Chimney Creek Campground

Star4.09
13 reviews
Bureau of Land Management, Bakersfield Field Office, 3801 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield, CA, 93308, USA

Quick Facts

5,700 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

36 campsites

Season

Potable water availa...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Bureau of Land Management site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Chimney Creek Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are mentioned for camping at Chimney Creek Campground. The campground is described in an authoritative source as 'free, primitive.'
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
661-391-6000BLM_CA_Web_BK@blm.gov
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What Campers Say

4.09

Satisfactory

Based on 13 reviews

12 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shade

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Reviews highlight Chimney Creek Campground's remote and scenic location as a major draw. It is appreciated for its shaded spots and primitive camping experience, but ticks and mosquitoes seem to be common issues."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Bureau of Land Management, Bakersfield Field Office, 3801 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield, CA, 93308, USA

Chimney Creek Campground

Bureau of Land Management, Bakersfield Field Office, 3801 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield, CA, 93308, USA

Driving directionsFollow highway CA-178 approximately 30 miles east of the town of Lake Isabella and turn north onto Canebreak Road. Follow this graded dirt road approximately 9 miles to the prominent junction of Canebrake and Long Valley/ Chimney Basin Roads and continue straight (right fork). The campground will be on the right in an additional 2 miles. The campground road includes spurs to numerous sites. Potable water during the summer months is located at the very end of the campground road (1 mile).
The campground is accessible via a graded dirt road approximately 9 miles from Canebreak Road. The road quality is described as manageable though not paved.
Nearby places
Lake Isabella (30 miles, approximately 50 minutes via highway CA-178)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries and fuel, are likely located in Lake Isabella, approximately 30 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Chimney Creek Campground

Bask in the warm, dry embrace of summer days that define this high desert retreat. The reliable sunshine and low humidity create perfect conditions for hiking, stargazing, and campfire conversations that stretch long into the night. While the area enjoys a temperate climate without the extremes of heavy snow or torrential rains, the clear mountain air can bring cool evenings that make a sleeping bag feel especially cozy.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer has potable water availability; warm, dry weather ideal for hiking and stargazing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

No specific fall info; likely pleasant but not documented in sources.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring likely good for greenery but reviews note ticks and mosquitoes are common then.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

No winter details; at 5,700 ft expect colder conditions and limited services.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: The availability of potable water during summer months suggests summer might be the peak season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Potable water availability is noted for summer months. No other seasonal information is given.

About Chimney Creek Campground

Escape to the tranquil embrace of Chimney Creek Campground, where 36 secluded sites await beneath a canopy of pinyon pines, grey pines, and towering oaks. This hidden gem in the Chimney Peak Recreation Area offers the rare gift of solitude without sacrificing comfort. Each thoughtfully spaced campsite comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. During summer months, fresh potable water flows at site 36, while the rest of the year, this free primitive campground rewards the prepared traveler with unmatched peace and quiet. Tucked adjacent to the pristine Owens Peak Wilderness, this lesser-known sanctuary attracts those who prefer their adventures off the beaten path.
Chimney Creek Campground offers a rustic camping experience. It primarily caters to tent and small trailer campers and is ideal for groups seeking a primitive environment.
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Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Chimney Creek Campground is favored for its proximity to hiking trails and scenic natural surroundings. It provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and general relaxation in a remote, shaded environment.
HikingThe Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail crosses Canebrake Road near the campground. Additionally, Chimney Creek Trail, a primitive route starting at the cattle guard, is a notable hiking option.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is nestled among a scenic natural setting, which offers opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks and mosquitoes are explicitly mentioned in user reviews as potential issues.

Weather at Chimney Creek Campground

Reviews

4.1
13 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Chimney Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight Chimney Creek Campground's remote and scenic location as a major draw. It is appreciated for its shaded spots and primitive camping experience, but ticks and mosquitoes seem to be common issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

"Plenty of shaded spots and it’s a very beautiful setting."
Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Ticks and mosquitoes are frequently noted as issues.
Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Camping with a group may enhance the experience due to its remote nature.
Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is described as warm and dry during the summer months, which aligns with its seasonal potable water availability.
Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Free, primitive campground. I went there on a Tuesday in late July and only saw one other person pass through in a truck. It was a little too lonely for me so I left and went to Kennedy Meadows."
Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Potable water is only available at site 36 during summer months.
Based on 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not discussed in user reviews.
Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

User reviews do not mention pet policies.
Based on 13 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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