Atwell Mill Campground

About

Atwell Mill Campground occupies the site of a former sequoia logging operation at 6,650 feet elevation in Sequoia National Park's remote Mineral King area. The 21 tent-only sites are spread among towering sequoias along the East Fork of the Kaweah River, offering a quieter alternative to the park's more accessible campgrounds. The Atwell-Hockett Trail begins here, providing access to alpine lakes, high mountain passes, and backcountry wilderness. Reaching the campground requires navigating Mineral King Road, a 19-mile drive from Highway 198 in Three Rivers that takes approximately 90 minutes. The road is primarily unpaved, narrow, winding, and deeply rutted in places. RVs and trailers are neither recommended on the road nor permitted in the campground. Active road construction through 2027 adds weekday closures and traffic delays. Facilities include vault toilets, seasonal potable water, bear-proof trash dumpsters, and food storage lockers at each site. Black bears and marmots are active in this area. Marmots may chew on vehicle wiring and hoses during spring and early summer, so tarps beneath vehicles are recommended. Limited services are available at Silver City Resort 1.7 miles east; more extensive services require the 1.5-hour drive back to Three Rivers.

Directions

From Highway 198 in Three Rivers, turn onto Mineral King Road and drive 19 miles (approximately 90 minutes). The campground is 6 miles before the end of the road. The road is narrow, winding, largely unpaved, and deeply rutted. Not suitable for RVs or trailers.