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Sentinel Campground in California
Very Hard to BookNational Park

Sentinel Campground

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, California

We can email you the day Sentinel Campground opens again.

It is off-season. Sentinel Campground is closed until May 20, 2027

National Park Service closes this campground on September 17, 2026 and reopens it on May 20, 2027.

ClosedSeptember 17, 2026 – May 20, 2027
OpenReopens May 20, 2027

National Park Service says: “Winter Seasonal Closure”

As of October 2026, Sentinel Campground is a campground in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, California with 78 campsites. Sentinel Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

  • PermitSnag checks Sentinel Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
  • Sentinel Campground is located at 36.7903° N, 118.6719° W.
people allowed on each site
6

Sentinel Campground reservations and next available dates

Stay and booking rules

  • Mid-stay changes allowed
  • Group bookings open: 4 Months
  • Maximum consecutive stay: 14 consecutive nights
  • Maximum reservations at once: 2 reservations
  • Maximum stay: 14 nights
  • Maximum per transaction: 2 reservations per transaction
  • Book up to: 4 Months

Published by Recreation.gov for Sentinel Campground, read on September 28, 2026.

Campsites at Sentinel Campground

  • Standard 77
  • RV 1
  • Accessible 5

What an RV fits

  • 15–19 ft12 sites
  • 20–24 ft37 sites
  • 25–29 ft14 sites
  • 30–34 ft11 sites
  • 60–64 ft2 sites

Amenities

  • restrooms
  • showers
  • potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain · Access: Paved road.

Things to do: fishing, hiking, wildlife, photography, horse riding.

All sites at Sentinel Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

SiteLoopTypeSleepsMax RVAccess
22Center LoopStandard623 ft-
23Center LoopStandard620 ft-
24Center LoopStandard623 ft-
26Center LoopStandard625 ft-
27Center LoopStandard620 ft-
28Center LoopStandard621 ft-
29Center LoopStandard621 ft-
30Center LoopStandard622 ft-
31Center LoopStandard664 ft-
32Center LoopStandard624 ft-
33Center LoopStandard663 ft-
34Center LoopStandard630 ft-
35Center LoopStandard630 ft-
36Center LoopStandard630 ft-
37Center LoopStandard627 ft-
48Center LoopStandard630 ft-
60Left Outer LoopStandard620 ft-
62Left Outer LoopStandard624 ft-
63Left Outer LoopStandard617 ft-
64Left Outer LoopStandard620 ft-
65Left Outer LoopStandard624 ft-
66Left Outer LoopStandard619 ft-
67Left Outer LoopStandard621 ft-
68Left Outer LoopStandard619 ft-
69Left Outer LoopStandard6--
70Left Outer LoopStandard624 ft-
71Left Outer LoopStandard630 ft-
72Left Outer LoopStandard621 ft-
73Left Outer LoopRV630 ft-
74Left Outer LoopStandard617 ft-
75Left Outer LoopStandard625 ft-
76Left Outer LoopStandard622 ft-
77Left Outer LoopStandard622 ft-
78Left Outer LoopStandard630 ft-
80Left Outer LoopStandard622 ft-
81Left Outer LoopStandard626 ft-
82Left Outer LoopStandard628 ft-
83Left Outer LoopStandard625 ft-
38Right Inner LoopStandard621 ft-
SiteLoopTypeSleepsMax RVAccess
39Right Inner LoopStandard622 ft-
40Right Inner LoopStandard630 ft-
41Right Inner LoopStandard625 ft-
42Right Inner LoopStandard622 ft-
43Right Inner LoopStandard627 ft-
44Right Inner LoopStandard623 ft-
46Right Inner LoopStandard624 ft-
47Right Inner LoopStandard624 ft-
49Right Middle LoopStandard622 ft-
50Right Middle LoopStandard619 ft-
51Right Middle LoopStandard627 ft-
52Right Middle LoopStandard626 ft-
53Right Middle LoopStandard617 ft-
54Right Middle LoopStandard622 ft-
55Right Middle LoopStandard6--
56Right Middle LoopStandard625 ft-
57Right Middle LoopStandard623 ft-
58Right Middle LoopStandard630 ft-
59Right Middle LoopStandard623 ft-
01Right Outer LoopStandard628 ft-
02Right Outer LoopStandard618 ft-
03Right Outer LoopStandard621 ft-
04Right Outer LoopStandard628 ft-
05Right Outer LoopStandard623 ft-
06Right Outer LoopStandard627 ft-
07Right Outer LoopStandard621 ft-
08Right Outer LoopStandard620 ft-
09Right Outer LoopStandard618 ftAccessible
10Right Outer LoopStandard619 ftAccessible
11Right Outer LoopStandard617 ftAccessible
12Right Outer LoopStandard621 ftAccessible
13Right Outer LoopStandard630 ft-
14Right Outer LoopStandard630 ftAccessible
15Right Outer LoopStandard620 ft-
16Right Outer LoopStandard621 ft-
18Right Outer LoopStandard617 ft-
19Right Outer LoopStandard620 ft-
20Right Outer LoopStandard620 ft-
21Right Outer LoopStandard618 ft-

About Sentinel Campground

Overview

Sentinel Campground in Cedar Grove is nestled in the stunning Kings Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the United States. With views of a lovely meadow central to the campground, the sound of the Kings River, and glowing mountainsides just beyond the trees, Sentinel Campground is a wonderful place for families to spend time in the great outdoors.

Recreation

Cedar Grove provides a plethora of hiking trails, from the hiking newcomer to the avid backpacker, and everyone in between. Day hikers can hike to Mist Falls, Cedar Grove Overlook, around the peaceful Kanawyer Loop along the Kings River, through Zumwalt Meadow, and more. Visitors can also fish for trout in the Kings River, or take a scenic horseback ride through the canyon with the Cedar Grove Pack Station.

Facilities

Each site in Sentinel Campground provides a fire ring, picnic table and large bear-proof food storage box. The roads through Sentinel Campground are paved, making it easier for both RVs and smaller cars to access the entire campground. There are five comfort stations throughout the campground, all with flush toilets, sinks for dish-washing, and drinking water. The Cedar Grove Visitor Center is located just outside Sentinel Campground, and Cedar Grove Village is across the street and offers a convenience store, gift shop, snack bar, hotel, showers and laundry.

Natural Features

Tall granite mountainsides cradle the south fork of the Kings River, as streams and creeks feed the river with snowmelt from higher elevations. Abundant wildlife roam through the tall ponderosa pine and incense cedar trees, meadows and along riversides. Hikes into the backcountry out of Cedar Grove will give visitors an ever deeper understanding of the beauty and uniqueness of Kings Canyon National Park.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (559) 565-3792.

Nearby Attractions

Hume Lake, Grizzly Falls, Mist Falls, Zumwalt Meadow, Roaring River Falls, Sequoia Groves and numerous hiking trails attract visitors to this area. Campfire stories, nature and wildlife presentations, and ranger-led hikes are also available during most of the season.

Charges & Cancellations

  • Payment in full will be charged to your credit card upon completion of the reservation. A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Additional fees will apply for late cancellations
  • All cancellations made between midnight on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival are considered late cancellations and will incur a $10.00 cancellation fee and will also forfeit the first night’s use fee. Cancellations for a single night’s reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply.
  • 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. Recreation.gov policies apply to all reservations, cancellations, refunds and date changes. Call (559) 565-3792 if you will be arriving 24 hours after your arrival date so your site won't be cancelled.

Rules and notices at Sentinel Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 28, 2026. Check Sentinel Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

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. Recreation.gov policies apply to all reservations, cancellations, refunds and date changes. Call (559) 565-3792 if you will be arriving 24 hours after your arrival date so your site won't be cancelled.

Upon making a campground reservation: Site occupants agree to follow ALL campground rules. Failure to comply may result in a fine. You are responsible for your guests.

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 . Food storage locker dimensions are 28" high x 33" deep x 47" wide.
  • •6 Person Limit - There is a maximum of 6 people per campsite . If you exceed this number, purchase 2 sites and spread your group and equipment out evenly between campsites. This is to preserve the natural resources and minimize noise levels. Reservations can be made in advance to accommodate a larger group size at a group campground .
  • •Check-In AND Check-Out is at 12 NOON - Please be prepared to show a screen shot (limited cell service) or printout of your reservation confirmation email upon arrival to the campground. Campsites need to be vacated (vehicles and occupants) by 12:00 NOON.
  • •Parking Pad - Vehicles must be parked with all four wheels on pavement. Vehicles that do not fit on the provided parking pad must be parked in overflow parking areas.
  • •Quiet Hours 10pm to 6am - Music, talking, and generators should not be audible beyond your immediate campsite. Unreasonable noise is prohibited any time of day.
  • •Generator Hours- 9AM to 9PM
  • •Fire Restrictions - Check current fire restrictions at nps.gov/seki . Fires must be attended . DO NOT build additional fire rings. Glass, aluminum, and food are prohibited in fire rings. Firewood is sold locally. Dead and down wood may be gathered for your campfire. Logs must fit within the fire ring. Chainsaws are not allowed. Fires must be extinguished completely with water and be cool to the touch before leaving your campsite or going to bed.
  • •Tents - Pitch tents only on tent pads or within campsite boundaries.
  • •Dogs/Pets - must always be kept crated, caged, or on a leash no longer than six feet. Pets are allowed in campgrounds and picnic areas. Pets may not be left unattended . Pets are not allowed beyond 100 feet of public roads or parking areas. Pets are not allowed on any Park trails.
  • •Preserve Natural Resources - Injuring plants or trees by cutting, breaking, or attaching nails or other hardware is prohibited. Driving off pavement is prohibited.
  • •Bicycles - Helmets required if under 18 years of age. Bicycles are not allowed on any park trails.
  • •Trash Disposal - Please keep your campsite clean. Place all litter/trash in bear proof campground trash dumpsters. To prevent bears from getting trash please DO NOT forget to lock or relatch the dumpster . Do not leave cigarette butts, bottle caps, confetti or litter on the ground.
  • •Water Disposal - Do not dump grey-water on the ground or at the water spigots. Bring a tub to wash dishes or to collect shower water. All grey-water must be disposed of at the restrooms, dish sinks, or at a RV dump-station. Used water must not be allowed to run onto the ground .
  • •Propane Tank Disposal - DO NOT leave in the park. We are unable to recycle your used propane tanks. Please take them home with you and dispose of them properly.

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 Forest Museum.

Dangerous Rivers! Many drowning victims were playing near rivers. Rivers present a far greater danger than lakes or pools. Surfaces may look calm, but strong currents often run below. Be cautious walking near rivers as rocks can be slippery. Getting out of a cold, swift river is often impossible.

Falling Objects - Don't linger under dead, cracked, or broken branches. Run if you hear cracks or snapping from tree roots, trunks, or branches (know that sometimes there is no sound, and very little time to react). Report falling branches or trees to a ranger.

A California state fishing license is required to fish in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and Sequoia National Forest lakes and streams. Fishing licenses may be available at National Park and National Forest markets.

Sentinel Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Sentinel Campground?

Sentinel Campground is rated "Very Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Sentinel Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Sentinel Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Sentinel Campground have?

Sentinel Campground has 78 campsites.

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