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Lady Bug Camp

Tulare · Managed by Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS) · Region: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Difficulty /100 · out and back#beginner-friendly#foothills#year-round#short
Distance
3.4 mi
Days
1
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

Lady Bug Camp is Sequoia's shortest backpack: 1.7 miles up a south-facing foothill trail to a tiny camp with a big view — the easiest first overnight in the park, and a year-round escape from the snow.

Highlights

  • The shortest legal campsite walk in Sequoia — 1.7 miles
  • South-facing slopes warm even in winter
  • Wildflowers in March and April
  • A gentle introduction to backpacking for kids

Logistics

  • Trailhead: South Fork Campground Trailhead · parking: South Fork Campground off Highway 198 near the park's south entrance
  • Water: Seasonal creek near camp; check flow and treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Three Rivers has services below.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on recreation.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the South Fork entry applies during quota season.
  • Reservation window: Advance reservations via recreation.gov; walk-ups when quota remains.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed. Campfires are allowed in existing rings below 9,000 ft in the Kaweah drainage unless fire restrictions are in effect. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: March, April, May, October, November.

Snow: Year-round access in most conditions.

Heat: Hot in summer; shoulder seasons are ideal.

Bugs: Ticks and poison oak in spring.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Ticks and poison oak in warm months
  • Water is seasonal — carry enough for camp
  • Bear canisters are required

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Wilderness Trail Descriptions — Foothills. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/traildesc.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Lady Bug Trail description, short and steep route ending at South Fork Grove (5.1 miles), first allowed campsite at Lady Bug Camp (1.7 miles), and year-round south-facing access.
  2. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Wilderness Permits. Recreation.gov / National Park Service. https://www.recreation.gov/permits/445857. Accessed 2026-09-07. Permit requirements, fees, food-storage rules, and fire guidance.
  3. Wilderness Regulations and Minimum Impact Restrictions. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS). https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/minimum-impact-restrictions.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Camping and campfire restrictions across the parks.