Nelder Grove
Open for the 2026 season. The campground operates May through December on a first-come, first-served basis. The Nelder Grove area reopened January 1, 2026 following completion of fuel reduction work. No potable water available; bring your own supply.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Supervisor's Office: Temporary Closure
In compliance with the 48-notice received from the City of Clovis, the Sierra National Forest Supervisor’s Office, located at 1600 Tollhouse Road, will be temporarily closed during a cape seal road project on Friday, June 5. For convenience, many SNF staff will remain remotely available.…
Wilderness Use Restrictions
Order 05-15-00-26-04 is part of the Sierra National Forest's responsibility to implement Designated Wilderness Use policies. The purpose of the Order is to protect natural resources and wilderness values while also providing for public safety. The Order is renewed every two years in accordance…
Food and Refuse Storage
Food and Refuse Storage orders require that all unattended food and garbage within Developed Recreation Sites on the Sierra National Forest be secured in bear‑resistant containers.
Wilderness Food and Refuse Storage
The Wilderness Food and Refuse Storage orders require that all overnight visitors in Wilderness areas must use approved hard‑sided bear canisters or properly counter‑balance their food at least 15 feet above the ground and 10 feet horizontally from the trunk of a tree.
Rec Site Road Trail Closure Order
Effective through July 27, 2026 allowing for the continuation of repair efforts to respective recreation sites, roads, and trails (supersedes Forest Order No. 05-15-00-25-19).
Occupancy limitations
The Sierra National Forest has issued Forest Order 05-15-00-25-20 to address occupancy limitations and challenges caused by extended stays and unattended property, which can lead to resource damage, safety hazards, and reduced access for other visitors. The order prohibits camping, parking, or…
Wilderness Campfire Restrictions Order
Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Campfire Restrictions within the Sierra National Forest
Heat Advisory issued June 10 at 10:56AM PDT until June 13 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Hanford CA
* WHAT...High temperatures up to 105 expected. * WHERE...A portion of central California. * WHEN...From 11 AM Thursday to 11 PM PDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...-Moderate Heat Risk
About
Nelder Grove Campground sits at approximately 5,000 feet elevation within the Nelder Grove Historical Area, home to over 100 giant sequoias including the historic Bull Buck Tree. The seven primitive campsites are dispersed along California Creek under a canopy of pine and fir trees, offering a quiet alternative to the crowded groves in Yosemite National Park. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees and no reservations. Facilities are basic: vault toilets are available, but there is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. The narrow, winding forest roads leading to the campground make it unsuitable for RVs or trailers. Beyond camping, the area features several hiking trails through the sequoia grove, including the Bull Buck Trail and Shadow of the Giants National Recreation Trail nearby. The grove underwent extensive fuel reduction treatments through 2025 to protect the ancient trees from wildfire, and some restoration work continues.
Directions
From Fresno, take Highway 41 north through Oakhurst to Sky Ranch Road (Forest Road 6S10). Travel 6.6 miles, turn left on 6S47Y, go 1.2 miles to the fork, continue right on 6S90 for 0.3 miles, turn left at the Nelder Grove Campground sign, and travel 0.5 miles to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (559) 877-2218 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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