Potwisha Campground

Star4.17
773 reviews
47050 Generals Highway

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$16 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV 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
Potwisha Campground
$16.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees: $32 per night for regular camping; $16 per night for valid lifetime Access Pass, lifetime Senior Pass, and annual Senior Pass. Entrance...
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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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Provider
559-565-3714ashley_occhipinti@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.17

Satisfactory

Based on 773 reviews

231 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulspaciouswell-maintainedsites

"Potwisha Campground has a mixed reputation, with some users praising its scenic location and accessibility while others criticize the lack of showers, uneven campsites, and insufficient rule enforcement. The average sentiment score is 4.03, indicating generally positive feedback."

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Campground Map

47050 Generals Highway

Potwisha Campground

47050 Generals Highway

Driving directionsFollow Highway 198 east from Visalia for 36 miles until you reach the Ash Mountain Entrance Station. The campground is located 4 miles beyond the entrance station on the left or north side of the road.
Accessible year-round via paved roads. Vehicles longer than 22 feet are not advised between Potwisha Campground and the Giant Forest Museum due to winding roads.
Nearby places
Visalia (40 miles, approximately 1 hour)
Fresno (85 miles, approximately 2 hours)
Bakersfield (120 miles, approximately 2.5 hours)
Three Rivers (4 miles, approximately 10 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Three Rivers offers restaurants, gas stations, and convenience stores approximately 4 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Potwisha Campground

Experience the gentle embrace of mild winters where snow rarely falls, making Potwisha a welcoming retreat when higher elevations lie buried in white. As summer arrives, the campground transforms into a sun-drenched haven where temperatures soar above 100°F, creating perfect conditions for riverside relaxation and early morning adventures before the afternoon heat settles into the canyon.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Hot summers and limited shade noted; river access helps but heat is a common complaint.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall highlighted as ideal for moderate temps and good conditions for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring praised for moderate temps and ideal conditions for hiking, wildlife and river activities.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 12% in CA

Mild winters with rare snow; open year-round and winter visitors appreciate access when high country is closed.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 - December 31 (Peak Season). Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; reservations available 4 months in advance on a rolling basis.
  • Current Alerts: Road closures north of Hospital Rock due to damage from winter storms; check park advisories.

About Potwisha Campground

Nestled along the crystalline waters of the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, Potwisha Campground offers a gateway to adventure in the lower reaches of Sequoia National Park. This year-round sanctuary beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness charm. Whether you're casting a line into the river's gentle currents, setting off on scenic trails, or simply watching for the abundant wildlife that calls this area home, Potwisha provides an ideal basecamp for your Sierra Nevada explorations.
Potwisha Campground accommodates various camping styles, including tents, RVs, and trailers. It features wheelchair-accessible sites and is open year-round.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
  • 14 consecutive nights per visit
  • 30 nights within a calendar year.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Potwisha Campground offers a variety of recreational activities that cater to nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Marble Falls trailhead is directly accessible from the campground, and the Kaweah River is a short walk away, providing opportunities for water-based activities.
HikingThe Marble Falls Trail is a major highlight, accessible directly from the campground. It is approximately 3.6 miles long with a challenging elevation gain, making it ideal for experienced hikers. The trail offers stunning views of the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River and the surrounding canyon.
FishingFishing is permitted at the Kaweah River, a short walk from the campground. A California state fishing license is required.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as American Black Bears, mule deer, bobcats, and numerous bird species are commonly seen around the campground. Visitors are encouraged to store food properly to avoid attracting wildlife.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsAn amphitheater is available, likely used for ranger-led talks and educational programs. However, some reviews noted the absence of ranger-led activities during their visits.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsActive bear area requiring food storage lockers. Rivers have strong currents and slippery rocks, posing drowning risks. Falling tree branches may occur.
Active AlertsRoad closures north of Hospital Rock due to damage from winter storms; check park advisories.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available at each site, measuring 28" high x 33" deep x 47" wide. Required for all food storage.

Weather at Potwisha Campground

Reviews

4.2
773 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Potwisha Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Potwisha Campground has a mixed reputation, with some users praising its scenic location and accessibility while others criticize the lack of showers, uneven campsites, and insufficient rule enforcement. The average sentiment score is 4.03, indicating generally positive feedback.
Review Summaries
Based on 773 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback includes the campground's proximity to Marble Falls Trail and Kaweah River, spacious campsites, and well-maintained flush toilets. Visitors also appreciated the presence of wildlife...
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Based on 773 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the absence of showers, sloped or uneven campsites, insufficient shade, and a lack of management presence to enforce rules. Noise issues from large groups and generators...
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Based on 773 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend reserving outer campsites for better privacy and shade, bringing bug spray for the mosquito-heavy summer months, and preparing for hot weather due to the campground's low elevation.
Based on 773 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews frequently mention high temperatures and the need for shade, while winter visitors appreciate the mild weather. Spring and fall are highlighted as ideal seasons due to moderate...
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Based on 773 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The Marble Falls Trail was the highlight of our trip, the views are breathtaking!" "Bathrooms were clean, but the lack of showers was disappointing." "We loved hearing the river at night—it's like a...
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Based on 773 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #20 is frequently praised for its proximity to the river and spacious layout. Sites #39 and #40 are noted for their wheelchair accessibility. Site #31 is criticized for its slope and lack of...
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Based on 773 reviews

Accessibility Features

Sites #39 and #40 are specified as wheelchair accessible. However, uneven terrain and sloped sites may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
Based on 773 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. Some visitors mention disturbances caused by unattended dogs. Pets are not permitted on park trails, limiting their activities.
Based on 773 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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