Horse Creek

Location

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Policies

Check-in

2:30 PM

Check-out

2:00 PM

Max stay

14 nights

Pets

Allowed (per listing)

Campfires

Allowed (per listing)

About

Horse Creek Campground sits on the banks of the Kaweah River in the rugged foothills on the southern approach to Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park, about 20 miles east of Visalia on Highway 198 and roughly an hour southeast of Fresno. The campground's 80 sites include 76 sites that accommodate both RVs and tents and 4 equestrian-designated sites; loop counts include CORRAL with 4 sites, LIVE with 22 sites and YOKU with 28 sites. The ground here is a broad, arid valley with relatively few trees, so shade is limited and sun protection is something to plan for; the river and nearby Kaweah Lake (behind Terminus Dam, three miles east of Lemon Cove) provide the real draw. On-water recreation at Kaweah Lake includes boating, water skiing and sailing, while anglers can expect largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish and rainbow trout. Horse and walking trails are open during low-water periods, and wildlife viewing, biking, hiking, picnicking and environmental-education programs round out activities; the campground amphitheater hosts weekend programs from May through September. Facilities are straightforward and serviceable: campsites have no hookups, but flush toilets, showers and a dump station are on site (non-camper showers and dump use are $5 each rangers or hosts process credit-card payments since cash and checks are not accepted). There is an intermittently staffed entrance station run by volunteer hosts and park rangers; reservations are accepted through Recreation.gov (note that reservations close 24 hours before arrival and some sites carry vehicle or tent restrictions), but during high-water season (roughly April 1 August 1) sites shift to first-come, first-served until water releases allow sites to dry and return to reservation status. Fees: most sites (1, 5 80 and 82 84) are $20 per night, with campsite 81 a double site at $40; an extra or visitor vehicle fee is $5 (pay when making reservations) and overflow parking exists though one overflow area can flood and the other is a roadside pull-off on Hwy 198. Larger vehicles should note a 22' length restriction through the switchback section of Hwy 198 into Sequoia National Park rigs over 22' must approach via Hwy 180 through Sequoia National Forest to Kings Canyon and the park. Before you head out, register, obtain a parking pass, and set up on your site or you risk forfeiting the reservation.