Atwell Mill Campground

Overview

A small, primitive, tent-only campground with 21 sites tucked in the Mineral King area at roughly 7,500 feet. It sits among remnants of a historic sequoia grove—big old stumps dot the area—and the river murmurs nearby. If you want a quieter, more remote base without RVs or trailers, this is your spot.

What You’ll Get

• Basic comforts at each site: picnic table, fire ring with grill, and a large bear-resistant locker (about 47"W x 33"D x 28"H).
• Vault (pit) toilets; no sinks or flush toilets.
• Drinking water may be available in season, but status can change—don’t rely on it without checking.

Trails & Setting

The Atwell-Hockett Trail leaves right from the campground, making this an easy launch for Mineral King’s high-country hikes to alpine lakes and passes. Expect cool forest shade, river sounds, and that end-of-the-road backcountry feel.

Access & Logistics

Reaching camp is part of the adventure: it’s about 19 miles up Mineral King Road from Hwy 198, but plan on roughly 90 minutes thanks to narrow, steep, winding, sometimes rutted sections. RVs and trailers aren’t permitted here or recommended on the road anyway. The Mineral King area isn’t road-connected to the park’s main front-country hubs, so bring what you need.

Limited services exist at Silver City Resort about 1.7 miles away; full supplies are back in Three Rivers, roughly 23 miles (and about 1.5 hours) down the road.

Wildlife & Safety

Bears are active day and night—use the bear boxes religiously and keep a clean camp. Marmots are notorious in spring and early summer; many visitors tarp their undercarriage to protect hoses and wiring. Rivers here are cold and swift—treat the water with respect.

Season, Status & Reservations

Typically a summer operation (roughly May–October) and reservation-only, with bookings opening up to one month in advance. Note that Mineral King Road construction has caused full-season closures and weekday delays—always check current conditions before you commit.

Quiet hours run 10 pm–6 am; generators (where applicable nearby) are limited to 9 am–9 pm. Pets are allowed in camp on leash but not on park trails.

Best Time to Visit

Aim for mid-summer to early fall for the most reliable road and trail conditions. Weekdays are often calmer, but construction schedules can flip that—weekend access can be easier during active weekday roadwork. Morning light is lovely in camp, and afternoons bring cool shade under the forest canopy.