How much does camping cost at Sentinel Campground?

Camping fees at Sentinel 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 Sentinel Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Sentinel 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 Sentinel Campground before I book?

Yes! Sentinel Campground has 2 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.

What is the best time to visit Sentinel Campground?

Sentinel Campground is open May 20 to September 15. 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 Sentinel Campground?

Yes, Sentinel Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Sentinel Campground have?

Sentinel Campground has 83 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sentinel Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sentinel 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 Sentinel Campground?

Sentinel Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sentinel Campground?

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

Sentinel Campground

4.37

714 reviews

47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271, USA

Top 3% in CASummer

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

C+Report Card

Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Featured in:Camping Near Kings Canyon National Park Sequoia

Quick Facts

4,682 ft

Price

$32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

83 campsites

Season

Open from May 9, 202...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

4,682 ft

Price

$32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

83 campsites

Season

Open from May 9, 202...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Sentinel Campground

$32.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $32.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$32.00

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This campground gets 1 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

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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, USA

Sentinel Campground

47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271, USA

Nearby places

Fresno (~87 miles, ~2 hours), Visalia (~90 miles, ~2 hours)

Weather at Sentinel Campground

Best Time to Camp at Sentinel Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Sentinel Campground because warm days and low-elevation snowmelt make the Kings River ideal for swimming, wading, and river-side relaxing while all campground services are available. Expect daytime highs commonly in the mid-80s to mid-90s°F (around 85–95°F) with large nighttime drops into the 40s–50s°F, so bring sun protection and warm layers for evenings. Trails, fishing, and meadow wildflower displays are at their most accessible, though weekends in July–August Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 3% in CA

Summer listed as best season: warm days, snowmelt, ideal river access and peak trail availability.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 20 to September 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 9, 2025, to October 26, 2025.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Sentinel Campground

Sentinel Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, operated by the National Park Service near Three Rivers. Large sites with full amenities including showers and laundry serve tent and RV campers exploring Giant Forest trails and the nearby Kings River. The campground operates seasonally during peak months with a 14-day stay limit.

Sentinel Campground accommodates tent camping, RV camping, and group sites. Primitive camping options are not clearly mentioned.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Sentinel Campground because warm days and low-elevation snowmelt make the Kings River ideal for swimming, wading, and river-side relaxing while all campground services are available. Expect daytime highs commonly in the mid-80s to mid-90s°F (around 85–95°F) with large nighttime drops into the 40s–50s°F, so bring sun protection and warm layers for evenings. Trails, fishing, and meadow wildflower displays are at their most accessible, though weekends in July–August Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation4682 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a forested bench where the Kings River threads through meadows and groves of ponderosa pine and incense cedar. Granite cliffs frame the canyon above. Black bears frequently visit sites searching for food. Reviewers mention river access for swimming and wading, plus meadow wildflower displays in summer. Deer graze at dawn and dusk. The canyon's depth rivals the Grand Canyon in places, though you'll mostly see the surrounding cliffs and river corridor from camp.

Lodging & AccommodationsNearby Cedar Grove Village offers a hotel along with other amenities like a snack bar and convenience store.

Programs & ActivitiesRanger-led hikes and nature presentations are available during the active season, enhancing visitor engagement with the park's natural features.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights per reservation and per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 people per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites are available. The paved roads throughout the campground facilitate ease of access for vehicles and RVs. Dishwashing sinks and water spigots are conveniently located near restrooms.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and accommodating, with some large enough for multiple tents or RVs.

PrivacyPrivacy varies across sites. Some sites offer better seclusion, while others are closer together or near popular amenities. Reviewers suggested choosing sites on the outer loops for more privacy.

Total Campsites83 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near the river (e.g., #14) are ideal for tranquility and scenic views, while meadow-facing sites (e.g., #55) offer unique experiences.

Best CampsitesSites 14, 19, 29, and 55 get recommended for river or meadow proximity and better privacy. Reviewers suggest choosing sites on the outer loops to gain distance from neighbors and popular amenities.

Need help booking Sentinel Campground?

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

Sentinel Campground offers a variety of amenities aimed at enhancing the camping experience. Each site is equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear-proof food storage box. The paved roads throughout the campground make accessibility easier for both RVs and smaller cars. There are five comfort stations with flush toilets, sinks for dishwashing, and drinking water. Additionally, Cedar Grove Village, located across the street, provides a convenience store, gift shop, snack bar, hotel, showers, and laundry facilities. Reviewers frequently mentioned the cleanliness of the restrooms and the availability of dishwashing stations as standout features. However, there were occasional complaints about the lack of lighting in restrooms and the closure of showers.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Sentinel Campground

Sentinel Campground offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities. The proximity to Kings River enables anglers to fish, while nearby trails like the Mist Falls and Kanawyer Loop appeal to hikers of all skill levels. Wildlife sightings, including bears and deer, are common. Visitors frequently described the natural beauty of the area as a highlight of their experience.

Hiking5.0/5Top 3% in California

Water Sports2.0/5

River present but boating/kayaking not mentioned and currents are reported as strong.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5National Park setting at 4,682 ft with high scenic ratings suggests good night skies (no direct mentions).

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.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers sized 28" x 33" x 47" are provided at each site to secure food and scented items.

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.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

Rate Sentinel Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.4

714 reviews

Recommended

Sentinel Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Sentinel Campground receives highly favorable reviews for its scenic beauty, cleanliness, and proximity to outdoor activities. Common themes include the availability of flush toilets, bear boxes, and hiking trails. However, some reviews highlighted challenges like bear activity, lack of lighting in restrooms, and overcrowding during peak seasons.

Review Summaries

Based on 714 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors frequently praised the natural beauty, spacious campsites, clean restrooms, and proximity to hiking trails and the Kings River. The campground's well-maintained facilities, including...

Based on 714 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback included issues such as bear activity disturbing campsites, lack of lighting in restrooms, occasional overcrowding, and challenges in securing reservations due to high demand.

Based on 714 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #14 is frequently described as one of the best due to its proximity to the river and spacious layout. Sites on outer loops are recommended for privacy, while central sites are noted for...

Based on 714 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers suggested booking reservations early, bringing flashlights for restroom use at night, and ensuring all food and scented items are stored in bear boxes. Choosing sites along the river or on...

Based on 714 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season (summer) reviews highlighted the campground's popularity, with many visitors praising the availability of hiking and fishing opportunities. Fall reviews noted reduced crowds but colder...

Based on 714 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Sentinel Campground in Kings Canyon National Park is one of our favorites. Stayed in campsite #34 this trip. Large pull-through site, with plenty of beautiful shade trees and an open field.' -...

Based on 714 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features like paved roads and proximity to restrooms and water spigots are noted. Flashlights are recommended for nighttime restroom visits due to lack of lighting.

Based on 714 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on leash. Reviewers appreciated the pet-friendly environment but cautioned against leaving pets unattended due to bear activity.

Based on 714 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Sentinel Campground

$32.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $32.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$32.00

Get Notified When Available

This campground gets 1 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

Free to start · Premium adds 2-min scans

263,000+ 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 flush toilets, bear boxes, and trail access steps from your tent, and you book an outer loop site like #14 near the river for space and quiet.

Skip if

you need guaranteed solitude, dark-adapted restrooms, or a site during peak season without a reservation locked in early.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.8

(50)

Canyon View Group Sites

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks 47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271, USA

Canyon View Group Sites sits in mid-elevation forest within Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, near Three Rivers. Managed by the National Park Service, this small group-camping facility offers flush toilets, hot showers, and riverside proximity for groups exploring Kings Canyon's trails and waterways. Reviewers consistently praise the spacious sites, cleanliness, and bear-safe infrastructure, though occasional noise from neighboring groups can disrupt quieter campers.

Sentinel Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Sentinel Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Sentinel Campground

Best Time to Camp at Sentinel Campground

Planning Tips

About Sentinel Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Sentinel Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Sentinel Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

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Skip if

How campers graded it

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Directions

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Ask Camp Sage about Sentinel Campground

Best Time to Camp at Sentinel Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Sentinel Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Sentinel Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews