Sentinel Campground

Star4.38
714 reviews
47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271, USA
Scenic ViewsStargazingGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

4,682 ft

Price

$16 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

83 campsites

Season

Open from May 9, 202...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens National Park Service 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
Sentinel Campground
$16.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Entrance fees of $35 per vehicle or $20 per person apply. Camping fees are $32 per night for regular camping and $16 per night for discounted Access...
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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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Provider
559-565-3341
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What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 714 reviews

122 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomsspacioushiking

"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."

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Campground Map

47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271, USA

Sentinel Campground

47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271, USA

Driving directionsFrom Fresno, CA, follow California State Highway 180 East to Cedar Grove. Sentinel Campground is located on the left (north) side of the road in the village.
The roads to Sentinel Campground are paved, making it accessible for both RVs and smaller cars. The drive from Fresno follows State Highway 180 East with winding roads, which can be challenging for larger vehicles. Vehicles longer than 22 feet are not advised between Potwisha Campground and the Giant Forest Museum.
Nearby places
Fresno (~87 miles, ~2 hours), Visalia (~90 miles, ~2 hours)
Nearby supplies
Cedar Grove Village across the street offers a convenience store, gift shop, snack bar, hotel, showers, and laundry. The closest gas station is about an hour away from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Sentinel Campground

From May through October, Sentinel awakens to its most welcoming season, though Mother Nature keeps you on your toes with her temperature swings. July days can soar above 90°F, perfect for river dips and shaded hammock lounging, yet when darkness falls, the mercury plummets dramatically—sometimes even flirting with frost. Pack layers and embrace the extremes: there's something magical about needing sunscreen by day and a cozy campfire by night. This dramatic temperature dance is part of the canyon's charm, creating those crisp mornings when mist rises from the river and every breath feels impossibly fresh.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and active in summer with hiking and fishing; can be hot and busy (peak season).

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall brings fewer crowds and cooler temps; activities remain enjoyable until Oct 26.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Campground opens May 9; late spring offers wildflowers and cool temps but much of spring is closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter months; limited winter access despite occasional snow visits.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 9, 2025 - October 26, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 9, 2025, to October 26, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal closures of showers and facilities. Potential air quality issues due to nearby wildfires.

About Sentinel Campground

Deep within Kings Canyon—one of North America's most dramatic gorges—Sentinel Campground emerges like a hidden sanctuary beneath towering granite walls. Here, where the Kings River whispers through ancient groves and wildflower meadows paint the landscape in seasonal hues, camping takes on an almost mythical quality. Whether you're casting a line into crystalline waters at dawn, setting off on trails that wind through cathedral-like forests, or simply breathing in the pine-scented air while granite peaks glow pink at sunset, Sentinel offers that rare combination of accessibility and wilderness immersion that transforms a camping trip into a lifelong memory.
Sentinel Campground accommodates tent camping, RV camping, and group sites. Primitive camping options are not clearly mentioned.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights per reservation and per year.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingHiking trails are abundant and cater to varying skill levels. Mist Falls, Zumwalt Meadow, and Cedar Grove Overlook are popular choices. Reviewers frequently praised the scenic beauty and accessibility of these trails.
FishingFishing is permitted in the Kings River, with trout being the primary catch. A California state fishing license is required.
SwimmingSwimming in the river is possible. Reviewers noted the cold water and strong currents, urging caution.
BikingBiking is allowed on paved roads within the campground. Helmets are mandatory for children under 18 years old.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings are common, including deer and black bears. Reviewers described encounters as exciting but stressed the importance of bear safety measures.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsRanger-led hikes and nature presentations are available during the active season, enhancing visitor engagement with the park's natural features.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsActive bear area requiring strict food storage. Strong river currents and slippery rocks present water hazards.
Active AlertsSeasonal closures of showers and facilities. Potential air quality issues due to nearby wildfires.
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.

Weather at Sentinel Campground

Reviews

4.4
714 reviews
Recommended
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...
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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

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...
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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...
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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.' -...
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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...
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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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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