Hume Lake Campground – Sequoia National Forest, California

Hume Lake Campground offers a peaceful, family-friendly retreat along the shores of one of the most beloved lakes in Sequoia National Forest. Surrounded by towering pines and granite ridges, the campground provides easy access to fishing, paddling, hiking, and scenic lakeside relaxation. With its combination of natural beauty, developed amenities, and a welcoming lakeside atmosphere, Hume Lake is a long-time favorite for campers exploring California’s Sierra Nevada region.

Location & Setting

The campground sits at roughly 5,200 feet in the Hume Lake Ranger District of Sequoia National Forest, a short drive from the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park. Its convenient location makes it a great base for visitors exploring both national forest lands and nearby national park destinations. The area is characterized by dense pine forests, granite outcrops, and the sparkling waters of Hume Lake, which was originally created as part of an early 1900s logging operation but now serves as a recreational centerpiece. Mountain views and lakeside breezes make this a cool and refreshing summer camping destination.

Campground Overview

Hume Lake Campground consists of several loops with well-spaced sites suitable for tents, trailers, and smaller RVs. Many sites sit close to the shoreline or within a short walk of the water, offering convenient access for fishing, paddling, or simply enjoying the lake’s peaceful scenery. Sites feature a mix of sun and shade depending on location, with tall conifers providing welcome cover during warm summer afternoons. The campground’s moderate elevation and lakeside setting help create a comfortable environment even during peak season.

Amenities

Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring, and bear-resistant food storage locker. Restrooms with vault toilets are available throughout the campground, and potable water spigots are provided seasonally. A day-use area sits along the lakeshore, offering a beach-like access point, picnic areas, and spots for launching small non-motorized watercraft. While there are no hookups or showers at the campground itself, additional services—including a market, dining options, and boat rentals—are available across the lake at the private Hume Lake Christian Camps area. The campground maintains a quiet, natural forest setting despite being close to useful conveniences.

Activities & Recreation

Hume Lake is a popular place for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Anglers often target trout, especially in the early morning and evening hours. Numerous hiking trails begin near the campground, including the scenic Lakeshore Trail that loops around the entire lake and offers excellent views. Nearby forest roads and routes provide mountain biking opportunities, and wildlife viewing is common throughout the area. For those wanting to explore further, Grant Grove and the General Grant Tree in Kings Canyon National Park are only a short drive away, adding big-tree viewing and national park hiking to the mix.

Summary

With its calm mountain lake, shady forest surroundings, and central Sierra Nevada location, Hume Lake Campground delivers a relaxing and scenic camping experience. The combination of water-based activities, convenient access to forest trails, and proximity to Kings Canyon National Park makes this a versatile base for families, anglers, paddlers, and hikers. For campers seeking a peaceful lakeside getaway in Sequoia National Forest, Hume Lake remains one of the region’s most inviting destinations.