Cold Springs Campground
36.4513, -118.6124 · Park boundary: National Park Service
The campground is typically open May through October. Reservations can be made up to one month in advance. All sites are reservation only. Nestled among aspen trees and conifers, the campground is located near the Mineral King Ranger Station, 26 miles (42 km) - 1.5 hour drive time - from the Highway 198 junction in Three Rivers. There are limited services at Silver City Resort, 2.5 miles (4 km) west of the campground.
- Every day
- All Day
Cold Springs Campground usually opens in late May and closes in late October. Gates open or close at noon on the campground opening and closing dates. *Potable water is not always available in spring and fall.
- Fall/Winter Closure (Dates Subject to Change) · Oct 15, 2026 – Jun 23, 2027 · Closed
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
This fee is valid for up to six people at a campsite.
Senior Passes and Access 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 Cold Springs Campground typically open in April and can be made up to one month in advance of your stay. All sites are reservation only.
- Drinking water
- Yes - seasonal
- Food storage lockers
- Yes - seasonal
- Toilets
- Vault Toilets - seasonal
- Trash & recycling
- Yes - seasonal
- Amphitheater
- No
- Camp store
- No
- Cell reception
- No
- Dump station
- No
- Firewood for sale
- No
- Host on site
- No
- Ice for sale
- No
- Internet
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Showers
- None
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
- RVs
- Not allowed
- Trailers
- Not allowed
- Access roads
- Unpaved Roads - All vehicles OK in good weather
- Classification
- Designated Primitive Campsites
Roads are unpaved, uneven, and are moderately-sloped in some areas of the campground.
While there are currently no accessible sites here, our parks are dedicated to creating sites in the near future. This campground has 40 campsites. There are 31 regular sites and 9 walk-in sites (located approximately 100-200 yards walking distance from parking area, depending on site).
In summer, fire restrictions may be in effect if conditions are dry, even at higher-elevation campgrounds. When fire danger is very high, wood and charcoal fires (including campfires in fire rings and wood-burning stoves) may be prohibited. Check current fire restrictions online or at park bulletin boards before you camp.
You are required to store food properly in order to protect bears. Each campsite has a large food storage locker (47”W x 33”D x 28”H) that is resistant to bears when properly latched. For more information: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/bears.htm.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Cold Springs campground is located 23 miles (37 km) from Highway 198 on the Mineral King Road. The road is narrow, winding and steep, deeply rutted in sections, and mostly unpaved. It is not advised for longer vehicles, including trailers and other recreational vehicles.
This campground is at 7,500 feet (2,286 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 leashed at all times. Leash should be 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
Drive to Cold Springs Campground
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