Upper Stony Creek Campground

For Californians seeking an authentic and serene outdoor escape nestled in the majestic foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Upper Stony Creek Campground offers a truly remarkable experience. Located near Three Rivers, a gateway community to some of California's most iconic natural wonders, this campground stands out as a "great gem" for those desiring peace, natural beauty, and proximity to unparalleled wilderness adventures. In a state celebrated for its diverse landscapes, finding a camping spot that combines a friendly atmosphere with essential amenities and an abundance of wildlife can be a rare treat. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Upper Stony Creek Campground, helping local users in California understand its unique appeal, its services, and why it might be the ideal destination for their next outdoor adventure.

Camping experiences in California range widely, from bustling resort-style parks to remote, primitive sites. Upper Stony Creek Campground carves out its niche by offering a balanced approach: it's well-maintained and has a welcoming atmosphere, yet it retains a rustic charm that allows visitors to truly connect with nature. Its smaller size and "super nice" host contribute to a more personal and pleasant camping experience, fostering a sense of community among fellow outdoor enthusiasts. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals, couples, and families looking for a tranquil basecamp from which to explore the grandeur of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, or simply to relax by a creek.

Our goal is to serve as your comprehensive guide to Upper Stony Creek Campground, equipping you with all the necessary information to plan a memorable and well-prepared trip. We'll delve into its precise location and how to access it, outline the services and amenities you can expect, highlight its distinctive features and recreational opportunities, and provide essential contact information. By understanding these key aspects, you can ensure your visit to Upper Stony Creek Campground is as rewarding and seamless as possible, allowing you to fully embrace the serene beauty and adventurous spirit of the Sequoia National Forest region.

Upper Stony Creek Campground is conveniently located on Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93262, USA. This address places it just outside the entrance to Sequoia National Park, making it an ideal basecamp for exploring both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Three Rivers itself is a small, charming community nestled in the foothills, providing some basic services and a relaxed atmosphere before ascending into the higher elevations of the parks.

The campground's location on Generals Highway (also known as State Route 198) offers excellent accessibility. Generals Highway is the main road that leads into Sequoia National Park from the south, connecting directly to the Giant Forest and Crescent Meadow areas, as well as providing routes to Kings Canyon National Park. This means that campers can easily reach the park's iconic attractions, such as the General Sherman Tree, Moro Rock, and numerous hiking trails, with minimal travel time. While the campground offers a sense of being "out of the way," its direct access to a major park thoroughfare ensures convenience.

Being in the foothills, the elevation of Upper Stony Creek Campground is relatively lower than much of Sequoia National Park's interior, providing a more temperate climate during certain seasons. This can be particularly appealing in the shoulder seasons when higher elevations might still be snowy or when visitors prefer to avoid the full heat of the Central Valley. The setting is described as providing "lots of wildlife," suggesting a natural and immersive environment despite its accessibility. The campground's proximity to the town of Three Rivers means that basic supplies, gas, and dining options are within a short drive, adding to the convenience for campers. The road to the campground is typically well-maintained, as it is a major access route to the national parks, ensuring a relatively smooth journey for most vehicles.

Upper Stony Creek Campground provides essential services that contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience, balancing rustic charm with necessary amenities. Based on available public information and reviews, the following services are typically provided:

• Campsites: The campground offers a number of individual campsites. Reviewers note that sites like #2 are "large with a horseshoe driveway," capable of easily fitting multiple cars, suggesting good space and privacy between spots.
• Fees: Camping typically costs around $8 per night. An additional fee of $8 per night may apply for each extra car over the first vehicle, as mentioned in reviews. This makes it a very budget-friendly option for campers.
• Restrooms: The campground provides pit toilets (also known as vault toilets). Critically, a review highlights them as the "cleanest pit toilet I have seen," indicating excellent maintenance.
• No Running Water: It is important to note that, as a more rustic campground, there is no running water or potable water available at the campsites. Campers must bring their entire water supply for drinking, cooking, and hygiene.
• Fire Pits/Rings: Campsites are equipped with fire pits or rings, allowing for campfires. A California Campfire Permit is required, and campers must always check for current fire restrictions before lighting any fires.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite typically includes a picnic table for convenience.
• Camp Host: A "super nice" camp host is often on-site, providing a welcoming presence, answering questions, and assisting campers.
• Trash Collection: While not explicitly detailed, campgrounds typically provide trash receptacles or require "pack it in, pack it out" policies; campers should be prepared to manage their waste responsibly.
• Operational Season: The campground opens for the season, as noted by a reviewer who visited in May 2025, suggesting a seasonal operation typically from spring through fall.

Upper Stony Creek Campground boasts several attractive features and highlights that enhance the camping experience and make it a "gem" for visitors:

• Spacious & Private Campsites: Reviewers emphasize the generous size of the sites, with ample space for multiple vehicles and a layout that promotes a sense of privacy.
• Friendly & Attentive Camp Host: The presence of a "super nice" camp host significantly contributes to a welcoming and positive atmosphere, offering assistance and local knowledge.
• Exceptionally Clean Pit Toilets: A standout highlight, the cleanliness of the pit toilets is highly praised, addressing a common concern for campers at rustic sites.
• Natural Swimming Hole in the Creek: A key feature is the "swimming hole in the creek," which is an "easy short walk in camp." This offers a fantastic opportunity for refreshing dips and water play, especially during warmer months.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: Visitors note "lots of wildlife came into the campground," suggesting frequent sightings of local fauna, adding to the immersive nature experience. This enhances the sense of being truly in nature.
• Proximity to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: The campground's location on Generals Highway provides direct and easy access to the world-famous giant sequoia groves, dramatic canyons, and extensive trail systems within these national parks.
• Budget-Friendly Camping: With an $8 per night fee, it offers a highly affordable option for experiencing the Sierra Nevada, especially compared to more developed or private campgrounds.
• Secluded yet Accessible: While providing a sense of being "out of the way" and quiet ("Only a few people camping" in early season), its location on a main highway ensures good accessibility for most vehicles.
• Dog-Friendly (Implicit): While not explicitly stated, general Forest Service regulations often permit dogs on leash in campgrounds, making it likely a dog-friendly option.

For the most up-to-date information on Upper Stony Creek Campground, including current fees, operational dates, road conditions, and fire restrictions, it is highly recommended to contact the managing agency, the U.S. Forest Service (specifically the Hume Lake Ranger District or the main Sequoia National Forest information line).

Address: Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93262, USA

Phone: (559) 784-1500 (General information line for Sequoia National Forest, which oversees the area)

Mobile Phone: +1 559-784-1500

Upper Stony Creek Campground near Three Rivers, California, is an exceptionally suitable destination for locals seeking a genuine, tranquil, and value-packed outdoor experience in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Its unique combination of features aligns perfectly with the desires of many Californians looking to connect with nature without significant financial or logistical hurdles.

Firstly, its prime location on Generals Highway makes it an incredibly convenient basecamp for exploring the world-renowned Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. For Californians, these parks represent iconic natural treasures, and Upper Stony Creek provides direct, easy access to their towering giant sequoias, breathtaking vistas, and myriad hiking opportunities. This proximity means less travel time and more time enjoying the majestic landscapes that are literally in their backyard.

Secondly, the campground's budget-friendly pricing ($8 per night) is a significant draw. In a state where outdoor recreation costs can quickly add up, this affordability makes a wilderness escape highly accessible for a wider range of residents. It allows families, solo adventurers, and budget-conscious travelers to enjoy extended stays or more frequent trips, fostering a deeper and more regular engagement with California's natural beauty without breaking the bank. The additional car fee is transparent and still keeps the overall cost very reasonable.

Furthermore, the positive reviews highlighting a "super nice" host, "cleanest pit toilet," and "large" sites speak to a well-managed and pleasant camping environment. These aspects address common concerns about rustic campgrounds, assuring visitors of a comfortable and well-maintained experience despite the lack of running water. The natural swimming hole in the creek, easily accessible within the camp, is a fantastic highlight, offering a refreshing way to cool off and enjoy the natural surroundings, especially during warmer months. The presence of abundant wildlife further enhances the immersive natural experience, appealing to nature lovers and photographers alike.

Finally, Upper Stony Creek Campground offers a peaceful retreat. Being a smaller, often less crowded (especially in the early season as noted by a reviewer) campground, it provides the quiet and solitude that many locals crave when escaping urban environments. It allows for genuine relaxation, a chance to disconnect from daily stressors, and to simply enjoy the sounds of the creek and the sights of the forest. While campers must be prepared for the absence of potable water, this simply contributes to the authentic, self-reliant wilderness experience that many outdoor enthusiasts actively seek.

In conclusion, Upper Stony Creek Campground is a true "gem" for Californians. It offers an affordable, serene, and well-managed camping experience with unbeatable access to the grandeur of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a memorable and rejuvenating outdoor adventure in the heart of the Sierra Nevada.

Upper Stony Creek Campground

Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93262, USA