Belknap sits in the middle of giant sequoia groves at 4,800 feet, making it one of the more distinctive equestrian camps in the Sierra Nevada. The setting delivers what you'd expect from the Giant Sequoia National Monument — big trees and direct trail access — but with the bonus of accommodating horses alongside hikers.

Campground Details

🏕️Total Sites
15
💵Fee per Night
$36
📋Reservations
Reservation Required
🏔️Elevation
4,800 ft
📍GPS
36.14170, -118.59967
🌤️Best Seasons
spring, fall
🐾Pets Allowed
Yes
📞Phone
559-539-5230
🗺️Address
CA

Amenities

💧Potable Water
🚻Vault Toilets

The Camp

The campground occupies a spot between the Belknap and McIntyre sequoia groves, putting you within walking distance of some serious old-growth timber. With about 13 tent sites designed for up to 6 people each, it's sized for groups but not overwhelming. Each site comes with the standard vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables setup.

The equestrian designation means the trails here welcome horses, hikers, and bikes — a multi-use approach that works well in this terrain. A hiking trail starts right from the campground and leads into the sequoia grove, with Tule River fishing opportunities along the way.

What to Know

Reservations are required, and at $36 per night, you're paying for the prime location within the monument. The campground operates during spring and fall seasons, which makes sense given the 4,800-foot elevation — summers get hot and winters bring snow.

The Western Divide Ranger District manages this area, and they can be reached at (661) 455-6010 for current conditions and specific questions about equestrian facilities.

Nearby

The broader Giant Sequoia National Monument offers trails that wind through multiple sequoia groves and up into higher country. The forest spans elevations from 1,000 to 12,000 feet, creating access to everything from river valleys to alpine terrain. Notable features within reach include Salmon Creek Falls near Fairview and Grizzly Falls on the Kings River, though specific distances and access routes aren't detailed in the available information.

The location east of Porterville off Highway 190 puts you in the heart of the monument's sequoia country, with the big trees as your primary draw and the Tule River adding a fishing component to the stay.