Yes, that’s an obvious solution to the problem but since that’s not an option, maybe someone else may have some helpful insight.

People can cancel reservations for free up to 48 hours before check in so see if you can get night in park. We were there for first time last week. We liked moro rock, Eagles peak, ( go past Eagles peak for more amazing views)Congress Trail where we saw Mama bear and her cub, and General Sherman, Tioga falls, Tall trees trail and Beetle Rock was covered in wildflowers. The drive down King canyon was amazing. We did Boyden cave. At the end, the guide let's you choose to hike out another entrance by yourselves thru creek bed. water was almost calf deep in 2 spots when we did it. We really wanted to do Buck Rock firetower but it opened 3 days after we were there. Panorama PT and General Grant also are a must do. Kings Canyon is long way from 3 Rivers, hope u can find cancelation. We covered a lot in 2 1/2 days but we stayed in park.

On food we brought most in with us from Walmart stop in Fresno.We are used to protein bars, peanut butter and fruit rolls, trail mix etc. Also food at Lodgepole. Store and cafe. Wuksuchi has a pizza deck. We drove thru 3 Rivers because we had a detour from sink hole in road. We didn't see much in 3 Rivers.

From Three Rivers, I would stop first at Hospital Rock. Park and walk across the street to see the petroglyphs and learn about the Native American history of the area. Then I would head to the Giant Forest Museum. Then on to Tunnel Rock for a photo op, then the Moro Rock stair climb, and then off to explore Crescent Meadow. There I would go to Tharp's Log and Chimney Rock. If you have time, hike up to Eagle View, especially if it's a clear day. After that you could head to the General Sherman tree and hike the Congress Trail, a really cool hike with so many big trees.

The next day you could drive straight to the Grant Grove entrance of the park, taking Hwy 245. Drive down the canyon to see Grizzly and Roaring River Falls and Zumwalt Meadow. On the way back stop at Grant Grove, which is every bit as impressive as General Sherman, if not more so.

If you have more time on another day, the hike to Topokah Falls is really nice. It starts at Lodgepole Campground. If you're not staying in the park because of cost, I understand. But, if you're not staying there because you can't get a reservation, keep checking for cancellations. Staying in Three Rivers will be a lot of driving no matter how you plan your day.

It's a beautiful park and I hope you enjoy your time there.

You could also consider staying a night or two in Three Rivers and your last night in Yokuts Valley for an easier drive to your accommodations after exploring Kings Canyon. Even better would be getting a cabin at Grant Grove Village.

We have a VRBO that we would have to cancel by June 25 to get our money refunded but, yes, I do keep checking daily for Park lodging.

For Three Rivers food ideas:

Outdoor dining - Both River View Grill and The Gateway have outdoor covered patios along the river. Waterflow will be low in July but still a nice setting. Food at both is usually good.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60963-d1126647-Reviews-River_View_Grill_Bar-Three_Rivers_California.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60963-d550564-Reviews-The_Gateway_Restaurant_Lodge-Three_Rivers_California.html

Greek - Tony's Taverna On Wheels is good. The food truck is at the Three Rivers Museum for lunch and dinner every day but Tuesday.

http://www.instagram.com/tonystaverna/

http://www.facebook.com/tonystaverna3R/

Sandwiches - Sierra Subs makes great sandwiches. Unfortunately they don't open until mid-morning otherwise it would be a great picnic source.

http://www.sierrasubsandsalads.com/

If you are looking for a nicer style sit-down dinner then you would need to drive. A few I would suggest:

Monet's Bistro in Exeter

http://www.facebook.com/monetswinebistro/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g32364-d1954158-Reviews-Monet_s-Exeter_California.html

or The Vintage Press in Visalia

http://www.thevintagepress.com/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g33230-d468647-Reviews-Vintage_Press-Visalia_California.html