Belknap Campground
Sequoia National Forest

Sequoia National Forest, California
Sequoia National Forest, California

Belknap Campground
Sequoia National Forest


Belknap Campground

Belknap Campground is 33 miles east of Porterville in the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument.

Visitors to Belknap Campground enjoy hiking through nearby Giant Sequoia forests, fishing in the Middle Fork of the Tule River, and visiting nearby Camp Nelson. The area around Belknap Campground is popular for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Belknap Campground features 13 campsites for tents only. Trailers and RVs are not permitted in the campground. Belknap Creek flows past the campground and the Tule River is nearby.

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Belknap Campground Basics
Belknap Campground Location: From Springville travel east on Hwy. 190 for 15 miles. Then go east on Nelson Drive one mile to the campground.
Elevation: 4,940 feet
Mileage from Gateway City: Porterville - 33 miles
Bakersfield - 82 miles
Visalia - 60 miles
Number of Sites: 13
Camping Season: Usually open mid-May through mid-October or even later, weather permitting
Max. People per Site: Campsites: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 ($7 per night fee for 2nd vehicle)
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by: California Land Management for Sequoia National Forest
Western Divide Ranger District Office: (559) 539-2607

Reservations for Belknap Campground
Reservations available: Reservations are available for camping dates from late May through mid-October.
Booking Window: Campsites may be reserved from 3 days up to 6 months prior to arrival date.
Wheelchair Accessible Sites: None designated
Favorite Campsites: #9, 10, 13, 14
Fees: Campsites $34 ($2 more on holidays)
Campground Map: Belknap Campground Map
Reservations: Belknap Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, check-out Noon

Belknap Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, campfire ring; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, tap water
Showers: No
Dump station: No
Attractions near Belknap Campground: Follow the trail from the campground to the grove of Giant Sequoias. Hike or mountain bike the 3.6-mile Nelson Trail from Quaking Aspen to Camp Nelson. Drive east on Hwy. 190 and then north on the Great Western Divide Highway to Dome Rock and views of the Needles Rock formation. Visit the Trail of 100 Giants. Hike or mountain bike the 2-mile Needles Lookout Trail. Visit the Giant Sequoia Mercantile at the Springville Visitors Center.





General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.



Sleep Warm and Comfortable





Light Up Your Camp





Relax in Your Campsite





Sequoia National Forest
Attractions and Activities

The Sequoia National Forest ranges from low foothills on the west to high Sierra peaks toward the east. River, streams, trails, and remote roads offer many recreation opportunities. Campers at Belknap Campground have wonderful fishing and hiking close by.

  • Fish great little streams such as Salmon Creek, Trout Creek, Jackass Creek, Fish Creek, and Corral Creek.
  • Strike out on mountain biking trails around Deer Creek, Fish Creek, Jordan Lookout, Lion Ridge, and many more.
  • Rock climbers challenge their skills on the granite faces off Needles Lookout Trail.
  • Take a day hike on the Baker Point Trail, Chute Trail, Jacobson Trail, Lion Ridge Trail, or any of dozens more.
  • Saddle up and set out on horseback along popular trails such as Mule Peak Lookout, Lewis Camp, or Doe Meadow.
  • Hike the scenic Trail of 100 Giants.
  • Explore Silver City Ghost Town.
  • Visit the Kern River Fish Hatchery.


Key Belknap Campground Regulations

  1. Campfire permits are required.
  2. Trailers and RVs are not permitted in the campground.
  3. Dogs must be on leash and attended while in the campground.
  4. Obtain your firewood locally to avoid the spread of tree-killing pests.
  5. Quiet Hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM.

    Check Sequoia National Forest - Belknap Campground for any campground updates.



Sequoia National Forest campground map, CA