Curator’s statement
There are two main ways to glamp if you're going to visit California's national parks: Hyatt's Under Canvas glamping tents, with a new location just outside of Yosemite National Park, and Hilton's AutoCamp, located just outside of Kings Canyon in Sequoia National Park, where we based our stay.
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Day 1: Arrive at camp
Fire pits, picnic table, and chairs come with all trailers and tents. Bring s'mores or grab some from the lobby store!
Drive to your accommodations at AutoCamp Sequoia, John Muir Lodge, or Wuksachi Lodge. You'll be based here as you explore both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Unpack and get settled for your days exploring the parks. Take a dip in the river or pool before dinner, enjoying a campfire under the stars.
Day 2: Explore Sequoia National Park
Giant Sequoia groves
Hike among the giant sequoias on the Congress Trail, and you'll be rewarded with views of the largest tree in the world: General Sherman. You can also park at the shuttle stop, which takes you straight to the famous sequoia tree, or park directly at the General Sherman parking lot, which requires a steep uphill walk back to your car after viewing the tree.
For lunch, we like the Lodgepole Picnic Area for parking and tables down by the river. The central area for most trails is at the Giant Forest Museum, where you can also hike to Moro Rock.
If you have more time or a second day, head to the Tokopah Trailhead for an out-and-back hike with rewarding waterfall views. Get an early start, as the portion near the waterfall is rocky, more challenging, and in full sun.
Day 3: Kings Canyon
Boyden Cavern
Kings Canyon is, in fact, a humongous canyon akin to the base of Yosemite Valley or the Grand Canyon. Gas up for the day and pack your lunch before heading down into the park. If you have the time, drive all the way to Road's End for a refreshing dip in the water at Muir Rock, with a short waterfall stop at Roaring River Falls. If you don't make it that far, opt for the Grizzly Falls Picnic Area.
We based our day around a tour of Boyden Cavern, which offers timed guided tours available online from spring through fall. We wisely booked this for the afternoon, and the 55-degree caves felt so good after a hot day of hiking. There is also Crystal Cave in Sequoia; tickets are a bit harder to get, as they sell out well in advance. Boyden offers a more intimate cave experience, while Crystal is much larger and more open.
End your day with a final stop at the General Grant Grove for an accessible loop walk through the sequoia grove. If you're staying in Three Rivers, get dinner at River View Grill & Bar for burgers overlooking the river. Though it doesn't open until 10:30 a.m., the best sandwiches in the area are at Sierra Subs & Salads. Located in both Yosemite and Sequoia, keep an eye out for Reimer's for candies, gifts, and ice cream.
Need to know
For our stays at AutoCamp Sequoia, we ended our days cooling off in the river or pool, unpacking and packing inside our air-conditioned rooms, and getting dinner in town or cooking over the campfire. AutoCamp provides all the camping supplies you need, like the firepit, chairs, cooking and serving utensils, fridge and microwave, plus amenities like pool towels and complimentary bikes. We did bring our own s'mores sticks and purchased firewood.
AutoCamp combines Airstream trailers with glamping tents, tiny houses, and cabins. The Sequoia location is uniquely situated on an idyllic river bend in Three Rivers. While you do have to drive into the park, you have access to the on-site amenities on the property as well as the town of Three Rivers. It's also located between the two national parks of Kings Canyon and Sequoia, so you could base there and split your trip between them. Plan for about an hour of driving into the park and another hour or two of driving around inside it.
If you decide to stay inside the park, the ideal central location would be at John Muir Lodge, also near the restaurant, grocery store, and visitor center. Whether you're staying here or not, this is a great spot to grab sandwiches to go. For a splurge, stay at Wuksachi lodge, but be sure to check on the status of fresh water available. If you are also opting to combine with a trip to Yosemite, I'd recommend Tenaya Lodge, located on the South Entrance to Yosemite, the closest to Sequoia. If you are coming in from the West Entrance, I recommend Rush Creek, and don't miss their unique hybrid indoor/outdoor spa. Also of note in the Yosemite area is the newly opened glamping Under Canvas Yosemite.
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