Nelson Group Camp

Open — Currently open for winter camping through April 14 on a first-come, first-served basis. Peak season with reservations runs April 15 through October 15.

About

Cedar Flat Group Camps sits in the remote White Mountains region of Inyo National Forest, just off Highway 168 near the turnoff to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. At 7,300 feet elevation, this facility offers three separate group camping sites surrounded by pinyon pine and juniper woodland. Camp Nelson accommodates up to 50 people, Camp Ferguson up to 35, and Camp Noren up to 25. Each site features a shade ramada, campfire ring, picnic tables, and vault toilets, making them particularly popular with colleges and universities conducting geology field trips in this geologically diverse area. This is a dry camp with no water available on-site. Campers must bring all water needed or obtain it from Big Pine, located 11.5 miles west. The remote location has limited cell phone coverage, requiring visitors to be self-sufficient. The campground operates on a seasonal schedule: peak season runs April 15 through October 15 with reservations required through Recreation.gov, while winter camping from October 16 through April 14 is first-come, first-served. Highway 168 is narrow and steep with a single-lane section that requires caution, particularly for RVs and large 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 is about 0.5 miles beyond the campground entrance. Highway 168 is narrow and steep with a single-lane section with very limited visibility. Uphill traffic has the right of way, but all drivers should be prepared to stop and back up to the last wide spot if necessary.

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