Cold Springs Campground

Cold Springs Campground is a primitive, 40-site campground at about 7,500 feet, tucked among aspens and conifers near the Mineral King Ranger Station. It’s a rustic base for a camping trip in this remote corner of Sequoia. All sites require reservations, and RVs and trailers aren’t allowed.

Mineral King Road is narrow, winding and steep, with rough, deeply rutted stretches and mostly unpaved surface. The drive from Highway 198 takes time, so plan for a slow approach rather than a quick stop between the park’s main areas. Longer vehicles are a poor fit for the road.

There are 31 regular sites and nine walk-in sites; the walk-ins are about 100 to 200 yards from parking, so pack for carrying your gear. Each site has a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill, and a bear-resistant food locker. Keep food and scented items in the locker, latched properly.

The campground has seasonal vault toilets and potable water, but water may be off in spring and fall. At this elevation, prepare for three-season weather even in summer. No campsites are listed as accessible, though a wheelchair-accessible vault toilet is identified near several sites.

There’s no cell reception, camp store or firewood sales at Cold Springs. Silver City Mountain Resort is about 2.5 miles west and has limited services, but don’t count on the campground itself for last-minute supplies.