Lodgepole Campground, Sequoia National Park, California

Lodgepole Campground is one of two National Park campgrounds located within Sequoia National.  Sequoia NP is bordered on the North by Kings Canyon National Park, and the parks in many ways are treated as one. There are several National Forest campgrounds on the perimeter of the park, offering another option if reservations are tight. Lodgepole Campground is most central to the park and within close and easily accessible reach of the surrounding attractions via the National Park's shuttle system. The campground is appropriately named. We found this campground to be slightly "commercialized." Sites here are closely spaced, not offering much
privacy from neighbors. Additionally, interior boulder-lined roads make maneuvering a moderate to large sized rig challenging. It took us nearly twenty minutes to round one corner on the way to our site. One dent, a scuff in the paint and a seven point turn later we were in our site. I suggest visiting in a 32 footer or less; Ours was 36 feet! Pads and interior roads are paved. Within the campground itself, many amenities are available to campers, including: a Visitor's Center, café, extensive gift shop/store, laundry facilities, showers and restrooms and a shuttle stop that will transport you, free of charge, throughout the park. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. If you are travelling in a moderately large rig, Dorst Campground might be a better fit. Reservations are accepted here, and the campground is often full for it's season: late May through early October.

Location
Best Sites: 151-160, 70, 72-74, 78-79, 132, 134-135, 183-184, 186, 189
Poor Sites: 4-22, 57, 59
Hookups: None
Potable Water: Yes
Dump Within Facility: Yes


Comments

Anonymous said…
was just wondering - we have a reservation at lodgepole and see that the campsites we have reserved are noted as some of your best campsites - 73 -74. we also have two directly across the street - Why are these so good?
CampCrazy said…
Thanks for such a great question, which actually makes me think I should publish a blog post on how I rate "best" vs "worst" campsites. Usually a campsite rated as "best" is spacious, provides views, is more private than other sites or lies along a creek/borders scenery. Hope this helps!
Anonymous said…
Thanks for posting the review. The site description in reservation system says that site 134 is a "walk to" site. Is there a parking space next to the site? Thank you!
CampCrazy said…
As for parking at Walk To Sites in Lodgepole, I am not sure whether parking is adjacent to the site or not. Usually Walk To sites that I have encountered have a few car parking spaces in a row (a mini parking lot) and then a series of campsites not far from the parking spots, the only difference from a "regular" campsite being that you don't have space between cars of neighboring campers. A quick call to the park office could clarify your question!
mercedes said…
we are camping at sequoia national park for the first time with our two small children 2 and 4 ....what site do you recomend? there are too many to chose from!
Unknown said…
I tried to make a reservation to lodgepole toward early October. It says unavailable, but I thought it was open year round?
Unknown said…
Hello,
I have reservations at Lodgepole site 65. Will this site fit a 24 Ft Class C Rv and if not, will it extend out into the street creating a hazard? please help... Thank You...
campgroundcrazy said…
Hi Jack,
I checked out both recreation.gov and campsitephotos.com. I think you will fit just fine. Recreation.gov isn't giving a driveway length, which is unusual, yet they haven't marked it as a tent only site. Looking at campsitephotos.com the driveway length looks like it should fit your rig. If I were you, I would call up to the campground itself and ask a ranger. I find they are usually pretty helpful and don't want you to get into a pinch as much as you don't want to get into a pinch! Happy Travels!
Mike said…
Hi, we are touring through the States next year in late may/ June in a 30' RV. Really want to stop at sequoia national park for a night, will a RV this size fit in lodge pole camp ground? Visiting from New Zealand
Cheers Mike
campgroundcrazy said…
Hi Mike,
Your 30 foot RV should be just fine. My post was written about our 36 foot Tiffin, which was too big for the space. Another option is Dorst Campground that is bigger rig friendly.
Enjoy your tour of the states! We have some beautiful country!
Safe Travels,
Campgroundcrazy
Unknown said…
I have stayed at Azelia campground (loved it) and was wondering is there good tent sites at lodgepole and where can we see pictures of these sites
Unknown said…
Where can we see pictures of tge good sites and are they tent friendly as well? I really enjoyed azalia (spelled wrong).