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Submission
In Pollock Pines, CA, at intersection of US Rt. 50 and Sly Park Rd, take Rt. 50 east 8.3 miles to Crystal Basin Recreation Area sign. Turn left at sign onto Icehouse Rd and go 15 miles to Sunset and Fashoda campground sign. Turn left at sign and go 1.1 miles to campground.
Sunset Campground is basically a party central. The park rangers only go once or twice during the day but they do not go at night. Many people don't respect the 10 pm quiet time. People would have LOUD music until 1:30 a.m.! And chatting and YELLING until the same time, like if it was mid day. So if you are looking for peace and quiet and connect with nature this campground is not for you. It's ridiculous how these stupid inconsiderate people ruin it for most of us. We were there for 1 week and not 1 night were we able to get a good night sleep.
The closest showers are at Gina’s Sierra Inn 25-30 minutes towards Fresno. Showers are $10 which on first glance is steep, however, when caked in dirt after days of long hikes, it is the most luxurious experience you’ll ever have. They give you towels, washcloths, and showering toiletries if you want them. There are 4 individual stalls that have hooks and shower caddies which is really next level after using Sunset Campground’s bathroom.
Back to reviewing the campground: Being super close to Grant Grove to restock on ice is great. Bathrooms are cleaned daily (thank you NPS rangers and staff!) but it is crowded and people quickly trash them. Falling asleep looking up at the trees and stars is wonderful.
Also, go to Lake Hume!!! It’s BEAUTIFUL.
Although the location is nice, the campground feels crowded. Places are all skewed and thus not suitable for tent camping, with the exception of a handful (check the edges of the campground loops!). Lots of noise, people not following the bear food storing rules, but also nobody to check whether they would follow the rules. Music, generators, big groups and all while sleeping at a 20 degrees slope. Restrooms look like they’re recently renovated and are fine. Two toilets per loop.
The spaces are extremely small and absolutely no privacy. Sites are literally tent by tent set up right next to each other. Couldn't even use our fire pit because the space is so small. Not only small but at a very steep slope. There were no rangers to be seen. You can hear the cars on the hwy. It was just the worst camping experience of my life. I have literally gone camping every year of my life and this was absolutely the worst experience. I will never camp at Kings Canyon again. We left 1 day early. There were ant holes everywhere. It was just not a good experience.
