Jenni M.
Yelp
As of 1/15/21 there is another page for the Lodgepole Village & Market, but *this* page has the correct map location. Hopefully you did your research before coming to the Sequoia National Park because chances are you might not have much cell phone coverage once you're here.
ENVIRONMENT
This medium-sized market is nestled just off of the Generals Highway. Just beyond the market with plenty of trees surrounding the area is the Lodgepole Campground.
SERVICE
The staff mostly keeps to themselves as they tend to be really busy checking out customers.
MY FAVORITE PART...
It's so convenient that the Lodgepole even exists because you don't realize how deep into the Sequoias that you are with the long, slow and winding two-lane road.
On two different occasions it has basically saved my tail. We could've gotten by without it, but it was nice to break up the trip going in there with two young kiddos.
NOT SO FAVORITE PART...
Overpriced items.
THE GOODS
There is a plethora of souvenir items such as: t-shirts, magnets, jewelry, grow-a-tree kits, coffee mugs, thermoses, shot glasses, and postcards.
For the campers and hikers that forgot a few things or need newness, there are hats, backpacks, collapsible pocket knives, over-the-counter medicines, jerky and plenty of other snacks.
Some of the refrigerated to-go sandwiches were okay during our most recent visit (on 9/9/20 because the Wuksachi Lodge restaurant where we were staying closed early that morning, quashing our brunch plans).
To my knowledge, only the market and gift shop was open during the COVID-19 pandemic, not the grill (which was pretty good a few years ago), the laundromat, and the public showers. That could have changed by now, though.
PARKING
There is plenty of free parking for all types of vehicles. Regular-sized vehicles closer to the building. An oversized vehicle and trailer lot within walking distance.
TIP
During COVID-19, the signs said they only accepted debit/credit card forms of payment.
OVERALL
Whether you're looking for some souvenirs or need forgotten items for camping and lodging, this place can be a reasonable sure bet.
| Goods/To-Go Food: 4 | Service: 4 | Environment: 5 | Price: 3 |