Quaking Aspen

Star4.36
288 reviews
Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$34 - $233/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

36 campsites

Season

Open season: May 23 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation Company (ExplorUS) 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
Quaking Aspen
$34.00 - $233.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $34 per night for standard non-electric campsites to $233 for group tent-only areas. Yurt fees range between $106 and $127 per night....
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Standard Site Fee$34.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$233.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
559-539-5230sschmidt@goexplorus.com
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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 288 reviews

92 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewswell-maintainedsites

"Most users appreciate the campground's natural beauty, proximity to hiking trails, and spacious sites. However, vault toilets and lack of cell service were common complaints."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Quaking Aspen

36.1211, -118.5437

Driving directionsFrom Porterville, California, take Highway 190 East to Springville. Continue from Springville approximately 28 miles to the Quaking Aspen Campground.
Limited turnaround space restricts RVs longer than 26 feet in length. Roads to the campground are narrow and winding, with steep switchbacks. Highway 190 is sometimes closed after Ponderosa.
Nearby places
Porterville (approx. 28 miles), Springville (approx. 28 miles), Kernville (approx. 50 miles).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials, are available at Ponderosa, approximately 1 mile away. Porterville, about 28 miles away, also offers supply options.

Best Time to Camp at Quaking Aspen

Summer days unfold with gentle warmth, typically reaching the comfortable 70s and 80s, perfect for hiking among the giants. As darkness falls, the mountain air cools dramatically, sometimes dipping into the crisp 30s during June nights—a reminder to pack that extra layer. The dry season brings reliably clear skies for stargazing, while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, closing the campground but creating a different kind of magic.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summers warm (70s–80s); hiking great but reviews note heat, bugs and stronger toilet smells.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Spring/fall reviews most positive: cooler temps, fewer issues and excellent trails.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring reviews praised temperatures and scenery; a top season for visiting.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 23–Oct 25; winter camping not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 - October 25 (peak season dates vary slightly by year).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: May 23 to October 25. Reservations start on June 23 each year.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts reported but fire damage and road closures may persist seasonally.

About Quaking Aspen

Nestled high in the Giant Sequoia National Monument at 7,000 feet, Quaking Aspen Campground invites you into a world where ancient giants touch the sky and mountain streams sing through pristine meadows. Here, you'll find yourself choosing between cozy cabins, unique yurts, spacious group sites, or traditional campsites, all serving as your basecamp for exploring legendary sequoia groves and the famous Trail of 100 Giants just moments away.
Quaking Aspen provides a mix of camping types, including tent, yurt, and group camping.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Observed check-in time varies
  • no specific details provided.
Check-out
  • Check-out typically at noon
  • campers report late departures without penalty when communicated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Quaking Aspen offers a mix of recreational activities, from hiking and fishing to exploring nearby attractions like the Trail of 100 Giants.
HikingHiking is a prominent activity, with trails like the Freeman Creek Trail leading to the George Bush Tree, and easy access to the Trail of 100 Giants. Campers also noted proximity to Dome Rock for hiking and views.
FishingFishing is available in area streams and the Tule River, although some water bodies may require a hike to access.
BikingMountain biking opportunities are available near the campground, with trails and terrain suitable for riders.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with morning bird songs and occasional bobcat sightings reported.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country; campers are advised to store food securely. The area experienced significant fire damage in recent years, and there are risks related to steep mountain roads and fallen debris. Wild bees are reported to be aggressive around food.
Active AlertsNo current alerts reported but fire damage and road closures may persist seasonally.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Quaking Aspen

Reviews

4.4
288 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Quaking Aspen is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Most users appreciate the campground's natural beauty, proximity to hiking trails, and spacious sites. However, vault toilets and lack of cell service were common complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 288 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include the serene meadow views, well-maintained sites, and helpful hosts. Many praised the proximity to attractions like the Trail of 100 Giants.
Based on 288 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent issues mentioned include smelly vault toilets, insufficient bear boxes, noisy neighbors, and limited waste management. "Bathrooms weren't well maintained," noted one user.
Based on 288 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and firewood to supplement purchases. Visit Dome Rock for cell service, and explore the Trail of 100 Giants early to avoid crowds.
Based on 288 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews are most positive in the spring and fall, with fewer noise complaints and better temperatures. Summer reviews noted heat and bugs, while the smell of toilets became a more prominent complaint.
Based on 288 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The vault toilets smell over the top bad," "Campfires were allowed during fire restrictions," "The meadow hike near the campground is lush and green."
Based on 288 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #29 is clean and relatively secluded. Site #1 lacks a bear box, while Site #13 is close to smelly vault toilets. Group sites are spacious but can be noisy.
Based on 288 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some accessible sites are available, but pathways to bathrooms were not well-maintained.
Based on 288 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, but leash rules are inconsistently followed, leading to conflicts like barking at neighbors.
Based on 288 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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