California is the state that is home to the most National Parks, but how many National Parks is that exactly?
California is the state that is home to the most National Parks, but how many National Parks is that exactly?
Nine.
Yup, 9 National Parks are spread throughout the state, and each one offers a unique experience and vastly different landscape.
So how do you even start crossing off nine different places spread throughout the state? Well, we have an incredible 3-day road trip that’ll help you cross off two National Parks in one trip! Situated against each other, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks offer you an opportunity to experience rising mountainous peaks alongside the biggest trees in the world. And we might be biased, but nothing beats experiencing Sequoia NP in a campervan.
This campsite is near the foothills visitor center, so if you venture into the park, you will have to backtrack that evening. However, we recommend this one since it’s open year-round. If you are visiting spring-fall, check out some of the other campgrounds the parks offer.
Where to eat: River View Grill and Bar
Stop 1: Giant Forest Museum
Once you pick up your campervan, you’re on your way to Sequoia. The first official stop after you climb the windy park road from Foot Hills Visitor center entrance. Stop and check out the Giant Forest Museum. Here you’ll get your first up-close glimpse at these towering giant trees and learn all about the history, human involvement, and the surrounding meadows.
Stop 2: General Sheman Tree
Biggest living tree in the world, nuff’ said. Travel down the easy 1.2-mile trail to be awestruck by this incredible giant. It measures at 275 feet tall and 36 feet in diameter at the base!
Stop 3: Park Road Pull-Offs
As you make your way to your campsite for the night, stop at some of the park’s designated pull-offs. They often offer some of the best views and require little walking.
Where to stay: Azalea Campground
Stop 1: Little Baldy
This moderate 3.3-mile hike is an excellent alternative to some busier hikes. It offers gorgeous views of the Sierra Crest Peaks with under 1000 feet of elevation gain.
Stop 2: General Grant Tree
The second largest tree in the world is located in Kings Canyon National Park. This easy 0.7-mile hike will take you through a sequoia tree grove.
Stop 3: Kings Canyon NP Road
Drive the whole length of CA 180 as it follows along South Fork Kings River. You’ll then be engulfed in a huge mountainous canyon. Though it’s only possible during the summer months (since snowfall is high), driving the year-round portion is still worth the miles. As you venture into Kings Canyon National Park, you’ll leave the trees for a bit and be greeted by open skies and huge mountains.
Wake up slowly and enjoy your morning in Kings Canyon National Park. There is no rush today as we only have one stop planned before you return your campervan rental. So take the morning to relax, slide open the van door, and sip on a cup of coffee while you take in the unique light patterns beaming through the towering Sequoias. Mornings like these make vanlife the ideal way to road trip.
After a nice filling breakfast, head to your first and only stop.
Stop 1: Big Stump Loop Trail
On your way out, make sure you stop and enjoy this 1.6-mile hike that leads you to a giant sequoia stump you can get up on and explore.
Getting up and moving will also be a great way to exercise before you head back to Native Campervans Los Angeles to return your campervan rental.
The drive back to Los Angeles is a little over 4 hours, taking you through valleys, deserts, and farms. As you take in the landscape around you, it’ll be a stark contrast to the mountains and towering trees. It’ll make you wonder just how diverse the rest of the state is and get those gears turning on what other National Parks and places you can visit on your next California vanlife trip! If you need ideas, check out this legendary 7- day California Road Trip.
Please remember depending on the time of year you visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park there may be snow (and lots of it). Pack according to the weather for that area (not just southern California). The park also might have road closures, so stay up to date with all the information you need for your upcoming trip by checking out Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park’s websites!
Experience Sequoia and Kings Canyon by picking up a campervan from our Los Angeles office while tagging us on social media (@nativecampervans) to show off your amazing weekend getaway.
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