Nelder Grove Campground
4.4914 reviewsNelder Grove Campground, Sierra National Forest, California
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
Varies
Season
Open May to December...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
Varies
Season
Open May to December...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Nelder Grove Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are unspecified, but dispersed camping may be available as mentioned in user reviews. No potable water is available, which may affect...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider+1-559-877-2218
What Campers Say
4.49
Recommended
Based on 14 reviews
71 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewsprivacyquietclean
"Reviews largely praise the site's natural beauty and historical significance ('Gorgeous landscape.', 'Amazing place. Great trails. Great history. Great scenery.'). Some users note seasonal challenges like fallen trees and trail closures ('Shadow of the Giants trail is closed indefinitely due to the railroad fire destroying that portion of the grove.')."
Fees & Passes at Nelder Grove Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: Stay limits are not mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Cancellation: Cancellation policies are not mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Sierra National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Nelder Grove Campground
Winter transforms Nelder Grove into a crystalline wonderland, with crisp, dry air and pristine snow blanketing the forest floor during peak accumulation periods. As spring yields to summer, the campground awakens to its most inviting season—particularly during weeks 25 through 28—when azure skies, comfortable temperatures, and gentle breezes create perfect conditions for exploring the surrounding wilderness and soaking in the forest's tranquil beauty.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: Peak season dates are not specified but likely align with open season from May to December.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open May to December, closed by forest order during other periods.
- Current Alerts: CLOSED BY FOREST ORDER due to hazard trees and other safety concerns.
About Nelder Grove Campground
Nestled alongside the gentle waters of California Creek, Nelder Grove Campground beckons visitors into a cathedral of towering pines and firs. This serene mountain retreat serves as your gateway to ancient giant sequoias and fascinating historical sites, where nature's grandeur meets the echoes of California's past. While currently closed by forest order, this beloved destination typically offers adventurers intimate encounters with some of the Sierra's most magnificent trees and miles of scenic hiking trails.
Nelder Grove Campground offers sites along California Creek, shaded by pine and fir trees. Primitive camping and site camping are mentioned by users, but no specific details about group sites or cabins are provided.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at Nelder Grove, where weathered 1850s log cabins stand as silent witnesses to California's pioneering era. These authentic structures, alongside an interpretive nature center, weave tales of early settlers who once called these forests home. Among the grove's living monuments, the legendary Bull Buck and Chimney trees reign supreme—ancient sequoias that have watched over this land for centuries, their massive trunks bearing witness to countless generations of human visitors.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Nelder Grove into a crystalline wonderland, with crisp, dry air and pristine snow blanketing the forest floor during peak accumulation periods. As spring yields to summer, the campground awakens to its most inviting season—particularly during weeks 25 through 28—when azure skies, comfortable temperatures, and gentle breezes create perfect conditions for exploring the surrounding wilderness and soaking in the forest's tranquil beauty.
ElevationWhile the exact elevation remains unspecified in official records, the campground's mountain setting provides that perfect high-country atmosphere where the air feels crisp and clean, and the forest canopy creates a natural sanctuary from the world below.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in what seasoned visitor Bob Ross perfectly captured as 'a pristine forest not to be missed.' The campground's stunning landscape unfolds as a tapestry of emerald pines and stately firs, punctuated by the awe-inspiring presence of ancient giant sequoias. California Creek meanders through the grounds, its gentle murmur providing a soothing soundtrack to your wilderness experience. The iconic walk to the Bullbuck and Chimney trees rewards hikers with intimate encounters among these gentle giants in their untouched forest home.
Geological RegionSituated within the majestic Sierra National Forest, Nelder Grove occupies a special corner of California's great mountain range. Here, where California Creek has carved its path through granite bedrock over millennia, visitors discover a geological wonderland adorned with towering pines, firs, and the grove's crown jewels—the ancient sequoias. The Bull Buck and Chimney trees stand as testament to the region's unique conditions that allow these prehistoric giants to thrive, creating what visitors consistently describe as one of the Sierra's most pristine and naturally beautiful forest environments.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the sources.
Sites SizeSite size descriptions like standard, large, or extra-large are not provided.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews indicate some level of privacy: 'We stayed by a little creek we had other families camping by, but they were quiet and we still had our privacy.'
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest visiting the Bull Buck and Chimney trees for their iconic status.
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Day use hours: 6 AM to 10 PM.
Check-out
Day use ends at 10 PM.
Stay Limit
Stay limits are not mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum guest numbers are not mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Groups
Details about group sites, including capacity and vehicle allowance, are not available.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSite layout is not described in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May to December, closed by forest order during other periods.
Reservation PlatformsNo platforms specified for reservations.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo information on the number of walk-up sites or patterns of availability.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Nelder Grove include hiking and picnicking, as per authoritative sources. User reviews also highlight hiking trails: 'Chimney trail is 1.4 mile loop through multiple giant sequoia trees. There are old cabins near parking/trailhead.' Some users note closures on trails due to environmental damage ('Shadow of the Giants trail is closed indefinitely due to the railroad fire destroying that portion of the grove.').
Hiking
Hiking trails include short, accessible paths to see sequoias, like the Bull Buck and Chimney trails mentioned by users ('Chimney trail is 1.4 mile loop through multiple giant sequoia trees. There are old cabins near parking/trailhead'). However, trail conditions can be impacted by natural events ('When I went in spring of 2021 there was lots of debris on trail and large fallen trees to cross due to a winter wind storm.').Winter Activities
No winter recreation is described.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies are mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.
- Quiet hours are not mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews mention hazards like fallen trees and debris on trails due to storms, as well as yellow jacket wasps ("meat bees").
Active alertsCLOSED BY FOREST ORDER due to hazard trees and other safety concerns.
Weather at Nelder Grove Campground
55
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 69%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 3.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Partly cloudy
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Bass Lake Ranger Station for forest-related issues; hospitals and police stations are not specified.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season dates are not specified but likely align with open season from May to December.
Trash and recyclingNo details about trash and recycling facilities were provided in the sources.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along California Creek.
Common complaintsComplaints include closure due to hazard trees, debris on trails, and issues with yellow jacket wasps.
HostThe presence of a campground host is mentioned in user reviews, typically available after Memorial Day.
Campground Map
Nelder Grove Campground, Sierra National Forest, California
Driving directionsTake Hwy 41 north from Fresno; continue thru Oakhurst to Sky Ranch Road (6S10), which is also Forest Road 10, travel 6.6 miles turn left on 6S47Y, go 1.2 miles to the fork in the road, continue right on 6S90 for 3/10 of a mile, turn left at Nelder Grove campground sign, travel 5/10 of a mile to campground.
The road access includes paved and unpaved sections. User reviews describe the road as unpaved but manageable, particularly in the shoulder season, with fewer crowds due to road conditions. Review by Steve Tjiang mentions: "No doubt the unpaved but good roads kept people away."Nearby places
Oakhurst (approximately 6.6 miles), Fish Camp (distance not specified in materials)
Nearby supplies
Nearest supply sources are in Oakhurst, approximately 6.6 miles away, including groceries, fuel, and camping supplies.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
14 reviews
Nelder Grove Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews largely praise the site's natural beauty and historical significance ('Gorgeous landscape.', 'Amazing place. Great trails. Great history. Great scenery.'). Some users note seasonal challenges like fallen trees and trail closures ('Shadow of the Giants trail is closed indefinitely due to the railroad fire destroying that portion of the grove.').
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
Users highlight the cleanliness of restrooms ('Also the bathrooms are clean and close to any camp site') and privacy in campsites ('We stayed by a little creek we had other families camping by, but...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include closures due to forest orders ('Tried to visit, but the Government still won't let you visit the grove.'), trail damage ('When I went in spring of 2021 there was lots of debris on...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend visiting in shoulder seasons to avoid crowds ('We visited in the shoulder season (late October) and the whole place was blissfully uncrowded even on a Saturday.') and warn about trail...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Fall appears to be a favorable season for camping due to fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures ('October is also an excellent time to camp here. Lots of open spots and the temps are perfect.')....
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Its a great place, lots of trials near by also the bathrooms are clean and close to any camp site.' 2. 'Amazing place. Great trails. Great history. Great scenery. Great place for dispersed (and...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews specific to particular campsites or areas within the campground were provided.
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features were not discussed in user reviews.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
User reviews do not explicitly address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 14 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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