Kirch Flat Campground

Star4.51
66 reviews
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Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

968 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens PG&E Utility Company 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
Kirch Flat Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required to camp at Kirch Flat Campground. Users consistently confirm that 'camping is free.'
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
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What Campers Say

4.51

Top-Rated

Based on 66 reviews

78 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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"Kirch Flat Campground receives a mix of positive and negative feedback, with a general appreciation for its natural beauty and remoteness. Visitors frequently highlight its free camping, proximity to the Kings River, and suitability for rafting and fishing. However, the lack of potable water, cell service, and modern facilities limits its appeal to those who prefer a rustic camping experience."

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Campground Map

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Kirch Flat Campground

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Driving directionsFrom Fresno, California, travel east on Highway 180/Kings Canyon Highway to Academy Avenue. Turn left onto Academy Avenue, and then turn right on Belmont Avenue. Continue traveling for approximately 20 miles; Belmont Avenue becomes East Trimmer Springs Road approximately 6 miles east of the Academy Avenue intersection.
The campground is accessed via East Trimmer Springs Road, which is consistent with rural roads. The drive is described as 'slow-going' by users, but manageable.
Nearby places
Sanger (20 miles, approximately 30 minutes by car)
Fresno (approximately 30 miles, 45 minutes by car).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies are likely available in Sanger or Fresno, CA, both within 30 miles of the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Kirch Flat Campground

Spring awakens Kirch Flat with perfect camping weather and the thunderous excitement of whitewater season, drawing rafters and outdoor enthusiasts to its riverside sites. Summer brings warm, golden days ideal for swimming and lazy afternoons by the water. As autumn leaves carpet the ground and winter's chill settles in, the campground transforms into a hauntingly beautiful retreat where only the most intrepid campers venture, finding themselves alone with nature's raw beauty and the whisper of wind through empty campsites.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Warm, scenic summers but can be busy; lacks potable water which affects comfort.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall tends to be quieter with good scenery and solitude opportunities.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 7% in CA

Spring is highlighted as best: mild weather and peak whitewater/rafting season draw visitors.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but colder and much quieter; fewer activities in winter.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Year-round camping. Peak periods may coincide with rafting season in spring and early summer.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: The campground has been closed off for use recently, according to user reviews. Additionally, lake access may be limited due to low water levels.

About Kirch Flat Campground

Tucked away along the winding Kings River, Kirch Flat Campground offers adventurous souls a true off-the-grid experience within the stunning Pine Flat Lake recreation area. This hidden gem beckons spring rafters fresh from navigating rushing waters and solitude-seekers yearning to trade cell service for starlit skies. Best of all? Your wilderness retreat comes without the price tag – this rustic sanctuary remains one of California's last free camping treasures.
Kirch Flat Campground is primarily suited for primitive camping with basic facilities. It offers space for car camping and group camping in a scenic and remote location along the Kings River.
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Stay Limit
Maximum 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Kirch Flat Campground offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, including rafting, fishing, hiking, and enjoying the serene natural environment along the Kings River and in the Sierra National Forest. The campground is particularly popular with rafters during spring and early summer.
HikingThe campground provides access to trails such as the Blue Oak Trail, which is an interpretive quarter-mile trail nearby. Additionally, there are general hiking opportunities in the surrounding Sierra National Forest.
FishingFishing is described as excellent, particularly for trout in designated streams. Visitors need a valid fishing license with a trout stamp.
SwimmingThe proximity of the Kings River allows for swimming, though users should exercise caution due to varying river conditions.
BoatingRafting on the Kings River is a highlight, with the area being particularly popular for whitewater rafting in spring and early summer.
Wildlife viewingThe campground offers opportunities to spot local wildlife such as foxes, bobcats, and red-tailed hawks. Some visitors also mentioned cattle grazing in the area during certain seasons.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRattlesnakes are common from spring through late summer. Visitors should exercise caution with wildlife and be prepared for cattle grazing through the campground at certain times of the year.
Active AlertsThe campground has been closed off for use recently, according to user reviews. Additionally, lake access may be limited due to low water levels.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Kirch Flat Campground

Reviews

4.5
66 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Kirch Flat Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Kirch Flat Campground receives a mix of positive and negative feedback, with a general appreciation for its natural beauty and remoteness. Visitors frequently highlight its free camping, proximity to the Kings River, and suitability for rafting and fishing. However, the lack of potable water, cell service, and modern facilities limits its appeal to those who prefer a rustic camping experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 66 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviews praise the campground's natural setting, free access, and proximity to outdoor activities. 'A perfect place to get away from civilization and go off the grid,' said one visitor.
Based on 66 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints often focus on the lack of potable water, flush toilets, and cell service. 'Bathrooms were stinky, and there were no trash cans,' noted one user.
Based on 66 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors suggest bringing sufficient water and supplies due to the lack of amenities. Early arrivals increase the chance of securing more secluded sites.
Based on 66 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and early summer are highlighted as the best times to visit due to rafting and milder weather. Winter can be quiet but colder, making it less crowded.
Based on 66 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great campsite! Free camping, campfire allowed in fire rings. Easy access to the Kings River.' 2. 'Beautiful campground. No flushing toilets or cell phone coverage. A perfect place to get...
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Based on 66 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some users recommend camping to the left of the entrance for quieter experiences. Sites #1-9 were mentioned in one review, associated with quiet and clean surroundings.
Based on 66 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility features were noted in the reviews.
Based on 66 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed in the campground, but there are no specific pet-related amenities.
Based on 66 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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