Tent campsites near Camp Nelson, California range from 4,200 to 7,000 feet elevation in Sequoia National Forest, creating significant temperature variations. Nighttime temperatures drop considerably even during summer months, with frost possible at higher elevations into June. Most camping areas are positioned along waterways, with the middle fork of the Tule River providing natural boundaries between campsites.
What to do
Trail hiking options: The Moses Gulch - State Forest area provides swimming and hiking opportunities in a more remote setting. One camper noted it's "Good for swimming and hiking," though another warns "the road is slow going and full of potholes. I turned around after three miles because my old truck was shaking apart."
Fishing access: Several camping areas provide direct access to trout fishing. At Lower Peppermint Campground, a regular visitor mentions "There is a creek right behind your camp and it's so nice hearing it at night. You get to see lots of wildlife; owls, squirrels, foxes, coyotes, bears and lots of footprints of small game."
Wildlife observation: The dispersed camping areas near Sequoia National Park offer excellent wildlife viewing. A camper at Camping area No. 3 reports "This is one of my go to campgrounds when you want to do it all. Camping, fishing, swimming." The same camper notes "There is trout in the middle creek and they are a descent size. Great catch to BBQ some fresh trout."
What campers like
Waterside camping: Many tent sites around Camp Nelson are situated along creeks and rivers. One camper at Limestone Campground reports, "Campsites are above the river in a pretty narrow canyon. A short hike to the water. Spacious sites. Most sites have trees for shade."
Secluded locations: Dispersed camping near Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park offers exceptional privacy. A visitor noted, "Stunning. If you want privacy this is it. You are definitely alone. We went and there was only 1 other camper there." Another camper observed the solitude: "I was surprised how vacant this location was. It was absolutely gorgeous and the stars were unreal! There seemed to be a lot of campsites very far from each other."
Natural features: Proximity to giant sequoias draws many campers. A visitor to Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park shared, "Nice quiet boondocking area downhill off the road... Regardless they were gorgeous tucked in spots among the trees. Woke up to cattle walking through the meadow we parked next to. About a mile or two from the Trail of 100 Giants Sequoia trailhead."
What you should know
Bear activity: Bears are common throughout the Camp Nelson area. At Cold Springs Campground, a long-time visitor advises, "Keep food in bear boxes. I have seen bears there, but not every time. Also be wary of marmots." At Limestone Campground, another camper warns, "Beautiful spot, but Bears visit at night. Keep food packed and ice chests put in vehicle."
Water availability: Many dispersed sites require bringing your own water. A visitor to Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park recommends, "BRING water and fill up on gas before you go. There are 0 resources for you."
Road conditions: Access to some campsites requires careful planning. Cold Springs Campground requires preparation: "The crazy drive up isn't worth it! It's a long and windy dirt road, with steep drop offs. We made it up okay in the middle of the night in my honda civic, just would not like to re-live that experience."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming opportunities: Many campgrounds offer natural swimming areas. At Camping area No. 3, a camper describes, "If you walk across you will come across a beautiful waterfall. You can use a donut floaty and slide right down."
Kid-friendly locations: Some campgrounds are specifically noted as good for children. At Tulare County Balch Park Campground, a camper recalls, "Grew up camping here growing up stores in the evenings a bear getting in the dumpsters time to time late at night, chilly early mornings catching trout and cooking them by lunch. Plenty of beginner trails and historical trees."
Temperature preparation: Given the elevation, families should pack for cold mornings. A visitor to Dispersed Camp notes, "You will be at 7000ft elevation so dress warm."
Tips from RVers
Site access limitations: Many campgrounds near Camp Nelson have limited RV access. At Limestone Campground, campers note the sites are "not as close to the river as Brush Creek campground, but still closer than Fairview, which is down the road."
Facilities: RVers should be aware of limited facilities. A Limestone camper details, "No water or electricity anywhere in the campground. No cell service, but there is Wifi at the market 3 miles away."
Vehicle considerations: Some dispersed sites require careful vehicle management. A visitor to Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park advises, "It's all dust roads so AWD would be best, but we did make it in our van. Slid backwards down the hill kicking up dust a couple of times trying to get out the next day, but we made it! Would have been another story if it had rained."
