Visitors who want to gaze up at the magnificent trees in Sequoia National Park have multiple options for camping, and there are a number of lodges, inns and upscale camps nearby as well. They make a perfect base for exploring the more than 30 lesser-known Sequoia groves that are protected within Giant Sequoia National Monument as well as the famous more than 1,500-year-old General Grant tree, the third largest known tree on Earth. Book one of these top options for an especially unforgettable trip.
Wuksachi Lodge
Located inside Sequoia National Park, the Wukachi Lodge blends perfectly with the beautiful mountain scenery. The cedar-and-stone main building has an inviting lobby, a sit-down restaurant with treetop views and outstanding meals, as well as extra-spacious accommodations, while deer are frequently seen roaming across the grounds. There’s also an on-site amphitheater, the perfect spot for watching the star-filled sky after dark and roasting marshmallows. The 102 rooms are spread across three buildings and include mini-fridges, coffeemakers with coffee, flat-screen TVs and ski racks along with all the essentials. Families will want to book one of the Superior rooms which accommodate up to six guests.
Silver City Mountain Resort
Just four miles from the park in Mineral King Valley, this family-owned historical retreat offers a wide range of accommodation options that are ideal for families. There are private chalets with dazzling views of the surrounding mountain peaks with amenities like stone fireplaces, outdoor fire pits, and fully-equipped kitchens. Romance-seeking couples might book the secluded Honeymoon cabin which features a queen-sized bed, a kitchen, and a large deck where you can cozy up together and enjoy the spectacular view. Families have options like the Sawtooth, the largest of the chalets and most luxurious, with 1,500 square feet of living space across two floors, including a kitchen and fireplace. The property also features an onsite restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, including famous homemade pies, campfire rings with wood included, outdoor decks, a convenience store and Internet access.
Sequoia High Sierra Camp
Sequoia High Sierra Camp is one of the best glamping spots in California, offering the joys of camping in the wilderness with none of the inconvenience. It features 30 luxurious canvas cabins that are accessed via a 1.5-mile hike from the parking lot. There is a central bathhouse with flush toilets and hot showers as well as an alfresco dining pavilion with a fireplace and a yoga pavilion. Three meals (utilizing local, sustainable ingredients) are included daily in the rates: a mountain breakfast buffet, a pack-your-own picnic lunch and an upscale yet casual dinner. The cabins include artisan furniture, a seating area with a coffee table and chairs, bedside tables with lanterns and either a king-size or twin-size beds with down feather pillows and plush-top mattresses along with wool blankets and high-end linens.
Rio Sequoia Riverhouse
Located along the river in the village of Three Rivers, just over five miles from the Sequoia National Parks Ash Mountain Entrance, the Rio Sequoia Riverhouse hosts five uniquely decorated guestrooms, all with DVD players, refrigerators, coffeemakers and bathrooms with high-end toiletries as well as complimentary bottled water and Wi-Fi. The grounds have a private beach, picnic area, garden and terrace for enjoying the picturesque views. For an additional charge, guests can enjoy continental breakfast and take advantage of the shuttle which operates within a three-mile radius.
Buckeye Tree Lodge
This two-story lodge is just a quarter-mile from the park entrance, and with only a dozen rooms, you’ll have to book well in advance to secure one. All come with patios that face a grassy lawn along the banks of the Kaweah River. They include flat-screen televisions with satellite channels and DVD players, kitchens or kitchenettes and Internet access. A complimentary breakfast basket is provided each day complete with juices, fruit and homemade muffins. There’s also an outdoor pool for swimming and opportunities for fishing.
