\ndue to the Castle Fire 2020<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
![\"mtnhome\"](\"https:\/\/totalescape.com\/destinations\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/mtnhome-225x300.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
North of the Giant Sequoia\u00a0, above the Western Divide Highway (CA 190) sits a little known Sequoia Park called Mountain Home. This lush forested area separates the Sequoia National Park (to the north) from the Giant Sequoia National Monument \u00a0(to the south).<\/p>\n
Mountain Home is just up the mountain from the West Sierra river town of Springville, CA<\/p>\n
![\"horseback\"](\"https:\/\/totalescape.com\/destinations\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/horseback.png\")
<\/p>\n
Western Sierra Nevada<\/h3>\n
In part of the vast Sequoia National Forest, lies a hidden gem of State Forest land worth visiting. Waterfalls, the Tule River, fishing ponds, campgrounds and easy access to Golden Trout Wilderness trails.<\/p>\n
MHDSF<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe official name of this forest:\u00a0Mountain Home Demonstration State Forest<\/strong> is quite a\u00a0mouth full, so\u00a0most just call it “Mountain Home”. In short\u00a0MHDSF is managed by Cal-Fire and the California State Park<\/a> system.<\/p>\nthe Largest old growth Sequoias in the state!<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nNumerous awesome Campgrounds can be found near the Sequoia groves, the Tule River, hiking trailheads, fishing, waterfalls. Balch Park is the County Park, listed below.<\/p>\n
\n- \n
\n- Sequoia Backpacking<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Sequoia Backroads<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Sequoia Campgrounds<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Sequoia Groves<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Fishing Pond<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Hiking Trails<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Horseback Trails<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Mountain Biking<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Tule River<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Waterfalls<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Wilderness<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Wildflowers<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Balch Park Sequoia<\/strong><\/a>
\nlocated within the Mountain Home State Forest is a popular destination for the locals and families. Balch Park Campground<\/strong> is paved and RV accessible. 71 campsites, on first come basis.<\/h3>\n![\"fishin\"](\"https:\/\/totalescape.com\/destinations\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/fishin.jpg\")
Small pond fishing near Balch Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMeadows, mountain peaks, streams, waterfalls, huge granite rocks & cliffs are all over. Plus some secluded groves of Giant Sequoia trees.\u00a0Mosquitos can be annoying in these parts, so bring the chemical warfare and the screen room tent.![\"snow\"](\"https:\/\/totalescape.com\/destinations\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/snow.png\")
<\/p>\n
Roads Open: May – October<\/span>
\nForest mountain roads close annually, due to winter snow<\/h3>\n![\"meadows\"](\"https:\/\/totalescape.com\/destinations\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/mdw.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"SEQUOIA_map\"](\"https:\/\/totalescape.com\/destinations\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/SEQUOIA_i.jpg\")
<\/a>SEQUOIA NF MAP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nArea activities include:<\/strong><\/p>\nBackpacking<\/strong>
\nBack Road Exploration<\/strong>
\nCampground Camping<\/strong>
\nFishing<\/strong>
\nHiking<\/strong>
\nHorseback Riding<\/strong>
\nMeadows<\/strong>
\nMountain Biking<\/strong>
\nPicnic<\/strong>
\nSequoia Groves<\/strong>
\nSwimming Holes<\/strong>
\nTule River (North Fork)<\/strong>
\nGolden Trout Wilderness<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nUSDA Forest Service Map is highly advised for this area. There are many dirt roads & numerous trails. Minimal cell phone signal inside these dense forests and large granite river canyons. GPS even has trouble getting connected, due to the immense canopy of trees.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/totalescape.com\/destinations\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/DSCN0017-e1558682693866-768x1024.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Mountain Home Backpacking<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"hiker\"](\"https:\/\/totalescape.com\/destinations\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/hiker.png\")
Shake Camp<\/strong> – Best hiking trail access to Golden Trout Wilderness<\/a><\/p>\nIn the backcountry, tent camping is allowed any place on soil 100 feet from trail or water. No camping on meadows. Ground fires are very allowed with fire permit. Use existing camp site when available. Check with the correct ranger district for all back country camping rules. Wilderness permits are needed for backpackers and horse packers staying overnight in the wilderness area.<\/p>\n
Local Ranger Stations:<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"TH_GoldenTroutSQ\"](\"https:\/\/totalescape.com\/destinations\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/TH_GoldenTroutSQ-300x300.jpg\")
<\/a>Golden Trout Trail Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSequoia USFS Headquarters
\nPorterville, CA
\n559-784-1500<\/p>\n
Tule River Ranger District
\nSpringville, CA
\n559-539-2607<\/p>\n
Mountain Home Backroads<\/strong><\/h3>\nDirt back roads are so narrow they cannot accommodate the large motorhome or RV traveler. \u00a0Trucks pulling horse trailers are common, with very few options for a pull-out to pass.<\/p>\n
This forested area is filled with old logging roads that lead to lush Sequoia groves & meadows. \u00a0The whole network of forest roads back here either – \u00a0loop back to each other, or deal end, often at a trailhead parking area.\u00a0No roads connect through to any other portion of the Sierra range. Golden Trout Wilderness is a road-less area of the Southern Sierra Nevada.<\/p>\n
Signs <\/strong>Not Reflective<\/span><\/p>\nThe old skool, painted, wooden road signs do not READ well at night, so avoid arriving in the dark.<\/p>\n
When it’s dark outside, it is best to STOP: Shut off the vehicle, get out and take a stretch break, \u00a0find the north star; Get your bearing straight, look at the real map with a flashlight – before driving miles to an unknown destination, just to turn around.<\/p>\n
Be very aware of the Forest Service signage, use your trip meter for clocking mileage. Have a good map on hand. See MAP ABOVE. \u00a0It is very easy to get lost in this forest and you may end up driving for hours, maybe in circles. I swear this intersection looks familiar.<\/p>\n
![\"Road](\"https:\/\/totalescape.com\/destinations\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/rdsigns.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Mountain Home Campgrounds\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"camp\"](\"https:\/\/totalescape.com\/destinations\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/camp.png\")
<\/p>\n
Balch and Frazier are the two larger, developed campgrounds; all others are smaller camps w\/ primitive facilities.<\/p>\n
NOTE: <\/strong>all the Campgrounds in this forest now charge an overnight fee for camping. (Decades ago they were free, but not anymore.)<\/p>\nBalch Park Campground<\/a><\/strong>
\nFrazier Mill\u00a0Campground<\/a>
\nHedrick Pond Camp<\/strong>
\nHidden Falls Campground<\/a><\/strong>
\nMoses Gulch Campground<\/a><\/strong>
\nShake Camp<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\ncampground<\/b><\/td>\n elev.<\/b><\/td>\n spots<\/b><\/td>\n toilet<\/b><\/td>\n water<\/b><\/td>\n nearby<\/b><\/td>\n comments<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nMoses Gulch<\/a><\/b><\/td>\n 5500′<\/td>\n 10<\/td>\n pit<\/td>\n river<\/td>\n Tule River<\/td>\n no trailers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nHidden Falls<\/a><\/b><\/td>\n 6150′<\/td>\n 8<\/td>\n pit<\/td>\n river<\/td>\n Tule River<\/td>\n no trailers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nShake Camp<\/td>\n 6490′<\/td>\n 11<\/td>\n pit<\/td>\n piped<\/td>\n Golden Trout
\nWilderness<\/td>\n backpack & horse trailhead<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nHedrick Pond<\/td>\n 6200′<\/td>\n 14<\/td>\n vault<\/td>\n piped<\/td>\n fishing pond<\/td>\n RV ok; no hookups<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nFrazier Mill<\/a><\/b><\/td>\n 6150′<\/td>\n 46<\/td>\n pit<\/td>\n piped<\/td>\n Sequoia Grove<\/td>\n RV ok; no hookups<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nBalch Park<\/a><\/b><\/td>\n 6000′<\/td>\n 71<\/td>\n flush<\/td>\n piped<\/td>\n fishing pond<\/td>\n Tulare County Park<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nFrasier Mill Campground<\/strong> is spelled w\/ a Z (like Frazier)on many printed maps and inside some camping books, but the proper spelling (on a sign at the campground) is actually Frasier<\/strong> w\/ an S. This camp is located at the site of an old lumber mill. Meadows, trailheads, picnic areas, parking.<\/p>\nDecent signage leads to smaller, secluded campgrounds and hiking trail heads. Dirt road driving will be required. See BACKROADS (above heading) for tips on back road driving and night time arrivals.<\/p>\n
Plenty of trails for horses back in these parts, most of them lead to Golden Trout Wilderness. Watch out for oncoming vehicles with horse trailers!<\/strong><\/p>\nNo primitive camping outside of developed campgrounds. Due to fire dangers around these majestic Sequoia trees. You must camp within the designated campground, or HOOF IT into the the wilderness for backpacking.<\/p>\n
Mountain Home Hiking<\/strong><\/h3>\nNumerous trails around each campground area will lead to the waters edge @ Tule River; into the Golden Trout Wilderness (for longer day hikes), along creeks w\/ wildflowers, near lush meadows or through Giant Sequoia Groves.<\/p>\n
Deer Ridge & Bogus Meadow Hike<\/a><\/p>\nMountain Home Biking<\/strong><\/h3>\nBikes are limited to existing paved and dirt roads; NO SINGLE TRACK trails for mountain bikers – due to the fragile, shallow roots of\u00a0Sequoia groves, and the direct access to Wilderness. \u00a0NO bikes in the Golden Trout Wild!<\/p>\n![\"coldriver\"](\"https:\/\/totalescape.com\/destinations\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/coldriver.jpg\")
Cold Swimming Hole<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n![\"mtnhomesign\"](\"https:\/\/totalescape.com\/destinations\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/mtnhomesign.png\")
<\/p>\n
Nearby towns:<\/strong><\/p>\nCamp Nelson, CA<\/a>
\nPonderosa, CA<\/a>
\nPorterville, CA<\/a>
\nSpringville, CA<\/a><\/p>\n
the Largest old growth Sequoias in the state!<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\nNumerous awesome Campgrounds can be found near the Sequoia groves, the Tule River, hiking trailheads, fishing, waterfalls. Balch Park is the County Park, listed below.<\/p>\n
\n- \n
\n- Sequoia Backpacking<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Sequoia Backroads<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Sequoia Campgrounds<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Sequoia Groves<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Fishing Pond<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Hiking Trails<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Horseback Trails<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Mountain Biking<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Tule River<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Waterfalls<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Wilderness<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Wildflowers<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Balch Park Sequoia<\/strong><\/a>
\nlocated within the Mountain Home State Forest is a popular destination for the locals and families. Balch Park Campground<\/strong> is paved and RV accessible. 71 campsites, on first come basis.<\/h3>\nSmall pond fishing near Balch Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMeadows, mountain peaks, streams, waterfalls, huge granite rocks & cliffs are all over. Plus some secluded groves of Giant Sequoia trees.\u00a0Mosquitos can be annoying in these parts, so bring the chemical warfare and the screen room tent.<\/p>\n
Roads Open: May – October<\/span>
\nForest mountain roads close annually, due to winter snow<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/a>SEQUOIA NF MAP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nArea activities include:<\/strong><\/p>\nBackpacking<\/strong>
\nBack Road Exploration<\/strong>
\nCampground Camping<\/strong>
\nFishing<\/strong>
\nHiking<\/strong>
\nHorseback Riding<\/strong>
\nMeadows<\/strong>
\nMountain Biking<\/strong>
\nPicnic<\/strong>
\nSequoia Groves<\/strong>
\nSwimming Holes<\/strong>
\nTule River (North Fork)<\/strong>
\nGolden Trout Wilderness<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nUSDA Forest Service Map is highly advised for this area. There are many dirt roads & numerous trails. Minimal cell phone signal inside these dense forests and large granite river canyons. GPS even has trouble getting connected, due to the immense canopy of trees.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Mountain Home Backpacking<\/strong><\/h3>\nShake Camp<\/strong> – Best hiking trail access to Golden Trout Wilderness<\/a><\/p>\nIn the backcountry, tent camping is allowed any place on soil 100 feet from trail or water. No camping on meadows. Ground fires are very allowed with fire permit. Use existing camp site when available. Check with the correct ranger district for all back country camping rules. Wilderness permits are needed for backpackers and horse packers staying overnight in the wilderness area.<\/p>\n
Local Ranger Stations:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a>Golden Trout Trail Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSequoia USFS Headquarters
\nPorterville, CA
\n559-784-1500<\/p>\n
Tule River Ranger District
\nSpringville, CA
\n559-539-2607<\/p>\n
Mountain Home Backroads<\/strong><\/h3>\nDirt back roads are so narrow they cannot accommodate the large motorhome or RV traveler. \u00a0Trucks pulling horse trailers are common, with very few options for a pull-out to pass.<\/p>\n
This forested area is filled with old logging roads that lead to lush Sequoia groves & meadows. \u00a0The whole network of forest roads back here either – \u00a0loop back to each other, or deal end, often at a trailhead parking area.\u00a0No roads connect through to any other portion of the Sierra range. Golden Trout Wilderness is a road-less area of the Southern Sierra Nevada.<\/p>\n
Signs <\/strong>Not Reflective<\/span><\/p>\nThe old skool, painted, wooden road signs do not READ well at night, so avoid arriving in the dark.<\/p>\n
When it’s dark outside, it is best to STOP: Shut off the vehicle, get out and take a stretch break, \u00a0find the north star; Get your bearing straight, look at the real map with a flashlight – before driving miles to an unknown destination, just to turn around.<\/p>\n
Be very aware of the Forest Service signage, use your trip meter for clocking mileage. Have a good map on hand. See MAP ABOVE. \u00a0It is very easy to get lost in this forest and you may end up driving for hours, maybe in circles. I swear this intersection looks familiar.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Mountain Home Campgrounds\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Balch and Frazier are the two larger, developed campgrounds; all others are smaller camps w\/ primitive facilities.<\/p>\n
NOTE: <\/strong>all the Campgrounds in this forest now charge an overnight fee for camping. (Decades ago they were free, but not anymore.)<\/p>\nBalch Park Campground<\/a><\/strong>
\nFrazier Mill\u00a0Campground<\/a>
\nHedrick Pond Camp<\/strong>
\nHidden Falls Campground<\/a><\/strong>
\nMoses Gulch Campground<\/a><\/strong>
\nShake Camp<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\ncampground<\/b><\/td>\n elev.<\/b><\/td>\n spots<\/b><\/td>\n toilet<\/b><\/td>\n water<\/b><\/td>\n nearby<\/b><\/td>\n comments<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\nMoses Gulch<\/a><\/b><\/td>\n 5500′<\/td>\n 10<\/td>\n pit<\/td>\n river<\/td>\n Tule River<\/td>\n no trailers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nHidden Falls<\/a><\/b><\/td>\n 6150′<\/td>\n 8<\/td>\n pit<\/td>\n river<\/td>\n Tule River<\/td>\n no trailers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nShake Camp<\/td>\n 6490′<\/td>\n 11<\/td>\n pit<\/td>\n piped<\/td>\n Golden Trout
\nWilderness<\/td>\n backpack & horse trailhead<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nHedrick Pond<\/td>\n 6200′<\/td>\n 14<\/td>\n vault<\/td>\n piped<\/td>\n fishing pond<\/td>\n RV ok; no hookups<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nFrazier Mill<\/a><\/b><\/td>\n 6150′<\/td>\n 46<\/td>\n pit<\/td>\n piped<\/td>\n Sequoia Grove<\/td>\n RV ok; no hookups<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nBalch Park<\/a><\/b><\/td>\n 6000′<\/td>\n 71<\/td>\n flush<\/td>\n piped<\/td>\n fishing pond<\/td>\n Tulare County Park<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nFrasier Mill Campground<\/strong> is spelled w\/ a Z (like Frazier)on many printed maps and inside some camping books, but the proper spelling (on a sign at the campground) is actually Frasier<\/strong> w\/ an S. This camp is located at the site of an old lumber mill. Meadows, trailheads, picnic areas, parking.<\/p>\nDecent signage leads to smaller, secluded campgrounds and hiking trail heads. Dirt road driving will be required. See BACKROADS (above heading) for tips on back road driving and night time arrivals.<\/p>\n
Plenty of trails for horses back in these parts, most of them lead to Golden Trout Wilderness. Watch out for oncoming vehicles with horse trailers!<\/strong><\/p>\nNo primitive camping outside of developed campgrounds. Due to fire dangers around these majestic Sequoia trees. You must camp within the designated campground, or HOOF IT into the the wilderness for backpacking.<\/p>\n
Mountain Home Hiking<\/strong><\/h3>\nNumerous trails around each campground area will lead to the waters edge @ Tule River; into the Golden Trout Wilderness (for longer day hikes), along creeks w\/ wildflowers, near lush meadows or through Giant Sequoia Groves.<\/p>\n
Deer Ridge & Bogus Meadow Hike<\/a><\/p>\nMountain Home Biking<\/strong><\/h3>\nBikes are limited to existing paved and dirt roads; NO SINGLE TRACK trails for mountain bikers – due to the fragile, shallow roots of\u00a0Sequoia groves, and the direct access to Wilderness. \u00a0NO bikes in the Golden Trout Wild!<\/p>\nCold Swimming Hole<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n
Nearby towns:<\/strong><\/p>\nCamp Nelson, CA<\/a>
\nPonderosa, CA<\/a>
\nPorterville, CA<\/a>
\nSpringville, CA<\/a><\/p>\n
- \n
- Sequoia Backpacking<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Sequoia Backroads<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Sequoia Campgrounds<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Sequoia Groves<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Fishing Pond<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Hiking Trails<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Horseback Trails<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Mountain Biking<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Tule River<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n
- Waterfalls<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Wilderness<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Wildflowers<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Balch Park Sequoia<\/strong><\/a>
\nlocated within the Mountain Home State Forest is a popular destination for the locals and families. Balch Park Campground<\/strong> is paved and RV accessible. 71 campsites, on first come basis.<\/h3>\nSmall pond fishing near Balch Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Meadows, mountain peaks, streams, waterfalls, huge granite rocks & cliffs are all over. Plus some secluded groves of Giant Sequoia trees.\u00a0Mosquitos can be annoying in these parts, so bring the chemical warfare and the screen room tent.
<\/p>\nRoads Open: May – October<\/span>
\nForest mountain roads close annually, due to winter snow<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/a>SEQUOIA NF MAP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Area activities include:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Backpacking<\/strong>
\nBack Road Exploration<\/strong>
\nCampground Camping<\/strong>
\nFishing<\/strong>
\nHiking<\/strong>
\nHorseback Riding<\/strong>
\nMeadows<\/strong>
\nMountain Biking<\/strong>
\nPicnic<\/strong>
\nSequoia Groves<\/strong>
\nSwimming Holes<\/strong>
\nTule River (North Fork)<\/strong>
\nGolden Trout Wilderness<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nUSDA Forest Service Map is highly advised for this area. There are many dirt roads & numerous trails. Minimal cell phone signal inside these dense forests and large granite river canyons. GPS even has trouble getting connected, due to the immense canopy of trees.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nMountain Home Backpacking<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Shake Camp<\/strong> – Best hiking trail access to Golden Trout Wilderness<\/a><\/p>\nIn the backcountry, tent camping is allowed any place on soil 100 feet from trail or water. No camping on meadows. Ground fires are very allowed with fire permit. Use existing camp site when available. Check with the correct ranger district for all back country camping rules. Wilderness permits are needed for backpackers and horse packers staying overnight in the wilderness area.<\/p>\n
Local Ranger Stations:<\/strong><\/p>\n
<\/a>Golden Trout Trail Maps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Sequoia USFS Headquarters
\nPorterville, CA
\n559-784-1500<\/p>\nTule River Ranger District
\nSpringville, CA
\n559-539-2607<\/p>\nMountain Home Backroads<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Dirt back roads are so narrow they cannot accommodate the large motorhome or RV traveler. \u00a0Trucks pulling horse trailers are common, with very few options for a pull-out to pass.<\/p>\n
This forested area is filled with old logging roads that lead to lush Sequoia groves & meadows. \u00a0The whole network of forest roads back here either – \u00a0loop back to each other, or deal end, often at a trailhead parking area.\u00a0No roads connect through to any other portion of the Sierra range. Golden Trout Wilderness is a road-less area of the Southern Sierra Nevada.<\/p>\n
Signs <\/strong>Not Reflective<\/span><\/p>\n
The old skool, painted, wooden road signs do not READ well at night, so avoid arriving in the dark.<\/p>\n
When it’s dark outside, it is best to STOP: Shut off the vehicle, get out and take a stretch break, \u00a0find the north star; Get your bearing straight, look at the real map with a flashlight – before driving miles to an unknown destination, just to turn around.<\/p>\n
Be very aware of the Forest Service signage, use your trip meter for clocking mileage. Have a good map on hand. See MAP ABOVE. \u00a0It is very easy to get lost in this forest and you may end up driving for hours, maybe in circles. I swear this intersection looks familiar.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nMountain Home Campgrounds\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nBalch and Frazier are the two larger, developed campgrounds; all others are smaller camps w\/ primitive facilities.<\/p>\n
NOTE: <\/strong>all the Campgrounds in this forest now charge an overnight fee for camping. (Decades ago they were free, but not anymore.)<\/p>\n
Balch Park Campground<\/a><\/strong>
\nFrazier Mill\u00a0Campground<\/a>
\nHedrick Pond Camp<\/strong>
\nHidden Falls Campground<\/a><\/strong>
\nMoses Gulch Campground<\/a><\/strong>
\nShake Camp<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n
\n campground<\/b><\/td>\n elev.<\/b><\/td>\n spots<\/b><\/td>\n toilet<\/b><\/td>\n water<\/b><\/td>\n nearby<\/b><\/td>\n comments<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Moses Gulch<\/a><\/b><\/td>\n 5500′<\/td>\n 10<\/td>\n pit<\/td>\n river<\/td>\n Tule River<\/td>\n no trailers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Hidden Falls<\/a><\/b><\/td>\n 6150′<\/td>\n 8<\/td>\n pit<\/td>\n river<\/td>\n Tule River<\/td>\n no trailers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Shake Camp<\/td>\n 6490′<\/td>\n 11<\/td>\n pit<\/td>\n piped<\/td>\n Golden Trout
\nWilderness<\/td>\nbackpack & horse trailhead<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Hedrick Pond<\/td>\n 6200′<\/td>\n 14<\/td>\n vault<\/td>\n piped<\/td>\n fishing pond<\/td>\n RV ok; no hookups<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Frazier Mill<\/a><\/b><\/td>\n 6150′<\/td>\n 46<\/td>\n pit<\/td>\n piped<\/td>\n Sequoia Grove<\/td>\n RV ok; no hookups<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Balch Park<\/a><\/b><\/td>\n 6000′<\/td>\n 71<\/td>\n flush<\/td>\n piped<\/td>\n fishing pond<\/td>\n Tulare County Park<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Frasier Mill Campground<\/strong> is spelled w\/ a Z (like Frazier)on many printed maps and inside some camping books, but the proper spelling (on a sign at the campground) is actually Frasier<\/strong> w\/ an S. This camp is located at the site of an old lumber mill. Meadows, trailheads, picnic areas, parking.<\/p>\n
Decent signage leads to smaller, secluded campgrounds and hiking trail heads. Dirt road driving will be required. See BACKROADS (above heading) for tips on back road driving and night time arrivals.<\/p>\n
Plenty of trails for horses back in these parts, most of them lead to Golden Trout Wilderness. Watch out for oncoming vehicles with horse trailers!<\/strong><\/p>\n
No primitive camping outside of developed campgrounds. Due to fire dangers around these majestic Sequoia trees. You must camp within the designated campground, or HOOF IT into the the wilderness for backpacking.<\/p>\n
Mountain Home Hiking<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Numerous trails around each campground area will lead to the waters edge @ Tule River; into the Golden Trout Wilderness (for longer day hikes), along creeks w\/ wildflowers, near lush meadows or through Giant Sequoia Groves.<\/p>\nDeer Ridge & Bogus Meadow Hike<\/a><\/p>\n
Mountain Home Biking<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Bikes are limited to existing paved and dirt roads; NO SINGLE TRACK trails for mountain bikers – due to the fragile, shallow roots of\u00a0Sequoia groves, and the direct access to Wilderness. \u00a0NO bikes in the Golden Trout Wild!<\/p>\n
Cold Swimming Hole<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n <\/p>\nNearby towns:<\/strong><\/p>\n
Camp Nelson, CA<\/a>
\nPonderosa, CA<\/a>
\nPorterville, CA<\/a>
\nSpringville, CA<\/a><\/p>\n - Sequoia Backroads<\/strong><\/li>\n