Belknap

Star4.87
160 reviews
Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

4,800 ft

Price

$34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

The campground opens...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation Company site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Belknap
$34.00 - $34.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for tent-only non-electric sites during peak season is $34, with an additional $2 fee for holidays. No discounts, taxes, or...
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Standard Site Fee$34.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
661-455-6010sschmidt@goexplorus.com
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What Campers Say

4.87

Top-Rated

Based on 160 reviews

56 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioushikingfriendly

Some mention

bugscell service

"Belknap Campground is consistently praised for its natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and attentive camp host. Visitors appreciate its setting among giant sequoias and the serene atmosphere. However, some concerns include the lack of potable water, no cell service, and bear activity."

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Campground Map

Belknap

36.1417, -118.5997

Driving directionsFrom 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.
The campground is accessible from major roads via paved routes, specifically State Highway 190 and Nelson Drive. It is not mentioned whether there are seasonal closures affecting these roads.
Nearby places
Porterville (approximately 15 miles away)
Nearby supplies
Nearby Camp Nelson offers supplies, including a general store and a pizza/bar less than a mile away from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Belknap

Belknap's high-elevation climate creates perfect conditions for those who love crisp mountain air and starlit nights. During peak camping season, expect invigorating days with temperatures reaching around 48°F and refreshingly cool nights dipping to 29°F. The dry mountain air means minimal precipitation, allowing for uninterrupted outdoor adventures. Pack your warm layers and prepare for the kind of weather that makes morning coffee taste better and evening campfires feel magical.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season; shade from sequoias and creek keep summer visits pleasant; fully booked.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Crisp mountain air and scenic groves imply very pleasant fall trips; fewer explicit reviews.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Opens late April; spring reviews are positive and note pleasant conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside Apr 25–Oct 25; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 25, 2025 - October 25, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground opens on April 25, 2025, and operates with reservable dates until October 25, 2025. Out-of-season bookings are unavailable.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts are declared in the source materials.

About Belknap

Tucked away in the heart of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, Belknap Campground offers an intimate tent-camping experience at 4,800 feet elevation. This cherished hideaway invites you to sleep beneath ancient sequoias, wake to the gentle sounds of the Tule River, and explore a network of trails that wind through groves of the world's largest trees. Despite its small size, this popular campground serves as your gateway to the wonders of the southern Sierra Nevada.
Belknap Campground caters to tent campers, offering 13 individual sites in a rustic setting among giant sequoias. The campground is not suitable for RVs or trailers due to its limited facilities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is not detailed.
Check-out
Check-out time is not detailed.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of up to 14 consecutive nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground's activities focus on outdoor recreation in a natural setting. Guests can enjoy hiking, fishing, and biking, with trails starting directly within the campground and winding through the surrounding sequoia groves. The Tule River offers fishing opportunities, and a creek runs through the campground, providing options for water-related activities. Many guests highlighted the peaceful surroundings and proximity to natural attractions.
HikingThe campground offers access to trails that wind through giant sequoia groves and alongside rivers. 'There is a trail with swimming pools behind camp site 14,' suggested one reviewer. Another noted the Nelson Trail as 'a super easy and scenic hike.'
FishingFishing is available along the Tule River, which runs near the campground. One reviewer mentioned, 'Even though the creek had been recently stocked, it was hard to catch fish, but it was still a nice experience.'
SwimmingSwimming opportunities exist in the creek that runs through the campground. 'The creek that runs through it leads to a lovely little swimming hole,' commented one reviewer.
BikingTrails in the surrounding area are open to bikers, offering scenic routes through the sequoia groves and along wild rivers.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a significant feature, although visitors should exercise caution due to bear activity. Multiple users reported encounters with juvenile bears in the campground. 'Pack carefully, make sure you don't leave food out at all,' warned one user.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity is consistently reported. Reviews note juvenile bears patrolling campsites for food, with one instance of a bear consuming a camper's breakfast. Visitors must use bear-resistant lockers and avoid leaving food unattended.
Active AlertsNo active alerts are declared in the source materials.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear-resistant food storage lockers are available at each site to ensure safety in bear country and protect visitors' supplies.

Weather at Belknap

Reviews

4.9
160 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Belknap is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Belknap Campground is consistently praised for its natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and attentive camp host. Visitors appreciate its setting among giant sequoias and the serene atmosphere. However, some concerns include the lack of potable water, no cell service, and bear activity.
Review Summaries
Based on 160 reviews

What Campers Love

- Beautiful natural setting with giant sequoias and a creek running through the campground. - Clean and well-maintained facilities. - Friendly and helpful camp host, Dan. - Proximity to hiking trails...
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Based on 160 reviews

Common Concerns

- Lack of potable water on-site. - No cell phone reception. - Presence of bears within the campground. - Seasonal restrictions on campfires due to fire risks.
Based on 160 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring your own water for drinking and cooking. - Be prepared for bear activity by using bear-proof storage. - Choose campsites near the creek for scenic views and the soothing sound of running...
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Based on 160 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During peak seasons, the campground is described as fully booked but well-maintained. Summer visitors highlight the shade provided by sequoias and the creek as a refreshing feature. However, bear...
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Based on 160 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful small campground with a creek running through it and giant sequoias scattered through it.' - Eloise Nelson 2. 'Dan, the camp host, is so friendly and seems made for the task. Dan keeps...
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Based on 160 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Campsite #1: Recommended for groups. - Campsite #14: Near the river, highly praised for location. - Campsite #7: Spacious and close to the creek, ideal for families. - Campsite #15: Also near the...
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Based on 160 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets appear to be allowed as visitors have noted the presence of dogs, but no specific policies or amenities for pets are mentioned.
Based on 160 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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