take advantage of a free shuttle to key sites in Sequoia's Lodgepole and Giant Forest area.
  • Take a scenic driving tour of some of the spectacular vistas in the parks.
  • Drive down to Hume Lake for fishing and swimming.
  • Children can participate in the Junior Ranger Program.
  • Enjoy the annual Dark Day Festival. Enjoy telescope viewings, solar observations, activities, and tours. See Ranger-led Programs for dates and details.

Key Dorst Creek Campground Regulations

  1. Avoid bear problems by storing food and similar items in bear-proof lockers, not in vehicles. Use of the lockers is required.
  2. Generators may only be operated from 8 AM to 11 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM. Generators are not allowed to be used in sites #62-127.
  3. Even through the drought has ended, water is in short supply at Dorst Campground. Conservation is requested.
  4. Dogs (except service dogs) are not permitted on any park trails or on the summer shuttle.
  5. Fires may only be set in provided fire rings. Extinguish campfires completely before going to bed or leaving the area.

    Check Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks - Dorst Creek Campground for any campground updates.
    Also check Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Alerts for current park conditions.

Nearby Campgrounds


Sequoia National Park Campgrounds

Grant Grove - Kings Canyon National Park

Foothills - Sequoia National Park

Mineral King - Sequoia National Park

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General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.