We've always stayed in the Grant Grove area. I wouldn't mind a change of scenery, but neither would I mind the familiarity. As Alex said, it's relatively central and easy to get places and we found a good variety of hiking around it. And having the full ranger station right there was a definite plus.

I think I vote for no reservations, mostly because, if memory serves, the large group sites that are reservable are the dullest, most featureless camp spots. We can do better just grabbing our own.

Ok, I'm good with grabbing our own ... but I would like a fairly pretty camping location ... with the paramount concern being things of beauty and interest reasonably nearby or get-to-able.


Let's narrow dates by a process of elimination. zapppop and I are not available the weekend of either June 2 or June 9 (we'll be at a different National Park).

These pictures are embarrassingly old, but they do show what a typical Grants Grove area camp site looks like.

:blush: :blush: :blush:

I can't believe he posted those ancient pics! Hello 1997! :blush: I'm not even in the pictures, but I'm embarrassed by my bad framing and low-res scans. Just remember what download times were back in the late 90's.

Anyway, I concur with GD - Grant's Grove is great and I'd be fine with a new spot as well. I've never been this early in the year so I have no clue what crowding would be like.

When I was up there last it was in the same timeframe and while the Grant's Grove filled up pretty good (definitely get someone there early if you want consecutive sites) I don't think it completely filled. That probably changes the closer you get to Memorial Day though.

I liked the spots over by the stream that runs between the campground and the ranger station/amphitheater/restaurant/showers. The sites in the rocks looked cool too, but probably not so much when it is still chilly.

I'll have to find/scan/post pics from Sheep Creek and Zumwalt. It's magical. But, I really LOVE the water.

I definately prefer the valley with the river right there, the granite cliff faces, caves, and zumwalt. Maybe we'll be lucky and they'll do another controled burn again - hiling at night through a red glowing path was awsome.

Must hunt for pictures

Photos on the way.

May I present Kings Canyon (lower Canyon area)

Yeah, old pics too.

Those must have been from €'s stint as a Tijuana police officer.