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Best Campgrounds near Camp Nelson, CA

1,128 Reviews

Camping areas around Camp Nelson, California encompass multiple ecosystems within Sequoia National Forest, where visitors find both established campgrounds and dispersed sites at elevations around 4,200 feet. Nelson Falls RV Park provides cabin accommodations alongside tent and RV camping with full hookups, while Belknap Campground offers a more primitive experience focused on tent camping. The landscape includes giant sequoias, mountain meadows, and waterways, with most developed campgrounds positioned along the Middle Fork of the Tule River.

Many campgrounds operate seasonally, typically opening from late May through October due to mountain weather conditions and road access. "No cell coverage, which we took as a good thing, but make sure to download your Google map," notes one camper about the region's connectivity limitations. Vault toilets are standard at most forest service sites, with varying levels of maintenance. Water availability differs significantly between campgrounds—some like Coy Flat have reported water system issues, while others maintain reliable potable water sources. The higher elevation results in cool evenings and cold mornings even during summer months, requiring appropriate gear for overnight stays.

Campers consistently mention the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty as key highlights of the Camp Nelson area. "Beautiful and quiet little campground with sequoia trees all around. Saw deer in and around the campground almost daily," shared one visitor to Nelson Falls RV Park. Belknap Campground receives positive reviews for its riverside sites that allow campers to "listen to water the whole time." Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer sightings, though bears are present in the area and proper food storage is essential at all campground options. Several developed campgrounds feature clean facilities despite their remote settings, with multiple reviews noting "the cleanest vault toilets" as an unexpected highlight. Weekday visits are recommended for those seeking solitude, as weekend occupancy tends to be high, especially during summer months.

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Best Camping Sites Near Camp Nelson, California (240)

    1. Sequoia National Forest Quaking Aspen Campground

    10 Reviews
    Camp Nelson, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 539-5230

    $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."

    2. Balch Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Camp Nelson, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 539-3896

    "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."

    3. Wishon Campground

    7 Reviews
    Camp Nelson, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 539-5230

    $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!"

    4. Nelson Falls RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Camp Nelson, CA
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 462-5559

    $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."

    5. Sequoia National Forest Belknap Campground

    6 Reviews
    Camp Nelson, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (559) 539-5230

    $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!"

    6. Sequoia National Forest Coy Flat Campground

    6 Reviews
    Camp Nelson, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (559) 539-5230

    $34 - $72 / night

    "Friendly staff checked us in and gave great trail and site recommendations. Very clean and well maintained."

    7. Dome Rock Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Sequoia National Forest, CA
    7 miles

    "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"

    8. Limestone Campground

    10 Reviews
    Johnsondale, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 376-1815

    $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."

    9. Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park

    7 Reviews
    Johnsondale, CA
    12 miles

    "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."

    10. Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground

    7 Reviews
    Johnsondale, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 565-3341

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Camp Nelson, CA

430 Photos of 240 Camp Nelson Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Camp Nelson, CA

1128 Reviews of 240 Camp Nelson Campgrounds

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Fairview Campground

    If you need a place to crash

    Not particularly nice, clean, or scenic. Perfect place to crash for the night but not great otherwise

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Django Free Dispersed

    Nice location but diffucult to find a spot

    It’s a beautiful spot, but if you come late it’s incredibly difficult to find a spot in the area due to camping restrictions. For many spots, 4x4 is recommended.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Inyo / Lower Grays Meadow Campground

    Upper gray meadows

    Has 38 sights mix of rv and tent sights very narrow sights longest trailer 24 feet beautiful view trees and a creek

  • John L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Fossil Falls Campground

    Very rocky terrain

    Nice for a night or two lots of spots but close together some are more level than others, saw all types of campers from vans to trailers and my lifted Motorhome

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Forest Rd 14S29

    Alright place

    We actually didn’t stay primarily because this spot absolutely did not have any cell coverage whatsoever (this app said it had some coverage for Verizon. It did 100% not. We couldn’t find a suitable place for tent and some of it looked like private property and/or reserved camping areas. Definitely more suitable if you have a RV or a built out van.

  • D
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description

    Quiet place for undisturbed camping

    Good campground on the way to Sequoia. Plenty of space, we had no problems finding a spot for our 30ft RV. There are restrooms available which seem to be cleaned every second day. You have access to the river nearby. The generator can be used until 10 p.m. Would recommend.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Three Rivers Hideaway

    Like a glove

    This campground is super comfortable. I’m not sure why but it just feels right. Park staff very friendly. We had a nice site and plenty of campside room. I felt like I was in my neighbors site when I had to dump my tanks. The sewage hookup was right in front of his steps. The laundry is your standard $2 per load but the is only one washer and one dryer. Sequoia entrance is about 4 miles, but the trees are an hour up into the hills. Kings canyon is 2.5 hours. But it’s worth it. A bunch of restaurants nearby and the Village Market is a real grocery store. Great location.

  • Aaron S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park

    Happy Campers

    This campground is at the base of the park on the south end.  It can get warm there in summer months.  Rangers were nice.  Wildlife came through camp.  We saw deer and quail each day.

    Full campsite each night.  Busy place.

    www.hitched4fun.com crew was happy here.

Guide to Camp Nelson

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.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the Topokah Falls trail, which is right inside the Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park. One visitor mentioned, "It’s a stunning area of the park with the Topokah falls trail right inside the campground."
  • River Activities: Enjoy the Marble Creek River, which is perfect for cooling off on hot days. A reviewer noted, "The marble creek river is gorgeous and people come, park and spend the day cooling off."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. Campers at Dorst Creek Campground have spotted deer and even bears during their stays. One camper shared, "We got to see two female bears walking at a distance from the campground."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Many campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Sequoia RV Ranch said, "Beautiful river front site. Our 5th time here & it’s always so nice."
  • Convenience: Campgrounds like Rivernook Campground offer amenities like electric hookups and a market. One camper mentioned, "The campground was full. Our spot was okay but not very level."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. A reviewer at Three Rivers Hideaway noted, "Clean restrooms and showers, nice picnic tables and fire rings."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some campgrounds can get quite busy, especially during peak season. A visitor at Lodgepole Campground mentioned, "Some of the sites are a bit close together and it does get very crowded."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Potwisha Campground lacks showers and has limited water access. A camper shared, "The camp site itself was decent. Large enough for several tents."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Bears are known to frequent the area, so it's essential to store food properly. A camper at California Limestone Campground advised, "Keep food packed and ice chests put in vehicle."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. KRS RV Resort@Camp James is noted for its clean facilities and friendly staff. One family said, "Campground is nice overall. Sites are close together."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Kennedy Meadows Campground mentioned, "The fishing was great. The campground was empty and we were basically alone."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring along games and outdoor gear to keep the kids engaged. A visitor at Three Rivers Hideaway shared, "Fantastic secluded campground with all amenities you need."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A reviewer at Rivernook Campground noted, "Each site is so close together that you can literally hear everyone’s conversations."
  • Use Hookups Wisely: Look for campgrounds with electric and water hookups for a more comfortable stay. A camper at Sequoia RV Ranch mentioned, "Full hookups, close to everything."
  • Be Mindful of Quiet Hours: Respect the campground rules to ensure a peaceful experience. A visitor at Dorst Creek Campground shared, "The only thing negative I could say about this campground is that a lot of the campsites are very close to each other."

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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