Upper Stony Creek Campground – Sequoia National Forest, California

Upper Stony Creek Campground is a small, forested campground nestled along Stony Creek in the Sierra Nevada, offering a quiet, creek-side escape in Sequoia National Forest. Situated just off the Generals Highway between Grant Grove and Hume Lake, it serves as a peaceful, reservation-friendly base for hikers, backpackers, and anyone seeking access to the nearby wilderness without the bustle of larger campgrounds.

Location & Setting

The campground sits at about 6,500 feet in elevation and is located along Stony Creek below Shell Mountain. The site is situated in mixed conifer forest, with Douglas firs, pines, granite outcrops, and shaded understory, offering classic Sierra Nevada mountain forest ambiance. Its position along the creek and near the creek-edge trailhead provides easy access to forest trails, wilderness routes, and access toward the nearby high-country backcountry areas.

Campground Overview

Upper Stony Creek Campground has roughly 17 reservation sites — a modest but manageable size that helps maintain a quiet and uncrowded atmosphere. Sites are spaced among trees and rock formations, offering a mix of shaded, forested pads and partially open spots, suitable for tents, vans, and small to mid-sized trailers/RVs. Because the campground is small and tucked into forest terrain, it tends to stay calmer than larger, busier campgrounds; this makes it ideal for people seeking solitude, hiking access, and a mountain-creek vibe.

Amenities

Amenities at Upper Stony Creek include vault toilets, potable water spigots, picnic tables, and fire rings — the basics you need for a comfortable and responsible forest stay. There are no hookups, showers, or dump stations. Nearby convenience — such as groceries, fuel, showers, and dining — is available at the resort/store area served by the same forest-service concessionaire just a short drive away, which adds flexibility without detracting from the campground’s rustic forest feel. As with all Sierra Nevada forest campgrounds, timely firewood purchase and adherence to bear-safe food storage are required.

Activities & Nearby Recreation

Upper Stony Creek offers excellent access to hiking and backpacking, including routes into the nearby Jennie Lakes Wilderness, which begins not far from camp. Trails and forest roads in the area provide scenic walks, mountain biking (outside of wilderness boundaries), creekside exploration, and quiet nature walks. The forest and creek setting make it a good spot for wildlife viewing, photography, and early-morning strolls. For those visiting the region, proximity to Grant Grove, Hume Lake, and the Generals Highway corridor makes Upper Stony Creek a strategic base for exploring both national forest and national park destinations.

Summary

Upper Stony Creek Campground stands out as a quiet, forested, and creek-side campground that offers seclusion, natural beauty, and easy access to Sierra backcountry and nearby forest and park attractions. With its modest number of sites, reliable basic amenities, and convenient location off the main highway, it’s an excellent choice for hikers, backpackers, and travelers looking for a peaceful basecamp in Sequoia National Forest. For a low-key, nature-oriented stay close to wilderness and giant-sequoia country, Upper Stony Creek is a great option.