Map showing campground location near Camp Nelson, California

Camper submitted image from Balch Park Campground

Balch Park Campground

Campers seeking an immersive forest experience find themselves among towering sequoias at this 60-site county-operated campground. Located at 6,000 feet elevation in the Sierra Nevada foothills, the property centers around two stocked trout ponds that draw anglers throughout the operating season from mid-May to mid-October.

The winding mountain road requires careful navigation, particularly for RVs up to 40 feet, though Hedrick Pond Campground sits just half a mile away for those seeking alternatives. Each site includes running water, fire ring, barbecue grill, and picnic table, with flush toilets and a fish cleaning station serving the campground. The first-come, first-served system means weekend arrivals should plan early, while weekday camping offers better availability.

Bears frequent the area around sundown, making proper food storage essential. "Flush toilets, fish cleaning station, and water," notes Corey C., though he warns the campground gets "dusty" from the unpaved roads. The absence of showers means campers should pack accordingly for multi-day stays.

This historic logging area appeals to families wanting fishing access and RV campers who don't mind rough roads. The $20 nightly fee drops to $10 for seniors, with firewood available at the entrance near the camp host.

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Map & DirectionsBalch Park Campground is located in California near Camp Nelson

Public Campground

Address

48200 Bear Creek Drive
Springville, CA 93265

Coordinates

36.22300042 N
118.67500067 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

Reservations

+15592051100

Drive Time

1 hr 40 min from Visalia, CA
1 hr 54 min from Hanford, CA
2 hrs 5 min from Bakersfield, CA
2 hrs 16 min from Fresno, CA

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Reviews9 Camper Reviews - Balch Park Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

5.0

out of 5

9 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the spectacular sequoia forest setting and helpful hosts as standout features. Most found the facilities adequate with running water and flush toilets, though dust and rough roads were common complaints.

Kenneth P.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 1, 2025

Fantastic Family Campground

This is a historic campground. With 1000 year old trees and history of logging. Good fishing and hiking all around the area. Nice hosts and most people are respectful of the area.

Site71

Month of VisitAugust

Stephanie F.

Guide

Reviewed May. 27, 2025

Nice spot in the Sequoias!

Quiet and you feel engulfed in the forest. Road is winding and narrow, takes about 20 min from base of mountain to get there and no service but very beautiful! Lots of other campers and fishing pond near. Chilly near night and morning.

Month of VisitMay

(8) View All

Alex

Scout

Reviewed Apr. 16, 2024

Incredible spot in the trees

Stayed here Aug 2022 and reminiscing. This location was a dream. I wanted to be fully immersed in the woods and this hit the spot. No contact with people and wildlife all around. Will definitely be back.

Site58

Month of VisitAugust

Corey C.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 22, 2023

Giant Redwoods & Fishing

It's a nice place. Two ponds, each with a campground, and typically stocked with rainbow trout.

Wood at entrance to upper near the host. The museum is non existent and was about to collapse. When I was a kid it had cool stuff from the logging days of the area.

Flush toilets, fish cleaning station, and water. Dusty! There is an ADA site at the upper pond next to the host.

Bears. They come around sun down and throughout the night. Don't be that idiot that spot lights them and chases them into others camp sites.

Month of VisitJune

(6) View All

Sean F.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 29, 2023

Balch Park is CLOSED for the remainder of 2023 for road repair.

It is a nice place to camp when you can.

Jamie B.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 27, 2020

Beautiful but super dusty

Beautiful area. Huge redwoods. Your camping among the giants. The campground roads are pretty rough and it is super dusty. I use to camp here as a kid and don’t remember it being this dusty. Remember, no showers, so bring wipes or something to clean up with especially if you have kids! The ponds hadn’t been stocked so fishing was a bust but we had fun anyways. We didn’t have bears the two nights we stayed but someone said the bears were there the night before we got there. Overall it was fun, close to home but unfortunately the crazy amount of dust was too much for us. If we go back I’ll bring a hose to spray down the campsite.

Site63

Month of VisitJuly

(5) View All

John B.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 12, 2020

Sublime

By far one of the best campgrounds I stayed. The site donated the Balch family and operated by the Tulare County Parks, host camping among the Sequoias, fishing at two lakes that are stocked with trout, a self-guided hiking trail and more. Each site has a fire ring, barbecue, and table plus each site has there own running water. The bathrooms are flush toilets and clean sinks. The place has the feel of Yosemite without the large granite rocks. Great host and camp ranger on site. It’s first come first serve and the way it works is you go pick out a campsite not reserved and take it. The ranger will be around to collect. Check out the map in the pictures. It can look confusing at first. There are 60 sites. The place fills up on the weekends. There are more opportunities during the week. Mike the ranger said before COVID, plenty of camping was available, but with so many campgrounds closed, the place fills up fast. The price is $20 a night, $10 for seniors. When you take the Balch Road turnoff to the camp, you can turn right at Bear Creek Rd if you are NOT pulling a trailer. It’s steeper and with more hairpin turns than Balch Road, but about five miles shorter. You go from 1000 feet to 6000 feet elevation in a short distance.

(10) View All

Michelle L.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 23, 2019

Balch

A local favorite, gets lots of tourists. Bears come at night

Bailey J.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 3, 2018

Stunning

Fish dont always bite but the frogs do! Absolutely amazing location in the sequoias, amazing camp hosts! George the ranger is super awesome and so friendly. Make sure to take Everything you will need thu ot eont want to drive back down the mountain for anything. Take the first turn off to get there the second one is a terrible road. Go visit the pack station for an amazing horse back trip up the mountain(cash only) head on down to hidden falls for a gorgeous view and a swim. Dont forget your fishing poles for the two ponds on balch park.

Site40

Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make reservations for Balch Park Campground?

Reservations for Balch Park Campground can be made through Tulare County Parks, which operates the facility. Contact their office directly by phone to secure your spot. The campground has two separate areas located near each fishing pond. Be aware that availability may be limited during repair periods, so booking well in advance is recommended. Bring everything you need for your stay as the winding, narrow mountain road makes quick trips for supplies impractical. The drive to the campground takes approximately 20 minutes from the base of the mountain.

What do reviews say about Balch Park Campground?

Balch Park Campground is highly regarded for its majestic sequoia setting where campers feel fully immersed among giant trees. Visitors praise the friendly camp hosts and ranger staff. The two stocked fishing ponds are popular features, though fishing success varies. The campground offers fire rings, barbecues, and tables at each site with flush toilets available. Some note the roads are rough and the area can be dusty. Wildlife sightings, including bears at night, add to the experience. The location is described as quiet and peaceful, though it can get chilly in evenings.

Is Balch Park Campground located in Sequoia National Forest?

Balch Park Campground is not officially within Sequoia National Forest boundaries. It's operated by Tulare County Parks on land donated by the Balch family. However, the campground does feature sequoia trees and shares the same magnificent forest ecosystem found in the nearby national forest. The historic campground is known for its 1000-year-old trees and logging history. It's situated in a mountainous area requiring navigation of winding, narrow roads to access. Cell service is unavailable at the campground, adding to its remote forest experience.

Where can I find photos of Balch Park Campground?

Photos of Balch Park Campground can be found on The Dyrt's official website in the campground listing. The images showcase the magnificent sequoia trees, two fishing ponds, campsite amenities including fire rings and tables, and the natural forest setting. Additional photos might be available on the Tulare County Parks website, which manages the campground. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook also feature visitor photos when searching #BalchPark or similar hashtags.

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Map & DirectionsBalch Park Campground is located in California near Camp Nelson

Address

Coordinates

Connectivity

Connectivity

Access

Site Types

Features

For Campers

For Vehicles

Contact

Drive Time

2026 Explorer Giveaway

How do I make reservations for Balch Park Campground?

What do reviews say about Balch Park Campground?

Is Balch Park Campground located in Sequoia National Forest?

Where can I find photos of Balch Park Campground?