good campgrounds at Sequoia NP in June???

[The Quilting Lady]

I hear it is hot in South California in the summer, but not so in the mountains. We want to see Sequoia, but do not want to travel steep, curvy or dangerous roads.

The camgrounds in the foothills that we are looking at get high temps in the 90's that time of year with no hook ups. So I am wondering if there are any compromises. Safe, non scary roads that are going to have a cooler climate?

Anyone know about that? I am trying to avoid going to a full service RV parking lot.
N

[dfandrews]

Originally Posted by The Quilting Lady

I hear it is hot in South California in the summer, but not so in the mountains. We want to see Sequoia, but do not want to travel steep, curvy or dangerous roads.

The camgrounds in the foothills that we are looking at get high temps in the 90's that time of year with no hook ups. So I am wondering if there are any compromises. Safe, non scary roads that are going to have a cooler climate?

Anyone know about that? I am trying to avoid going to a full service RV parking lot.
N

Nancy,
During the summer 4 months, you can expect the Central Valley of
California to have temperatures well over 100° on the valley floor. As you go up into the foothills, expect 90°'s. Sequoia National Park (and the neighboring, and beautiful, Kings Canyon N.P.) can be in the 80°'s, even at 6,000 feet altitude. Keep in mind that it is not as uncomfortable as mid-west areas at the same temperatures, because the humidity levels are lower.

As for curvy, steep roads: to get to Sequoia (and especially Kings Canyon), you will have lots of curvy roads; not so much steep, but you are climbing from 300 ft. above sea level on the valley floor, to 6,000 ft. in the Park. (Giant Forest and Lodgepole are both at about 6600 ft. Dangerous? No!

The bigger issue, nowdays, is getting reservations,( which is why we haven't been there in several years. We now almost exclusively camp and fish on the Eastern side of the Sierras.)

BUT: If it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, you really must see Sequoia N.P. and Kings Canyon N.P. If you're camping at Sequoia, take a day trip without the trailer to see Kings Canyon. It is awesome.

EDIT: Our friends who camp a lot just stopped by, so we discussed your questions. Conclusions:
1. You MUST visit Sequoia N.P. and MUST do a day trip to Kings Canyon.
2. Take CA-180 out of Fresno, and connect to CA-198 from the north, rather than CA-198 on the south out of Tulare: much less curvy.
3. We all like Lodgepole campground.
4. Be prepared for 80°'s daytime, and 40°'s at night.
5. Then, of course, there is Yosemite National Park to the north.
Spectacular.

[Tin]

Nancy, dfandrews hit every thing right on the nail. We have stayed at lodgepole and have had a great time. Sequoia and Kings Canyon is a must, but what ever you do "Do Not drive down the southern part of the 198 when leaving" unless you have excellent brakes and a good tow /haul mode on your tow. Had a new dodge quad cab back in the day, as soon as we got home quad cab was sold.

[Bobbie54]

I agree- 80s in the daytime in June should be nice in Sequoia. But yes to windy roads. Not particularly scary unless you try Cedar Grove (maybe not scary but I didn't enjoy driving that road even without a trailer.) But some parts are slow and winding (others straight, wide roads, it's a little odd as you'll see.) Here's a video of the drive: https://youtu.be/RZrehPkz7KY

Also, since there is a ton of water, if you are adventurous look into white water rafting on the Kings River- it is right on your way and a great way to enjoy the heat!

[Tin]

South exit on the 198 leaving, D.W. ask's well what do you do if your brakes give out ? I half laughing "See that mountain to the right of you" D.W."Yea" well you are going to get to know them real well!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1S7KNOWqi8

[Bobbie54]

I agree, pass on 198!

[Bobbie54]

Though when I bought my first Forester I went to a dealer in Porterville (no longer sells Subarus) and they handed me the keys and let me head out alone for the foothills. I didn't go that far- but it would have been a great test drive!

[Tin]

By the way my D.W. was not very happy with my answer as a matter a fact she gave me the silent treatment all the way down, hence adios Quad cab.

[The Quilting Lady]

Originally Posted by Tin

South exit on the 198 leaving, D.W. ask's well what do you do if your brakes give out ? I half laughing "See that mountain to the right of you" D.W."Yea" well you are going to get to know them real well!

I just took two Excedrine Migrane tablets!

[The Quilting Lady]

Do you know if State road 180 from Fresno to Sequoia NP is any better?

[Bobbie54]

I posted a video of 180. (Going a bit fast, though.) I think it is better and I'm pretty nervous about steep cliffs. But it has been quite a few years since I've done it so I may be blacking out the scary parts.

[dfandrews]

Originally Posted by The Quilting Lady

Do you know if State road 180 from Fresno to Sequoia NP is any better?

CA-180 is better; it is the way we would recommend. It is a little longer; as a consequence, a bit less steep. And, it's less curvy. You are still climbing (and descending) about 6,000 ft.

[The Quilting Lady]

Originally Posted by dfandrews

Nancy,
During the summer 4 months, you can expect the Central Valley of
California to have temperatures well over 100° on the valley floor. As you go up into the foothills, expect 90°'s. Sequoia National Park (and the neighboring, and beautiful, Kings Canyon N.P.) can be in the 80°'s, even at 6,000 feet altitude. Keep in mind that it is not as uncomfortable as mid-west areas at the same temperatures, because the humidity levels are lower.

As for curvy, steep roads: to get to Sequoia (and especially Kings Canyon), you will have lots of curvy roads; not so much steep, but you are climbing from 300 ft. above sea level on the valley floor, to 6,000 ft. in the Park. (Giant Forest and Lodgepole are both at about 6600 ft. Dangerous? No!

The bigger issue, nowdays, is getting reservations,( which is why we haven't been there in several years. We now almost exclusively camp and fish on the Eastern side of the Sierras.)

BUT: If it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, you really must see Sequoia N.P. and Kings Canyon N.P. If you're camping at Sequoia, take a day trip without the trailer to see Kings Canyon. It is awesome.

EDIT: Our friends who camp a lot just stopped by, so we discussed your questions. Conclusions:
1. You MUST visit Sequoia N.P. and MUST do a day trip to Kings Canyon.
2. Take CA-180 out of Fresno, and connect to CA-198 from the north, rather than CA-198 on the south out of Tulare: much less curvy.
3. We all like Lodgepole campground.
4. Be prepared for 80°'s daytime, and 40°'s at night.
5. Then, of course, there is Yosemite National Park to the north.
Spectacular.

Think we may find a campground somewhere in the footheels and drive up to Lodgepole area. I dont think my husbands wants to do all that curvy driving with our new trailer.

[cpaharley2008]

I do not think any trailer would be welcome there, hopefully there are signs and restrictions in place.

[The Quilting Lady]

Originally Posted by dfandrews

CA-180 is better; it is the way we would recommend. It is a little longer; as a consequence, a bit less steep. And, it's less curvy. You are still climbing (and descending) about 6,000 ft.

Just made reservations in the Sunset Campground in the Grant Grove area which is off of 180, elevation 6500.
Nancy

[Tin]

That's great Nancy, Two of are favorite sites are crystal cave and Moro rock. heads up both require strenuous hikes but are well rewarded. Safe travels and have fun.

[Tin]

Almost forgot, we used the shuttle system while in the park.
https://huckberry.com/journal/posts/...-national-park