We are are frequent visitors to Sequoia National Park and were hoping to find open sites at Dorst Creek for our last minute excursion. We were fortunate to find space at Princess campground and much to our surprise we were very happy with the camp.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by our very friendly camp hosts - Juanita and Fernando. They were very helpful in identifying each site's characteristics and amenities and assisting us in selecting a site. They offer reasonably priced firewood.

The sites are well layed out with many large sequoia and conifers providing ample shade. Our "neighbors" were approximately 40 feet in any direction which provided plenty of space for the kids to play. Campfires/fire rings were always cleaned between campers. Not all sites have bear proof storage boxes so plan accordingly.

There was ample potable water throughout the campground very close to each site. The pit toilets were the cleanest (and freshest) I have ever used! It appears the campground was remodeled in the last few years.

There are plenty of hiking trails near the campground and swimming spots at nearby Hume Lake. However, the campground is rather far from some of the scenic points of interest (Crystal caves, Sherman Tree, etc) in the park. There is a general store at Hume Lake for any overlooked items.

Without doubt, this is one of the best campgrounds in Sequoia Park.

After arriving at Hume Lake Campground at 1:30a.m. to find it full, we headed for Princess Campgound which is 3 miles away (we had no reservation). Luckily, I had heard that there were usually spaces at Princess campground. We found a spot easily, and set up our tent trailer, getting to bed at 3:30a.m. not knowing exactly what our surroundings would look like in the light of day. Boy were we in for a treat! our level spot was under young Sequoias and Pine trees with a 30 foot tall Sequoia stump on one side and a piece of a tree on the other side. The site we were in had no one for 50 feet on either side!

The pit toilet bathrooms were the cleanest I have ever seen, with potable water access scattered throughout the campground. There are several loops, some closer to the highway than others. All in all, one of the best run, cleanest campgrounds I have ever been to. The Ranger patrols on a regular basis to make sure that no one is getting out of hand, and occasionally there were some noisy families that obviously had no idea how their voices carried in the still of the woods.

Campfires are still being allowed in the fire rings, even with the high fire danger, but beware if you go that they are very serious about making sure that your fire is completely put out or you will have a hefty fine.

Don't miss Hume Lake, swimming in spots along the Kings River (water is low) towards Cedar Grove, swimming at the pool below the Roaring River Falls, Grants Grove Sequoias or Redwood Grove hiking in the Sequoias.