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How busy is Azalea campground over Thanksgiving?

I really wanna go camping with my friends over Thanksgiving break from Sunday to Tuesday but lodgepole campground is totally full and the only campground that is open that isn’t under the fire restriction is Azalea Campground but there’s only 20 spots and it’s first serve… is it worth trying to get a spot or is it more realistic too try another time?

Azalea Campground in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park is a small, first-come, first-served site with only 20 spots. Over Thanksgiving, which is a peak holiday period, it is generally very busy. Many visitors who cannot secure reservations at larger campgrounds like Lodgepole will try for these first-come sites, so the likelihood of getting a spot can be low, especially later in the day.

Here are some considerations for trying to get a spot at Azalea Campground:

  • Arrive very early in the morning to increase your chances. Many campers line up before dawn on busy holiday weekends.
  • Have a backup plan in case all spots are taken. This could be other nearby campgrounds that allow dispersed or walk-in camping, or even reserving a spot at a nearby private campground outside the park.
  • Be prepared for cold weather and potential snow in late November. Make sure your camping gear is suitable for winter conditions.

Alternative strategies include:

  • Consider camping on a weekday outside of peak holiday periods, which generally ensures better availability and a quieter experience.
  • Look into other first-come, first-served campgrounds in Sequoia and Kings Canyon, but check current fire restrictions and seasonal closures.
  • Check for last-minute cancellations at Lodgepole or other reservable campgrounds through the National Park reservation system.

Overall, if you’re committed to camping over Thanksgiving at Azalea, it’s worth trying, but realistically, it’s highly competitive. Having a backup plan will save a lot of stress and disappointment.

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