Join the fun near Camp Nelson. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Camp Nelson. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.
$34 - $233 / night
"He has all the info on nearby trails, maps of the area, answers every question you can think of. Just fantastic. "
"Most of your group will have to park on the side of the road outside the entrance to the campground. Besides those two things the campground is great."
"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."
"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."
$34 - $72 / night
"This is a primitive campground with several site locations. It was a very long, winding and narrow road to get there."
"About an hour away from the sequoia national park and a great option for cheap camping! There are several bathrooms, garbage and recycling bins, and a stream with an flat swim/ wading area!"
$20 - $235 / night
"My little family & I had a great experience tent camping here at Camp Nelson, Trudy showed lovely hospitality & we made some new friends, the campground is really clean & peaceful."
"Beautiful and quiet little campground with sequoia trees all around. Saw deer in and around the campground almost daily. Camp host was very friendly and helpful. Would definitely visit again."
$34 - $36 / night
"Beautiful drive up campground with a really friendly camp host. Vault toilets, but the cleanest vault toilets I’ve used in CA. River runs through the camp and there’s a little swimming hole."
"We had site 15, and although the picture of the site looks small there is a trail to, an upper spot for putting the tent, which makes the campsite secluded and beautiful!"
$34 - $72 / night
"Friendly staff checked us in and gave great trail and site recommendations. Very clean and well maintained."
"It’s on the slightly off road to Dome Rock. I didn’t get any traffic except some deer. Internet works on the Dome itself but spotty in the camping areas"
"Typical BLM site, good cell coverage, close to the city"
$34 - $36 / night
"The lsites are not as close to the river as Brush Creek campground, but still closer than Fairview, which is down the road.
Facilities. There are vault toilets."
"Easily accessed campground located right on the Kern River in the lower Sequoia Forest. No service, running water, or electricity, but there is vault toilets and dogs are allowed."
"Regardless they were gorgeous tucked in spots among the trees. Woke up to cattle walking through the meadow we parked next to."
"This camping site is a nice free area super close to the Giants Trail entrance (5 minute drive). As you head in you go thru a little dirt road and at the end you see an opening for this site."
"Next to stream. Then if you continue on you will hit a 4 mile off road (my Corolla/any sedan OK) and see great views and waterfall! Nice!"
"The area is secluded and away from kern campgrounds where you will see a lot of people. You will have some people checking out the area or driving in but for us they all left."
ScoutSites are pretty close together, amenities are just ok. No sign showing entrance.
GuideVery nice spot with a nice view of Mt Whitney
TravelerBears will break into vehicles with food, scraps, wrappers, etc. Even a cardboard box can invite the critters' attentions. So keep a clean car if parking there and use the bear boxes provided by the forest service.
The Whitney Portal store is a stroll away with famously good food, run by the same family since before I was a ranger there back in the 1990s. They have some last minute supplies too, if you discover you forgot anything from rain gear to a stove canister.
I'd camp here to hike Meysan Lakes and the start of the Whitney trail to Lone Pine Lake, neither of which require permits for day hikes. It's a great camp for acclimatization. The National Rec Trail gets overlooked, but showcases the transition from forest at the Portal to desert scrub at the bottom, following the stream, albeit from a neighboring ridge.
I'd also consider other campgrounds in the area, as there's a fair bit to do around Lone Pine for such a small town, and the Whitney Portal's position at the end of the road means you'll need to ascend/descend a mile in elevation over 13 steep and twisting curves every time you leave or return.
The bears and popularity of the Portal limit my enthusiasm for it a bit, but the positives of a store and restaurant, showers, and great hikes make camping here worth the effort for a few days. It's certainly a great way to get used to the thinner air if you're then headed for the back country.
If one had the luxury of time and the luck/good planning of getting reservations for Cottonwood as well as Whitney Portal, I'd check out both for additional hiking and fishing, as well as the Alabama Hills, which offer free boon docking.
The whole Owen's Valley is one great opportunity after another for all sorts of outdoor sports and enjoyment, but Lone Pine has more than its share of nearby attractions and the Whitney Portal is high on that list.
TravelerTim is amazing! He has all the info on nearby trails, maps of the area, answers every question you can think of. Just fantastic.
As of 6/22/25:
This campground is so peaceful, and near several hiking trails. Would 100% come back here again.
RangerI backpacked here and it was amazing. Absolutely beautiful views and scenery, but need to be in way better shape than I was as the hike goes from 8,000 feet to 11,000 feet over 6 miles. Make sure you are in shape for it before starting. Also, we went in November and unexpectedly got snowed on, so the weather is unpredictable! Make sure to come prepared. There was a bathroom.
ScoutTook a right off the main road (Rd 180) where you see signs for the Chicago stump. Took the road a little bit further than the pinpoint where there was a split and took a left. About 200 feet further a little area that you can pull off. I’m driving a 170 wheelbase extended Sprinter and had a little difficulty to get in. Anything larger will be difficult. But great spot.
TravelerNeeded a place to sleep for the night on my way home from Yellowstone. This was a nice quiet place. I don’t think it’s a spot to spend extended time at unless you are venturing out to the surrounding area or for Mt. Whitney. But it was cool. The creek running through it provided nice background noise while you slept. Plenty of stores and places to eat near by if you need them. I’d stay again if passing through.
ScoutDO NOT STAY HERE. We woke up to cockroaches in our tent. I was willing to let go the conditions of the KOA. The bathrooms need major updating. The playground is a couple swings and a kiddie slide, the pool was dirty, ants and flies all over everything. The smell of the nearly cow pasture. I could let that all go and think, well KOA sure has lowered their standard. But the wake up with cockroaches. Nope. They have to know this is an issue and are doing nothing to control the problem. If you’re thinking of staying here because you assume it’ll be quality because it has the KOA standard, don’t. This does not live up to any standard.
GuideBeautiful drive up to the spot, unfortunately still closed in late March.
Camping near Camp Nelson, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Camp Nelson, California, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Camp Nelson, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 237 campgrounds and RV parks near Camp Nelson, CA and 64 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Camp Nelson, CA is Sequoia National Forest Quaking Aspen Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 9 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 64 free dispersed camping spots near Camp Nelson, CA.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Camp Nelson, CA that allow camping, notably Sequoia National Forest and Kaweah Lake.
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