Brush Creek Dispersed Camping

4.44

91 reviews

11380 Kernville Road Kernville, CA 93238

Quick Facts

3,858 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Open all year around...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Kern River Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,858 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Open all year around...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Kern River Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Brush Creek Dispersed Camping

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping is free of charge. America The Beautiful Access/Senior Passes are honored.

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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USFS

Provider

760-376-3781SM.FS.SequoiaNF@usda.gov

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What Campers Say

4.44

Recommended

Based on 91 reviews

86 Google reviews

"User reviews for Brush Creek Dispersed Camping are mixed, with positive comments on the location's natural beauty and proximity to the Kern River, but frequent complaints about cleanliness and crowding."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

11380 Kernville Road Kernville, CA 93238

Brush Creek Dispersed Camping

11380 Kernville Road Kernville, CA 93238

Driving directionsHead north from Kernville approximately 15 miles and Brush Creek will be on the west side of the road.

The campground is accessible via a paved road approximately 15 miles from Kernville; no seasonal closures are noted.

Nearby places

Kernville (15 miles, approximately 20 minutes drive)

Bakersfield (about 80 miles, 1.5 hours drive)

Los Angeles (200 miles, approximately 3.5 hours drive).

Nearby supplies

Small stores and meat markets are available a few miles down the mountain, likely in Kernville

larger supplies would require a trip to Lake Isabella or Bakersfield.

Best Time to Camp at Brush Creek Dispersed Camping

Experience the full spectrum of Sierra Nevada seasons at Brush Creek, where summer days warm to a pleasant 90°F, perfect for riverside relaxation and evening campfires under star-filled skies. As autumn paints the surrounding forest in golden hues, temperatures settle into that sweet spot between 50°F and 75°F, creating ideal conditions for hiking and fishing. Winter transforms the landscape into a crisp wonderland, with temperatures dipping to a brisk 27°F in January—a season for the hardy souls who appreciate the stark beauty of frost-kissed mornings and the solitude of off-season camping. Spring brings renewal and moderate temperatures, making every season a unique chapter in your camping story.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Warm ~90°F summers ideal for riverside time but weekends are very crowded.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn/off-season visits offer more peace and pleasant weather per reviewers.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring likely favorable with river flows and fewer crowds; off-season noted as peaceful.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round but no winter-sport offerings; winter access possible though conditions vary.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No peak season pricing structure; open year-round.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open all year around.
Current Alerts: Camping prohibitions within 50 feet of Brush Creek are active until September 30, 2026.

About Brush Creek Dispersed Camping

Where the rushing waters of Brush Creek converge with the mighty Upper Kern River, adventurers discover a hidden gem of free dispersed camping that captures the essence of California's wild heart. This pristine riverside sanctuary welcomes outdoor enthusiasts with convenient vault toilets and seasonal trash facilities, all set within an expansive, open landscape that beckons anglers to cast their lines and hikers to explore untamed trails. The easily accessible site offers the perfect blend of wilderness immersion and practical amenities, making it an ideal basecamp for those seeking authentic outdoor experiences without the crowds or fees of traditional campgrounds.

Brush Creek Dispersed Camping is a free, year-round dispersed camping area suitable for tents and RVs, with minimal facilities and no designated sites.

Historical SignificanceWhile the written history of this confluence remains unrecorded, the timeless meeting of waters speaks to centuries of natural harmony and the enduring appeal of riverside camping in the American West.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Sierra Nevada seasons at Brush Creek, where summer days warm to a pleasant 90°F, perfect for riverside relaxation and evening campfires under star-filled skies. As autumn paints the surrounding forest in golden hues, temperatures settle into that sweet spot between 50°F and 75°F, creating ideal conditions for hiking and fishing. Winter transforms the landscape into a crisp wonderland, with temperatures dipping to a brisk 27°F in January—a season for the hardy souls who appreciate the stark beauty of frost-kissed mornings and the solitude of off-season camping. Spring brings renewal and moderate temperatures, making every season a unique chapter in your camping story.

ElevationNestled within the varied elevations of the Sequoia National Forest, this riverside retreat offers the perfect balance of mountain accessibility and river valley comfort.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a photographer's paradise where the crystal-clear waters of Brush Creek dance into the powerful currents of the Upper Kern River, creating a symphony of rapids and pools that mesmerize visitors. Towering peaks frame the horizon while dense forests of pine and fir provide natural shelter and shade. The dramatic interplay of rushing water, granite boulders, and verdant forest creates an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty. Morning mist rises from the river, afternoon sun illuminates the rapids, and evening light transforms the mountains into silhouettes against painted skies—each moment offering its own spectacular show.

Geological RegionCarved by millennia of flowing water through the rugged terrain of Sequoia National Forest, Brush Creek Dispersed Camping sits within one of California's most geologically diverse regions. The Upper Kern River corridor showcases the raw power of water sculpting granite mountains, creating a landscape where ancient bedrock meets rushing rivers. This dynamic environment features classic Sierra Nevada geology—from weathered granite outcroppings to river-polished stones, all surrounded by montane forests that have adapted to the challenging mountain environment. The result is a textbook example of how water, time, and tectonics combine to create the spectacular riverine ecosystems that define California's high country.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No specified check-in time.

Check-out

No specified check-out time.

Stay Limit

No explicit stay limit noted.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific guest limits noted.

Groups

No designated group sites are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutWide-open parking area with camping along the river's edge.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations needed.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-serve; early arrival recommended to secure a space.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservations; hence no cancellation policy applies.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned, although vault toilets may offer basic access.

Site SizeSites are not formally designated, offering a mix of open parking areas and tent spots along the river.

PrivacyPrivacy varies widely, from secluded spots near the creek to crowded open areas. One camper noted, 'Plenty of river spots for your party to hang out in private or ones with many other people as well.

Recommended SitesEarly arrival is recommended to find a good spot near the river.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Brush Creek offers a variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, and non-motorized boating, with scenic views along the Kern River.

HikingThere are trails available near the campground. A user noted, 'Slightly opposite to the campground is a short hiking trail, about 1-mile in and out, that runs along the creek.' Another highlighted, '15 miles from the campground is the 100 Giants trailhead.'

FishingBrush Creek's confluence with the Kern River is described as a good fishing spot.

BoatingNon-motorized boating activities such as kayaking or canoeing can be enjoyed on the Kern River.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife like spiders, skunks, and swift-moving Class 5 rapids in the Kern River. Broken glass and unsanitary conditions are noted as concerns.

Active AlertsCamping prohibitions within 50 feet of Brush Creek are active until September 30, 2026.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires require permits; prohibited during fire restrictions.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No explicit quiet hours noted; user reviews mention loud music as common.

Emergency ServicesKern Valley Hospital in Lake Isabella (approximately 22 miles away); Kernville Ranger Station (11380 Kernville Road Kernville, CA 93238).

Trash & RecyclingSeasonal trash bins are available, but there is no consistent trash service. Visitors are encouraged to 'Pack It In, Pack It Out.'

Water FeaturesLocated at the intersection of Brush Creek and the Upper Kern River, providing excellent access to water features.

Camp HostThe campsite does not have official hosts but sheriff cars frequently patrol the area.

Weather at Brush Creek Dispersed Camping

Reviews

4.4

91 reviews

Recommended

Brush Creek Dispersed Camping is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Brush Creek Dispersed Camping are mixed, with positive comments on the location's natural beauty and proximity to the Kern River, but frequent complaints about cleanliness and crowding.

Review Summaries

Based on 91 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciated the natural beauty, proximity to Kern River, and the availability of free camping. One user called it 'an amazing campground' with 'beautiful and fun' surroundings. Another...

Based on 91 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poor cleanliness of toilets, trash left by previous campers, and noisy neighbors. A reviewer said, 'The temporary porta potties were not well maintained,' while another...

Based on 91 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend arriving early to secure the best sites, avoiding weekends to escape crowds, and bringing all necessities, including water and trash bags.

Based on 91 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer weekends are noted as very crowded, while off-season visits offer more peace and quiet. Some campers also mentioned fire restrictions during certain seasons.

Based on 91 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Brush Creek is an amazing campground that I had an extraordinary time in.' - 'This is a big parking lot on the side of the Kern River.' - 'Bathrooms weren’t well maintained.' - 'Amazing place for...

Based on 91 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews indicate that sites near the water are highly coveted, but some areas may lack shade. One user mentioned setting up 'just a few steps from the water,' while another highlighted 'not a lot of...

Based on 91 reviews