Camping in Giant Sequoia National Monument

July 1, 1:43 PMLA Outdoor Recreation ExaminerSeth Smigelski

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A Quaking Aspen sunset

The Giant Sequoia National Monument lies on the western divide of the Sierra Nevadas south of Sequoia National Park and is only about 200 miles from Los Angeles. In addition to cozy car camping, the national monument offers Giant Sequoia groves and several worthy hikes.

Quaking Aspen Campground is a fine solution for car campers. Thirty sites are well spaced around the campground. These can be reserved online (for a fee), but that will not be necessary on most weekends when simple first-come first-serve gives campers plenty to chose from. Campsites start at $17. Quaking Aspen provides vaulted toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and plenty of shade.

A Los Angeles Times review of the campground offers a rich description of the experience. Quaking Aspen is a nice place to camp on holiday weekends when trying to avoid campgrounds that will feel claustrophobic. The pine trees around each site offer privacy and serenity.

Once at Quaking Aspen, there is plenty to do. A trail from Quaking Aspen leads to Slate Mountain and the campground is just a short drive from Needles Lookout and Dome Rock. Trail of 100 Giants and a natural water slide are only a bit further.

• Check out this slideshow for images of these attractions

Beyond Quaking Aspen, there are three other family campgrounds located along the Western Divide Highway (CA 190). Redwood Meadow offers 14 sites, Coy Flats has 20, and Belknap has 15. Their locations are marked on the map below.

To get to Quaking Aspen: From Los Angeles, take the 5 north to the 99. After Bakersfield, head north on Route 65 to Porterville. Head east on the 190 and climb up the windy road into the mountains.

View Hiking the Sierra Nevadas on a larger map

	You might also like these other camping destinations:
	Sequoia National Park (Foothills) Buckeye Flats Campground provides great spring camping in the western foothills of Sequoia National Park. Nearby Paradise Creek is the perfect place to relax after a day of hiking or vising Giant Sequoias.
	Sequoia National Park (Mineral King) Atwell Mill and Cold Springs Campgrounds provide a remote sylvan retreat for tent campers eager to explore the trails of Mineral King.
	Golden Trout Wilderness The campgrounds at Horseshoe Meadow are a good place to acclimate before hiking to the beautiful lakes and peaks in the Inyo National Forest and eastern Sequoia National Park.
	Los Padres National Forest Just a short drive from the city of Ojai, Wheeler Gorge Campground lies at the base of the beautiful Los Padres Range. Backpackers may prefer to camp at nearby Sespe Creek.
	Joshua Tree National Park This national Park has several great campground and even more great trails.
	Mojave National Preserve Less developed that Joshua Tree to the south, Mojave National Preserve offers both traditional campgrounds and rustic roadside camping where one can enjoy desert seclusion with all the comforts of car camping.