Canyon View Campground

Pros & cons

PROS

Spacious tent-only group sites with picnic tables and fire rings
Flush toilets, potable water, and bear boxes at each site
Quarter-mile to Cedar Grove Village for store, snacks, showers, and laundry

CONS

No RVs or trailers allowed
Limited cell service
Interior roads and pads can be rough with potholes

Overview

Canyon View Group Campground sits on the canyon floor of Cedar Grove, steps from the South Fork of the Kings River and surrounded by dramatic granite walls. It’s a tent‑only, group‑only setup—perfect if you’re bringing a crowd and want easy access to the area’s marquee hikes and waterfalls without feeling crammed together.

What You Get

16 reservable group sites: four large (A, B, D) and one mid‑large (C), plus 12 mid‑sized sites.
Amenities at each site: picnic tables, fire ring, and multiple bear‑resistant food lockers (about 47"W × 33"D × 28"H).
Campground facilities: flush toilets and potable water. Showers and laundry are a quick 0.25‑mile hop at Cedar Grove Village.
Tent‑only: RVs and trailers aren’t permitted.
Capacity guidelines: mid‑sized sites up to 19 people/5 vehicles; A, B, D up to 40 people/10 vehicles; C up to 30 people/7 vehicles.

Location & Vibe

Right off Highway 180 and a short stroll from the river, the campground makes an easy base for exploring Mist Falls, Zumwalt Meadow, Roaring River Falls, and Grizzly Falls. Expect warm days and cool nights in season, with big‑wall views that glow at golden hour.

Nearby Sights & Activities

Trails: Mist Falls, Zumwalt Meadow, Roaring River Falls—all close and crowd‑pleasers.
Water features: the Kings River is ever‑present (beautiful, cold, and powerful—treat it with respect).
Extras: Boyden Cave and Hume Lake are within a reasonable drive; ranger programs run from the Cedar Grove Visitor Center when in season.

Rules & Good-to-Know

Bear country: use the food lockers every single time—day and night.
Quiet hours: 10 pm–6 am; generator hours 9 am–9 pm.
Vehicles: keep all wheels on pavement; use overflow parking if you’re maxed out.
Pets: allowed in the campground on a ≤6‑ft leash (not on park trails and never unattended).
Graywater: collect and dump at restrooms/dish sinks—never on the ground.
River safety: currents are swift and cold; rocks can be slick—mind your footing.
Check‑in/out is noon, and cell service is spotty; save or print your reservation.

Season & Reservations

Typically open May through October, and everything is reservation‑only. Summer weekends go fast; book early if you’re eyeing prime dates.

Best Time to Visit

For quieter vibes: mid‑week in late spring (May/early June) or early fall (September/October).
For cooler hiking temps and softer light on the canyon walls: mornings and late afternoons.
For group logistics: arrive before late afternoon to sort parking and food storage in daylight.

Who It’s For

Groups that actually want to be together—plenty of space for multiple tents, easy facilities, and instant access to Cedar Grove’s best scenery. If you’re in an RV or need reliable cell coverage, look elsewhere.