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.
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.…
Forest Order - Recreation Sites, Roads, and Trails
The net effect of this order is to reopen Kinnikinnick Campground and Florence Lake Picnic Area (i.e removing them from Exabit A of the Forest Recreation Closure list).
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 |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!