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Last week, we went on a family trip to Sequoia National Park with kids. If you are looking for a place within a 4-hour drive from Los Angeles, then head over to Sequoia National Park with kids. The kids were excited to see the huge trees and, most especially, the biggest tree on earth. I didn’t even know that the world’s biggest tree was located in Sequoia National Park.
When Did We Go There
We visited Sequoia National Park with kids in June, and we spent two nights here.
What Was The Weather Like
Summertime weather, so in the high 70’s and low 80’s the entire time we were there. Not too hot and not too cold either, the weather was perfect! Make sure to pack a light sweater!
How Did We Get There
We rented a Jucy RV Campervan and drove there from the Los Angeles area. It took us about 3.5 hours total.
How Did We Get Around
We got around by using the campervan we rented from Jucy RV. If we had rented an RV, getting around would have definitely been harder to drive around, for me at least. Having a campervan made getting around so much easier. My husband couldn’t join us on this trip, so driving an RV was not an option for me.
Where Did We Stay
We stayed at Sequoia RV Ranch. When I realized that I wasn’t going to be able to get a campsite within Sequoia National Park, I immediately started searching for options around the park. After reading a few reviews on TripAdvisor, I decided on Sequoia RV Ranch, and I was very pleased with my choice. They have bathrooms, showers, and a river where you can swim. They allow tent, campervan,n and RV camping. They offer deluxe river sites, premium pull-through sites, water and electric sites, and dry camping sites, which cost between $31 and $66 per night. Each campsite has a platform, a picnic table, le aa nd fire ring.
My plan was for us to stay in Sequoia National Park; however, all the campgrounds were already taken.
Tip: If you plan to camp at any of the national parks, reserve your spot as soon as reservations open on Recreation.gov. Campsites fill up the same day they are released, sometimes within minutes. In 2026, campground reservations at Sequoia can be made up to 6 months in advance. Standard campsites run $32 per night. Book the moment your window opens.
We picked a dry campsite because we were using a campervan with no electric or water hook-up and paid $62 for two nights. This was our first-ever experience camping, and it was perfect.
We don’t have a dog, but they met some friends with a dog and were so excited to walk the dog around while the dog chased squirrels.
What are the best things to do in Sequoia with kids?
- General Sherman Tree: the largest living tree on Earth by volume
- Moro Rock staircase climb: 350 steps with panoramic Sierra Nevada views
- Tunnel Log drive-through: kids absolutely love this one
- Crystal Cave guided tour: a marble cave with stalactites (book in advance)
- Junior Ranger program: free at the visitor center, keeps kids engaged all day
What Did We Do
Sequoia National Park
The price to enter Sequoia National Park has increased since our visit, so confirm the current per-vehicle rate at nps.gov/seki before you go. If you plan to visit more than two national parks in a year, the America the Beautiful Annual Pass is the smartest purchase you can make.
Note for international visitors: Sequoia is one of 11 parks with a $100 per-person nonresident surcharge in 2026 for visitors 16 and older. The America the Beautiful Non-Resident Annual Pass at $250 covers this and pays for itself quickly.
Because we planned to visit a few national parks, it made sense to buy the National Parks yearly pass, which cost me $80 at the time. Getting into the park is one thing; however, getting to where the trails are located takes quite a while.
It took us about an hour and a half to get to the Giant Forest Museum after we left the visitor center.
After the visitor center, we stopped at Tunnel Rock, Hospital Rock, the Giant Forest Museum, the General Sherman Tree Trail, and then on our way out of the park, we stopped at a scenic point from which we could see Moro Rock, and then finally headed back to Sequoia RV Ranch. The drive into the park and out of the park was very scenic.
What should you not miss at Sequoia National Park with kids?
- Giant Forest Museum — go here before the trails to understand what you’re seeing
- General Sherman Tree Trail — the world’s largest tree, and it’s even bigger in person
- Hospital Rock petroglyphs — ancient art engraved by Potwisha Native Americans
- Swimming in the river at Sequoia RV Ranch — the kids didn’t want to get out
- S’mores around the campfire — the kids counted down to this all day
1. Foothills Visitor’s Center
When visiting any National Park, stopping by the visitor center with kids is very important. You can pick up Junior Ranger books here and shop in the little gift shop they have. The kids picked up their Jr. Ranger books and listened to a presentation from one of the park rangers about animals found in Sequoia National Park.
2. Tunnel Rock
Climbing was a little hard, but my sister helped the kids up to the top. They got dirty in the process, and they loved it.
3. Hospital Rock
We were able to see petroglyphs engraved by Potwisha Native Americans at this stop.
4. Giant Forest Museum
I highly suggest going in here before heading out to see the big trees. The kids loved learning about the trees and all the facts. It is a small museum, however, very informative. If you’re planning to visit Crystal Cave (A stunning marble cave filled with stalactites just inside the park), book tickets well in advance. Tours run late May through September and cost $18–$25 per person. They sell out fast in summer.
5. General Giant Tree Trail
This trail has really huge Sequoia trees. It is also the trail on which you can see the largest tree on Earth. This photo below of the kids and me in front of the General Sherman Tree doesn’t do it any justice. I say so because the tree looks much larger in person than in the photos.
6. Moro Rock
We didn’t hike up Moro Rock; however, on our drive down from Sequoia National Park with kids, we pulled over to admire the view and snap a few photos from the back. Next time, we plan to do the full 350-step climb to the top. The views of the Sierra Nevada are supposed to be incredible.
Swim In The River At Sequoia RV Ranch
This was the first time the kids had ever swum and played in a river. It was a new and exciting experience for them! They made several friends here at the river and didn’t want to get out of the water. This river was perfect for cooling off after a hot day.
What Did We Eat
Before our trip, I spent some time cooking and freezing meals so we would have plenty of options. My goal was to ensure that we have enough food to eat without needing to eat out.
Cooking Utensils – [ Cast Iron Skillet | Frying Pan | Coleman Stove | Cuisinart Charcoal Grill | Grilling Sticks]
Eating Utensils – [ Kids Trays |Kids Bowls | Kids Water Bottle ]
Other – [Kids Camping Chairs | Kids Flashlight | Ice Chest ]
Breakfast
I packed organic pancake mix and bacon and cooked them on our Coleman stove. The kids loved it !!!
Lunch
The kids had lunch during the drive up to Sequoia National Park. For lunch, they each had bread and Nutella sandwiches, bananas, and tangerines.
Dinner
The kids had rice and fried plantains, and my sister and I had meat packets that I prepped and stored in our ice chest. We cooked it on our Cuisinart Charcoal Grill.
Desert S’mores, of course !! The kids loved it, me too !! They couldn’t wait for this.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sequoia National Park with Kids
1. Do you need reservations for Sequoia National Park?
No timed entry reservation is required for general day use at Sequoia in 2026. However, campground spots fill within minutes of becoming available on Recreation.gov. Book up to 6 months in advance the moment your window opens. Crystal Cave tours also require booking and sell out fast in summer. Plan, and you won’t miss anything.
2. What is the best month to visit Sequoia National Park with kids?
June through early July and September are the sweet spots for visiting Sequoia National Park with kids. Temperatures are comfortable, trails are fully open, and the park is less crowded than in peak summer. We visited in June and had high 70s to low 80s weather the entire time — perfect for hiking and exploring with young children.
3. Are there easy hikes for young kids at Sequoia National Park?
Yes, several trails are very manageable for young children. The General Sherman Tree Trail is mostly paved and flat. The Cholla Cactus Garden equivalent here is the Big Trees Trail, a 1.3-mile loop through giant sequoias. We hiked with kids aged 3 to 5, and they handled the trails beautifully with regular snack and rest breaks.
4. How much does it cost to enter Sequoia National Park?
Check the current per-vehicle rate at nps.gov/seki. International visitors should note that Sequoia is one of 11 parks with a $100 per-person nonresident surcharge in 2026. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass covers entry for U.S. residents and pays for itself after two park visits. Fee-free days apply to U.S. citizens only.
We only spent two days on this trip to Sequoia National Park with kids, and I really wish we had stayed longer. Because it was our first camping experience, I was hesitant to book a longer stay just in case I didn’t like the campground or something went wrong.
However, I am so glad we all had such a positive experience because we plan to visit again, and this time with a campsite inside the park itself and a few extra days to explore more trails.
So, don’t forget to add Sequoia to your Family Travel Bucket List and browse my Best Family Vacation Spots in the United States for your next adventure.
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