How much does camping cost at Fish Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Fish Creek Campground range from $17/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Can I see photos of campsites at Fish Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Fish Creek Campground has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Fish Creek Campground?

Fish Creek Campground is open Peak season aligns with the open dates from June through November, with higher activity occurring during summer months.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Fish Creek Campground?

Fish Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Fish Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Fish Creek Campground: Campfires are allowed with permits unless fire restrictions apply due to danger levels.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Fish Creek Campground have?

Fish Creek Campground has 37 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Fish Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Fish Creek Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Fish Creek Campground?

Fish Creek Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Fish Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Fish Creek Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Fish Creek Campground

Q: Is Fish Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Fish Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are first-come, first-serve. There are no reservations available, but reviews suggest arriving early to secure a spot during peak season.

4.28

44 reviews

11380 Kernville Road Kernville, CA 93238

Featured in:Fishing Camping California

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$17/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

37 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,400 ft

Price

$17/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

37 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Fish Creek Campground

$17.00 - $17.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight Use: Single Site: $17 per night Additional Vehicle Fee: $5 per vehicle per night

Standard Site Fee$17.00

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USFS

Provider

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

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

11380 Kernville Road Kernville, CA 93238

Fish Creek Campground

11380 Kernville Road Kernville, CA 93238

Nearby places

Kernville: 54 miles northeast via Mountain Road 99 and Sherman Pass Road. Pearsonville: 32 miles west via Hwy. 395 and Nine Mile Canyon Rd.

Nearby supplies

The nearest supplies are available at the general store near Troy Meadows, which is next to the campground.

Driving directionsFrom Pearsonville, CA, take US Rt. 395 north 2.6 miles to Kennedy Meadows sign. Turn left at sign onto Nine-Mile Canyon Rd and go 24.6 miles to Y intersection. Bear left onto Sherman Poso Rd and go 8.6 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.

Paved roads provide good access to the campground. However, user reviews mention that some roads are challenging for larger vehicles. Parking aprons are paved, offering easier parking.

Weather at Fish Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Fish Creek Campground

Summer brings daytime highs in the 60s to mid-70s, with nights dropping to 30-45°F. Afternoon thunderstorms hit in July and August, and campfire restrictions sometimes follow. The elevation keeps mornings cool even in peak summer. Fall sees fewer visitors and crisper air, but nighttime temps can approach freezing. Pack warm sleeping gear regardless of season. Access roads may close with snow.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open through Nov 30; fall brings fewer bugs and pleasant high-elevation weather—good seasonality.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season aligns with the open dates from June through November, with higher activity occurring during summer months.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from June 1 to November 30.

About Fish Creek Campground

Fish Creek Campground sits at 7,400 feet in Sequoia National Forest, offering 37 sites beneath lodgepole and Jeffrey pines. It's a basecamp for exploring the South Sierra and Dome Land Wildernesses, with dirt bike trails and fishing access nearby. Sites cost $17 per night and require packing out all trash.

Fish Creek Campground accommodates various types of camping, including tent sites and combined sites for both RVs and tents. It does not offer RV hookups, group camping, or luxury accommodations.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings daytime highs in the 60s to mid-70s, with nights dropping to 30-45°F. Afternoon thunderstorms hit in July and August, and campfire restrictions sometimes follow. The elevation keeps mornings cool even in peak summer. Fall sees fewer visitors and crisper air, but nighttime temps can approach freezing. Pack warm sleeping gear regardless of season. Access roads may close with snow.

ElevationPerched at 7,400 feet in the Sierra Nevada, Fish Creek Campground offers a true high-country experience. This elevation gifts visitors with naturally air-conditioned summers, where temperatures rarely climb uncomfortably high, and creates the possibility of magical late-season snow dustings that transform the forest into a winter wonderland.

Natural Features and SceneryLodgepole and Jeffrey pines tower over the campground, creating a canopy that filters afternoon light. Fish Creek runs close enough to hear from some sites, which overlook both the creek and an open meadow. The mix of forest and meadow attracts deer, squirrels, and chipmunks. Wildflowers appear in the meadow during wetter months. The spacing between trees provides natural privacy between campsites without feeling crowded.

Geological RegionRising from the heart of Sequoia National Forest at 7,400 feet, Fish Creek Campground serves as your gateway to some of California's most spectacular wilderness areas. The surrounding landscape tells an ancient geological story, where the forces that created the Sierra Nevada have sculpted a dramatic backdrop of granite peaks and volcanic remnants. From this strategic basecamp, adventurers can explore both the South Sierra and Dome Land Wildernesses, each offering their own unique geological wonders and ecosystems shaped by millions of years of natural forces.

Scenic ViewsSome campsites have views overlooking Fish Creek and adjacent meadows. These sites offer serene and picturesque vistas. User reviews particularly highlight site 35 for its trail leading down to the creek and meadow views.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or accommodations available at Fish Creek Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the authoritative sources.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit of 14 consecutive days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 guests per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites loop around a paved road with paved parking aprons. The spacing gives good privacy, though weekend ATV noise and occasional loud music carry through the trees. Most sites sit under pine canopy. Some overlook Fish Creek and the meadow.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; sites are first-come, first-serve.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-serve. There are no reservations available, but reviews suggest arriving early to secure a spot during peak season.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not available, as all sites are first-come, first-serve.

AccessibilityThe campground does not have wheelchair-friendly toilets or other noted accessibility features.

Site SizeCamping spots are spacious. Site 35 was described as accommodating 3 cars/SUVs, 3 large tents, 2 hammocks, and cooking equipment with room to spare.

PrivacySites are well-spaced, providing good privacy. According to general comments, "well spaced sites provide good privacy." Some sites overlook the meadow and Fish Creek.

Total Campsites37 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites near Fish Creek for scenic vistas and easy access to water features. Site 35 is highlighted for its spaciousness and trail access.

Best CampsitesSite 35 gets mentioned most in reviews. Ryan Barr noted it held three cars, three large tents, two hammocks, and cooking gear with space left over. A trail runs down to the meadow and stream from there. Sites that back up to the meadow offer more open views than those deeper in the pines.

Amenities available

Water Potable water is not available at this site. Fish Creek has water but not potable.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Fish Creek Campground offers various recreational activities suitable for outdoor enthusiasts, including hunting, fishing, hiking, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) camping. The creek provides opportunities for fishing, particularly for rainbow trout, while nearby trails are accessible for hiking, dirt biking, and mountain biking. Viewing scenery is also highlighted as an activity.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is bear country, and safe food storage techniques are required. Reviews mention falling pinecones and the possibility of glass on the ground.

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.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at the campground. Vault toilets are the primary restroom facility.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed with permits unless fire restrictions apply due to danger levels.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are located in Kernville, 54 miles away. Contact Kern River Ranger District for emergencies: 760-376-3781.

Trash & RecyclingNo trash collection service is available. Campers must pack out all their waste, described in authoritative sources as "Pack It In, Pack It Out."

Water FeaturesLocated near Fish Creek, which offers fishing opportunities for rainbow trout. Some sites provide easy access to the creek and meadows.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

44 reviews

Satisfactory

Fish Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews vary between praising the peaceful atmosphere, scenic surroundings, and spacious sites, and criticizing the lack of amenities, presence of noisy neighbors, and issues with bugs.

Review Summaries

Based on 44 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently mention the clean state of vault toilets, ample space at campsites, and the serene natural surroundings. For example, Ryan Barr noted, "Site 35 was spacious with a trail...

Based on 44 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the campground's lack of cell service, potable water, and waste disposal services. Some users complained about noisy neighbors and ATV usage disrupting the peace, with Mike...

Based on 44 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 35 received multiple positive comments for its spaciousness and access to trails and the creek. Ryan Barr described it as quiet and ideal for exploration during mid-October.

Based on 44 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing bug repellents, boiling non-potable water for safety, and preparing for the lack of cell service. Whitney Lauritsen suggested a big bug net for picnics.

Based on 44 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During summer, campers enjoy escaping high temperatures due to the elevation. However, reviews indicate buggy conditions in warm months. In spring, limited fishing opportunities were noted.

Based on 44 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Vault toilets are clean and the toilet paper was abundant." - Whitney Lauritsen "Had to haul gear up a hill. The hike down to Fish Creek was fun." - P-LAC "No cell service or wifi for 10 miles." -...

Based on 44 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-specific reviews were provided.

Based on 44 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly. Whitney Lauritsen commented on the positive experience for dogs: "Very dog-friendly - our group's pups enjoyed themselves too."

Based on 44 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Fly fishers, OHV riders, and hikers who don't need potable water or cell coverage. Site 35 is the pick: spacious, creek access, meadow views, and a trail you'll actually use. Fall weekends after Labor Day are quieter and the air is sharp.

Skip if

The reviews include accounts of loud, insular regular visitors whose behavior made some campers feel unwelcome, if you're not part of the ATV-and-heavy-metal crowd, weekend visits carry real risk of a miserable night. No water on-site and emergency services 54 miles out make this

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Campgrounds

Sequoia National Forest

Fish Creek Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Fish Creek Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>54 miles northeast of Kernville via Mtn. 99 and Sherman Pass Rd. (22S05), or 32 miles west of Hwy. 395 via Nine Mile Canyon Rd. (J41). Paved roads; 40 units including 12 suitable for RV's up to 24'; restrooms; piped well water. There is no trash collection. Elev. 7,400 feet. Open Jun. to Nov. Fee -$17 per night.</p>

About the campground

The elevation is 7,400 ft. The campground, pack it in, pack it out, is a large loop meandering through a stand of mature conifers - mostly Lodgepole and Jeffrey pines. Popular with dirt bike enthusiasts, the campground has access to numerous motorized trails and is convenient to the South Sierra and Dome Land Wildernesses. Some camp sites have view of Fish Creek and well spaced sites provide good privacy. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.

Seasons & access

Open June 1 through November 30.

RV information

The parking aprons are paved.

Directions

From Pearsonville, CA, take US Rt. 395 north 2.6 miles to Kennedy Meadows sign. Turn left at sign onto Nine-Mile Cyn Rd and go 24.6 miles to "Y" intersection. Bear left onto Sherman Poso Rd and go 8.6 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.

National Forest: Sequoia National Forest
Ranger District: Kernville
Elevation: 7,400
Rate: $17 per day
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: May – October