Crystal Springs Campground (Ca)

Star4.16
196 reviews
47050 Generals Highway

Quick Facts

6,500 ft

Price

$16 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Open May 21, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks 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
Crystal Springs Campground (Ca)
$16.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $32 per night for regular camping and $16 per night for holders of valid lifetime Access Pass, lifetime Senior Pass, and annual...
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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

4.16

Satisfactory

Based on 196 reviews

68 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocation

Some mention

small

"Crystal Springs Campground receives mixed reviews. Positive highlights include its natural beauty, proximity to attractions, and basic amenities. Common complaints involve the size and slope of campsites, noise levels, and limited ranger presence."

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Campground Map

47050 Generals Highway

Crystal Springs Campground (Ca)

47050 Generals Highway

Driving directionsFrom Fresno, CA, take Highway 180 East for 1 1/2 hours. Vehicles over 22 feet are not advised between Potwisha Campground and the Giant Forest Museum when entering through Sequoia National Park. Vehicles over 22 feet should use the Kings Canyon National Park Entrance.
Highway 180 is the primary access road, suitable for most vehicles, but vehicles over 22 feet are not advised for certain sections. Roads include winding and steep portions.
Nearby places
Three Rivers (approx. 30 miles), Fresno (approx. 85 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available at Grant Grove Village including a market, gift store, and restaurant.

Best Time to Camp at Crystal Springs Campground (Ca)

At Crystal Springs, summer days unfold with golden warmth that filters through towering pines, while evenings bring a refreshing mountain coolness that makes for perfect sleeping weather under star-studded skies. Perched at 6,500 feet, the campground's elevation creates an ideal climate for outdoor adventures, though visitors should allow time to acclimate to the thinner mountain air that can leave newcomers slightly breathless upon arrival.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season: warm days, cool nights, excellent hiking and stargazing; weekends can be crowded.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open only through mid-Sept; limited early-fall access but reduced crowds early on.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 21 (late spring); pleasant weather then but earlier spring likely snowy/closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside the May 21–Sept 14 season; not a winter destination.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 21, 2025 - September 14, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 21, 2025, to September 14, 2025, during the peak camping season.
  • Current Alerts: Reports of noise issues and fire ban violations. Seasonal fire restrictions apply.

About Crystal Springs Campground (Ca)

Nestled in the heart of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Crystal Springs Campground serves as your gateway to some of America's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. This mountain retreat offers 35 individual campsites and 14 spacious group sites, each equipped with modern amenities including flush toilets, fresh drinking water, and secure food lockers to protect your provisions from curious wildlife. As evening falls, gather around for enchanting campfire programs where rangers share tales of the forest and stars illuminate stories as old as the giant sequoias themselves.
Crystal Springs Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including standard individual sites and mid-size group sites.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 consecutive nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Crystal Springs Campground offers a variety of recreational activities. Visitors can hike to nearby attractions like the General Grant Tree, Ella Falls, and Panoramic Point. The campground is also a short drive from Hume Lake for fishing and other activities.
HikingThe campground provides access to several hiking trails, including routes to the General Grant Tree and Panoramic Point. One user described the trails as 'easy to navigate' and praised their proximity to campsites.
FishingFishing opportunities are available at nearby Hume Lake, located approximately 30 minutes away from the campground.
BikingBiking is permitted on roads within the campground and is a convenient way to access nearby attractions like the visitor center and Grant Grove.
Wildlife viewingThe area is home to abundant wildlife such as black bears, mule deer, and various bird species. One user noted seeing deer frequently and described the experience as 'forest bathing in the midst of grand trees.'
Cultural and Educational ProgramsNightly campfire programs are offered at the nearby amphitheater, providing educational and cultural experiences for visitors.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsActive bear area requiring strict food storage. Risks include falling branches and slippery rocks at rivers. River currents can be deceptively strong.
Active AlertsReports of noise issues and fire ban violations. Seasonal fire restrictions apply.
Food Storage RequiredLockers are provided at each site, measuring 28" high x 33" deep x 47" wide.

Weather at Crystal Springs Campground (Ca)

Reviews

4.2
196 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Crystal Springs Campground (Ca) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Crystal Springs Campground receives mixed reviews. Positive highlights include its natural beauty, proximity to attractions, and basic amenities. Common complaints involve the size and slope of campsites, noise levels, and limited ranger presence.
Review Summaries
Based on 196 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground's beautiful setting, clean facilities, and convenient location near attractions like the General Grant Tree and the visitor center.
Based on 196 reviews

Common Concerns

Campers frequently mentioned unlevel sites, noise from other visitors, and a lack of ranger enforcement of rules. Complaints about overcrowding and the absence of showers were also noted.
Based on 196 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend booking in advance, bringing leveling equipment for RVs, and visiting during weekdays to avoid crowds. They also suggest downloading a map and reviewing site details online before...
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Based on 196 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest summer is the most popular season for camping, with visitors appreciating the warm days and cool nights. However, weekends can be noisy and crowded, and fire restrictions are common...
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Based on 196 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms very clean and well supplied.' 2. 'The campground itself was very nice—sites spaced far apart and enough privacy.' 3. 'We loved staying at Crystal Springs Campground! To ensure you do...
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Based on 196 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 12: Positive for shade but noted for being on a hillside. Site 33: Praised for star views but criticized for slope. Site 2: Described as isolated but with limited parking and distant restrooms.
Based on 196 reviews

Accessibility Features

One user highlighted the steep walk to restrooms and lack of accessible toilets as challenges for people with mobility issues.
Based on 196 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. One camper noted difficulty due to foxtail plants in site 19, which limited their dog's movement.
Based on 196 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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