Hikers and anglers will find Cold Springs Campground positioned at the end of the winding 23-mile Mineral King Road, where the East Fork of the Kaweah River flows through a forested valley at 7,500 feet elevation. This tent-only campground operates seasonally from late May through October, offering 40 sites arranged in a loop configuration with vault toilets and potable water.
The drive requires patience, taking over an hour from Highway 198 on partially paved and dirt roads with steep drop-offs. Several reviewers mention the challenging access, with one noting it's "not worth it" if you're afraid of heights. Sites along the river provide direct water access, though Jill F. warns that "the water is COLD, even in summer." Spring flooding can affect riverside sites during snowmelt season.
The campground serves as a base for Mineral King's trail system, connecting to high-country hiking routes without the crowds found elsewhere in the park. Bear boxes are mandatory, and marmots present additional food storage challenges. Cell service disappears after turning onto Mineral King Road, though a pay phone provides emergency contact. Silver City Resort, located 15 minutes down the road, offers hot meals, supplies, and paid showers for campers seeking amenities beyond the basic facilities.
For those exploring the broader region, campgrounds around Sequoia National Park provide additional options with varying access requirements and elevation levels.
Description
Overview
The Mineral King area features the highest elevation campground in the parks. At 7,500 feet (2280 m), it is only open during the summer months. It takes approximately 90 minutes to drive the long narrow, winding, largely unpaved road that leads to the area and its two campgrounds. RVs and trailers are not recommended on Mineral King Road and are not permitted in campgrounds. Mineral King is not connected to the rest of Sequoia National Park by roads.
Recreation
Trails to alpine lakes and mountain passes begin nearby.
Facilities
Nestled among amid aspen trees and conifers, the campground is located near the Mineral King Ranger Station. The campground has no sinks and no flush toilets, pit toilets only.
Natural Features
Hikes into the backcountry out of Mineral King will give visitors an ever deeper understanding of the beauty and uniqueness of Sequoia National Park. Hike to alpine lakes and over mountain passes, or climb a peak.
Nearby Attractions
There are limited services at Silver City Resort, 2.5 miles (4 km) west of the campground.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (559) 565-4404.
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 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) 565-4404 if you will be arriving 24 hours after your arrival date so your site won't be cancelled.
Fee Info
ENTRANCE FEES APPLY in Mineral King -buy your pass ahead of time. CAMPING FEES: $32 per night for Regular Camping and $16 per night for valid lifetime Access Pass, lifetime Senior Pass, and annual Senior Pass. No other passes receive reduced rates. 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) 565-4404 if you will be arriving 24 hours after your arrival date so your site won't be cancelled.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCold Springs Campground — Sequoia National Park is located in California
Directions
Cold Springs campground is located 23 miles (37 km) from Highway 198 on the Mineral King Road. It is an approximately 90 minute drive. The road is narrow, winding and steep, deeply rutted in sections, and mostly unpaved. It is not advised for longer vehicles, including trailers and other recreational vehicles. RVs and trailers are not permitted in campgrounds.
Coordinates
36.452103 N
118.612164 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 4 hrs 21 min from Visalia, CA
- 4 hrs 35 min from Hanford, CA
- 4 hrs 57 min from Fresno, CA
- 5 hrs 24 min from Bakersfield, CA
