Sequoia National Forest near Camp Nelson sits at elevations between 6,000-7,000 feet with seasonal temperature variations that impact camping conditions. The area features diverse terrain with alpine meadows transitioning to dense forest stands dominated by ponderosa pine, white fir, and giant sequoias. During summer months, daytime temperatures typically reach 70-85°F while dropping to 45-55°F overnight, requiring layered clothing even for yurt camping.
What to do
Hiking to alpine lakes: At Monarch Lakes Backcountry Sites, trails lead through high-elevation terrain with moderate difficulty. One camper noted, "Great site to get to after a short (semi difficult) hike. If you want to head off into other parts of the backcountry (or are coming back) this is a great calm and serene area with fantastic scenery."
Mountain biking: The Troy Meadow Campground provides access to trails through the Eastern Sierra wilderness. A visitor observed, "Really nice to be out of the Valley heat. We had the campground A Loop to ourselves," making it ideal for cyclists seeking uncrowded trails during weekdays.
Wildlife viewing: At Sequoia National Forest Quaking Aspen Campground, early mornings offer prime opportunities for spotting deer, squirrels, and numerous bird species. Tim, the camp host, reports "no in-camp bear incidents/sightings in the last few years," but still recommends securing food in vehicles when not in use.
Stargazing: Horse Creek Campground offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities during clear nights. One visitor described it as "beautiful scenery, cleanest vault toilets I've ever been in. Great hiking and activities nearby," with minimal light pollution providing optimal star viewing conditions.
What campers like
River access: Camp Three Campground features sites adjacent to the Kern River. A camper described their experience: "From these gems, the river is just a short, 1 or 2 minute walk to the River... site #47 had two shaded, flat places right near the site and was only a few steps from the river - which had a nice shaded space for chairs along it."
Campground layout: At KRS RV Resort@Camp James, the organized site arrangement creates private camping spaces. One visitor noted, "We stayed in site 81 in our class C RV. Corner site on a creek that ran through the campground. The creek was great to sit in to escape the heat and float down."
Well-maintained facilities: Camp hosts at Redwood Meadow keep the campground in excellent condition. A recent visitor reported, "The host was okay with it the next morning and was very kind explaining and giving us some info on the area. They had a little gift shop which had medicine which was a life saver."
Elevation relief: During summer months, Troy Meadow Campground provides temperature relief from valley heat. A camper shared, "We arrived on Sunday afternoon. The weekend crowd was moving out. We had the campground A Loop to ourselves. Really nice to be out of the Valley heat."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Fire policies vary by season and location. At Sequoia National Forest Quaking Aspen Campground, "you will need to obtain campfire permit online before you arrive depending if there are fire restrictions or not. There is no service within the campground so make sure you have everything available to you."
Water availability: Not all campgrounds provide potable water. A visitor to Redwood Meadow cautioned, "I only give this three stars because there was no running water and the location was quiet but there wasn't much to do unless you're an avid hiker."
Reservations timeline: For Whitney Portal, a reviewer advised, "Because of this the campgrounds do fill up insanely quick! Be sure to book at least 2-3 months out especially during the 'climbing' season for Whitney June-Sept."
Cell service gaps: Most forest campgrounds have limited or no connectivity. A visitor to Sequoia National Forest Quaking Aspen Campground noted, "If you want cell service briefly, there is a spot about 3.5 miles away off 21S70 as if you're headed to Dome rock."
Tips for camping with families
Water safety: When camping near Kern River, supervise children closely. A Horse Creek Campground visitor warned about specific hazards: "The drought have made it too far to my liking we had to drive 3 miles up where the river flows to cool down."
Campsite selection: For yurt camping near Camp Nelson, California, choose sites with natural features for kids. At Hospital Flat, one camper advised, "The water is just a short walk down some rocky trails, so would not be very good for elderly or very small children unless you plan on carrying them down."
Bathroom facilities: Not all campgrounds offer flush toilets or showers. Horse Creek Campground has "2 restroom facilities (with showers) for 75+ sites.. too many people waiting in line to use the restrooms."
Group accommodations: For larger family gatherings, Sequoia National Forest Quaking Aspen Campground offers designated group sites. One visitor noted, "We stayed at one of the group campsites with about 15 people total. Plenty of space and picnic tables."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Hospital Flat Campground has limitations for larger vehicles. A reviewer warned, "The website says several spots are good for a 30-foot RV. I do not recommend anything bigger than 24 feet or so. The road through the campground is very narrow, and lined with large boulders."
Hook-up availability: KRS RV Resort@Camp James provides full-service sites. A camper explained, "The sites had power, water and cable TV hook up. There is a dump station in the campground."
Leveling challenges: At Horse Creek Campground, "Sites were generally not level as it is situated on the hill down to the lake."
Amenities near Camp Nelson: For RVers seeking yurt camping alternatives in Camp Nelson, California, nearby options include supply runs to Kernville. A KRS RV Resort@Camp James visitor noted, "It is a short walk/ride to Kern River Brewery. Or it is about a hour drive to Trail of 100 Giants Sequoia Trees."
