Hire an RV for Kings Canyon National Park in California, giant sequoias, granite canyon walls, the Kings River and quieter trails than Yosemite, at your own pace.
You can hire a Class B, C or A motorhome from Fresno (FAT) or Los Angeles (LAX) and drive to Kings Canyon National Park in 90 minutes to four hours depending on your pickup city. The park is administered jointly with Sequoia National Park and shares the same entrance fee. The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway (Highway 180) descends from Grant Grove to Cedar Grove and closes in winter, typically from November through late April. Summer (June to September) is the most accessible season; late spring and early autumn offer cooler temperatures and fewer visitors. Book your RV at least three to four months ahead for summer dates.
This guide covers Kings Canyon National Park in the Sierra Nevada of Tulare and Fresno Counties, California, approximately 90 minutes east of Fresno via Highway 180. It does not cover Kings Canyon in the Northern Territory of Australia. The California park is jointly managed with Sequoia National Park and shares a continuous road network; most visitors explore both parks on the same trip.
Kings Canyon National Park covers approximately 1,900 square kilometres of the southern Sierra Nevada in central California. It was established as a national park in 1940, though the Grant Grove area was designated Kings Canyon National Monument in 1890. The park is managed jointly with the adjacent Sequoia National Park by the National Park Service.
The park’s two main areas are Grant Grove (near the Big Stump Entrance, elevation approximately 2,000 metres) and Cedar Grove (in the canyon floor, elevation approximately 1,400 metres). These areas are connected by the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, which descends 600 metres through dramatic switchbacks with canyon views.
Grant Grove contains General Grant Tree, the second-largest tree by volume in the world and one of the primary sequoia attractions in the Sierra Nevada. Cedar Grove sits at the bottom of one of North America’s deepest canyons, with the Kings River running through the valley floor and granite walls rising steeply on both sides.
The park is significantly quieter than Yosemite Valley. Cedar Grove has no traffic-managed reservation system comparable to Yosemite’s, and the deeper canyon sections see far fewer visitors even in peak summer. This makes Kings Canyon the more practical choice for a self-directed RV trip where you want to pull into a trailhead without queuing.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Sierra Nevada, Fresno and Tulare Counties, California |
| Park entrance | Big Stump Entrance on Highway 180, east of Fresno |
| Elevation range | ~1,400 m (Cedar Grove) to 4,341 m (Mount Whitney, adjacent park) |
| Key areas | Grant Grove, Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, Cedar Grove |
| Park fee | USD 35 per vehicle (7 days; covers Sequoia NP entry too) |
| Road closures | Kings Canyon Scenic Byway closes in winter, typically Nov-Apr |
| Cell coverage | Very limited inside the park; download offline maps before entry |
| Nearest services | Fresno (~90 min west) or Visalia (~1.5 hrs south-west) |
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is the closest major airport to Kings Canyon, approximately 90 minutes west of the Big Stump Entrance via Highway 180. Fresno is served by American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest, Delta and United from major California cities and hubs.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is approximately four hours south via US-99 and Highway 180 and offers a significantly wider range of RV rental operators and fleet sizes. Los Angeles is the most practical pickup for international visitors flying into California.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is approximately four to five hours north via I-5 and Highway 180, or four hours via US-101 to I-5. A useful option for those combining Kings Canyon with a broader California road trip from the Bay Area.
| Pickup City | Drive to Park Entrance | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresno (FAT depots) | ~90 min | Hwy 180 E | Closest and most convenient |
| Visalia / Tulare | ~1.5 hrs | Hwy 198 to Generals Hwy | Access via Sequoia NP side |
| Los Angeles (LAX depots) | ~4 hrs | US-99 N then Hwy 180 E | Widest fleet selection |
| San Francisco (SFO depots) | ~4-5 hrs | I-5 S then Hwy 180 E | Northern California approach |
| Las Vegas (LAS depots) | ~5.5 hrs | I-15 N then US-395 N | Desert to Sierra Nevada route |
Pick up your RV at least one day before entering the park. Use the extra day to stock groceries and fill your fresh water and fuel tanks in Fresno or a surrounding town. There are no fuel stations inside Kings Canyon National Park proper; fuel is available at Grant Grove Village and Stony Creek (confirm current availability before relying on these, as hours and seasonal closures vary). For a broader look at RV rental options across the United States, the destination guide covers depot networks by region. See the full brand line-up on the Our Suppliers page.
Event Campers compares RV hire from Cruise America, Road Bear RV and El Monte RV across Fresno and Los Angeles depots. Prices are in USD.
Cruise America has a Fresno area depot and strong California coverage. Their standardised Class C motorhomes are the most reliable fleet option for a Kings Canyon trip. All units include onboard generator, kitchen, bathroom and air conditioning.
Road Bear RV operates larger Class C and Class A motorhomes from Los Angeles and other California depots. Their vehicles suit longer Sierra Nevada itineraries and groups of four to six who want more interior comfort for a multi-day park stay.
El Monte RV has California coverage including the greater Los Angeles area. A practical mid-range option with Class C motorhomes suited to a couple or small group.
Indie Campers USA offers Class B campervans from select California depots. A Class B van is the most manoeuvrable option for Kings Canyon’s narrower switchback sections and smaller Cedar Grove campground sites, but has less storage and living space for a multi-day stay. Not sure which vehicle size suits your group? The guide on choosing the right motorhome size for a family of four covers the practical trade-offs between sizes.
California is a high-demand RV market year-round, with summer (June to September) the most expensive period across all operators and depot locations.
| Vehicle Class | Approx. Daily Rate (USD) | Sleeps | AC | Generator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class B (campervan) | USD 140-240/day | 2-4 | Yes | Optional |
| Class C (mid-size motorhome) | USD 190-340/day | 4-6 | Yes | Onboard |
| Class A (large motorhome) | USD 280-490/day | 6-8 | Yes | Onboard |
These are indicative ranges only. Check live availability and current quotes on the Bookings page for your specific dates. A Class C motorhome is the most practical choice for a Kings Canyon trip: it handles the steep switchbacks on the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, fits the Cedar Grove campground sites and provides a full kitchen and bathroom for self-contained camping.
Note on Class A motorhomes: the descent from Grant Grove to Cedar Grove involves steep grades and tight switchbacks. Very large Class A motorhomes (over 30 feet) may find the lower sections of the Scenic Byway challenging. Confirm your vehicle’s length and the current road advisory with the National Park Service before attempting Cedar Grove in a large Class A.
Summer (June to September): The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is fully open, Cedar Grove campgrounds are operational and all trails are accessible. Temperatures at Cedar Grove (elevation 1,400 m) reach 30 to 35 degrees Celsius on peak summer days; the canyon walls trap heat in the valley floor in the afternoon. Grant Grove (elevation 2,000 m) is 5 to 8 degrees cooler. Morning starts before 8 am are rewarding: the light is good, the trails are quiet and the canyon temperature is still comfortable. For tips on managing heat inside the van during warmer months, see the guide to keeping a campervan cool in summer.
Late spring (April to May): The Scenic Byway typically reopens to Cedar Grove in late April or May depending on snowpack. Waterfalls are at peak flow from snowmelt through May and early June. Temperatures are mild and the park is significantly less crowded than peak summer. This is one of the best windows for photography and uncrowded hiking.
Autumn (September to November): Temperatures moderate from late September. The Scenic Byway remains open until the first significant snowfall, typically in November. Deciduous trees in the canyon and at Grant Grove turn colour through October. September weekends can still be busy; weekdays are noticeably quieter.
Winter (December to March): The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway and Cedar Grove close entirely. Grant Grove remains accessible via Highway 180 and the giant sequoias are walkable even in snow. Winter is quiet and the sequoias in snow are a worthwhile experience. A Class C or Class A motorhome with a working furnace and adequate insulation handles Kings Canyon winter temperatures (lows around -5 to -10 degrees Celsius at Grant Grove elevation). Confirm current road conditions with the National Park Service at nps.gov/seki before any winter visit.
Day 1: Fresno to Grant Grove
Pick up your RV from the Fresno depot and stock up at a Costco, Walmart or Trader Joe’s in Fresno before heading east on Highway 180. Fill your fuel tank in Fresno; do not rely on park service stations having fuel available when you arrive, particularly later in the day or in shoulder season.
The Big Stump Entrance is approximately 90 minutes from central Fresno. The park fee (USD 35 per vehicle, valid 7 days, covers Sequoia NP entry too) is payable at the entrance station. Download the NPS app and offline maps for the park before leaving Fresno.
Grant Grove Village has a visitor centre, a small market (limited stock, higher prices than Fresno), a restaurant and a gift shop. Camp at Sunset Campground or Crystal Springs Campground at Grant Grove (both at approximately 2,000 m elevation with reservations available at recreation.gov during peak season).
Spend the late afternoon at General Grant Tree (a 1.3 km loop walk, easy, takes about 30 minutes). The late light in a sequoia grove is one of the most distinct environments in California.
Day 2: Kings Canyon Scenic Byway and Cedar Grove
Drive the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway from Grant Grove to Cedar Grove (approximately 30 miles, 50 km, allow 1 hour one way for the drive with stops). The byway descends through dramatic switchbacks and canyon overlooks. Junction View (the pullout shortly after the descent begins) gives the widest view of the canyon and is the most photographed overlook on the route. Grizzly Falls (a short walk from a roadside pullout) is worth a 20-minute stop.
Cedar Grove sits at the canyon floor with the Kings River running beside the road. Camp at Sentinel Campground or Sheep Creek Campground at Cedar Grove (both first-come, first-served or reservable at recreation.gov depending on the season; check current status before your trip).
After setting up camp, walk the Zumwalt Meadow Loop (2.6 km, easy, 1 to 1.5 hours) in the afternoon. This flat loop through a canyon-floor meadow with granite walls above is the most accessible introduction to the scale of Kings Canyon.
Day 3: Cedar Grove Hikes
Spend the morning on the River Trail from Cedar Grove to Roaring River Falls (3.5 km one way, easy to moderate, follows the Kings River). Roaring River Falls is one of the park’s most accessible significant waterfalls, at peak flow in May and June.
For a longer half-day walk, the Mist Falls trail (8 km one way from the Roads End trailhead at the end of the Cedar Grove road) is the premier day hike in Kings Canyon. It gains approximately 300 metres of elevation through granite canyon to a large waterfall at the base of the backcountry. Allow 4 to 5 hours return from Roads End. Start before 8 am to avoid afternoon heat at the canyon floor.
Return to your RV at midday to rest and eat during the hottest hours, then walk the canyon floor in the late afternoon when the light returns to the walls.
Day 4: Return through Sequoia National Park
Rather than returning directly to Fresno via Highway 180, consider driving south from Cedar Grove to Fresno via the Generals Highway through Sequoia National Park. This route adds the Giant Forest (including General Sherman Tree, the largest tree by volume in the world) and Tunnel Log (a fallen sequoia you drive through) to the trip.
The Generals Highway has a section (between Giant Forest and the Ash Mountain Entrance) that is not recommended for vehicles over 22 feet in length; check the current advisory with the NPS before committing a larger motorhome to this route. Alternatively, return via Highway 180 west to Fresno.
Return your RV to the Fresno depot, or continue your California road trip to Yosemite (2.5 to 3 hours north from Fresno), Death Valley (2.5 hours east of Fresno via CA-99 and CA-178), or south to Los Angeles (4 hours).
Most Kings Canyon campgrounds require reservations through recreation.gov for the May to September period. First-come, first-served sites are available at some campgrounds in shoulder season. Check recreation.gov for current year availability and reservation windows before your trip. For a broader look at the differences between campground types, see the guide on freedom camping vs festival campgrounds.
| Campground | Area | Elevation | RV Length Limit | Hookups | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Campground | Grant Grove | ~2,000 m | 35 feet | None | Large, good for first night |
| Crystal Springs | Grant Grove | ~2,000 m | 35 feet | None | Quieter than Sunset |
| Sentinel Campground | Cedar Grove | ~1,400 m | 35 feet | None | Main Cedar Grove camp |
| Sheep Creek Campground | Cedar Grove | ~1,400 m | 35 feet | None | Near river |
| Moraine Campground | Cedar Grove | ~1,400 m | 35 feet | None | Furthest east; quietest |
| Princess Campground | Between Grant/Cedar | ~1,500 m | 35 feet | None | On Hwy 180; more open |
There are no electric or water hookups at any campground inside Kings Canyon or Sequoia National Park. All camping is dry camping. Arrive with a full fresh water tank and sufficient generator fuel for your stay. Dump stations are available at Lodgepole Visitor Center area in Sequoia NP and at some Grant Grove area facilities; confirm current locations with the NPS before your trip.
Kings Canyon Scenic Byway: The descent from Grant Grove to Cedar Grove is steep and winding. Grade is up to 8 percent in sections. The road is safe for Class C motorhomes up to 35 feet driven carefully. Use low gear on the descent. Pull out at designated pullouts rather than stopping on the road for photos. No fuel is reliably available at Cedar Grove; fill before descending.
Roads End: The road from Cedar Grove village extends approximately 6 miles east to Roads End, where the Mist Falls and John Muir Trail backcountry access begins. This road is flat and suitable for all vehicle sizes.
Class A motorhomes: Very large Class A motorhomes (over 30 feet) should confirm current road advisories with the NPS before descending to Cedar Grove. Some sections of the Scenic Byway and the Generals Highway in Sequoia have length and width restrictions.
Class B campervans: The most manoeuvrable option for the Scenic Byway switchbacks and small campground sites. Less storage and living space for a multi-day stay but easier to park at trailheads and overlooks.
Fuel: There are no public fuel stations inside Kings Canyon National Park. The nearest reliable fuel is in Fresno (90 minutes west) or at the Grant Grove Village service station (confirm hours and availability before relying on it, as hours vary seasonally). Fill in Fresno before entry and do not assume on-park fuel is available.
Water: Fill your RV fresh water tank completely before entering the park. Potable water is available at Grant Grove and Cedar Grove campgrounds, but not at many trailheads or overlooks. For hiking, carry at least 2 litres per person per trail and bring a water filter or purification tablets for backcountry water sources.
Food for the full stay: The Grant Grove Village market and Cedar Grove Village market carry basic supplies but at national park prices and with limited selection. Shop in Fresno before entering and pack all the groceries you need for your planned nights in the park.
Sun protection: Sierra Nevada altitude (1,400 to 2,000 m at park elevations) means stronger UV than at sea level. Sunscreen SPF 50+, a hat and sunglasses are needed from March through October.
Layers for temperature swings: Summer days at Cedar Grove reach 30 to 35 degrees Celsius; Grant Grove is 5 to 8 degrees cooler. Evenings at both elevations cool quickly after sunset. A fleece or light down jacket is needed for mornings and evenings year-round.
Hiking boots or trail shoes: The Zumwalt Meadow loop and River Trail are manageable in trail runners. The Mist Falls trail and any longer hikes have uneven granite surfaces and require proper footwear.
Offline maps: Cell coverage inside Kings Canyon National Park is essentially non-existent. Download offline maps covering the park and the approach roads before leaving Fresno. The National Park Service app includes offline maps for Kings Canyon and Sequoia.
Bear canister or bear box use: Kings Canyon is bear country. All food, scented items and coolers must be stored in your RV or in the bear boxes provided at campground sites. Do not leave food visible in the vehicle cab. Bears have broken into vehicles in the park; use the bear boxes at your campsite for anything scented.
Headlamp: For navigating the campground at night and for early-morning starts on the longer trails.
Kings Canyon is positioned in the centre of a strong California national park road trip corridor.
| Destination | Drive from Grant Grove | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sequoia National Park | Adjacent, via Generals Hwy | General Sherman Tree, Giant Forest |
| Yosemite National Park | ~2.5-3 hrs north | Reservations required May-Sep |
| Death Valley National Park | ~2.5 hrs east via CA-99 and CA-178 | Extreme heat; visit Oct-Apr |
| Pinnacles National Park | ~2.5 hrs west via CA-99 and US-101 | Rock formations, condors |
| Fresno city | ~90 min west | Services, supermarkets, depot return |
| Los Angeles | ~4 hrs south | Airport return or coastal road trip |
Yosemite is the most natural extension of a Kings Canyon trip. The two parks share the Sierra Nevada landscape and complement each other well. Note that Yosemite Valley requires an advance vehicle reservation from late May through early September; plan this ahead at recreation.gov. Many visitors do Kings Canyon first (smaller crowds, easier logistics) and Yosemite second (with reservations secured in advance).
Travellers heading east from Kings Canyon or the Fresno area can cross the Sierra Nevada toward the Nevada hot springs, with Spencer Hot Springs and the Black Rock Desert both reachable in a day’s drive via US-395. Those continuing further east can pick up the Albuquerque and Santa Fe RV road trip across Arizona and New Mexico, or head north-east to connect with the Tulsa and Route 66 corridor for a cross-country drive. Heading south from Kings Canyon toward Los Angeles opens up California’s desert regions and the drive to Coachella and Stagecoach in the Coachella Valley (April) or south-west to Outside Lands in San Francisco (August).
A Kings Canyon road trip can be timed around several events within driving range of the Fresno or Los Angeles depots. Burning Man in late August is reachable via US-395 north from the eastern Sierra Nevada into the Black Rock Desert. EDC Las Vegas in mid-May works as a pre-trip event for anyone picking up from the Las Vegas depot before heading west into the Sierra. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in October is reachable in a day’s drive east via I-40 from the Los Angeles area. Lollapalooza in Chicago (late July) and the Indy 500 (Memorial Day weekend) connect to a broader coast-to-coast trip for travellers with more time. Browse the full calendar on the Events page.
Which RV hire operators serve Fresno and Los Angeles for Kings Canyon?
Event Campers compares Cruise America, Road Bear RV and El Monte RV from Fresno and Los Angeles depots. Cruise America has a Fresno area depot closest to the park. Los Angeles offers the widest fleet selection across all operators.
How much does RV hire cost for Kings Canyon?
Indicative rates in USD: Class B campervans from USD 140 to 240 per day, Class C motorhomes from USD 190 to 340 per day and Class A motorhomes from USD 280 to 490 per day. Summer is the most expensive period. Spring and autumn rates are generally lower.
Do I need to book campgrounds in advance?
Yes, for summer (May to September) visits. Kings Canyon campgrounds fill quickly during peak season and most require reservations through recreation.gov. First-come, first-served sites at some campgrounds may be available in shoulder season. Check current reservation status at recreation.gov before your trip.
Is Kings Canyon less crowded than Yosemite?
Yes, significantly. Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon does not have Yosemite Valley’s traffic reservation system or the same volume of visitors even in peak summer. Trailheads at Kings Canyon are generally accessible without queuing. This is one of the main practical reasons to choose Kings Canyon for an RV trip if you want flexibility.
Can I drive a large motorhome on the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway?
Class C motorhomes up to 35 feet handle the Scenic Byway’s switchbacks with care at low speed. Very large Class A motorhomes (over 30 feet) should check current NPS road advisories before descending to Cedar Grove; some sections of the Byway and the adjacent Generals Highway in Sequoia NP have length and width restrictions. A Class B campervan is the most manageable vehicle for the winding descent.
Are there hookups at Kings Canyon campgrounds?
No. All campgrounds inside Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks are dry camping (no electric, water or sewer hookups). Arrive with a full fresh water tank and sufficient generator fuel. Dump stations are available at selected park locations; confirm current locations with the NPS before your trip.
What wildlife might I see in Kings Canyon?
Black bears are present throughout the park and are the primary wildlife management concern for campers. Mule deer are common at Cedar Grove. Marmots are frequently seen on the Mist Falls trail and near the Roads End area. Steller’s jays are abundant in the sequoia groves. California condors have been reintroduced to the Sierra Nevada and are occasionally sighted in the canyon on thermal updrafts. Keep all food stored in your RV or in the campground bear boxes at all times.
What is the difference between Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks?
The two parks are adjacent and administered together by the National Park Service; a single entrance fee covers both for 7 days. Sequoia contains the Giant Forest with General Sherman Tree (the largest tree by volume in the world). Kings Canyon contains General Grant Tree (second largest) at Grant Grove and the deep river canyon at Cedar Grove. Most visitors explore both on the same trip. The Generals Highway connects the parks and provides a continuous road network through both.
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Compare Class B campervans, Class C and Class A motorhomes from Cruise America, Road Bear RV and El Monte RV at Fresno and Los Angeles depots on the Bookings page. Book your RV at least three to four months ahead for summer visits and secure your campground reservations at recreation.gov at the same time. New to RV travel? The Getting Started page covers the basics, and the How It Works page explains the comparison and booking process. Questions first? Check the FAQs.
