Cold Springs Campground (Ca)

Star4.45
241 reviews
47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA, 93271
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietGreat HikingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

$14 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

41 campsites

Season

Open only during sum...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet 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
Cold Springs Campground (Ca)
$14.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $32 per night for regular camping and $16 per night for valid lifetime Access Pass, lifetime Senior Pass, and annual Senior Pass....
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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

4.45

Recommended

Based on 241 reviews

62 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietlocationhikingsites

Some mention

small

"The campground is praised for its natural beauty, proximity to hiking trails, and secluded atmosphere. However, reviews frequently mention the difficult access road, small campsites, and strict ranger enforcement as drawbacks. Vault toilets and the lack of potable water are also noted."

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Campground Map

47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA, 93271

Cold Springs Campground (Ca)

47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA, 93271

Driving directionsCold Springs campground is located 23 miles (37 km) from Highway 198 on the Mineral King Road. The road is narrow, winding and steep, deeply rutted in sections, and mostly unpaved. It is not advised for longer vehicles, including trailers and other recreational vehicles. RVs and trailers are not permitted in campgrounds.
The Mineral King Road leading to Cold Springs Campground is narrow, winding, steep, deeply rutted in sections, and mostly unpaved. It is not recommended for larger vehicles, including RVs and trailers. The drive is approximately 90 minutes.
Nearby places
Silver City Resort is 2.5 miles (4 km) west of the campground. Three Rivers is approximately 23 miles away.
Nearby supplies
Limited services are available at Silver City Resort, 2.5 miles west of the campground. Additional supplies can be found in Three Rivers, approximately 23 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Cold Springs Campground (Ca)

Summer days at Cold Springs unfold with dramatic temperature swings that define mountain camping at its finest. Wake to crisp, invigorating mornings where your breath forms clouds in the alpine air, then bask in warm afternoon sunshine that invites exploration. As evening approaches, temperatures plummet once again, creating perfect conditions for campfire stories under star-studded skies. Be prepared to share your space with nature's smaller residents—mosquitoes and flies thrive during the warmer months, so pack accordingly.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and busiest in summer; excellent hiking but reviewers note mosquitoes and hot daytime temps.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 5% in CA

Late‑season visits recommended for milder weather and fewer bugs; very scenic (aspens).

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Generally open only in summer; late spring may be accessible in some years but access is uncertain.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonally closed due to elevation and access; not available for winter use.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Summer months only.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open only during summer months due to high elevation and seasonal access issues.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts listed in source.

About Cold Springs Campground (Ca)

Escape to the pristine wilderness of Cold Springs Campground, where alpine serenity meets rugged adventure in Sequoia National Park's spectacular Mineral King region. This remote tent-only sanctuary sits high in the Sierra Nevada, offering intrepid campers direct access to crystalline alpine lakes and legendary backcountry trails. Here, far from the crowds, you'll discover the raw beauty that makes Mineral King one of California's most treasured mountain escapes.
Cold Springs Campground caters primarily to tent camping. Sites include drive-up and walk-in options, with a total of 41 campsites. RVs and trailers are prohibited.
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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
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground. Maximum reservations per transaction are limited to two.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Cold Springs Campground offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, wildlife viewing, and access to nearby alpine lakes. The surrounding Mineral King area is known for its scenic trails and opportunities for backcountry exploration.
HikingHiking trails to alpine lakes and mountain passes are accessible nearby. Popular trails include routes to Franklin Lake and Eagle Lake, offering challenging yet rewarding experiences.
FishingFishing is available in the nearby creek, known for golden trout. Campers have described the fishing experience as peaceful and rewarding.
Wildlife viewingWildlife commonly sighted includes deer and marmots. Campers are advised to safeguard their vehicles against marmots, especially at trailheads.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as bears and marmots, steep and rutted roads, and falling objects from trees. Rivers in the area can be dangerous due to strong currents.
Active AlertsNo active alerts listed in source.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear lockers are available at all campsites. Sizes vary, with some not accommodating standard-sized coolers. Larger bear lockers are available at parking lots.

Weather at Cold Springs Campground (Ca)

Reviews

4.5
241 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Cold Springs Campground (Ca) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is praised for its natural beauty, proximity to hiking trails, and secluded atmosphere. However, reviews frequently mention the difficult access road, small campsites, and strict ranger enforcement as drawbacks. Vault toilets and the lack of potable water are also noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 241 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciated the quiet and secluded environment, the sound of the stream running near campsites, and the excellent hiking opportunities in the surrounding area. The campground's remote...
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Based on 241 reviews

Common Concerns

The road to the campground is described as narrow, winding, and partially unpaved, making it challenging to navigate. Some campsites are small and uneven, with limited privacy. The lack of potable...
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Based on 241 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing bug spray due to mosquitoes, packing light for walk-in sites, and avoiding the drive at night due to the road's condition. They also suggest reserving sites near the creek...
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Based on 241 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are popular but can bring mosquitoes and higher temperatures during the day. Reviews suggest visiting in late spring or early fall for milder weather and fewer bugs.
Based on 241 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground is lovely and I would definitely go back if it weren't for that road." - Leanne Vennemeyer. "The sites are decent size, but they are also very close to each other." - Phil T. "The...
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Based on 241 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 22-30 are praised for their proximity to the creek. Walk-in sites like 33 and 39 are highlighted for their relative seclusion but require significant effort to transport gear. Site 12 is noted...
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Based on 241 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility, but the walk-in nature of some sites and the lack of paved paths may present challenges for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 241 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. They are not permitted on trails. Reviews highlight the campground as pet-friendly but note the limitations on trail access for dogs.
Based on 241 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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