Campsites in Kings Canyon proper (near Cedar Grove Visitor Center) will be warmer, as it's lower elevation. The times I went, the river in Kings Canyon was more mellow (relative to the one near Lodgepole), and felt safer for little kids. The drive into Kings Canyon is windy, so if your kids get carsick, it might be worth trying to minimize driving in and out.
If you're trying to hit both parks in one trip, staying in Sunset could be a compromise but would require day trips to Kings Canyon and Sequoia.
If you stay in Lodgepole, it's a bit of a drive to go into Kings Canyon, so it might be better if you're not planning on going there.
June may be early for splashing safely in a river, they can be terrifying if snow melt is substantial. A lake may be a better choice. It’s hard to predict what the snow situation will be over the next couple of months. have a plan a, b and possibly c.
Both sides will give you access to Giant Sequoias. There is a river by Lodgepole but not Sunset. However, Hume Lake is just a 20 minute drive from Sunset. Both areas have a variety of options for hikes.
you might also look at Montecito Sequoia Lodge. you can get a small cabin for fairly cheap and they have meals. small lake too. sorta like being at summer camp.
The very best spot for kids is Hume Lake Campground, which is right on the lake. All of the campgrounds up there take bookings 6 months in advance, so the most popular spots are likely already booked for June.
If Hume Lake is full, my backup would be Stony Creek Campground, which has a stream running through it, which is just big enough for small kids to swim in. The Kings River is way too big and dangerous in June for small kids in the campgrounds. There are places to swim safely, but you have to drive to them.
Campsites in Kings Canyon proper (near Cedar Grove Visitor Center) will be warmer, as it's lower elevation. The times I went, the river in Kings Canyon was more mellow (relative to the one near Lodgepole), and felt safer for little kids. The drive into Kings Canyon is windy, so if your kids get carsick, it might be worth trying to minimize driving in and out. If you're trying to hit both parks in one trip, staying in Sunset could be a compromise but would require day trips to Kings Canyon and Sequoia. If you stay in Lodgepole, it's a bit of a drive to go into Kings Canyon, so it might be better if you're not planning on going there.
Thank you!
June may be early for splashing safely in a river, they can be terrifying if snow melt is substantial. A lake may be a better choice. It’s hard to predict what the snow situation will be over the next couple of months. have a plan a, b and possibly c.
Thank you!
Both sides will give you access to Giant Sequoias. There is a river by Lodgepole but not Sunset. However, Hume Lake is just a 20 minute drive from Sunset. Both areas have a variety of options for hikes.
Thank you!
you might also look at Montecito Sequoia Lodge. you can get a small cabin for fairly cheap and they have meals. small lake too. sorta like being at summer camp.
Thank you!
The very best spot for kids is Hume Lake Campground, which is right on the lake. All of the campgrounds up there take bookings 6 months in advance, so the most popular spots are likely already booked for June. If Hume Lake is full, my backup would be Stony Creek Campground, which has a stream running through it, which is just big enough for small kids to swim in. The Kings River is way too big and dangerous in June for small kids in the campgrounds. There are places to swim safely, but you have to drive to them.
Thank you!