Southwest Walk-In Campground

Star4.33
14 reviews

Quick Facts

6,713 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

WiFi
Get Directions

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
Southwest Walk-In Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 14 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanrestroomslocation

"The Southwest Walk-In Campground receives positive reviews for its convenient location next to the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and access to trails and scenic attractions. The lack of cell service is noted, but slow Wi-Fi is available at the visitor center. Highlights include clean restrooms, well-maintained campsites, and stunning stargazing opportunities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Southwest Walk-In Campground

40.4366, -121.5326

Driving directionsCampground is adjacent to the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center Parking Area, which is located one mile from the Southwest Entrance.
Campground is adjacent to the visitor center parking, accessible by paved roads. During winter, access shifts south of the parking lot for snow camping.

Best Time to Camp at Southwest Walk-In Campground

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer reviews cite comfortable July temps, wildflowers and enjoyable hiking.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Limited specific fall data; mountain setting suggests pleasant conditions but evidence is thin.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring likely offers trails and emerging wildflowers, but direct spring reviews are limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Over‑the‑snow camping and nearby snow reported; winter reviews less detailed though.

Planning Tips

    About Southwest Walk-In Campground

    Nestled just steps from the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, Southwest Walk-in Campground offers an intimate wilderness experience with modern convenience. A smooth, paved pathway winds through the landscape, leading to thoughtfully placed campsites that balance accessibility with natural beauty. As winter transforms the park, this versatile camping area reinvents itself—from November through May, adventurous souls can embrace the magic of over-the-snow camping in designated areas south of the main parking lot, where pristine snowfields create an entirely different world.
    The Southwest Walk-In Campground is a first-come, first-served facility with tent camping available. During winter, sites are relocated to an over-the-snow area.
    Advertisement

    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite


    Amenities available

    Potable water
    WiFi
    Flush toilets
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables

    Activities you can enjoy

    Campers at Southwest Walk-In Campground can enjoy hiking, stargazing, and visiting nearby geothermal and scenic attractions. The visitor center offers a convenient starting point for exploring the area's trails and other features.
    HikingThe campground is near trailheads leading to scenic areas, including a creek, hills covered in Mountain Mule Ears, and a waterfall. "The trail behind the visitor center takes you through a small wooded area before opening on a pretty creek and hills."
    Winter Activities
    Water Sports
    Advertisement

    Policies & Safety

    No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

    Weather at Southwest Walk-In Campground

    Reviews

    4.3
    14 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Southwest Walk-In Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
    The Southwest Walk-In Campground receives positive reviews for its convenient location next to the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and access to trails and scenic attractions. The lack of cell service is noted, but slow Wi-Fi is available at the visitor center. Highlights include clean restrooms, well-maintained campsites, and stunning stargazing opportunities.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 14 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Convenient location near the visitor center and trailheads; clean and accessible restrooms; scenic hikes with wildflower views; comfortable July temperatures; and excellent stargazing opportunities.
    Based on 14 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Limited or no cell service; very slow Wi-Fi at the visitor center; and proximity to other campers may lack seclusion for some visitors.
    Based on 14 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Bring an offline map due to no cellular service; arrive early to secure a campsite as they are first-come, first-served; and consider visiting in July for wildflower blooms and other scenic features....
    Show more
    Based on 14 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    Summer reviews highlight moderate temperatures, scenic wildflowers, and enjoyable hiking conditions. Winter reviews are less detailed but mention over-the-snow camping availability.
    Based on 14 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "The restrooms are clean. If they are busy when you need them, you can always try the visitor center where they leave the restrooms open 24 hours a day." "The campsites have both sun and shade, and...
    Show more
    Based on 14 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    Specific site numbers are not mentioned in the reviews, but all campsites are accessible via short walks along a paved path.
    Based on 14 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is not explicitly addressed, but the paved walkway provides easy access to campsites.
    Based on 14 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    Reviews do not mention pet policies or pet-related amenities.
    Based on 14 reviews

    0
    0 review
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5

    Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

    Been to Southwest Walk-In Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


    Last updated January 13, 2026
    Advertisement

    Nearby Campgrounds

    Campgrounds you may also like

    Campgrounds
    Southwest Walk-In Campground