King's Canyon National Park Azalea Campground

For Californians with a deep appreciation for majestic landscapes and towering ancient trees, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks represent a pinnacle of natural beauty. Nestled within the heart of Kings Canyon National Park, Azalea Campground stands out as a prime destination, offering not just a place to set up camp, but a true gateway to some of the most iconic natural wonders in our state. It provides a foundational experience for immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring giant sequoia groves and exploring the vast wilderness of the High Sierra.

Azalea Campground is celebrated for its excellent location and accessibility, serving as a convenient base for exploring both Kings Canyon and its sister park, Sequoia National Park. Unlike some more remote or primitive campgrounds, Azalea offers essential amenities that enhance comfort without detracting from the rustic charm of a national park setting. Visitors consistently highlight its well-maintained facilities and the serene environment it provides amidst a forest of sugar pines, incense cedars, firs, and of course, giant sequoias. It's a place where you can wake up to clean air, enjoy stunning night skies, and have the world's second-largest tree just a short walk away, making it an ideal choice for families, couples, and solo adventurers looking for an authentic California national park experience.

Azalea Campground is ideally situated on Grant Tree Rd, Hume, CA 93628, USA, placing it directly within the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park. This strategic location means it's incredibly close to the General Grant Tree – often just a short walk or drive away – and the Grant Grove Village, which serves as a central hub for park services.

Access to Azalea Campground is primarily via Highway 180, which is the main route into Kings Canyon National Park from the Fresno area. The campground is located approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km) from the Kings Canyon National Park entrance on Hwy 180. This well-maintained highway makes it relatively easy for both tents and RVs to reach the campground, although drivers of large vehicles (over 22 feet) entering from Sequoia National Park via the Generals Highway should note that the road between Potwisha Campground and the Giant Forest Museum can be challenging and are advised to use the Kings Canyon entrance. The campground's central position in Grant Grove also provides convenient access to the Generals Highway, the vital road connecting the General Grant Tree to the General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park. This makes Azalea an unparalleled base for exploring both of these famous groves and the numerous hiking trails and attractions that span across both parks, allowing visitors to maximize their time immersed in the beauty of the Sierras.

• Campsites: Azalea Campground offers 110 campsites, suitable for both tent camping and RVs (though no hookups are available). Each site includes a picnic table, a fire ring, and a bear-proof food storage locker (typically 47”W x 33”D x 28”H).
• Flush Toilets: The campground provides modern flush toilet facilities, which are generally well-maintained.
• Potable Water: Fresh, safe drinking water is available through spigots located throughout the campground, a significant convenience for campers.
• Utility Sinks: Sinks are available near restrooms for washing dishes, ensuring proper disposal of greywater (all dirty water must be dumped in these sinks, not on the ground).
• Bear-Proof Storage: Every campsite is equipped with a bear-proof food storage locker, essential for protecting food and scented items from bears and other wildlife.
• Camp Hosts: A camp host is typically available on-site to assist campers and provide information.
• Trash Disposal: Bear-proof dumpsters are provided for waste disposal. Visitors are expected to properly dispose of all trash.
• Firewood for Purchase: Firewood can be purchased at the nearby Grant Grove Market, located in Grant Grove Village.

• Exceptional Location for Sequoia Access: Azalea Campground boasts a prime location just a short walk (approximately 0.8 miles) to the iconic General Grant Tree, the Nation's Christmas Tree and the second-largest tree in the world. This direct access to a major sequoia grove is a significant highlight.
• Central to Both Parks: Its placement just off the Generals Highway makes it an ideal central base for exploring not only Kings Canyon National Park (including Hume Lake and Cedar Grove, which is about an hour's drive) but also Sequoia National Park, home of the General Sherman Tree and Giant Forest (about a 40-minute drive).
• Year-Round Operation: Azalea Campground is one of the few campgrounds in the area that operates year-round, offering a unique opportunity for winter camping (though fewer sites are open, and water may be limited in colder months).
• Abundant Hiking Opportunities: From the campground, visitors can access a variety of hiking trails, including the loop around General Grant Tree, Ella Falls (a 50-foot waterfall), and Panoramic Point, offering breathtaking views of the High Sierras.
• Spacious and Forested Sites: Campers often praise the spacious and relatively private sites, nestled within a mixed conifer forest of sugar pines, incense cedars, firs, and sequoia trees, providing a true immersive nature experience.
• Wildlife Viewing: The natural setting means abundant wildlife, including black bears (necessitating proper food storage), mule deer, squirrels, and various bird species. Visitors often report deer wandering through the campground.
• Stunning Night Skies: Far from urban light pollution, Azalea Campground offers spectacular opportunities for stargazing, with clear, star-filled night skies that are truly unforgettable.
• Proximity to Grant Grove Village: Being close to Grant Grove Village provides convenient access to the Kings Canyon Visitor Center (for information, exhibits, and Wi-Fi), a market, a restaurant, and a gift store.

For inquiries and information about King's Canyon National Park Azalea Campground, you can contact the National Park Service directly.

• Phone: (559) 565-3341 (Main number for Kings Canyon National Park campground inquiries)
• Mobile Phone: +1 559-565-3341 (same number, often listed for direct dialing)
• Address: Grant Tree Rd, Hume, CA 93628, USA (This identifies the general location within Kings Canyon National Park, specifically the Grant Grove area.)

For reservations, especially during peak seasons (June to September), it is highly recommended to book your campsite in advance through Recreation.gov. You can visit the official National Park Service website for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (nps.gov/seki) for the most up-to-date information on campground availability, operating seasons, current conditions, fire restrictions, and any alerts. You can also call the main park information line at (559) 565-4307 for general park inquiries. Always check road conditions and weather forecasts before traveling, especially if visiting outside of the summer months.

For Californians, Azalea Campground in Kings Canyon National Park represents an unparalleled opportunity to connect with some of the state's most iconic natural wonders. Its central location within Grant Grove makes it incredibly suitable for locals, offering immediate access to the majestic giant sequoias, including the General Grant Tree, without the need for extensive travel once inside the park. This convenience allows for more time to explore, hike, and simply soak in the breathtaking environment.

The campground's blend of rustic charm and essential amenities – flush toilets, potable water, and bear boxes – ensures a comfortable yet authentic national park camping experience. Locals appreciate the clean facilities and the natural beauty of the forested sites, providing a true escape from city life. Its strategic position along the Generals Highway means that both Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks are easily accessible, allowing Californians to maximize their exploration of these intertwined natural treasures during a single trip. Whether it's the peaceful nights under a sky full of stars, the joy of spotting deer wandering through the campsite, or the sheer awe of standing beside ancient giant sequoias, Azalea Campground offers a deep and memorable connection to California's unparalleled wilderness, making it a highly recommended and cherished local destination.

King's Canyon National Park Azalea Campground

Grant Tree Rd, Hume, CA 93628, USA