Camp Nelson, California
Camp Nelson, California offers some of the best trails and outdoor activities for those seeking scenic outdoor adventures. The Trail of 100 Giants is a must-visit, boasting towering sequoias and unique rock formations. This 1.3-mile loop is easy to moderate, making it accessible for all ages. For a more challenging hike, the Belknap Campground trail offers a steep climb with rewarding river views. Also, don't miss the Dome Rock trail, a short but steep climb leading to a panoramic view of the Sierra Nevada. For water activities, the nearby Tule River offers fishing and swimming spots. Remember to pack a picnic to enjoy in the numerous picnic areas scattered throughout the trails. Enjoy your visit to Camp Nelson, where outdoor fun and breathtaking views await.
Top Spots in and near Camp Nelson
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Camp Nelson, California
Fly Fish the Kern River above the Johnsondale Bridge
5.04 mi / 100 ft gainCheck in at the local fly fishing shop in Kernville to check the latest status, then continue up the 20 mile stretch of Mountain Hwy 99 until you cross the Johnsondale Bridge. Park, pack, then begin your 30-45 minute hike up the trail before setting your rod.After you're finished, stop by the Ker...Read more -
Porterville, California
Camp at Redwood Meadow
Situated right across the street from the stunning Trail of 100 Giants, Redwood Meadows features 13 spacious campsites adjacent to a picturesque meadow. There are picnic tables, fire rings, and six yurt sites available for those who wish to bring some of the great indoors outside. Pit toilets ar...Read more -
Porterville, California
Trail of 100 Giants
1.44 mi / 226 ft gainLocated off the M-90 (closed from Nov.-May) in the Sequoia National Forest, the Trail of 100 Giants provides a perfect stroll for nearby campers or a quick 30-minute stop for families driving by to get a glimpse of some truly awe-inspiring, overhead views. $5 day parking and restrooms can be fo...Read more -
Kernville, California
Dispersed Camp along Salmon Creek in Sequoia NF
There are several dispersed campsites found throughout the Sequoia National Forest. The majority can be found by driving on any of the OHV accessible roads. This particular campsite can be found at coordinates 35.89759, -118.4628. In order to get to the campsite, use Google Maps to get you to the...Read more -
Kernville, California
Camp at Lower Springhill
The Lower Springhill Campground is a primitive campsite situated along the Kern River in the southern area of Sequoia National Forest. Since this is a primitive campground, there is no potable water, bathrooms or garbage service. You must pack out what you bring in.The campground is easily access...Read more -
Posey, California
Sunday Peak Trail
1.64 mi / 1060 ft gainThis short and easy summit is located just outside of Kernville, California. To get there, follow Highway 178 towards Kernville and turn left on Highway 155 towards Wofford Heights. After a long, steep incline you’ll reach the top of Greenhorn Summit, marked by large parking areas on either side....Read more -
Kernville, California
Hike up Powers Peak in Kernville
10 mi / 3200 ft gainHigh Level Details: ~10 Miles Round Trip~3,200 feet total elevation gain for tripTrailhead elevation: 2,811 feetHighest Point on the trail: Powers Peak, 5,778 feetEstimated Time to complete: 4-5 hoursNo water source along the way, so bring plenty of water Dog friendly? Yes! We love bringing Linco...Read more -
Kern County, California
Remington Hot Springs
2.00.27 mi / 36 ft gain...One thing about hot springs is that no matter where it may be, they always bring an attraction of people. I can honestly say I don't think I've ever been to a hot spring that didn't gather more then 20+ people in a single sitting. I mean, in all seriousness aside, what's not to like about a ba...Read more -
Kern County, California
Remington Ridge Trail
11.45 mi / 3927 ft gainTo get to the trailhead, take Highway 178 and turn onto Borel Road, then turn onto Kern Canyon Road and follow the road. It might be easiest to put the Hot Springs into Google Maps and use that to navigate you to the parking lot. Park in the lot and walk across the road, where you'll see a sign l...Read more -
Bakersfield, California
Hike the Mill Creek Trail to Breckenridge Road
7.5 mi / 3000 ft gainStarting at about 2000 elevation this hike is very gentle and nice for the first 2 miles. On the third mile it is a steep climb with short lengths of level ground the rest of the way. The junction at Breckenridge Road is at about 5500 elevation. If you hit the trail in the winter, there are some ...Read more -
Bakersfield, California
Oak Flat Lookout
4.0/ 80 ft gainSpend a few nights under the stars in a unique piece of outdoor history. The Oak Flat Lookout, constructed in 1934, was once staffed by rangers providing critical wild life management services on watch for wildfires in the surrounding Sequoia National Forest through the 1980s. The Oak Flat lookou...Read more -
Three Rivers, California
Backpack to Crystal Lakes
5.09.8 mi / 2200 ft gainThe trail to Crystal Lakes begins at the Timber Gap/Sawtooth Trailhead (7,800 feet elevation), which is located at the end of Mineral King Valley Rd. The trail immediately ascends through a meadow boasting dramatic alpine views and a roaring waterfall. Eventually you'll cross Monarch Creek and b...Read more -
Three Rivers, California
Backpack the Little Five & Big Five Lakes Loop
5.026.5 mi / 10000 ft gainDay 1: A long, rewarding day. Over the course of 11.5 miles you will complete around 10,000ft of elevation change. To start, park the car at the Sawtooth-Monarch Trailhead (7500ft) and begin on the trail, immediately ascending to Timber Gap (9500ft). Once at the gap, the trail makes it's way do...Read more -
Three Rivers, California
Hike to Lower Monarch Lake
5.08.4 miThe drive takes about 90 minutes to get to the trailhead from Three Rivers, CA so plan accordingly and make sure you get there early. Lower Mineral Lake is located below Sawtooth Peak in Sequoia National Park.Once you're parked and ready to jump on the trail, head to the Sawtooth Trailhead. You'l...Read more -
Three Rivers, California
Backpack to Franklin Lakes & Franklin Pass
11.4 mi / 2500 ft gainFranklin Lakes is part of the Sequoia National Park and can be reached from the trailhead starting near the Mineral King Ranger Station. Bear containers are required and can be rented at the Ranger Station. The hike to Franklin Lakes campground will take 6 hours or less (depending on your speed/h...Read more -
Three Rivers, California
Backpack in Mineral King
5.030 miThe trailhead is right near the Mineral King Ranger Station (on Mineral King Rd) in Sequoia National Park. Depending on where you're coming from I would recommend driving in and camping at Cold Springs Campground (which is also in close proximity to the ranger station) the night before you begin ...Read more
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Camp Nelson
Camp Nelson, California
Long Meadow Group
Overview
Long Meadow Group Campground is a remote facility within Sequoia National Forest, in the southern portion of Giant Sequoia Natio...
Porterville, California
Redwood Meadow
Overview
Redwood Meadow Campground located within Sequoia National Forest, in the southern portion of Giant Sequoia National Monument. T...
1941 Kern River Highway
Fairview Campground
Overview
Fairview Campground sits in an area dotted with oak and gray pine along the Upper Kern River, a designated Wild and Scenic River...
Porterville, California
Holey Meadow
Overview
The Sequoia National Forest, located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada in central California, takes its name from the gia...
California Hot Springs, California
Frog Meadow Guard Station
Overview
NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS.
Frog Meadow Guard Station sits at a meadow's edge at an elevation of 7,760 feet in the he...
100 Mountain Highway 99
Hospital Flat
Overview
Hospital Flat Campground is situated along the Kern River, 6.5 miles north of the town of Kernville. Hiking, fishing, kayaking a...
