Atwell Mill Campground

Star4.34
93 reviews
47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

$16 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Atwell Mill Campground
$16.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $32 per night for regular camping. Holders of valid lifetime Access Pass, lifetime Senior Pass, and annual Senior Pass receive a...
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Standard Site Fee$32.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.34

Recommended

Based on 93 reviews

28 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spacioussites

"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."

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Campground Map

47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271

Atwell Mill Campground

47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271

Driving directionsAtwell Mill Campground is located 19 miles (31 km) from Highway 198 on Mineral King Road, which turns off in Three Rivers, and 6 miles (10 km) before the end of the road. The road is primarily unpaved, narrow, winding, and deeply rutted in places. It is not advised for longer vehicles, especially recreational vehicles. No RVs or trailers are permitted in the campground.
The road to the campground is largely unpaved, narrow, winding, and deeply rutted in places, making it challenging for longer vehicles such as RVs and trailers. It takes approximately 90 minutes to drive the 19 miles from Highway 198 to the campground.
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.
Nearby supplies
Limited services, including showers and basic groceries, are available at Silver City Resort, located 1.7 miles (3 km) east of the campground. More extensive services, including fuel and supplies, are available in Three Rivers, 23 miles (37 km) west of the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Atwell Mill Campground

At this lofty elevation, Atwell Mill dances between seasons even in the heart of summer. Warm sunshine filters through ancient sequoia branches by day, while crisp mountain air reminds you to pack that extra layer for evening campfires. The thin alpine air brings dramatic temperature swings that transform hot afternoons into sweater-weather evenings. By October, winter's first whispers send the campground into hibernation beneath a blanket of Sierra snow, preserving its pristine wilderness character until the following spring.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

Open and popular May 21–Oct 14; summer offers best weather and trail access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into mid-October with smaller late-season crowds but cooler, variable weather.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Mostly closed through May 20; limited late-spring season begins May 21 with variable conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Oct 16–May 20; not available for winter camping.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 21 - October 14. 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.
  • Current Alerts: Mineral King Road is open but subject to weekday construction delays, with up to 30-minute traffic delays. Some nearby roads are closed due to storm-related damage.

About Atwell Mill Campground

Nestled at 7,500 feet in the pristine Mineral King wilderness, Atwell Mill Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic backcountry experience. This intimate, tent-only sanctuary features 21 sites tucked beneath towering sequoias, where the gentle murmur of the East Fork Kaweah River provides nature's soundtrack. Far from the crowds, this primitive campground serves as your personal basecamp for exploring a wonderland of crystalline alpine lakes, dramatic mountain passes, and trails that disappear into the High Sierra's granite heart.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12 Noon
Check-out
12 Noon
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground, and up to 30 nights total within each year.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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.
HikingThe Atwell-Hockett Trail begins at the campground and offers access to scenic routes, including hikes to alpine lakes and mountain passes. A reviewer shared, "I recommend taking a day hike to the bridge waterfall on the Atwell-Hockett trail from Atwell Mill campground – it’s 3 miles round trip."
Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in wildlife, including frequent sightings of black bears. "We saw a mama bear and her cub frequently here," noted one camper.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsKey hazards include active bears, steep and winding access roads, slippery rocks near rivers, falling tree branches, and difficult terrain.
Active AlertsMineral King Road is open but subject to weekday construction delays, with up to 30-minute traffic delays. Some nearby roads are closed due to storm-related damage.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredFood lockers are mandatory due to active bear presence. Dimensions are 47"W x 33"D x 28"H.

Weather at Atwell Mill Campground

Reviews

4.3
93 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Atwell Mill Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

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...
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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....
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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...
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Based on 93 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

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 17 is noted for its proximity to trails...
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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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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