Reservations are required at this 20-site Forest Service campground along the Middle Fork Tule River, with rates running $36-$38 per night during its May through October season. The paved access road leads to sites scattered among giant sequoias and dense forest at 4,200 feet elevation. RVs up to 20 feet can navigate the campground, though several reviewers mention the road conditions can be rough.
Most campsites sit close enough to the creek and river that the sound of flowing water provides constant background noise. Site 15 includes a trail leading to an upper tent area for added privacy. The campground features vault toilets that campers consistently describe as exceptionally clean, along with water spigots distributed throughout the area. A swimming hole offers relief during warmer months, while anglers report success catching trout from the river.
Bear activity occurs regularly here, and while some sites have bear lockers, Vicky D. notes "there are no bear boxes" at all locations, advising campers to secure food properly. The camp host maintains the facilities and provides information about local trails, including the nearby Camp Nelson Trail that follows the river. Cool evenings and cold mornings are typical even in summer.
Campers wanting full hookups can check Nelson Falls RV Park less than a mile away.
Description
Overview
Belknap Campground, elevation 4,800 feet, is located east of Porterville, CA off state highway 190 in the Giant Sequoia National Monument in the Western Divide Ranger District. It sits within the Belknap and McIntyre giant sequoia groves.
Recreation
Trails in the monument are open to hikers, horseback riders and bikers. The trails wind through giant sequoia groves, up mountains and alongside wild rivers. A hiking trail also starts within the campground, leading into the sequoia grove, with fishing in Tule River along the way.
Facilities
Belknap offers about 13 tent camping sites that can accommodate up to 6 guests each. Vault toilets, campfire rings and picnic areas are all provided.
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 near Fairview and Grizzly Falls on the Kings River.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 455-6010.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundSequoia National Forest Belknap Campground is located in California
Directions
From Springville, California, proceed east on State Highway 190 for approximately 15 miles. Turn east on Nelson Drive and continue about a mile to the campground.
Coordinates
36.141696 N
118.599674 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 26 min from Visalia, CA
- 1 hr 37 min from Hanford, CA
- 1 hr 46 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 1 hr 59 min from Fresno, CA
