4.39115 reviewsPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Open all year around...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Open all year around...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
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Learn more about alerts →Chico Flat Dispersed Camping
35.8235, -118.4620
River campers who pack in their own water and food storage will find good site privacy on large sandy flats right at the water's edge. Midweek in summer hits the sweet spot: stable river levels for swimming and fishing, temps in the mid-80s by day, and far fewer people competing
Bears have raided food left out at camp, so anyone without a hard-sided bear canister or locked vehicle should think twice. No potable water, no shade structures, no hookups, and virtually no cell signal on any carrier except AT&T edge means this is genuinely self-sufficient camp
Reference information about Chico Flat Dispersed Camping sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>Dispersed Camping on Upper Kern River approximately 4 to 5 miles north from Kernville. Ther is no water available at this location. Portable toilets and trash receptacles are available during summer months. <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprd3794624.jpg">See Larger Picture Here</a>. </p><p><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sequoia/maps-pubs/?cid=fseprd883625">Dispersed Camping Rules, Regulations, and Tips</a></p>
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Summer brings the best conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-80s to low-90s and nights in the 50s-60s. River levels stabilize after spring runoff, making swimming, fishing, and casual boating easier. Weekends and holidays draw more campers, so midweek visits offer better solitude and site selection. Winter camping is possible but demands serious cold-weather gear.
Summer is best: stable river levels, good swimming/boating and portable toilets available.
Chico Flat Dispersed Camping provides minimal facilities, emphasizing a "pack it in, pack it out" ethic. Potable water is unavailable, and visitors are advised to bring their own drinking water or use eco-friendly filtration systems. Portable toilets and trash receptacles are available during the summer months. Picnic tables are not available, and restrooms are absent outside the summer season, emphasizing the importance of proper human waste disposal. This dispersed camping site is free and accessible all year round.
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