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. "
"The campground hosts never came around and it felt like we could have stayed for free. We had some questions about the area and in order to get some answers we had to drive to the nearest people."
"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
"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."
"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."
"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."
ScoutI'm looking for a campsite near water and a nice mountain view, will definitely add Stine Cove to my next trip list.
TravelerThis beautiful site is geared more for tent camping. There are two RV spots with water & power hook ups but those are really tight, right next to the road for easy access. The RV sites don’t have the gorgeous views the tent sites have. Beautiful rolling hills, a small pond, and big trees create a nice athmosphere, and it is nice to walk around the campsite with dogs. This location is really close to the King’s Canyon NP entrance. Overall good but would not stay here with an RV.
TravelerBeautiful and well kept campground. Also loved the fact that loud music is not allowed. The sites by the river are amazing. There is also a really nice, large, and clean dog park! Will stay here again!
ScoutThis 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.
Travelerpitch your tent in a beautiful grove of sequoias - including the massive stumps left over from fallen giants - on the edge of a meadow filled with lupine, aspen, and a sweet little creek. took a chance on the rare possibility of a cancellation and it somehow paid off. hosts keep the facilities super clean, it's quiet at night even with a full campground, and the stargazing is incredible. smells amazing, too. definitely the princess of all campgrounds. in close range to hume lake for swimming and general grant village for phone service, food, and supplies.
ScoutLabor day weekend and half the campground is closed, water faucets are locked, and dump station is closed. We specifically chose this campground for the convenience of water and dump station. Otherwise, the sites are spread apart and the scenery is beautiful.
TravelerAwesome location, easy to reach with a 4X4 Low clearance vehicles may need to be careful
GuideBeautiful, quiet & remote location! Very limited and spotty cell service so difficult to pin exactly. Coming off the General Highway at Forest Rt 14S29 keep going along the paved road until it ends and you’ll find it (about 2 or 3 miles) Campfire stones rings available. Unfortunately previously campers didn’t respect the area and we had to pick up a bit of litter. There were also some signs of bear activity (bags clawed through) but we didn’t see any (unfortunately)… room for about 4 sites but we went mid Aug and we’re the only ones there!! Highly recommend if you’re looking for something quiet and off the beaten track.
ScoutAwesome place, can’t beat the zip line. Gonna be coming back for sure
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
How do I reserve a campsite at Camp Nelson?
Reservation policies vary across Camp Nelson area campgrounds. For Sequoia National Forest Quaking Aspen Campground, reservations can be made through recreation.gov. The campground offers potable water and well-maintained vault toilets. Coy Flat Campground is another option in the area, though it's situated high up the mountain with a 30-minute drive to reach it. For most Forest Service campgrounds in the area, reservations open six months in advance. Some smaller campgrounds may be first-come, first-served only, so arrive early during peak season.
What amenities are available at Camp Nelson Campground?
Camp Nelson area campgrounds offer various amenities. Nelson Falls RV Park provides clean, peaceful grounds with a creek, waterfall, and pond. It's suitable for both RV and tent camping. For a more rustic experience, Sequoia National Forest Belknap Campground features vault toilets (notably clean by California standards), a river running through the camp with a swimming hole, and proximity to trails. Water availability and toilet facilities vary by campground in the area, so it's best to check current conditions before your trip.
What recreational activities can I do when camping at Camp Nelson?
The Camp Nelson area offers abundant recreation opportunities. Hiking is popular, with the Camp Nelson trail accessible by a short walk from Belknap Campground, following alongside a river. Swimming is available at river spots and swimming holes within some campgrounds. Long Meadow Group Campground provides seclusion and spectacular stargazing opportunities. For those willing to venture a bit further, the giant sequoias at Lodgepole Campground offer a majestic backdrop for exploration. Wildlife viewing is also possible, with bear sightings reported in some areas, particularly after recent forest fires.
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