17 Jan Lemon Cove RV Park / Sequoia National Park

https://www.lemoncovevillagervpark.com/

Let’s get the campground review out of the way first. This was a real simple place, the owners were amazing. When we checked in they gave us a coffee mug filled with a large bag of peanut M&M’s so they won me over with “free chocolate” obviously. On each side of this small park were citrus groves which we hit at the perfect time, the trees were busting full of oranges and lemons. The smell in the air was heavenly. We’d absolutely stay here again if we were headed to the National Parks. We spent our time in the park until it was time to go back and make dinner, there were no shops or restaurants nearby so arrive prepared.

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Sequoia National Park is my favorite park so far.  Start early, do not try to head into the park after 9am thinking you’ll drive right in. (fee $35) We got to the entrance around 9:30 and the line was getting long, it took us about 1hr to get through the gates.  This is always a very busy park, so start early no matter what time of the year you go. Bring food and water, there really are no options once you get into the park.

The drive up into the forest is a very steep twisting road for 45 minutes which had me wondering “where are the big trees?” there is no indication of what to expect as you drive, but plenty of pull outs to take photos along the way because the views all the way up are spectacular.  Then you’re suddenly in the forest, surrounded by these giants.

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We stopped to do the Congress Trail hike, it is an easy paved trail that loops to the world’s largest tree General Sherman (274.9ft tall). We were speechless walking among these giants, and ended up continuing to the Crescent Meadows Loop. We were able to get some great photos and lucked out with some perfect high 60’ weather for January.

If you’re looking to take great photos be aware of the lighting, with these sequoias towering overhead you’ll get the best shots in the early morning light or afternoon. There had been some closures on many of the trails due to snow, so we only did that hike and explored the rest of the park via car stopping to check out the museum and ranger station.  The park was busy, and during the summer months I cannot even imagine. Just be patient and enjoy this beautiful park.