Sierra Nevada
Where to Stay Near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Where to stay near Sequoia and Kings Canyon: in-park lodges, Three Rivers cabins, Generals Highway stays and Visalia hotels, with real drive times.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 3 min read
Sequoia and Kings Canyon are linked by the steep, curving Generals Highway, so a hotel that looks close can be an hour from your trailhead.
This guide compares in-park lodges, Three Rivers, the Generals Highway, Visalia and Fresno.
In This Guide
- Inside vs. Outside the Park: How to Choose
- Wuksachi Lodge: Staying Inside Sequoia
- Where to Stay in Kings Canyon: Grant Grove and Cedar Grove
- Montecito Sequoia Lodge: Between the Two Parks
- Three Rivers: Cabins, Riverside Lodges and AutoCamp
- Visalia and Fresno Hotels for Sequoia and Kings Canyon
- Camping and Mineral King
- When to Book Lodging Near Sequoia
- Plan Your Route Through Both Parks
- FAQ
Inside vs. Outside the Park: How to Choose
Staying inside puts sunrise on the Congress Trail and sunset at Moro Rock within easy reach. Staying outside costs less and has more restaurants. Giant Forest is closest to the Ash Mountain entrance above Three Rivers, and Grant Grove to the Big Stump entrance on Highway 180.
- Giant Forest: Wuksachi Lodge or Three Rivers
- General Grant Tree: John Muir Lodge or Grant Grove Cabins
- Kings Canyon floor: Cedar Grove Lodge (seasonal)
- Budget: Visalia or Fresno
Wuksachi Lodge: Staying Inside Sequoia
Wuksachi Lodge is a few miles north of Lodgepole Village, 15 to 20 minutes from the General Sherman Tree, with a restaurant. It gets you to Crescent Meadow and General Sherman before day visitors. Tokopah Falls, starting from Lodgepole, flows best in late spring.
Where to Stay in Kings Canyon: Grant Grove and Cedar Grove
Grant Grove sits among the sequoias; Cedar Grove is on the canyon floor.
John Muir Lodge and Grant Grove Cabins
John Muir Lodge is open year-round in Grant Grove Village, minutes from the General Grant Tree. Grant Grove Cabins range from tent cabins to cabins with baths, and Hume Lake nearby rents canoes in summer.
Cedar Grove Lodge
Cedar Grove Lodge has about 21 rooms, an hour down Highway 180 from Grant Grove, near Zumwalt Meadow, Roaring River Falls and the Mist Falls trail.
Montecito Sequoia Lodge: Between the Two Parks
Montecito Sequoia Lodge is a family lodge off the Generals Highway with meals included, a small lake and a summer family camp. Grant Grove is 20 minutes away and Giant Forest 45 to 60.
Three Rivers: Cabins, Riverside Lodges and AutoCamp
Three Rivers sits on the Kaweah River outside the Ash Mountain entrance, about an hour from Giant Forest. Buckeye Tree Lodge is by the park entrance, AutoCamp Sequoia has Airstreams and cabins, and many rentals back onto the river. Town has warmer evenings and several restaurants.
Visalia and Fresno Hotels for Sequoia and Kings Canyon
Visalia is 35 to 45 minutes from Three Rivers, with chain hotels, and a summer shuttle has run into Sequoia by reservation. Fresno has the closest major airport, about 75 minutes from Grant Grove.
Camping and Mineral King
Main campgrounds are Lodgepole, Dorst Creek, Potwisha, Azalea and Sunset, mostly reserved on Recreation.gov. Sites have bear boxes; see my bear safety guide.
Silver City Mountain Resort rents summer cabins in Mineral King, up a narrow road from Three Rivers.
When to Book Lodging Near Sequoia
Book in-park lodges months ahead for summer; Three Rivers cabins also go fast. Check NPS.gov for road and fire closures. See my guide to avoiding crowds in California’s national parks.
Plan Your Route Through Both Parks
See my guide to seeing giant sequoias and the California national parks road trip. An America the Beautiful pass covers both parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to stay in Three Rivers or inside Sequoia National Park?
Wuksachi Lodge saves about an hour each way to Giant Forest. Three Rivers has more dining but a long daily drive.
How far is Sequoia from Kings Canyon?
About 30 miles, roughly an hour on the Generals Highway.
Are Sequoia and Kings Canyon lodges open in winter?
Wuksachi Lodge and John Muir Lodge generally are. Cedar Grove Lodge is not.
Where should I stay to see the General Sherman Tree at sunrise?
Wuksachi Lodge, 15 to 20 minutes away.
Can you stay in Mineral King?
Yes, in summer, at Silver City Mountain Resort or park campgrounds.
Destination guide
My Sequoia hotel, Airbnb and tour picks
