Our feature campgrounds of Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park are: Azalea, Crystal Springs, Sunset, Dorst, Lodgepole, and Stony Creek. The others are Sentinel, Sheep Creek, Canyon View, Moraine, Atwell Mill, Cold Springs, South Fork, Buckeye Flat and Potwisha.

You can see all of these campgrounds on this page via the interactive camping map or by using the text links above. Also be sure to click the images on this page for much larger versions. Note that you can get gas 24/7 during the summer at Stony Creek via credit card pumps.

Grant Grove Campgrounds

Azalea Campground

Azalea is a beautiful campground situated among humongous trees and topped with a tremendous view of the San Joaquin Valley on the upper, eastern loop. The campground is huge, yet remains quiet, even with 110 sites. The sites are well spaced and luxurious compared to many other national park campgrounds, especially the tent-only loop which sits in a gully stacked with house-sized boulders and massive trees. This was my first camping experience in Kings Canyon/Sequoia, and I can absolutely recommend Azalea campground. Wildlife was also abundant, especially squirrels, ravens, deer and grey jays, not to mention red-tail hawks.

Modern conveniences such as showers, gas and a store are only a half mile away at the Grant Grove Village. Those interested in a beautiful setting with nearby amenities would do well to choose Azalea campground. Those entering California for the first time, and who aren't accustomed to the majestic size of the state's trees will find Azalea to be humbling and scenic place to pitch a tent or park their RV.

Azalea campground facts:

Video Tour available: Yes. Download now!
Open: All Year
Sites: 110
Laundry: Yes (1/4 mile)
Showers: Yes (1/4 mile)
Dump Station: No
Store: Yes (1/4 mile Grant Grove Village)
Quiet Hours: 10 pm to 8 am
Fee: $18 per vehicle
Vehicle length limit: 31 foot RV or 27 foot trailer
Handicapped Accessible: Yes(site 30)
Toilets: Yes | Tables: Yes | Fire rings: Yes
Water: Yes
Elevation: 6,534 feet
Fishing: No
Generator: Yes (8 am to 8 pm reasonable usage)
Gas: No(9.9 miles to Stony Creek)
Repairs: No(47 miles west to Fresno)
Reservations: First come, first served

Crystal Springs Campground

Crystal Springs campground is aesthetically similar to both Sunset and Azalea, but offers fewer sites and focuses on group camping. When we filmed Crystal Springs, it was almost empty, with the only sites occupied by group campers in the upper loops. Sequoia has beautiful campgrounds, and Crystal Springs is no exception. We were shocked at just how pretty all the campgrounds are in the park. Those seeking wooded camping in a mountainous setting will find Crystal Spring irresistible. I liked the sites on the outer loops, as they offer better privacy. The trees here are humongous by most standards, although not Sequoia-sized

Crystal Springs Campground has flush toilets, bear lockers, a phone, an accessible site for wheelchairs( #30), picnic tables, fire rings and is situated 1/2 mile from Grant Grove Village for your convenience.

Crystal Springs campground facts:

Video Tour available: Yes. Download now!
Open: Late May to September 15th
Sites: 36 individual, 14 group sites
Laundry: Yes (1/4 mile)
Showers: Yes (1/4 mile)
Dump Station: No
Store: Yes (1/2 mile Grant Grove Village)
Quiet Hours: 10 pm to 8 am
Fee: $18, $35 for group sites
Vehicle length limit: 31 foot RV or 27 foot trailer
Handicapped Accessible: Yes
Toilets: Yes | Tables: Yes | Fire rings: Yes
Water: Yes
Only Three tents per site or one RV, max 6 people
Elevation: 6500 feet
Fishing: No
Generator: Yes (8 am to 8 pm reasonable usage)
Gas: No (9.9 miles to Stony Creek)
Repairs: No (47 miles west to Fresno)
Reservations: No

Sunset Campground


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When entering Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park, Sunset was the first campground we came across. It was packed to the gills with numerous campfires blazing. I wasn't sure why Sunset was the crowd favorite as Azalea and Crystal Springs remained mostly empty. Its aesthetic is close enough to the other campgrounds that there's almost no difference, except for the huge boulders at Azalea which are pretty cool.

Sunset campground offers a phone, flush toilets, bear lockers, picnic tables, fire pits and ring grills. It is also conveniently located a 1/4 mile from Grant Grove Village, which offers a store, gas and other items. Reservations are mail and fax only which is a bit odd in this day and age. You'd think the Park Service would champion methods of communication which reduce the consumption of trees since they manage a park known for its ancient forest. Contact:

Sunset Group Sites
PO Box 926
Kings Canyon National Park, CA 93633
Fax - (559)-565-4391

You can't go wrong with any of the campgrounds in the Grant Grove area. In the middle of August they were uncrowded and a joy. It seems that many people pass the Grant Grove campgrounds for Lodgepole Village and Dorst, which are closer to the famous giant groves and ancient sequoias. From a crowding standpoint, I recommend this area. You still get some huge trees, and no crowds.

Sunset campground facts:

Video Tour available: Yes. Download now!
Open: Late May to September 15
Sites: 157 and 2 group sites
Laundry: Yes (1/4 mile)
Showers: Yes (1/4 mile)
Dump Station: No
Store: Yes (1/4 mile)
Quiet Hours: 10 pm to 8 am
Fee: $18, $40 for group sites
Vehicle length limit: 31 foot RV or 27 foot trailer
Handicapped Accessible: Yes
Toilets: Yes | Tables: Yes | Fire rings: Yes
Water: Yes
Elevation: 6,500 feet
Fishing: No
Generator: Yes (8 am to 8 pm reasonable usage)
Gas: No (9.9 miles to Stony Creek)
Repairs: No(47 miles west to Fresno)
Reservations: Group sites only. Mail or fax.

Lodgepole Village Campground

Lodgepole is a stunning campground tucked into a corner of the mountains. The picture above is the campground entrance, which as you can see is spectacular. Lodgepole is the main draw campground in the park, and despite offering a huge amount of campsites (214), can fill very fast, as was the case when I stayed there. The scenery is top notch, and the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River flows through the heart of the campground.

The road through Lodgepole is narrow, and there's often a feeling of being crammed in. Perhaps it would be wise to cut back on the number of sites to allow for more space. The terrain is rugged, with a combination of exposed rock and trees. Privacy is minimal and we felt the campground was "overstuffed", especially with visitors who feel the need to bring half their house to the small sites.

Sites 69-144 are tent only, and are located across the river. Lodgepole campground in Sequoia offers flush toilets, bear lockers, a dump station, laundry, showers, groceries, and amphitheater.

Lodgepole Campground has a convoluted reservation system. Sites 151 to 214 are reservable from late May, and the remainder of all sites are reservable for late June. The latest you can set reservations for is September 30th. Call 877-444-6777 to make your reservation. You can make reservations up to six months in advance.

It's obvious why Lodgepole campground is so popular. The landscape is breathtaking, and the grounds are only three miles west from a beautiful series of lakes. Campgrounds that offer water-based recreation always seem to draw more campers.

Lodgepole campground facts:

Video Tour available: Yes. Download now!
Open: All year
Sites: 214
Laundry: Yes (1/4 mile to Lodgepole Market)
Showers: No (1/4 mile to Lodgepole Market)
Dump Station: Yes
Store: Yes (1/4 mile to Lodgepole Market)
Quiet Hours: 10 pm to 8 am
Fee: $20 summer, Fall,spring, winter: $18 to $10
Vehicle length limit: limited for RV's
Toilets: Yes | Tables: Yes | Fire rings: Yes
Water: Yes
Only Three tents per site or one RV, max 6 people
Elevation: 6,700 feet
Fishing: Middle Fork Kaweah River, lakes (hike east)
Generator: Yes (8 am to 8 pm reasonable usage)
Gas: No (10.75 miles west to Stony Creek)
Repairs: No(68 miles west to Fresno)
Reservations: 877-444-6777



Dorst Creek Campground

Dorst Creek campground is intimidating. The entrance to the grounds sweeps down into thick forest and along a high embankment, then levels out into well-spaced, beautiful campsites. It's easy to see why this is one of the more popular campgrounds in the park. Dorst Creek flows through the sites, although when we were there the flow was small at best and anyone interested in fishing would do well to look elsewhere during the summer months.

Dorst Creek campground contains a whopping 204 sites. The numerous spacious sites create a huge campground - one you can easily get lost in. There are flush toilets, a phone, amphitheater, bear lockers, picnic tables, a dump station, water station and fire rings. I like Dorst Creek's location between Lodgepole and Stony Creek. It's just enough off the beaten path to impart a sense of being in the wilderness. If traveling to Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park, I would put Dorst high on the list. Submit your payment at the manned pay station. We've never been a big fan of these stations as they frequently back up traffic and create smog, but unfortunately many are in place across the parks.

Dorst Creek Campground sites are reservable from late June to September, starting six months in advance of your camp date. Call 877-444-6777 to make your reservation.

Dorst Creek campground facts:

Video Tour available: Yes. Download now!
Open: June 25th to September 9th
Sites: 204
Laundry: No (7.63 miles to Lodgepole)
Showers: No (same as laundry)
Dump Station: No
Store: No (7.63 miles to Lodgepole)
Quiet Hours: 10 pm to 8 am
Fee: $20
Handicapped Accessible: Yes
Toilets: Yes | Tables: Yes | Fire rings: Yes
Water: Yes
Only Three tents per site or one RV, max 6 people
Elevation: 6,800 feet
Fishing: No
Generator: Yes (8 am to 10 pm reasonable usage)
Gas: No (3.4 miles west to Stony Creek)
Repairs: No(46 miles west to Red Bluff)
Reservations: Yes, recommended

Stony Creek Campground

Stony Creek campground lies between Dorst Creek and the Grant Grove area. It's part of the Sequoia National Forest, in-between national park land. Our visit to Stony Creek was pleasant, and the campground was quiet and half full. Like Dorst, Stony Creek gives the feeling of wilderness even though it's much closer to Highway 198. The campground offers an amphitheater, bear boxes, flush toilets, fire rings and picnic tables.

The campground sits in a pretty forest of evergreens, with (you guessed it) Stony Creek flowing through. Water levels in the summer are poor in the creek so don't expect great fishing.

You have to make reservations three days in advance for Stony Creek campground. Contact: 1-877-444-6777. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance from January 20 to July 17.

The basic question for those visiting Sequoia is if Stony Creek is a worthy alternative to the other offerings. We think it is. If for some reason you find the other campgrounds full, it's a good campground with a convenient location to Giant Forest and the Lodgepole area. Be sure to make reservations if you can as there aren't many sites compared to the other Sequoia area campgrounds.

Stony Creek campground facts:

Video Tour Available: Yes, download now!
Open: May 20 to September 25
Sites: 49
Laundry: No (Lodgepole)
Showers: No
Dump Station: No
Store: No (Lodgepole)
Quiet Hours: 10 pm to 6 am
Fee: $19
Handicapped Accessible: No
Toilets: Yes | Tables: Yes | Fire rings: Yes
Water: No
Max 2 vehicles per site people
Elevation: 6,390 feet
Fishing: Small backcountry lakes nearby
Generator: Yes (8 am to 8 pm reasonable usage)
Gas: Yes
Repairs: No(54 miles west to Fresno)
Reservations: No

Foothills Area

Potwisha Campground

Potwisha is a decent-sized campground punctuated by oak in the dry foothills area in the southern portion of Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park. The beautiful Keweah River flows next to the campground. Most people bypass Potwisha for the cooler campgrounds further into the park. You should have no trouble finding a site. This is a good campground for a winter visit. The elevation of Potwisha is considerably less than other campgrounds in the park at a mere 2,100 feet. You can expect picnic tables, fire rings with grills, flush toilets and bear lockers.

Potwisha campground facts:

Video Tour available: No
Open: All year
Sites: 42
Laundry: No
Showers: No
Dump Station: No
Store: No (18.6 miles to Woodlake)
Quiet Hours: 10 am to 6 am
Fee: $18
Handicapped Accessible: Yes (site 40)
Toilets: Yes | Tables: Yes | Fire rings: Yes
Water: Yes
Elevation: 2,100 feet
Fishing: Keweah River
Generator: No
Gas: No (5 miles west to Three Rivers)
Repairs: No(30 miles west to Visalia)
Reservations: No


Buckeye Flat Campground

Buckeye flat is a neat little tent-only campground in the southern portion of Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park. It offers the beautiful Middle Fork of the Kaweah River, flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and bear lockers. Like Potwisha, Buckeye is ringed by an oak forest and is far lower in elevation than the rest of the park. Those looking to escape the roar of generators and RV's will find this to be a nice spot to pitch a tent. Fishermen will enjoy the close access to the Middle Fork of the Keweah

Buckeye Flat campground facts:

Video Tour available: No
Open: April 15 to September 29
Sites: 28
Laundry: No
Showers: No
Dump Station: Yes
Store: No (5 miles west to Three Rivers)
Quiet Hours: 10 am to 8 am
Fee: $18
Vehicle length limit: No RV's or trailers
Handicapped Accessible: Yes (site 20)
Toilets: Yes | Tables: Yes | Fire rings: Yes
Water: Yes
Only Three tents per site or one RV, max 6 people
Elevation: 2,800 feet
Fishing: Middle Fork of the Kaweah river
Generator: No
Gas: No (5 miles west to Three Rivers)
Repairs: No(30 miles west to Visalia)
Reservations: No

South Fork Campground

South Fork campground is part of the Foothills area "trilogy", set amongst a transition evergreen-oak forest. It's a thousand feet higher than the other Foothills campgrounds, topping out at 3,600 feet. South Fork is tent-only, sporting a whopping ten sites. But this makes it an excellent place for the tenter who likes a little peace and quiet. There is no water, so bring your own or filter it from the river. Do not expect the big trees that Sequoia National Park is known for in the foothills section. But remember these campgrounds are not all that popular and may provided a sense of peace and quiet. Those looking for quiet campgrounds with easy access to the Giant Forest may find them a good location. Those who like to save a little cash should note that South Fork is a free campground from November to April.

Video Tour available: No
Open: All year
Sites: 10
Laundry: No
Showers: No
Dump Station: No
Store: No (5 miles west to Three Rivers)
Quiet Hours: 10 am to 8 am
Fee: $12 (no fee from November to April)
Vehicle length limit: No RV's or trailers
Handicapped Accessible: Yes (site 20)
Toilets: Yes, pit| Tables: Yes | Fire rings: Yes
Water: No
Only Three tents per site or one RV, max 6 people
Elevation: 3,600 feet
Fishing: Middle Fork of the Kaweah river
Generator: No
Gas: No (5 miles west to Three Rivers)
Repairs: No(30 miles west to Visalia)
Reservations: No

Mineral King Area

Atwell Mill Campground

Atwell Mill is a small campground located along along the remote Mineral King Road in Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park. Tenters will be happy to camp at Atwell Mills thanks to the tent-only policy. Surprisingly, this remote campground is near services in Silver City such as a restaurant, a few groceries, showers and a gift shop.

Atwell sits along the East Fork of the Kaweah River, offering a nice stop for those interested in wetting a line in the clear river. Expect bear lockers, pit toilets, a pay phone, fire rings, picnic tables and grills. This is a nice campground for hikers due to its proximity to alpine wilderness six miles to the east at Mineral King. This area offers classic alpine scenery, and those interested in such views would do well to target the campgrounds in this section of the park.

Atwell Mill campground facts:

Video Tour available: No
Open: Memorial Day weekend to October 31st
Sites: 21
Laundry: No
Showers: Yes (1/2 mile to Silver City)
Dump Station: No
Store: Yes (1/2 miles to Silver City)
Quiet Hours: 10 am to 8 am
Fee: $12
Vehicle length limit: Tents only
Handicapped Accessible: Yes
Toilets: Yes | Tables: Yes | Fire rings: Yes
Water: Yes (turned off Mid October)
Only Three tents per site or one RV, max 6 people
Elevation: 6,650 feet
Fishing: East Fork Kaweah River, mountain lakes
Generator: No
Gas: No (30 miles to Three Rivers)
Repairs: No(46 miles west to Visalia)
Reservations: No

Cold Springs Campground

This is a beautiful area, with aspen and various species of pine. And like Atwell, Cold Springs campground is tent-only, suitable for those who would like reduced noise levels. We like the idea of achieving campground balance in the parks with campgrounds setup for RV's, and others setup for tents. Sometimes the two don't always mix well, especially if there is little privacy between sites.

You can expect pit toilets, bear lockers, picnic tables, fire rings, grills and water from spring to mid October. There's also ranger programs in July and August. Cold Springs campground is located next to a spectacular alpine wilderness, and anyone visiting the area should try and hike if they can. There are some huge wilderness lakes that will take your breath away. Monarch Lakes and Columbine Lake are sensational. Those with altitude issues should be aware than Cold Springs campground is at 7,500 feet. That's way up there in terms of drive-in campgrounds in the lower 48. Take it easy for the first day and night unless you are used to drastic elevation changes.

Cold Springs campground facts:

Video Tour available: No
Open: May 27 to to October 31st
Sites: 39, 1 big multi-walk-in with tent pads
Laundry: No
Showers: Yes (2 1/2 miles to Silver City)
Dump Station: No
Store: Yes (2 1/2 miles to Silver City)
Quiet Hours: 10 am to 8 am
Fee: $12
Vehicle length limit: Tents only
Handicapped Accessible: Yes
Toilets: Yes | Tables: Yes | Fire rings: Yes
Water: Yes (turned off Mid October)
Only Three tents per site or one RV, max 6 people
Elevation: 7,500 feet
Fishing: East Fork Kaweah River, mountain lakes
Generator: No
Gas: No (30 miles to Three Rivers)
Repairs: No(46 miles west to Visalia)
Reservations: No

Cedar Grove Area

Sentinel Campground

Sentinel campground is set amongst evergreens way, way back in the wilderness along the South Fork of the Kings River. This is wild country, and the drive is spectacular. To get there, take Highway 180 for 29 miles northeast at Big Stump Grove along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.

There are no reservations for Sentinel campground, so try and get there fairly early to get a campsite you're happy with. You can expect flush toilets, bear lockers, picnic tables, fire rings, grills and nearby conveniences at Grant Village (1/4 mile). riding enthusiasts will be happy to know that horseback tours are available nearby.

This is a great campground for fishermen. Kings River is known for its excellent rainbow trout fishing in a beautiful setting.

Sentinel campground facts:

Video Tour available: No
Open: April 30 to September 29
Sites: 82
Laundry: Yes (1/4 mile to Grant Village)
Showers: Yes (1/4 mile to Grant Village)
Dump Station: No
Store: Yes (1/4 mile to Grant Village)
Quiet Hours: 10 am to 8 am
Fee: $18
Handicapped Accessible: Yes
Toilets: Yes | Tables: Yes | Fire rings: Yes
Water: Yes
Only Three tents per site or one RV, max 6 people
Elevation: 4,600 feet
Fishing: South Fork Kings River
Generator: Yes (8 am to 10 pm)
Gas: No (23 miles west to Hume Lake)
Repairs: No(73 miles west to Visalia)
Reservations: No

Sheep Creek Campground

This one is right next to Sentinel Campground, set deep in Kings River canyon. Sheep Creek offers 111 sites, flush toilets, ranger programs (July, August), picnic tables, fire rings, bear lockers, grills and water. Grant Village is only a 1/4 mile away and offers food, laundry and showers.

Sheep Creek campground is aesthetically similar to Sentinel. There are no reservations, only first come, first serve.

Sheep Creek campground facts:

Video Tour available: No
Open: May 19 to October 12
Sites: 111
Laundry: Yes (1/4 mile to Grant Village)
Showers: Yes (1/4 mile to Grant Village)
Dump Station: No
Store: Yes (1/4 mile to Grant Village)
Quiet Hours: 10 am to 8 am
Fee: $18
Handicapped Accessible: Yes
Toilets: Yes | Tables: Yes | Fire rings: Yes
Water: Yes
Only Three tents per site or one RV, max 6 people
Elevation: 4,600 feet
Fishing: South Fork Kings River
Generator: Yes (8 am to 10 pm)
Gas: No (23 miles west to Hume Lake)
Repairs: No(73 miles west to Visalia)
Reservations: No

Canyon View Campground

Canyon View serves as an overflow campground, opening as needed when the other sites are full. It also serves as a group campground with five sites. Strangely, no reservations are required for the group sites as this is common practice in most national parks. I would call Sequoia National Park just to be sure on this one before arriving with any group:1-559-565-3341

Features are similar to the other Cedar Grove campgrounds. The area is rugged and beautiful. Expect flush toilets, bear lockers, fire rings, picnic tables, and the ease of having food, showers and laundry only a 1/4 mile away. Another good campground for the fishermen due it the proximity with the Kings River.

Canyon View campground facts:

Video Tour available: No
Open: May 19 to October 12
Sites: 23 and 5 groups sites (7-15 people)
Laundry: Yes (1/4 mile to Grant Village)
Showers: Yes (1/4 mile to Grant Village)
Dump Station: No
Store: Yes (1/4 mile to Grant Village)
Quiet Hours: 10 am to 8 am
Fee: $18
Handicapped Accessible: Yes
Toilets: Yes | Tables: Yes | Fire rings: Yes
Water: Yes
Only Three tents per site or one RV, max 6 people
Elevation: 4,600 feet
Fishing: South Fork Kings River
Generator: Yes (8 am to 10 pm)
Gas: No (23 miles west to Hume Lake)
Repairs: No(73 miles west to Visalia)
Reservations: No

Moraine Campground

Moraine campground is the largest of the Cedar Grove group, offering 120 sites, flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, grills, bear lockers, water, horseback riding, ranger program during July and August and the beauty of the South Fork Kings River canyon. Like other Cedar Grove campgrounds, this is great for fishermen and horse enthusiasts. The topography and flora are similar to other campgrounds of the Cedar Grove area.

We can highly recommend a trip down the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway and any of the Cedar Grove campsites. This is fantastic country, and we can't wait to go back again.

Moraine Campground Facts:

Video Tour available: No
Open: May 19 to October 12
Sites: 120
Laundry: Yes (3/4 mile to Grant Village)
Showers: Yes (3/4 mile to Grant Village)
Dump Station: No
Store: Yes (3/4 mile to Grant Village)
Quiet Hours: 10 am to 8 am
Fee: $18
Handicapped Accessible: Yes
Toilets: Yes | Tables: Yes | Fire rings: Yes
Water: Yes
Only Three tents per site or one RV, max 6 people
Elevation: 4,600 feet
Fishing: South Fork Kings River
Generator: Yes (8 am to 10 pm)
Gas: No (23 miles west to Hume Lake)
Repairs: No(74 miles west to Visalia)
Reservations: No

Hume Lake Campground

Hume Lake Campground is off Highway 180 (Kings Canyon Scenic Byway) on the Hume Lake Road. Don't let the name deceive you - Hume Lake is actually an 87 acre reservoir created in 1908 using a multiple arch dam. The lake is scenic, with wooded shoreline, which makes for great camping. Hume Lake campground is within a short walk of the lake, making it a perfect campground for those seeking water based recreation. Hume Lake is great for trout fishing, making this a true fishermen's destination. Boaters will also enjoy the lake.

Hume Lake campground offers boat rentals, fire rings, flush toilets, picnic tables, water, propane, gas, and nearby store (limited supplies). We'd like to see quiet hours from 10 pm to 8 am. No one wants to hear generators going at 6 am.

Reservations for Hume Lake have to be made 3 days before arrival. You have 6 months in advance for non-electric sites. Reservations open from January 21 to July 18.

Hume Lake campground facts:

Video Tour available: No
Open: May 28 to October 1
Sites: 74
Laundry: Yes (1 mile)
Showers: No (10 miles to Grant Grove Village)
Dump Station: No
Store: Yes (1 mile t)
Quiet Hours: 10 am to 6 am
Fee: $18
Handicapped Accessible: Yes
Toilets: Yes | Tables: Yes | Fire rings: Yes
Water: Yes
Max two vehicles per site.
Elevation: 5,200 feet
Fishing: Hume Lake
Generator: Yes (8 am to 10 pm)
Gas: Yes (1 mile)
Repairs: No(50 miles west to Fresno)
Reservations: Yes 1-877-444-6777

 NEW! Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park campground tours are now available! Includes video tours of Azalea, Crystal Springs, Sunset, Dorst, Lodgepole and Stony Creek. Our files work on any iPod, iPad, Android or computer. Click the iPod to order. Or use Buy Now: