How much does camping cost at Belknap?

Camping fees at Belknap range from $36-$38/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Belknap first-come first-served or reservation?

Belknap accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Belknap before I book?

Yes! Belknap has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Belknap?

Belknap is open April 10 to October 23. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Belknap?

Belknap does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Belknap have?

Belknap has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Belknap?

Pets are not allowed at Belknap. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Belknap?

Belknap offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Belknap?

Popular activities at Belknap include Hiking, Fishing, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Belknap

Q: Can I have a campfire at Belknap?

Fire policies at Belknap: Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.81

160 reviews

Top 2% in CASpring

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Sequoia National Park#1 Forest Camping California#2 Sequoia#2 +5 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,800 ft

Price

$36 - $38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

The campground opens...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,800 ft

Price

$36 - $38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

The campground opens...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

Belknap

$36.00 - $38.00 / night

Campsite Fees

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $36.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

559-539-5230kstone@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Belknap

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Campground Map

Belknap

36.1417, -118.5997

Nearby places

Porterville (approximately 15 miles away)

Weather at Belknap

Current alerts(4)

Click here to learn more about Sequoia National Forest
Off-road vehicles, trailers and RVs are not permitted
There is an extra vehicle fee of $8.00/night on the 2nd vehicle in each single campsite and on the 3rd & 4th vehicle in any double campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to the 1st vehicle by a hitch and towed onto the site.
This is bear country; please take precautions and do not leave unattended food, garbage or other attractants. Use bear resistant food storage lockers or bear resistant trash cans where available.

Best Time to Camp at Belknap

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of flowing creeks, peak wildflower displays, comfortable daytime temperatures, and lighter crowds compared with mid-summer. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F and cool nights often dipping into the upper 20s to low 40s°F, with snowmelt feeding waterfalls and trout streams — ideal for hiking, fishing, and photography beneath the giant sequoias. Trails are usually clear of deep snow by late May, campsites are less crowded than July/August, Peak months: May, June, September, October Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in CA

Overview: 'Spring delivers the best conditions' with snowmelt, waterfalls, wildflowers and great temps.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 10 to October 23. 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.

About Belknap

Belknap sits in mid-elevation forest within Sequoia National Forest, a small campground operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company near Porterville. Giant sequoias tower over sites along a creek, offering direct water access at select spots and proximity to Tule River fishing and trail access. Reviewers praise the clean facilities, helpful camp host, and natural beauty, though bear activity requires proper food storage and cell service is nonexistent.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of flowing creeks, peak wildflower displays, comfortable daytime temperatures, and lighter crowds compared with mid-summer. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F and cool nights often dipping into the upper 20s to low 40s°F, with snowmelt feeding waterfalls and trout streams — ideal for hiking, fishing, and photography beneath the giant sequoias. Trails are usually clear of deep snow by late May, campsites are less crowded than July/August, Peak months: May, June, September, October Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation4800 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryGiant sequoias from the Belknap and McIntyre groves tower over the campground, their massive trunks creating a shaded canopy. A creek runs through the sites, feeding into the Tule River nearby. The southern Sierra Nevada geology shows itself in deep canyons and granite bedrock, with Salmon Creek Falls and Grizzly Falls within reach. Sites near the water (#7, #14, #15) give you the sound of flowing water at night. The elevation keeps temperatures moderate even in summer.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of up to 14 consecutive nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 guests per tent camping site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or through the app.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, with larger sites like #2 and #3 suitable for groups, and sites like #7 and #15 offering proximity to the creek.

PrivacySome campsites offer better privacy than others. For example, campsite #1 is recommended for groups, while sites #14 and #15 are noted as being near the river. However, one user mentioned that some sites are shared or have neighbors walking through.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesFor group camping, sites #14 and #15 are ideal, offering riverfront views. For privacy, consider sites further from water features as noted in reviews.

Best CampsitesSites #7, #11, #13, #14, and #15 get mentioned most often for creek access and space. Sites #2 and #3 work well for larger groups. Site #1 is also good for groups, though some sites share space or have neighbors walking through. If you want direct creek access and the sound of water, grab #14 or #15.

Need help booking Belknap?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Off-road vehicles, trailers and RVs are not permitted

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific recycling or trash disposal arrangements were mentioned other than general waste management. There were reports of bear activity near trash cans, emphasizing the need for proper disposal.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.8

160 reviews

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...

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

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...

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...

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...

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...

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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Nearby Campgrounds

Sequoia National Forest

Coy Flat sits in mid-elevation forest within Sequoia National Forest near Springville, operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company. The small campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Hikers and anglers use it as a base for exploring sequoia groves and nearby trails, though reviewers note mosquitoes can be heavy and facilities sometimes fall short of expectations.

Belknap

Real-Time Availability

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Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Belknap

Current alerts(4)

Best Time to Camp at Belknap

Planning Tips

About Belknap

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Belknap?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

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What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

Directions

Plan a trip to Belknap

Current alerts(4)

Best Time to Camp at Belknap

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Belknap?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews