Balch Park Campground is part of a county park managed by Tulare County Parks, surrounded by the Mountain Home Demonstration State Forest east of Visalia. The campground is about 19 miles northeast of Springville. Much of the way after Springville is via a narrow and winding road, but the beauty of the Mountain Home area makes it worth the drive.
Several of the oldest and largest Giant Sequoias in the world are protected in the nearly 5,000 acres of Mountain Home forest. Some trees tower to 240 feet tall and spread 27 feet in diameter. Balch Park itself is a favorite with families, with many great places for children to explore from hollow logs to streams and fishing ponds.
Balch Park is popular for fishing in two local ponds, hiking, rock climbing, photography, and viewing wildlife. The history of the area is preserved in a local museum. Balch Park Campground offers 71 campsites for RVs, trailers, and tents. All the campsites are first-come, first-served.
| Balch Park Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Balch Park Campground Location: | From just north of Springville on Hwy. 190 follow Balch Park Rd. 3½ miles to Bear Creek Rd. Go 15 miles on Bear Creek Road. |
| Elevation: | 6,000 feet |
| Mileage from Gateway City: | Visalia - 64 miles
Bakersfield - 84 miles |
| Number of Sites: | 71 |
| Camping Season: | Usually open mid-May through October or mid-November, depending on weather (call to confirm) |
| Max. People per Site: | Campsites: 6 |
| Vehicles per Site: | 1 ($5 per night fee for 2nd vehicle) |
| Pets: | On leash, always attended, $5 per dog per night |
| Operated by: | Tulare County Parks & Recreation |
| Balch Park: | (559) 539-3896 |
| Reservations | |
|---|---|
| No Reservations available: | All campsites at Balch Park Campground are first-come, first-served. |
| Maximum RV/Trailer Length: | 40 feet |
| Wheelchair Accessible Sites: | None designated |
| Fees: | Tent Campsites $20 (seniors $10) per night
RV sites $25 (seniors $15) |
| Check-in, check-out: | Check-in 2:00 PM Check-out Noon |
| Balch Park Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups |
| Campground: | Flush toilets, tap water |
| Showers: | No |
| Dump station: | No |
| Attractions near Balch Park Campground: | Tour the Balch Park museum. Fish for trout in one of the two park ponds. Stroll through groves of Giant Sequoias. Drive or hike to nearby Hedrick Pond. Visit the Giant Sequoia Mercantile at the Springville Visitors Center. Enjoy a trail ride with Balch Park Pack Station. Drive north on the Great Western Divide Highway to Dome Rock and views of the Needles Rock formation. Hike or mountain bike the 2-mile Needles Lookout Trail.
Trout Fishing Best Sellers |
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.
Balch Park Campground
Mountain Home State Demonstration Forest contains nearly 5,000 acres of forest and streams adjacent to Sequoia National Forest east of Porterville. Campers at Balch Park Campground are near wonderful groves of Giant Sequoias.
Check Tulare County Parks - Balch Park for any campground updates.
