About Camp Nelson CDP, California
Camp Nelson is a census-designated place (CDP) in Tulare County, California, United States. The population was 1,508 at the 2010 census. It is located on the Tule River Indian Reservation.
The community was established in 1864 as a supply depot and training camp for Union troops during the American Civil War. It was named after General James S. Nelson. After the war, the camp became a base for the United States Cavalry and was expanded to include a hospital and cemetery.
In 1873, the Army sold the camp to settlers. The community continued to grow and prospered into the early 20th century. However, the Great Depression took its toll on the area and many businesses closed. The camp was abandoned by the Army in 1933.
The Camp Nelson CDP has a total area of 2.1 square miles (5.4 km2), all land.