Cold Springs Campground (CA) campground
Three Rivers, California

Cold Springs Campground (CA)

Mixed (reservable + first-come)
40 campsites
Open in maps

40

Total Campsites

Campground

39

Reservable Sites

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About Cold Springs Campground (CA)

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. A narrow, winding, largely unpaved road 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 Trails to alpine lakes and mountain passes begin nearby. 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. contact_info For facility specific information, please call (559) 565-4404. Nearby Attractions There are limited services at Silver City Resort, 2.5 miles (4 km) west of the campground. 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.

  • 40 total campsites listed.
  • 39 reservable sites plus first-come options.
  • Most common site type: tent only nonelectric (31).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Cold Springs Campground (CA) photo 2
Cold Springs Campground (CA) photo 3

Our Take

What makes Cold Springs Campground (CA) special

For campers who crave solitude and high-country grandeur, Cold Springs Campground in the Mineral King area of Sequoia National Park is a destination worth the journey. Perched at 7,500 feet along the East Fork of the Kaweah River, this intimate 40-site campground sits at the highest elevation of any campground in the Sequoia parks, surrounded by subalpine meadows and granite peaks that feel a world apart from the popular Giant Forest below. Getting here is part of the adventure. The narrow, winding 25-mile Mineral King Road climbs nearly 7,000 feet from Three Rivers, demanding patience and rewarding it with increasingly dramatic scenery at every switchback. Once you arrive, the payoff is extraordinary. Trailheads for Eagle Lake, Mosquito Lakes, and the spectacular Sawtooth Pass depart directly from the campground area, offering some of the finest backcountry day hikes in the Sierra Nevada. Cold Springs is a primitive campground with no hookups or showers, attracting a self-reliant crowd of hikers, backpackers, and nature lovers who prefer stargazing to scrolling. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is open from late May through October, weather permitting. Summer weekends fill quickly, so midweek arrivals are your best bet. Nights are cool even in July, so pack warm layers and enjoy some of the darkest skies in California.

Campsite Inventory

40 sites to choose from

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC

31total sites

30

Reservable

0

Accessible

WALK TO

9total sites

9

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

CAMPFIRE RINGS

Campfire Rings

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Site capacity

Single

Check-in time

12:00 PM

Check-out time

12:00 PM

Driveway length (ft)

20

FOOD STORAGE LOCKER

Food Storage Locker

Max guests

6

Max vehicle length (ft)

20

Minimum guests

Yes

PICNIC TABLES

Picnic Tables

Pets allowed

Yes

Site Access

Drive In, Hike In

TENT PADS

Tent Pads

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Phone

559 565 3341

Getting There

Cold Springs campground is located 23 miles (37 km) from Highway 198 on the Mineral King Road. 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.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to Cold Springs Campground (CA).

How do reservations work for Cold Springs Campground (CA)?

Reservation availability for Cold Springs Campground (CA) can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at Cold Springs Campground (CA)?

Cold Springs Campground (CA) currently lists TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC (31), WALK TO (9).

Where is Cold Springs Campground (CA) located?

Cold Springs Campground (CA) is in California near Three Rivers. Coordinates: 36.4521, -118.6122.

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