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.
Extreme Heat Warning issued August 9 at 7:51PM PDT until August 10 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS Hanford CA
* WHAT...High temperatures up to 110 degrees and Major Heat Risk today and Monday. * WHERE...Mariposa-Madera Lower Sierra. Includes Mariposa, North Fork, Oakhurst, Coarsegold, and El Portal. * WHEN...Until 8 PM PDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and limited overnight relief may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Afternoon high temperatures of 102 to 110 degrees will occur until Monday, with the hottest temperatures expected today and mainly for elevations around 3,000 feet and lower. Overnight lows will generally only fall into the mid 60s to mid 70s with little overnight relief.
National Forest System Roads
Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads
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.…
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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