Sunset Campground – Kings Canyon National Park (Grant Grove Area)

Sunset Campground is one of the largest and most convenient campgrounds in the Grant Grove region of Kings Canyon National Park. Situated among towering pines and cedars and just minutes from Grant Grove Village and the General Grant Tree, Sunset offers an excellent blend of forest scenery, spacious sites, and easy access to major park attractions. Its size and layout make it ideal for families, groups, and travelers seeking a comfortable basecamp within the heart of the Sierra Nevada’s giant sequoia country.

Location & Setting

The campground sits at approximately 6,500 feet in elevation in the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park, not far from the Big Stump entrance and the boundary with Sequoia National Park. Sunset enjoys a classic Sierra setting—dense conifer forest, granite-littered ground, and cool mountain temperatures. Its location places campers within a short drive of the General Grant Tree, Panoramic Point, and scenic routes connecting Kings Canyon and Sequoia, making it one of the most strategically placed campgrounds in the region.

Campground Overview

Sunset Campground features three large loops with well over 150 sites, making it one of the park’s largest campgrounds. Campsites vary in size and layout, with options ranging from secluded forest pockets to more open areas that receive extra sunlight. Sites accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, though no hookups are provided. Because of its scale and central location, Sunset tends to be busiest in peak summer months but offers enough variety that most visitors can find a site suited to their preferences. Its proximity to Grant Grove Village adds convenience without diminishing the campground’s natural forest feel.

Amenities

Campsites include picnic tables, fire rings, and bear-resistant food lockers. Flush toilets and potable water are available throughout the campground during the main operating season. Although Sunset does not offer showers or electrical hookups, visitors can access additional services—such as groceries, fuel, hot showers, dining, and park information—at Grant Grove Village just a short drive or walk away. The campground’s paved roads and generous site layouts make navigation easy for both tent campers and RV travelers.

Activities & Nearby Recreation

Sunset Campground is ideally positioned for exploring some of Kings Canyon’s most iconic features. The General Grant Tree, one of the world’s largest trees, is only minutes away, and trails in the Grant Grove area offer easy hikes through giant sequoia groves and mixed conifer forest. Panoramic Point provides stunning views of the Sierra crest, while the nearby Big Stump area reveals interesting historical and geological features. Adventurous visitors can drive the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway (seasonal) to access Cedar Grove’s dramatic canyon walls, waterfalls, and river trails. Stargazing, wildlife viewing, and peaceful forest evenings are also highlights of staying at Sunset.

Summary

Sunset Campground offers one of the most complete and convenient camping experiences in Kings Canyon National Park. Its large capacity, forested setting, and close proximity to Grant Grove Village and the General Grant Tree make it an excellent choice for families, road trippers, and first-time visitors. For those seeking a spacious, well-located campground with direct access to giant sequoias and scenic Sierra Nevada landscapes, Sunset Campground remains one of the top picks in the Grant Grove region.