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Places to Camp near Camp Nelson, CA

964 Reviews

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. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Camp Nelson, CA (210)

  1. Camper-submitted photo from Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    1.

    Alabama Hills Recreation Area

    81 Reviews
    444 Photos
    1651 Saves
    Lone Pine, California

    The Alabama Hills are a formation of rounded rocks and eroded hills set between the jagged peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the geologically complex Inyo Mountains. Both geologic features were shaped by the same uplifting occurring 100 million years ago.

    Alabama Hills camping offers touring film sites, photography, rock climbing, exploring natural arches, and viewing the swaths of wildflowers that bloom every spring. Horseback riding and mountain biking are popular activities.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
  2. Camper-submitted photo from Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park

    2.

    Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park

    43 Reviews
    106 Photos
    467 Saves
    Hartland, California

    Overview

    Lodgepole Campground is located in the breathtaking Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in central California's rugged Sierra Nevada range. Lodgepole is perched on the banks of the scenic and lengthy Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, at an elevation of 6,700 ft. The inspiring Giant Forest Grove and the mighty General Sherman Tree - the world's largest tree in volume - are just two miles from the campground.

    Recreation

    Forty miles of trails, including the paved Big Trees Trail, invite visitors to immerse themselves in the majesty of the ancient grove. Several additional popular hiking and wilderness trailheads are close by, including the trail to Moro Rock, a granite dome with spectacular views of the Great Western Divide and western half of the park. Tokopah Falls Trail is an easy walk along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, leading to an impressive 1200 ft. waterfall. Fly-fishing is also a popular activity on the Marble Fork.

    Facilities

    Lodgepole Campground is very popular with tent and RV campers alike. It has paved roads, flush toilets, and drinking water. Picnic tables, fire rings, and bear food storage boxes are provided at each site. Lodgepole Village is a quick, 1/4-mile away, offering, a Visitor Center, market and gift shop. Coin-operated showers and laundry facilities are not available for 2023 season.

    Natural Features

    Lodgepole pine, Red fir, and shrubs forest the campground, while towering groves of giant sequoias and craggy granite peaks dot the landscape. The Marble Fork of the Kaweah River is fed by snowmelt and flows seasonally through the site. This region is characterized by warm days and cool nights in the summer and deep snow and cold days in the winter.

    Nearby Attractions

    The General Sherman Tree, General Grant Tree, Moro Rock and Tunnel Log are nearby, as is the informative Giant Forest Museum and the Lodgepole Visitor Center.____ Colorful Crescent Meadow offers views of vivid summer wildflowers and access to Tharp's Log, a cabin in a fallen sequoia.__ Crystal Cave is Closed for the 2023 season. Tours into Crystal Cave, one of hundreds of marble caves in the park, give visitors an interesting view of rock formations, fossils, rare minerals, and unique wildlife. Tickets are required, but are not sold at the cave entrance. Reserve in advance on www.recreation.gov. Tickets may also be purchased same day, if available, at the Lodgepole Visitor Center. Crystal Cave is about a 45 minute drive (13 miles/21 km) from the campground.__ Vehicles longer than 22 feet long are prohibited on the narrow, winding Crystal Cave Road.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (559) 565-4404.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Payment in full will be charged to your credit card upon completion of the reservation. A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Additional fees will apply for late cancellations. All cancellations made between midnight on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival are considered late cancellations and will incur a $10.00 cancellation fee and will also forfeit the first night___s use fee. Cancellations for a single night___s reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. If your campsite remains vacant for 24 hours after your arrival date it will be cancelled and made available on rec.gov.___You will be charged for the first night's campsite fee and a $10 cancellation fee, all other fees after that will be refunded. Recreation.gov policies apply to all reservations, cancellations, refunds and date changes. Call (559) 565-4404 if you will be arriving 24 hours after your arrival date so your site won't be cancelled.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $22 - $32 / night

  3. 3.

    Rivernook Campground

    25 Reviews
    54 Photos
    541 Saves
    Kernville, California

    Rivernook Campground is the biggest privately owned campground along a beautiful stretch of the Kern River, with creeks running through the park. We offer Full Hook Up RV sites, Partial RV sites and dry tent camping sites. We have full service newly remodeled restrooms for our guests at no charge, on site dump station, cable, WIFI and we have a little store that might have something you need!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $45 - $75 / night

  4. Camper-submitted photo from Limestone Campground

    4.

    Limestone Campground

    10 Reviews
    49 Photos
    358 Saves
    Johnsondale, California

    Overview

    Limestone Campground sits in an area dotted with oak and gray pine along the Upper Kern River, a designated Wild and Scenic River, at an elevation of 3,500 feet.

    Recreation

    Whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Upper Kern River are popular activities. To learn more about the Upper Kern River, including safety and permitting requirements and a listing of local outfitters, visit the Sequoia National Forest___s overview of the area.

    Facilities

    The campground, located 16 miles north of Kernville, has 19 paved sites. Picnic areas, vault toilets are provided. This facility is operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company, a division of ExplorUS and comments are welcome; comment forms are available from campground hosts.

    Natural Features

    The Sequoia National Forest, located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada in central California, takes its name from the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree, which grows in more than 30 groves on the forest's lower slopes. The forest comprises about 1.1 million acres, and elevations range from about 1,000 to 12,000 feet creating precipitous canyons and mountain streams with spectacular waterfalls such as Salmon Creek Falls and Grizzly Falls. At various points along the river, gray pines, scrub oaks, grass and dry climate shrubs cling to steep canyon walls, while cottonwoods and willows line the water's edge.

    Nearby Attractions

    The campground provides a good base for day trips to the Sequoia National Park Trail of 100 Giants. The Giant Sequoia Mercantile offers a wide variety of books, maps, gifts, local art, camping supplies and other merchandise.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (760) 376-1269.

    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table

    $34 - $36 / night

  5. Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Forest Quaking Aspen Campground

    5.

    Sequoia National Forest Quaking Aspen Campground

    8 Reviews
    29 Photos
    26 Saves
    Camp Nelson, California

    Overview

    Quaking Aspen Campground is situated in the Giant Sequoia National Monument near numerous distinctive sequoia groves, including McIntyre Grove and Freeman Creek Grove, at an elevation of 7,000 feet.

    Recreation

    Visitors can explore nearby sequoia groves. Bear Creek Grove has a trail that winds through the Belknap Complex along Bear Creek and the Tule River. The Freeman Creek Grove is also a popular destination. At 1,425 acres, this immense unlogged grove features several large sequoias, including the President George Bush Tree. There is fishing in area streams and the Tule River. For hiking, the Summit Trailhead is 10 miles north of the campground.

    Facilities

    This popular campground includes three small group sites that accommodate up to 12 people per campsite, 30 standard sites, two cabin sites and four tent-only sites. Some sites overlook a meadow. An amphitheater, vault toilets and picnic areas are provided. Please note, there is limited turnaround space in this campground, restricting RVs longer than 26 feet in length.This facility is operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company, a division of ExplorUS and comments are welcome; comment forms are available from campground hosts or online.

    Natural Features

    The Sequoia National Forest, located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada in central California, takes its name from the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree, which grows in more than 30 groves on the Forest's lower slopes. The Forest comprises about 1.1 million acres, and elevations range from about 1,000 to 12,000 feet, creating precipitous canyons and mountain streams with spectacular waterfalls such as Salmon Creek Falls and Grizzly Falls.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Trail of 100 Giants is 10 miles away. Possible day trips include Dome Rock and the Needles rock formation and lookout.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (661) 455-6010.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins

    $58 - $116 / night

  6. Camper-submitted photo from Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park

    6.

    Potwisha Campground — Sequoia National Park

    21 Reviews
    55 Photos
    173 Saves
    Kaweah, California

    Overview

    Potwisha Campground, located along the Generals Highway in Sequoia National Park, offers convenience for visiting the many attractions in the park. The campground is situated along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, just four miles from the park entrance, in the Sierra Foothills. For more information and trip planning please see our website at www.nps.gov/seki .

    Recreation

    There are numerous opportunities for fishing and hiking near the campground. The Marble Falls trailhead is situated adjacent to the campground and several other trails are a short drive away. Access to the Kaweah River is just a short walk across the street from the campground.

    Facilities

    Potwisha Campground is open year-round to tents, RVs, and trailers. Reservations are required for all sites year-round. Site #39 and site #40 are suitable for wheelchairs. Picnic tables, fire rings and food storage lockers are provided at each site. Flush toilets, drinking water and an amphitheater are available within the campground. A free dump station, open year-round, is located across the highway from the campground.

    Natural Features

    The Foothills consist of the lower elevations of Sequoia National Park, where the grassy valley floor gives way to granite peaks. Oaks, chaparral, and river canyons are plentiful here in an area with more biological diversity than the conifer forests and High Sierra combined. Winters are relatively snow-free and mild; summer is characterized by hot and dry weather. Wildlife is frequently seen in the area, including the American Black Bear, mule deer, and bobcats, as well as numerous bird species.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (559) 565-3714.

    Nearby Attractions

    Potwisha Campground is located within a 45 minute drive from the Giant Forest, home to the largest trees on Earth. Moro Rock, Crescent Meadow and the Congress Trail are also located in the Giant Forest area, as well as numerous other opportunities for exploration in Sequoia National Park. The Crystal Caves are about an hour's drive (18 miles/29 km) from the campground. Reserve tour tickets in advance on Recreation.gov.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Payment in full will be charged to your credit card upon completion of the reservation. A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Additional fees will apply for late cancellations. All cancellations made between midnight on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival are considered late cancellations and will incur a $10.00 cancellation fee and will also forfeit the first night___s use fee. Cancellations for a single night___s reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $22 - $32 / night

  7. Camper-submitted photo from Balch Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    7.

    Balch Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    7 Reviews
    23 Photos
    159 Saves
    Camp Nelson, California

    Temp closed 2023 for road repair

    Balch Park Campground is located in the Mountain Home State Forest, within the larger Sequoia National Forest in California. The campground is owned and operated by the Tulare County Park & Recreation Department. Camping in this campground is first-come, first-serve and is open from Spring to Fall.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
  8. Camper-submitted photo from Quaking Aspen Campground
  9. Camper-submitted photo from Tuttle Creek Campground

    9.

    Tuttle Creek Campground

    35 Reviews
    96 Photos
    569 Saves
    Alabama Hills, California

    Open year round. $10/night, no reservations available for individual sites. 83 sites/tent and pull through trailer spaces. Campground is shadowed by some of the most impressive peaks in the Sierra Nevada Range: Mt. Whitney, Lone Pine Peak and Mt. Williamson rise to the west of the campground. To the east is the Alabama Hills with its famous movie history. Beyond the Alabama Hills is the Owens Valley and Inyo Mountains Range. Camping is good throughout the season with plenty of opportunities for exploring, hiking, sightseeing. Closest amenities (groceries, gas) are in Lone Pine (4.5 miles). Elevation - 5,120 ft. Amenities include vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings and lantern holders. Water is available March-October. Dump station cost is $5.00, no passes accepted, closed in winter. One Group site for $30.00/night, reservations required, please see phone number above. Two horse corrals $10.00/night, call ahead to confirm availability.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $10 / night

  10. Camper-submitted photo from Whitney Portal

    10.

    Whitney Portal

    27 Reviews
    111 Photos
    379 Saves
    Alabama Hills, California

    Overview

    Whitney Portal Campground is in a prime location within the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains - at the base of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the continental United States. With hiking trails to Mt. Whitney and the John Muir Wilderness less than a mile away, the campground is a popular home base for hikers, as well as family, RV and tent campers who wish to explore the area's activities and enjoy unparalleled scenery.

    Recreation

    Hikers are drawn to the majestic scenery and challenging trails of the Whitney Portal recreation area. Nearby trails lead into the John Muir Wilderness and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. The campground is only 0.5 miles from trailheads to Mt. Whitney, Meysan Lake and other popular destinations. Visitors should be aware that hiking in this area may require a permit. Visitors can also hike, fish and picnic in the area around the campground. There are numerous lakes, streams and a small pond in the area for trout fishing.

    Facilities

    The campground is adjacent to Whitney Creek and just down the road from Trailhead Campground. Numerous campsites are arranged on either side of the creek, including three group camping areas and several tent-only sites. Paved roads, vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Bears frequent the area, and campers are required to use the bear-proof food storage lockers provided in the facility (all supplies must fit; dimensions are 18 inches high, 18 inches deep and 50 inches long). Firewood is available for purchase on-site, and a small convenience store with showers is nearby.

    Natural Features

    The facility is situated in a thick pine forest at an elevation of 8,000 ft. Campers can see striking views of the rugged granite peaks surrounding it. The area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bear, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martin, pika and many species of fish and birds. This campground is especially prone to bear activity.

    Nearby Attractions

    Campers can enter the John Muir Wilderness, a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially carved terrain, via nearby trails. Mt. Whitney is within the wilderness area and entry is available by lottery for experienced hikers. John Muir Wilderness

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (602) 726-1102.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $93 / night


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964 Reviews of 210 Camp Nelson Campgrounds