How much does camping cost at Cold Springs Campground?

Camping fees at Cold Springs Campground are $32/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cold Springs Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cold Springs Campground 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 Cold Springs Campground before I book?

Yes! Cold Springs Campground has 6 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 Cold Springs Campground?

Cold Springs Campground is open June 24 to October 13. 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 Cold Springs Campground?

Cold Springs Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Cold Springs Campground have?

Cold Springs Campground has 41 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cold Springs Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cold Springs Campground. 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 Cold Springs Campground?

Cold Springs Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cold Springs Campground?

Popular activities at Cold Springs Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cold Springs Campground (Ca)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Cold Springs Campground?

Fire policies at Cold Springs Campground: Campground Rules and Regulations: • Food Storage- You are in an ACTIVE BEAR AREA. Black Bears are active day and night . When not in arms reach, you must properly store all food, drinks, scented items, coolers, and equipment used to prepare food, inside provided food storage lockers. These items must be stored day and night . Bear Locker dimensions for campsites 14-18 are 21" high x 24" deep x 47" wide. Campsites 33-41 bear lockers are 16" high x 17" deep x 51" wide. All remaining bear lockers a. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.42

241 reviews

47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA, 93271

Top 3% in CAFall

CReport Card

Scenic ViewsGreat HikingSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Kings Canyon National Park Hiking Camping California Mountain Camping California +1 more

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

$32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

41 campsites

Season

Open only during sum...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

$32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

41 campsites

Season

Open only during sum...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Cold Springs Campground (Ca)

$32.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Tent Only Nonelectric: $32.00; Walk To: $32.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$32.00

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

559 565 3341

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA, 93271

Cold Springs Campground (Ca)

47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA, 93271

Nearby places

Silver City Resort is 2.5 miles (4 km) west of the campground. Three Rivers is approximately 23 miles away.

Weather at Cold Springs Campground (Ca)

Current alerts(3)

If your campsite remains vacant for 24 hours after your arrival date it will be cancelled and made available on rec.gov. You will be charged for the first night's campsite fee and a $10 cancellation fee, all other fees after that will be refunded.
Season opening dates for this campground are tentative and subject to change depending on weather, road openings and other conditions. Updates will be posted here ahead of additional releases.
Tire Chains may be required at any time . Be prepared at any time of year for a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. Check Road Conditions at nps.gov/seki Vehicles longer than 22 feet (including trailers) are not advised between Potwisha Campground and the Giant…

Best Time to Camp at Cold Springs Campground (Ca)

Best season: fall. Early fall (late September to very early October) offers the best combination of weather, scenery, and solitude — daytime highs typically range from the mid‑40s to mid‑60s°F with crisp nights dropping into the 20s–30s°F. This is peak aspen color in the Mineral King basin, fishing remains productive at alpine lakes, and trails are quieter after the summer crowds and before winter snows close access. Note that the window is short: roads and the campground can close with the first significant storm Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 3% in CA

Late Sept–early Oct noted as best combination of weather, scenery (aspens) and solitude.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 24 to October 13. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open only during summer months due to high elevation and seasonal access issues.

About Cold Springs Campground (Ca)

Cold Springs Campground sits in the Mineral King basin of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, a high-elevation alpine setting accessed via the winding Mineral King Road. Operated by the National Park Service, this mid-sized campground serves as a trailhead hub for hikers exploring the surrounding wilderness. Sites are tucked among conifers near a mountain stream, with vault toilets, fire rings, and bear boxes provided.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Early fall (late September to very early October) offers the best combination of weather, scenery, and solitude — daytime highs typically range from the mid‑40s to mid‑60s°F with crisp nights dropping into the 20s–30s°F. This is peak aspen color in the Mineral King basin, fishing remains productive at alpine lakes, and trails are quieter after the summer crowds and before winter snows close access. Note that the window is short: roads and the campground can close with the first significant storm Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation7500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits in a granite basin where a creek runs near many sites. Aspen groves turn gold in fall, and conifers provide shade on larger sites. The surrounding Mineral King valley features glacier-carved terrain and alpine lakes accessible via trailheads near camp. Sites 1-11 and 22-32 sit closest to the water. Some campsites are small and uneven, while creek-side sites tend to be more spacious with better shade.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground. Maximum reservations per transaction are limited to two.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 people per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility information is not explicitly detailed, but the campground includes walk-in sites that require carrying gear from parking areas, which could present challenges for those with mobility issues.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size. Some are described as small and uneven, while others near the stream are spacious with good shade.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary across sites. Sites near the river (e.g., 1-11, 22-32) are popular due to their proximity to the creek, while walk-in sites offer less vehicular disturbance but may have limited privacy.

Total Campsites41 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 33 is recommended as a walk-in site due to its proximity to parking and a water faucet. Sites 22-30 are ideal for campers wanting creek access.

Best CampsitesSites 22-30 sit near the creek and get requested most often for the water sounds and scenery. Walk-in sites reduce vehicle noise but may still lack privacy. Reviews mention that creek-side spots offer the best ambiance despite smaller overall site sizes.

Need help booking Cold Springs Campground (Ca)?

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

The campground has no sinks and no flush toilets, pit toilets only.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Cold Springs Campground (Ca)

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.

Hiking5.0/5Top 3% in California

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation, remote and secluded setting favorable for dark skies.

Photography4.0/5Glacier‑carved valley, alpine lakes, aspens and riverside sites offer high photographic potential.

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. Vault toilets are the only toilet facilities provided. Reviews suggest vault toilets are clean but can be far from some campsites.

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.

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.

Fire PolicyCampground Rules and Regulations: • Food Storage- You are in an ACTIVE BEAR AREA. Black Bears are active day and night . When not in arms reach, you must properly store all food, drinks, scented items, coolers, and equipment used to prepare food, inside provided food storage lockers. These items must be stored day and night . Bear Locker dimensions for campsites 14-18 are 21" high x 24" deep x 47" wide. Campsites 33-41 bear lockers are 16" high x 17" deep x 51" wide. All remaining bear lockers a

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10pm to 6am

Trash & RecyclingBear-proof dumpsters are available for trash disposal. Campers should ensure the dumpsters are locked to prevent access by wildlife. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

241 reviews

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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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Cold Springs Campground (Ca)

$32.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Tent Only Nonelectric: $32.00; Walk To: $32.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$32.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

559 565 3341

Go if

You want a quiet, high-elevation base camp for wilderness hiking and don't mind a winding access road.

Skip if

You need larger sites, potable water on-site, or prefer campgrounds without overnight gate closures.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.3

(93)

Atwell Mill Campground

47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271

Atwell Mill Campground sits at 7,500 feet in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, operated by the National Park Service as a small, reservation-only base for alpine hiking. The East Fork Kaweah River runs nearby, and spacious sites under tall conifers offer access to high-country trails leading to granite passes and alpine lakes. Summer brings long, sunny days and cool nights, with trails typically snow-free by mid-July.

Cold Springs Campground (Ca)

Quick Facts

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Current alerts(3)

Best Time to Camp at Cold Springs Campground (Ca)

Planning Tips

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Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Cold Springs Campground (Ca)?

Amenities available

Things to do at Cold Springs Campground (Ca)

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

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