Sentinel Campground
36.7903, -118.6720 · Park boundary: National Park Service
The campground is typically open May through October. Reservations can be made up to four months in advance. All sites are reservation only. This campground is located on Highway 180, is next to Cedar Grove Visitor Center, and is 0.25 miles (400 m) from Cedar Grove Village. The campground is situated in the canyon along the South Fork of the Kings River under open stands of evergreen trees. Services at Cedar Grove Village include food and showers.
- Every day
- All Day
Sentinel Campground usually opens in late April and closes in late October.
- Winter Seasonal Closure · Oct 27, 2026 – May 19, 2027 · Closed
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
This fee is charged for standard sites that accommodate up to 6 people, and is charged per night.
Access or Senior Passes provide a 50 percent discount on some amenity fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services. This does not apply to group campsites.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Reservations for Sentinel Campground typically open in January and can be made up to four months in advance of your stay. All sites are reservation only.
- Amphitheater
- Yes - seasonal
- Camp store
- Yes - seasonal
- Drinking water
- Yes - seasonal
- Firewood for sale
- Yes - seasonal
- Food storage lockers
- Yes - seasonal
- Ice for sale
- Yes - seasonal
- Toilets
- Flush Toilets - seasonal
- Trash & recycling
- Yes - seasonal
- Cell reception
- No
- Dump station
- No
- Host on site
- No
- Internet
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Showers
- None
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
- RVs
- Allowed · up to 82 ft
- Trailers
- Allowed · up to 82 ft
- Access roads
- Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
- Classification
- Developed Campground
Paved routes exist to restrooms. Campgrounds roads are paved and relatively level.
Sites 10, 11, 12, and 14 are designated accessible. Each includes accessible parking, an extended picnic table, a raised fire ring, a hard-packed surface and tent site, and a paved route to an accessible restroom via the slightly-sloped campground road. Site 14 has parking for a recreational vehicle.
In summer, fire restrictions are often in effect in this campground due to dry conditions and the potential for accidental human-caused fire. When fire danger is very high, wood and charcoal fires (including campfires in fire rings and wood-burning stoves) may be prohibited. Restrictions change as weather and fire conditions change. Check current fire restrictions online or at park bulletin boards before you camp.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Sentinel Campground is located 31 miles from Kings Canyon Park entrance in the Cedar Grove area. The entrance is along North Side Drive.
This campground is at 4,600 feet (1,402 m). Summers are usually warm and sunny, however the weather can change at any time. Be prepared for three-season camping, even in summer.
Black bears are active in this area. Food and scented items must be stored properly to protect bears and other wildlife. When you arrive at the campground, be prepared to store all food and scented items in metal food-storage boxes provided at each site. Learn more about bears and the importance of food storage: http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/bears.htm Pets are permitted within the campground but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet (1.8 m). Pets, including those riding in backpacks, are not allowed on any trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. For more information about pet regulations: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/pets.htm Gates open/close at 12 pm on open and close dates. Check-in at 12 pm or later. Check out before 12 pm. If you have not checked in by noon on the second day of your reserved, your reserved site may be considered unoccupied and opened to new campers. Buy firewood at local markets, do not cut standing or living trees.
Drive to Sentinel Campground
Byway plans the scenic way in — real places, real weather, every stop verified. Zero hallucinations. Google Maps for turns. Byway for soul.