camping
Camping is the most common way to stay in the park. There are campgrounds available in all areas of the park, although the ones closest to main attractions may require reservations at peak times. All campers should be aware of the presence of bears, and should stow any unattended food in bear-proof containers as instructed by park rangers.
backcountry
The High Sierra is a backpackers paradise, and numerous trails wind through Kings Canyon and branch out from Mineral King. Permits are required and may be requested on a first-come, first-served basis at the ranger station nearest the trailhead that is going to be used. Permits are issued the morning of the backpacking trip or after 1:00 p.m. the day before the trip. The cost of a permit between mid-May and late September is $15 per group. Permits are free the remainder of the year. There is a quota for each trailhead and when it is reached, no more permits are issued for that day. Popular areas may fill well in advance during the summer, so reservations are recommended and can be made after March 1 by faxing in a form available from www.nps.gov/seki/resform.htm no later than three weeks prior to the planned start date.
lodging
Lodging is available at the Wuksachi Lodge in the Lodgepole area Sequoia, in the John Muir Lodge and the Grant Grove cabins at Grant Grove Village Kings Canyon and at the Cedar Grove Lodge in Cedar Grove Kings Canyon. Reservations are recommended. Cedar Grove closes for the winter in October.
In addition, a range of hotels and motels are available outside the park, including several lodges in the National Forest on the road from Grants Grove to Cedar Grove and motels in Three Rivers on Route 198 near the southwest entrance.