Hospital Flat

Star4.05
113 reviews

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

$34 - $145/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Open season: May 16 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation 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
Hospital Flat
$34.00 - $145.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates for standard nonelectric sites and walk-to sites are $34 per night with an additional $2 holiday fee. Group walk-to sites are $145...
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Standard Site Fee$34.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$145.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
760-376-1815sschmidt@goexplorus.com
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What Campers Say

4.05

Satisfactory

Based on 113 reviews

51 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spaciousfriendlysites

Some mention

crowded

"User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful natural setting along the Kern River but point out issues like rocky terrain, limited shade, and occasional overcrowding. Mixed feedback on the vault toilets and water quality is common."

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Campground Map

Hospital Flat

35.8280, -118.4581

Driving directionsFrom Kernville, go 6.5 miles north on Sierra Way (Mountain 99) to the campground.
The campground is accessible via Sierra Way (Mountain 99), which is a paved road. However, road conditions are not mentioned, so seasonal accessibility challenges are unknown.
Nearby places
Kernville (6.5 miles north)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies information is null.

Best Time to Camp at Hospital Flat

Summer transforms Hospital Flat into a sun-drenched paradise where temperatures can soar to an impressive 107°F, creating the perfect conditions for river activities and early morning hikes. Savvy campers come prepared with portable shade structures and plenty of ice, turning the intense heat into an opportunity to perfect the art of riverside relaxation. The scorching afternoons invite you to seek refuge in the cool river waters or find respite beneath the rustling cottonwoods that line the banks.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season May 16–Sep 13; ideal for river activities though temps can reach 107–110°F.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closes Sep 13; fall access is largely unavailable.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground is closed until mid-May (opens May 16), so spring largely unavailable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed mid-September through early June; winter season closed.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 - September 13. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: May 16 - September 13 (peak season). Closed season: September 13 - June 5.
  • Current Alerts: Active alert information is null.

About Hospital Flat

Nestled along the pristine banks of the Kern River, Hospital Flat Campground serves as your gateway to adventure in the heart of Sequoia National Forest. Here, the rhythmic rush of river waters sets the soundtrack for days filled with world-class fly fishing, exhilarating whitewater rafting, and peaceful kayaking excursions. Trail enthusiasts will discover endless hiking opportunities that wind through diverse landscapes, from riverside paths to mountain vistas, making this riverside retreat the perfect basecamp for your Sierra Nevada adventure.
Hospital Flat Campground accommodates various camping styles, focusing on traditional camping experiences. Sites are designed for tents, some walk-in, and no RV hookups are available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in times are not specified.
Check-out
Check-out times are not specified.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Hospital Flat Campground offers a wide range of activities due to its location along the Kern River. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, kayaking, rafting, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The natural surroundings provide ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
HikingHiking is a major activity. Trails, like the nearby Cannell Meadow National Recreation Trail, offer stunning views of the Kern River Valley.
FishingFishing is permitted in the Kern River, though reviews suggest varying levels of success. Some anglers found the fish to be too small to keep.
SwimmingSwimming is popular, particularly in calmer sections of the Kern River. However, some areas near the campground have Class 3 rapids, which are unsuitable for swimming.
BoatingRafting and kayaking are popular due to the proximity of the Kern River. However, access to calm waters can be limited.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include observing the natural flora and fauna along the river and canyon walls.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards include poison oak, red ants, yellow jackets, and the fast-flowing Kern River. Some wells reportedly provide brown water that smells of rust.
Active AlertsActive alert information is null.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Hospital Flat

Reviews

4.1
113 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Hospital Flat is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful natural setting along the Kern River but point out issues like rocky terrain, limited shade, and occasional overcrowding. Mixed feedback on the vault toilets and water quality is common.
Review Summaries
Based on 113 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praise the natural beauty, access to the Kern River, and friendly camp hosts. Some favorite features include spacious campsites, calm river sections for swimming, and scenic surroundings.
Based on 113 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues include rocky ground making tent setup difficult, unpleasant smells from vault toilets, muddy or brown water, yellow jackets, and litter around the campground. Some users also report problems...
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Based on 113 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a mallet for pitching tents on rocky ground, portable water filters or drinking water, and shade structures due to limited tree cover. Advanced reservations for riverside sites are recommended.
Based on 113 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the peak season, with temperatures reaching up to 110°F, making shade and water access essential. Fall and Spring offer milder weather but may have limited availability.
Based on 113 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The vault toilets were clean, and the grounds maintained okay." - Emmanuel D. "It’s very quiet, and it’s the best night sky I’ve ever seen." - Will B. "The place is a great spot to camp, but the...
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Based on 113 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #16 is close to the river but has been criticized for odors from nearby vault toilets. Sites #32, #33, and #34 are noted for their large size but limited privacy.
Based on 113 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility for individuals with disabilities were available.
Based on 113 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific feedback about pets was found in the provided information.
Based on 113 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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