How much does camping cost at Atwell Mill Campground?

Camping fees at Atwell Mill Campground range from $32/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Atwell Mill Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Atwell Mill Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Atwell Mill Campground before I book?

Yes! Atwell Mill Campground has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Atwell Mill Campground?

Atwell Mill Campground is open June 05 to October 13. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Atwell Mill Campground?

Atwell Mill Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Atwell Mill Campground have?

Atwell Mill Campground has 21 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Atwell Mill Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Atwell Mill Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Atwell Mill Campground?

Atwell Mill Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Atwell Mill Campground?

Popular activities at Atwell Mill Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Atwell Mill Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Atwell Mill Campground?

Fire policies at Atwell Mill Campground: Campground Rules and Regulations: • Food Storage- You are in an ACTIVE BEAR AREA. Black Bears are active day and night. When not in arms reach, you must properly store all food, drinks, scented items, coolers, and equipment used to prepare food, inside provided food storage lockers. These items must be stored day and night. Food storage locker dimensions are 28" high x 33" deep x 47" wide. • 6 Person Limit- There is a maximum of 6 people per campsite . If you exceed this number, purchase 2 sites. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.27

93 reviews

47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271

Top 3% in CASummer

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazingGreat Hiking

Featured in:Camping Near Kings Canyon National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

$32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

$32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Atwell Mill Campground

$32.00 - $32.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Tent Only Nonelectric: $32.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$32.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

5595653341

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271

Atwell Mill Campground

47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271

Nearby places

Silver City Resort is 1.7 miles (3 km) east of the campground, while Three Rivers is 23 miles (37 km) west of Atwell Mill Campground. Driving to Three Rivers takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Weather at Atwell Mill Campground

Current alerts(3)

Be aware of significant road construction delays on the Mineral King Road this year from 9/4/25 through the end of season. Monday-Thursday there will be a full road closure between 10 am and 4 pm, and 30min traffic delays for three hours before and after the closures.
Tire Chains may be required at any time. Be prepared at any time of year for a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. Check Road Conditions at nps.gov/seki . Falling Objects - Don't linger under dead, cracked, or broken branches.
• Preserve Natural Resources- Injuring plants or trees by cutting, breaking, or attaching nails or other hardware is prohibited. Driving off pavement is prohibited. • Bicycles- Helmets required if under 18 years of age. Bicycles are not allowed on any park trails.

Best Time to Camp at Atwell Mill Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and weather at 7,500 ft — expect long, sunny days (daytime highs typically 55–75°F / 13–24°C) with cool nights that can drop into the 30s°F (0–5°C). Trails to alpine lakes and passes are usually snow-free by mid-July, making hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing at their peak; the East Fork Kaweah and surrounding granite scenery are at their most accessible. Weekdays remain relatively quiet, but the campground's 21 tent-only sites fill quickly on summer and Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 3% in CA

Summer is the reliable window; trails usually snow-free by mid-July and daytime temps are mild.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 05 to October 13. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open from May 21 to October 14. Closures typically occur from October 16 to May 20.

About Atwell Mill Campground

Atwell Mill Campground sits at 7,500 feet in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, operated by the National Park Service as a small, reservation-only base for alpine hiking. The East Fork Kaweah River runs nearby, and spacious sites under tall conifers offer access to high-country trails leading to granite passes and alpine lakes. Summer brings long, sunny days and cool nights, with trails typically snow-free by mid-July.

Atwell Mill Campground is a primitive, tent-only campground with a focus on minimal facilities and a natural setting. It does not accommodate RVs, trailers, or group sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and weather at 7,500 ft — expect long, sunny days (daytime highs typically 55–75°F / 13–24°C) with cool nights that can drop into the 30s°F (0–5°C). Trails to alpine lakes and passes are usually snow-free by mid-July, making hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing at their peak; the East Fork Kaweah and surrounding granite scenery are at their most accessible. Weekdays remain relatively quiet, but the campground's 21 tent-only sites fill quickly on summer and Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation7500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryGiant sequoias tower over the campground, their cinnamon bark contrasting with the granite peaks visible through the canopy. The East Fork Kaweah River runs nearby, fed by snowmelt from the surrounding mountains. This is Mineral King's signature geology: U-shaped valleys carved by glaciers, exposed granite walls polished by time, and soil rich enough to support some of the world's largest trees. Black bears move through the understory, and the elevation brings you into alpine terrain where trails lead to high lakes and passes. The setting is genuinely stunning, though reviews note some sites have less shade or tighter spacing than others.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground itself does not provide lodge-style accommodations. However, Silver City Resort, located 1.7 miles away, offers limited services such as lodging.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of scheduled educational or cultural programs at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground, and up to 30 nights total within each year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy is six people per campsite. Larger groups must purchase additional sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground lacks ADA-accessible campsites. Roads within the campground are unpaved, rutted, and uneven, posing additional challenges for individuals with mobility needs.

Site SizeSites are generally spacious and can accommodate up to six people per site. Specific site reviews confirm ample room: "Site 15 was flat and really had a great time.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some sites are well-spaced and secluded, while others may have reduced shade or are closer together. One review noted, "The sites were well spaced too, and the bear lockers were large.

Total Campsites21 campsites

Recommended SitesSites 17 and 15 are ideal for privacy and easy access to trails. Sites closer to the river provide scenic views but may have less shade.

Best CampsitesSite 17 gets praise for trail access while staying secluded. Site 15 earned specific mentions for flat terrain and a quiet feel. Reviews confirm that sites are well-spaced with large bear lockers, though some have less shade or sit closer to neighbors.

Need help booking Atwell Mill Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Atwell Mill Campground is a primitive, tent-only campground located in the Mineral King area at an elevation of 7,500 feet. Known for its natural sequoia surroundings and peaceful atmosphere, the campground features 21 sites, each with a bear-resistant food storage locker, picnic tables, and fire rings. There are no flush toilets, potable water is available seasonally, and there is no Wi-Fi or cell phone reception. "The campground is situated along the East Fork of the Kaweah River in a once-logged sequoia grove," states official information. Vault toilets are the primary sanitary facilities, and campers are advised to prepare for rugged conditions given the unpaved, rutted access road.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Atwell Mill Campground offers access to recreational activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the natural beauty of the Mineral King area. Campers can enjoy nearby trails leading to alpine lakes, mountain passes, and waterfalls.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The campground is equipped with seasonal vault toilets, which some users found clean while others commented on unpleasant odors.

Food Storage RequiredFood lockers are mandatory due to active bear presence. Dimensions are 47"W x 33"D x 28"H.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyCampground Rules and Regulations: • Food Storage- You are in an ACTIVE BEAR AREA. Black Bears are active day and night. When not in arms reach, you must properly store all food, drinks, scented items, coolers, and equipment used to prepare food, inside provided food storage lockers. These items must be stored day and night. Food storage locker dimensions are 28" high x 33" deep x 47" wide. • 6 Person Limit- There is a maximum of 6 people per campsite . If you exceed this number, purchase 2 sites

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10pm to 6am

Trash & RecyclingBear-proof trash dumpsters are provided. Campers are reminded to lock or relatch dumpsters to prevent bear access.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

93 reviews

Satisfactory

Atwell Mill Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User feedback highlights Atwell Mill Campground as a peaceful, secluded, and scenic destination. Common themes include the beauty of the sequoia surroundings, the challenging access road, and mixed reviews on facility cleanliness.

Review Summaries

Based on 93 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 93 reviews.

Site 18Loved
Specific site reviews mention varying conditions: Site 18 has little shade and is on an incline, while Site 15 is described as flat and ideal for groups.
Site 17Loved
Site 17 is noted for its proximity to trails and spacious layout.

What Campers Love

Campers praised the tranquility and natural beauty of the area, proximity to trails, and spacious campsites. A reviewer described it as, "Absolutely stunning place! You are in the trees!"

Based on 93 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent concerns include the rugged road leading to the campground, vault toilet odors, and the absence of modern amenities. "The bathrooms were really pungent and not well maintained," stated one...

Based on 93 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend taking advantage of nearby trails, bringing sufficient supplies due to limited nearby services, and preparing for the rough access road. "Be prepared for a slow, windy drive up....

Based on 93 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is popular during the summer months when weather conditions are favorable. Late-season crowds are noted to be smaller, offering a more tranquil experience.

Based on 93 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The road is a bit grueling to go up and down but staying here and hiking the Mineral King area is the BEST!" - Lindsey D. "The area was beautiful, the late-season crowds were low, and the bathroom...

Based on 93 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground's rugged terrain and lack of ADA-accessible facilities present challenges for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 93 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground but must be on a leash no longer than six feet. Several users appreciated this policy given the natural surroundings.

Based on 93 reviews

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4.4

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Cold Springs Campground (Ca)

47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA, 93271

Cold Springs Campground sits in the Mineral King basin of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, a high-elevation alpine setting accessed via the winding Mineral King Road. Operated by the National Park Service, this mid-sized campground serves as a trailhead hub for hikers exploring the surrounding wilderness. Sites are tucked among conifers near a mountain stream, with vault toilets, fire rings, and bear boxes provided.