Princess Campground – Sequoia National Forest (Hume Lake Ranger District)

Princess Campground is one of the most scenic and convenient campgrounds in the Hume Lake Ranger District of Sequoia National Forest. Located along the popular Kings Canyon Scenic Byway and just minutes from the Grant Grove section of Kings Canyon National Park, Princess offers a peaceful forest experience surrounded by towering pines, meadows, and mountain views. With spacious loops, easy access to trails, and a family-friendly atmosphere, it serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring both Sequoia National Forest and nearby national park attractions.

Location & Setting

The campground sits at roughly 5,500–6,000 feet in elevation near the boundary of Kings Canyon National Park, not far from the Big Stump entrance station. Its setting is classic Sierra Nevada—dense conifer forest, granite boulders, and cool summer temperatures. Princess Campground is divided into loops near Indian Basin, a broad meadow basin with interpretive signs detailing the area’s Indigenous history. This mix of natural beauty and cultural context makes the campground feel grounded in both the landscape and its history.

Campground Overview

Princess features multiple loops, including the Lake Loop, Sandy Flat, and Indian Springs sections. Sites vary from shaded and private to more open and sunlit, providing a range of options for tents, trailers, and mid-sized RVs. Many campsites are large and well spaced, offering a comfortable layout for families and groups. Because of its proximity to Grant Grove and Hume Lake, Princess often serves as a quieter alternative to campgrounds located inside the national parks, while still keeping visitors close to major attractions.

Amenities

Campsites include picnic tables, fire rings, and bear-resistant food storage lockers. Flush toilets and potable water are typically available during the main operating season, providing more convenience than many forest campgrounds. Some loops are designed to accommodate larger RVs, though hookups are not provided. The nearby Indian Basin area features interpretive hiking paths, open meadows, and shaded rest areas, giving visitors a pleasant place to explore just steps from the campground. Firewood is usually available for purchase nearby, and Grant Grove Village—just a short drive away—provides groceries, fuel, and supplies.

Activities & Nearby Recreation

Princess Campground is ideally situated for accessing a wide range of outdoor activities. Trails around Indian Basin offer easy hiking and nature walks, while the short drive to Hume Lake opens opportunities for fishing, kayaking, swimming, and the scenic 2.6-mile Lakeshore Trail. Grant Grove and the General Grant Tree are only minutes away, offering iconic giant sequoia viewing. Farther down the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, visitors can explore breathtaking viewpoints, canyon walls, waterfalls, and the deep glacial valley of Cedar Grove (seasonal access). Wildlife viewing, stargazing, and peaceful evenings around the campfire are all part of the experience.

Summary

Princess Campground combines forest serenity with excellent access to national forest and national park attractions. Its shaded loops, family-friendly layout, and proximity to Hume Lake and Grant Grove make it an outstanding base for exploring the western Sierra Nevada. For visitors seeking a comfortable, scenic, and well-located campground near the entrance to Kings Canyon National Park, Princess Campground is an exceptional choice.