Fish Creek Campground

4.49

44 reviews

11380 Kernville Road Kernville, CA 93238

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

Opens Kern River Ranger District site

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

Opens Kern River Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Fish Creek Campground

$17.00 - $17.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The camping fee is $17 per night for single sites. Additional vehicles cost $5 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a...

Standard Site Fee$17.00

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

4.49

Recommended

Based on 44 reviews

39 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciousfriendly

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

11380 Kernville Road Kernville, CA 93238

Fish Creek Campground

11380 Kernville Road Kernville, CA 93238

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.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Fish Creek Campground

The rhythm of the seasons transforms Fish Creek into distinctly different experiences throughout the year. Summer arrives with sun-drenched days perfect for trail adventures, while evenings bring a refreshing mountain coolness that makes for ideal sleeping weather. As autumn approaches, the campground takes on a more intimate character with fewer visitors and crisp mountain air that can surprise unprepared campers with near-freezing nighttime temperatures. Seasoned visitors know to pack layers and warm sleeping gear, as the mountain's moods can shift dramatically between day and night.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open and popular in summer; offers cooler high-elevation temps though buggy conditions reported.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open through Nov with peak season into fall; likely pleasant at elevation and scenic though limited reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Campground closed in spring months prior to June 1.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed in winter (seasonal open June 1–Nov 30).

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

Tucked away in a pristine forest of towering Lodgepole and Jeffrey pines, Fish Creek Campground offers 37 thoughtfully designed paved sites that blend seamlessly with nature. This mountain retreat has become a haven for adventure seekers, with dirt bike enthusiasts drawn to the extensive network of motorized trails that spider through the surrounding wilderness. For those seeking quieter pursuits, winding hiking paths lead to hidden meadows and the gentle waters of Fish Creek. Each campsite comes equipped with a picnic table and fire pit, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. The campground maintains a rustic charm with vault toilets and non-potable water sources, while embracing Leave No Trace principles with its pack-in/pack-out policy. Remember to secure your campfire permit before arrival, as these mountain forests demand respect and caution.

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 SeasonsThe rhythm of the seasons transforms Fish Creek into distinctly different experiences throughout the year. Summer arrives with sun-drenched days perfect for trail adventures, while evenings bring a refreshing mountain coolness that makes for ideal sleeping weather. As autumn approaches, the campground takes on a more intimate character with fewer visitors and crisp mountain air that can surprise unprepared campers with near-freezing nighttime temperatures. Seasoned visitors know to pack layers and warm sleeping gear, as the mountain's moods can shift dramatically between day and night.

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 SceneryThe campground rests in a cathedral of ancient pines, where Lodgepole and Jeffrey giants create a natural privacy screen between sites and fill the air with their distinctive vanilla-butterscotch scent. Fish Creek meanders nearby, its gentle babbling providing a soothing soundtrack to your stay, while open meadows burst with wildflowers in season. This diverse ecosystem attracts an abundance of wildlife – from curious squirrels and chipmunks to the occasional deer stepping delicately through the forest shadows. The interplay of dappled sunlight through the pine canopy creates an ever-changing tapestry of light and shadow that photographers and nature lovers find irresistible.

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.

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.

Groups

Not applicable.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground follows a large loop design with paved parking aprons. Sites are well-spaced for privacy.

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.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

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.

HikingThe campground features trails such as the Fish and Troy Connector Trail (#34E03) that spans 3 miles and the Jackass Creek Trail (#35E13) covering 12 miles. Trails are accessible for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and dirt biking. User P-LAC described hiking down to Fish Creek and exploring a meadow north of the creek as an enjoyable experience.

FishingFishing opportunities include catching rainbow trout in the creek. User Stephen Waters remarked, "If you are a fly fisher, there is golden trout in the creek nearby." However, Sandesh noted limited fishing during certain seasons, suggesting spring may be better.

BikingTrails are suitable for mountain biking. User comments highlight dirt bike usage, but details specific to biking trails are limited.

Wildlife viewingCampground settings are described as natural and serene, ideal for viewing wildlife. However, specific species are not mentioned in the provided data.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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.

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.

Weather at Fish Creek Campground

Reviews

4.5

44 reviews

Recommended

Fish Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

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

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

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

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