Nelder Grove
Closed — Closed through December 31, 2025 for wildfire risk reduction work. Reopens January 1, 2026. Seasonal weather may affect accessibility. Typically open May through December; road not plowed in winter.
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.
Recreation Site, Road, and Trail Closure 05-15-00-25-19
Forest Order closing trails, roads and trails with the Garnet Fire footprint.
Recreation Site, Road, and Trail Closure
Forest Order closing trails, roads and trails with the Garnet Fire footprint.
Termination of Forest Order No. 05-15-52-25-17
Termination of Forest Order No. 05-15-52-25-17 USDA Forest Service Sierra National Forest Garnet Fire Closure
Termination of Forest Order No. 05-15-00-25-07
Termination of Forest Order No. 05-15-00-25-07 USDA Forest Service Sierra National Forest Fire Restrictions
Temporary Fire Restrictions from Order 05-15-00-25-07 Lifted
Effective October 11, 2025, the Sierra National Forest is lifting temporary fire restrictions placed into effect by Forest Order 05-15-00-25-07 on June 27, 2025.
Nelder Grove Historic Area Closure
Going into or being upon the Nelder Grove Historical Area as shown
Mammoth Pool Boat Launch Rehabilitation
Entering the Mammoth Pool boat launch rehabilitation area is prohibited
Wilderness Campfire Restrictions Order
Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Campfire Restrictions within the Sierra National Forest
Wilderness Use Restrictions
Wilderness use restrictions within the Ansel Adams, John Muir, Kaiser, Dinkey Lakes, and Monarch Wildernesses located in the Sierra National Forest
Food Refuse Storage Order
Possessing or storing any food or refuse within a Developed Recreation Site in a manner that allows bears or other wildlife to gain access is prohibited
About
Nelder Grove Campground offers a peaceful, primitive camping experience in the Sierra National Forest adjacent to the historic Nelder Grove of Giant Sequoias. The small campground features 7 free campsites nestled among pine and fir trees along California Creek. The location provides direct access to explore one of California's treasured giant sequoia groves, with various nature trails, historic sites, and the Bull Buck Trail nearby. The campground sits at elevation in the Nelder Grove Historical Area, which underwent extensive fuels reduction and wildfire risk mitigation work completed in December 2025. The grove was closed for restoration work from October 2023 through December 2025, with treatments covering nearly 700 acres to protect the historic giant sequoias. Visitors should stay on established trails and behind fences protecting the sequoia trees. This is a primitive campground with vault toilets but no potable water, requiring campers to bring their own water supply. The campground is not recommended for RVs or trailers due to access road conditions. Road access is typically available May through December, though seasonal weather conditions and winter snow can affect accessibility.
Directions
Take Highway 41 north from Fresno; continue through Oakhurst to Sky Ranch Road (6S10/Forest Road 10), travel 6.6 miles and turn left on 6S47Y. Go 1.2 miles to the fork in the road, continue right on 6S90 for 0.3 miles, then turn left at the Nelder Grove campground sign and travel 0.5 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (559) 877-2218 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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