How much does camping cost at Quaking Aspen?

Camping fees at Quaking Aspen are $36 - $242/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Quaking Aspen first-come first-served or reservation?

Quaking Aspen 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 Quaking Aspen before I book?

Yes! Quaking Aspen has 7 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 Quaking Aspen?

Quaking Aspen is open May 15 to October 23. 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 Quaking Aspen?

Quaking Aspen does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Quaking Aspen?

Fire policies at Quaking Aspen: Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Quaking Aspen have?

Quaking Aspen has 36 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Quaking Aspen?

Yes, pets are allowed at Quaking Aspen. 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 Quaking Aspen?

Quaking Aspen 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 Quaking Aspen?

Popular activities at Quaking Aspen include Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Quaking Aspen

4.37

330 reviews

Top 10% in CAFall

B-Report Card

Scenic Views

Featured in:Forest Camping California

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$36 - $242/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

36 campsites

Season

Open season: May 23 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Company (ExplorUS)Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$36 - $242/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

36 campsites

Season

Open season: May 23 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Company (ExplorUS)Official Website

Get Directions

Quaking Aspen

$36.00 - $242.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC - GROUP D: $122.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC-GROUP F: $62.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC-GROUP G: $62.00; GROUP TENT...

Group Site Fee$233.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

559-539-5230kstone@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Quaking Aspen

36.1211, -118.5437

Nearby places

Porterville (approx. 28 miles), Springville (approx. 28 miles), Kernville (approx. 50 miles).

Weather at Quaking Aspen

Current alerts(6)

Click here to learn more about Sequoia National Forest
Hookups are not available.
Off-road vehicles are not permitted in the campground.
There is an extra vehicle fee of $8.00/night on the 2nd vehicle in each single campsite and on the 3rd & 4th vehicle in any double campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to the 1st vehicle by a hitch and towed onto the site.

Best Time to Camp at Quaking Aspen

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of stable mountain weather, dramatically reduced crowds, and vivid high-elevation color—prime conditions for peaceful hikes among the Giant Sequoias and aspen stands. Daytime temperatures are typically in the 50s–70s°F with crisp nights dropping into the 20s–40s, making hiking, photography, and fishing especially pleasant. Trails and viewpoints (including the Trail of 100 Giants) are quieter than summer, and smoke from wildfires is often lower than late summer,so Peak months: September, October, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 10% in CA

Fall cited as best season: stable mountain weather, vivid color and reduced crowds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 23. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 23 to October 25. Reservations start on June 23 each year.

About Quaking Aspen

Quaking Aspen sits at high elevation in Sequoia National Forest near Porterville, operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company. The mid-sized campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for access to the Trail of 100 Giants and fall aspen color, with biking and hiking nearby.

Quaking Aspen provides a mix of camping types, including tent, yurt, and group camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of stable mountain weather, dramatically reduced crowds, and vivid high-elevation color—prime conditions for peaceful hikes among the Giant Sequoias and aspen stands. Daytime temperatures are typically in the 50s–70s°F with crisp nights dropping into the 20s–40s, making hiking, photography, and fishing especially pleasant. Trails and viewpoints (including the Trail of 100 Giants) are quieter than summer, and smoke from wildfires is often lower than late summer,so Peak months: September, October, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation7000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryGiant Sequoias dominate the landscape here, rising from meadows where streams cut through the high-elevation terrain. The campground sits in the southern Sierra Nevada, where elevations across the Monument range from 1,000 to 12,000 feet. Some sites face open meadows. Fire scars mark distant ridges, visible reminders of recent burns, though the immediate area remains forested.

Lodging & AccommodationsTwo yurts are available for rent at the campground. These yurts are described as spacious, including bunk beds and queen beds. They lack electricity and bedding. One reviewer noted, "The yurt is the best way to go."

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are specifically mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each standard campsite accommodates up to 12 people
smaller group sites accommodate up to 12, and larger group tent-only sites can handle more.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate up to 12 people and are spacious, but noise and neighbor issues are occasionally reported.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilitySome sites are marked as accessible but lack consistent maintenance of accessibility pathways.

Site SizeVaried sizes, accommodating tents, small group camps, and yurts.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some sites are secluded while others are closely packed. "The sites are crazy close together," noted one user, while others appreciated the space available.

Total Campsites36 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid Site E due to lack of level ground and proximity to toilets. Site #6 offers privacy but is near the road. Group sites B and C are quieter and provide meadow views. Yurts have bunk beds and accommodate families well.

Best CampsitesSite 15 gets mentioned for privacy and shade. Sites 24 and 31 offer meadow views. Yurts work well for groups needing more space and weather protection.

Need help booking Quaking Aspen?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Quaking Aspen Campground is equipped with basic but well-maintained facilities. Visitors can expect vault toilets, potable water from spigots, picnic tables, and fire pits at individual sites. There is no electricity, sewer, or water hookups for RVs. "Vaulted toilets are what they are," one user noted, referring to the lack of advanced restroom facilities. Firewood is available for purchase either from the camp host or can be collected near the campsite. There is no Wi-Fi on-site, but connectivity can be accessed at the Ponderosa Lodge nearby. Bear precautions are a must as some sites lack bear boxes.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Quaking Aspen

Quaking Aspen offers a mix of recreational activities, from hiking and fishing to exploring nearby attractions like the Trail of 100 Giants.

Hiking4.0/5

Direct access to Freeman Creek Trail and the Trail of 100 Giants; hiking is a prominent activity.

Biking4.0/5Top 13% in California

Mountain biking opportunities and suitable nearby trails/terrain are noted.

Winter Activities2.0/5

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.5/5Fall aspen color, giant sequoias, meadows and ridgelines provide great photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete 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 at Quaking Aspen Campground.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

330 reviews

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 330 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 330 reviews.

Site #29Loved
Site #29 is clean and relatively secluded.
Site #1Issues noted
Site #1 lacks a bear box, while Site #13 is close to smelly vault toilets.

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 330 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 330 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 330 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 330 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 330 reviews