Princess Campground

Introduction / Overview

For California locals seeking an authentic mountain camping experience with unparalleled access to some of the state's most magnificent natural wonders, Princess Campground in Miramonte is an exceptional choice. Nestled within the Sequoia National Forest, this campground serves as an ideal base for exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, as well as the recreational hub of Hume Lake. Unlike some more rustic alternatives, Princess Campground offers a balance of natural immersion with essential amenities, making it a comfortable yet adventurous retreat.

Princess Campground is characterized by its spacious sites set amidst towering trees, providing ample shade and a sense of privacy. While one specific campsite (#50) has been noted to be challenging for RVs due to its incline and orientation, the campground as a whole earns high marks for its overall beauty and suitability for diverse camping styles, particularly tent campers. It's a place where the sounds of nature prevail, and the fresh mountain air invites relaxation and outdoor activity. With its strategic location and well-maintained facilities, Princess Campground is a go-to destination for Californians looking to explore the Giant Sequoias, hike scenic trails, and enjoy the serene beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Location and Accessibility

Princess Campground is conveniently located on CA-180 in Miramonte, CA 93633, USA. This address places it strategically within the Sequoia National Forest, just a few miles northwest of Hume Lake and approximately six miles from Grant Grove Village, one of the main visitor hubs for Kings Canyon National Park. This makes Princess Campground an excellent and highly accessible gateway for Californians eager to explore the wonders of both Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks.

The campground's direct access from Highway 180 (the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway) ensures a relatively straightforward drive for most vehicles, though specific campsites may present challenges. For example, Site #50 has been identified as particularly difficult for RVs and travel trailers due to a steep incline, a drop-off from the pavement, and an awkward orientation for backing in. However, the majority of the campground offers standard access suitable for a range of vehicles, including RVs and trailers, provided campers check site-specific details when booking. The maximum campsite spur length is often around 40 feet, with some sites accommodating RVs up to 50 feet, so it's imperative to confirm your rig's fit upon reservation.

From major California cities like Fresno, the drive is relatively short and scenic, typically taking around 1.5 to 2 hours. For those traveling from the greater Los Angeles or San Francisco Bay Area, the drive will be longer but remains manageable for a multi-day trip. Its elevation at approximately 5,900 feet also means that Princess Campground often enjoys cooler temperatures in summer, providing a refreshing escape from the heat of the Central Valley. The ease of reaching this area via a well-maintained state highway, combined with its immediate proximity to key national park attractions, makes it an ideal spot for Californians seeking immersive mountain and forest experiences.

Services Offered

• Reservable Campsites: Princess Campground offers reservable single and double-sized sites, allowing campers to plan their trips well in advance, which is highly recommended due to the campground's popularity, especially during summer. Reservations can often be made up to six months in advance.
• Diverse Site Types: The campground features 88 campsites, including 19 dedicated tent-only sites. The remaining sites can accommodate a mix of tents, trailers, and RVs, catering to a wide range of camping preferences.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides clean and regularly maintained vault/composting toilets throughout its loops. While not flush toilets, they are noted for their cleanliness and are stocked with toilet paper.
• Animal-Safe Food Storage: Each campsite includes a metal food-storage box (bear box), essential for safely storing food and scented items, as the area is known for wildlife, including bears.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: All campsites are equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill, providing necessary amenities for outdoor cooking and enjoyable campfires (when fire restrictions permit).
• Sewage Dump Station: For RV and travel trailer owners, there is a convenient sewage dump station on-site, a valuable service for extended stays.
• Camp Hosts: Friendly and helpful camp hosts are available on-site, providing assistance and information to campers, as well as selling firewood bundles.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available at the campground, ensuring campers have access to fresh water during their stay.
• Seasonal Operation: The campground typically operates seasonally, usually open from mid-May to mid-September, aligning with the best weather for mountain camping.

Features / Highlights

• Proximity to National Parks: Princess Campground offers excellent access to both Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park, making it an ideal base for exploring iconic sites like Grant Grove, General Sherman Tree, and other giant sequoia groves.
• Near Hume Lake: Located just 3 miles northwest of Hume Lake, campers have easy access to a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, non-motorized boating, hiking, and a general store with food and fuel.
• Indian Basin Grove and Meadow: The campground is situated next to the beautiful Indian Basin Grove and Indian Basin Meadow. An accessible, paved half-mile interpretive trail and an extension loop allow campers to explore these serene natural features directly from the campground.
• Shaded and Spacious Sites: Many sites are set among towering trees, offering luxurious shade and a good sense of privacy between campsites, contributing to a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
• Regularly Cleaned Facilities: Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness of the vault toilets and other facilities, indicating a high standard of maintenance by the staff.
• Amphitheater and Ranger Programs: An on-site amphitheater is available, and during summer weekends, the campground hosts campfire talks and guided hikes, providing educational and engaging activities for all ages.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Being adjacent to a large meadow and within a national forest, wildlife sightings are common, enhancing the wilderness experience. Campers are advised to be bear aware.
• Beautiful Scenery: The campground offers a generally beautiful setting with views of the surrounding forest and, from some sites, glimpses of Hume Lake or the adjacent meadow.

Contact Information

To make reservations or inquire further about Princess Campground in Miramonte, especially regarding site availability, specific amenities, or current conditions in the Sequoia National Forest, you can use the following contact details. Given its popularity, particularly during the summer season, making reservations well in advance is highly recommended.

Address: CA-180, Miramonte, CA 93633, USA

Phone: (877) 444-6777

Mobile Phone: +1 877-444-6777

The 877 numbers provided are typically for the national reservation system (Recreation.gov) for federal campgrounds. When calling, be prepared to specify "Princess Campground in Sequoia National Forest" to ensure you get accurate information. This contact method allows you to check site details, including length restrictions for RVs and trailers, shade availability, and specific site characteristics (like the challenging Site #50, best suited for tents). You can also inquire about current fire restrictions, weather forecasts, and any other advisories relevant to your visit to this beautiful section of the California Sierra Nevada.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For California locals, Princess Campground in Miramonte offers an exceptionally suitable and highly desirable destination for an immersive mountain getaway. Its strategic location is a primary draw: nestled directly on Highway 180, it provides convenient and relatively quick access from Central and Southern California. This proximity to major population centers means less time driving and more time enjoying the stunning Sierra Nevada. Crucially, it serves as an unparalleled gateway to both Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, allowing Californians to easily experience the grandeur of giant sequoias, breathtaking canyons, and extensive hiking trails without the need for far-flung travel.

Beyond its prime location, Princess Campground provides a balanced camping experience that appeals to a wide range of local campers. It offers a mix of spacious, shaded sites suitable for both tents and RVs (with careful site selection for larger rigs), ensuring that families, couples, and solo adventurers can find a comfortable spot. The presence of essential amenities like clean vault toilets, potable water, and an RV dump station, along with the convenience of on-site firewood sales, enhances the comfort of this natural setting. The friendly and helpful camp hosts further contribute to a welcoming and supportive environment, making guests feel at ease.

The opportunities for recreation are abundant, from exploring the Indian Basin Grove Interpretive Trail directly from the campground to enjoying a myriad of activities at nearby Hume Lake, including fishing and boating. The availability of ranger programs and campfire talks during the summer adds an educational and communal element, enriching the overall experience. For Californians seeking to escape the heat, immerse themselves in majestic forests, and access world-class natural attractions from a well-equipped yet naturally beautiful base, Princess Campground is not just a suitable choice—it’s an ideal and highly recommended destination that epitomizes the best of what the Golden State's mountains have to offer.

Princess Campground

CA-180, Miramonte, CA 93633, USA