Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Hotel accommodations in Sequoia and Kings Canyon are limited, and—although they are clean and comfortable—tend to lack much in-room character. Keep in mind, however, that the extra money you spend on lodging here is offset by the time you'll save by being inside the parks. You won't be faced with a 60- to 90-minute commute from the less-expensive motels in Three Rivers (by far the most charming option), Visalia, and Fresno. Reserve as far in advance as you can, especially for summertime stays.
The striking cedar-and-stone main building is a fine example of how a structure can blend effectively with lovely mountain scenery. Guest rooms, which have modern amenities, are in three buildings up the hill from the main lodge. You can usually see deer roaming around the spacious and hilly grounds, which are 7,200 feet above sea level.
Some of the wood-panel cabins here have heaters, electric lights, and private baths, but most have woodstoves, battery lamps, and shared baths. Those who don't mind roughing it might opt for the tent cabins. In winter, only the cabins that have private baths remain open.
In a wooded area in the hills above Grant Grove Village, this modern, timber-sided lodge has rooms and suites with queen- or king-size beds and private baths. There is also a comfortable common room where you can play cards and board games or read a loaner book. Look above the stone fireplace at a giant painting of Muir himself, shown relaxing on a rock by a meadow. A recent renovation brought updated bedding, carpets, and sustainably sourced and reclaimed wood furniture.
A classic, 1960s, roadside motel, Lamp Liter Inn has basic but comfy rooms in several two-story buildings that surround tree-studded gardens and a spacious outdoor pool and terrace. Four cottages provide extra space for families and private patios; two have gas fireplaces.
Outdoor activities are what this year-round family resort is all about, including many that are geared toward teenagers and small children. Technically, it's not in the park, but rather off Generals Highway in Sequoia National Forest (between Sequoia National Park and the western portion of Kings Canyon National Park), but it's also centrally located, and you must pay the park entrance fee to get here. The lodge rooms are spare but clean, and all have private baths. Standard cabins, which can sleep up to eight people, have electricity and contain wood-burning stoves, but bathrooms are in shared buildings. Deluxe cabins can sleep up to five people and have private decks.
High on Mineral King Road, this privately owned resort has rustic cabins and deluxe chalets—all with a stove, refrigerator, and sink—plus three hotel rooms with private baths. While the more expensive chalets have full bathrooms and kitchens, the cabins share a central shower and bath (two cabins have toilets but no showers). The spacious grounds contain several inviting hammocks and a babbling brook, and deer are likely to meander through at any time.
