Important Notice Regarding SEKI Campgrounds

Some disappointing news posted yesterday, May 31, 2020 on the SEKI Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/SequoiaKingsNPS). This includes the two Mineral King campgrounds, Atwell Mill and Cold Springs which will remain closed at least through the Independence Day weekend.

Sharon.

----------------------------------------------

Current Status: All campgrounds continue to be closed, and frontcountry camping will not be available when we open on June 4, 2020. Yesterday all campground reservations for 2020 were cancelled. This was a difficult choice to make, but necessary in order to allow for operational adjustments for camping this summer season as we work through the COVID-19 pandemic. This will include a reduction of open sites in campgrounds to allow for proper distancing. We weighed multiple alternatives, and there truly wasn't a good option, and we recognize the inconvenience and disappointment this has caused.

Reopening of campgrounds: We do not have an estimated date for reopening campgrounds, but based on our phasing plan, we don't anticipate that campgrounds will open until after the 4th of July weekend. This does not mean they will open immediately after that weekend. We don't know at this time, and it will depend on many safety factors. We wanted, however, to give you advance notice to allow you to make alternate plans for the the holiday and time leading up to it. We will make an announcement as soon as we know when reservations will be available again. Unfortunately, people with cancelled reservations will need to make new reservations when campgrounds reopen.

Changes for 2020: This summer all camping in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will require new reservations to be made in advance. There will not be any first come, first serve sites open in the parks. Reservations for frontcountry camping will all be made through www.recreation.gov.

Wilderness backpacking: Overnight wilderness access will be available in this initial phase for anyone with a confirmed permit reservation made at least two weeks before entering the parks. Existing confirmed wilderness permit reservations for trips beginning June 5 or later are still valid. For information on how to apply for a reservation visit: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/wilderness_permits.htm

Please continue to check our website for details and more information: www.nps.gov/SEKI.