Nelson Group Camp
Open for the peak season April 15 through October 15, requiring reservations via Recreation.gov. Winter camping from October 16 through April 14 is first-come, first-served. No potable water available on site.
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.…
Juniper Bike Trail Area Closure
To provide for public safety while contractors perform forest health and fuels reduction work for the Forest Trail.
Reds Meadow Road Reconstruction Project
www.fs.usda.gov/r05/inyo/projects/reds-meadow-road-reconstruction
Inyo Craters Closure Order
To provide for public safety during ongoing hazardous fuel reduction projects in the Inyo Craters area on the Mammoth Ranger District.
ESCCRP Shady Rest Fuel Reduction Project Area Closure
To provide for public safety while contractors perform forest health work in the Shady Rest, Forest Health Units, trails, roads, and certain recreational areas such as the disc golf course will be closed.
Mammoth Mill Site Area and Trail Closure
This Forest Order prohibits recreating, entering or being in the Mammoth Mill Site Closure Area and the Mammoth Stamp Mill Trail to provide for public safety.
Mammoth Scenic Loop Closure
Our partners are helping the Town of Mammoth Lakes do hazard tree mitigation along the Mammoth Scenic Road. Both gates on the Scenic Loop will be closed for approximately 33 days beginning May 6 due to critical forest health work in the Inyo Craters area.This isn’t just routine maintenance, this…
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Area Closure
To provide for public safety and the protection of resources within the Inyo National Forest, the following acts are prohibited: Camping or having a campfire within the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest National Protection Area, possessing, storing, or transporting any part of a Bristlecone or Limber…
Help Halt Golden Mussel Invasion
The non-native, highly invasive golden mussel was discovered in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in October 2024. Once established, they can affect flood control by reducing water flow and contribute to harmful algal blooms. Please contact the waterbody you plan to visit for latest information about…
Stay Limits, Parking, and Developed Recreation Site Use
This forest order was put in place to protect natural resources and promote public safety.
Wilderness Use Restrictions
This Forest Order prohibits recreating within the portions of the John Muir, Ansel Adams, Hoover, and Golden Trout Wildernesses located in the Inyo National Forest. Please click on the PDF version for all Exhibit maps B - G. The website will not allow for more JPG formats to be uploaded than what…
Mount Whitney Zone Access Restrictions
This forest order prohibits recreating in the Mount Whitney Zone to provide for public safety and protect natural resources.
Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Campfire Restrictions
This forest order prohibits campfires in portions of Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Areas that are located on the Inyo National Forest, as shown on the Exhibits.Please click on the PDF version for all Exhibit maps B - S. The website will not allow for more JPG formats to be uploaded than what…
Golden Trout and Hoover Wilderness Campfire Restrictions
This forest order prohibits campfires in portions of Golden Trout and Hoover Wilderness Areas that are located on the Inyo National Forest, as shown in the Exhibits.
Eastern Sierra Climate and Communities Resilience Project Area Closure
This forest order prohibits access to roads affected by the Eastern Sierra Climate and Communities Resilience Project to provide for public safety while contractors perform forest health and fuels reduction work surrounding the Town of Mammoth Lakes and beyond. The closure orders are dynamic and…
Hot Creek Closure Order
This Forest Order prohibits recreating in Hot Creek within the Mammoth Ranger District.
Goat Prohibition Order
This Forest Order prohibits possessing or storing a goat within the Inyo National Forest Goat Prohibition Area.
B&B Mine Closure Order
This Forest Order prohibits recreating within the B&B Mine and Mill Site Closure Area.
Food and Refuse Storage Restrictions
This Forest Order prohibits food and refuse in locations in Exhibits A and C-J, unless stored in a bear-resistant container. Food and refuse in locations shown in Exhibit B must be stored in a bear-resistant container OR counter-balanced at least 15 feet above the ground and 10 feet horizontally…
About
Nelson Group Camp is the largest of three group sites at Cedar Flat Group Campground in Inyo National Forest, situated near Westgard Pass along Highway 168. The campground sits at 7,300 feet elevation in a high-desert landscape of pinyon pine and juniper, approximately half a mile before the turnoff to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest via White Mountain Road. The site is particularly popular with academic institutions conducting geology field trips due to its proximity to significant geological features. Nelson accommodates up to 50 people and includes a shade ramada for protection from the intense Eastern Sierra sun, a campfire ring, picnic table, and vault toilet. This is a primitive, dry site with no potable water, electrical hookups, or showers. Campers must bring all water supplies as the nearest source is in Big Pine, about 12 miles to the west. Highway 168 leading to the campground is narrow and steep with a single-lane section having limited visibility, requiring caution for all vehicles.
Directions
From Big Pine, go east on Highway 168 approximately 11.5 miles and turn left into the campground entrance. The junction of Highway 168 and White Mountain Road (leading to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest) is about half a mile beyond the campground entrance. Highway 168 is narrow and steep with a single-lane section having very limited visibility. Uphill traffic technically has the right of way, but all drivers should be prepared to stop and back up to the last wide spot if necessary.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $35 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (760) 873-2500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Recreation.gov Reservations | |
| USFS Cedar Flat Group Camps |
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