Oak Flat Lookout

Star2.83
8 reviews
11380 KERNVILLE ROAD

Quick Facts

4,900 ft

Price

$8 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Kern River Ranger District, Kernville Ranger Station site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Oak Flat Lookout
$8.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Reservation fees vary: $8 if made online or through the app; $9 if made through the contact center; $10 change fee applies for modifications.
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
760-376-3781
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

2.83

Mixed Reviews

Based on 8 reviews

30 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

"User reviews for Oak Flat Lookout are mixed, with sentiment scores averaging 3.68 overall and 2.75 specifically for campground aspects. While some campers praise the unique and historic experience, others criticize vandalism and maintenance issues."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

11380 KERNVILLE ROAD

Oak Flat Lookout

11380 KERNVILLE ROAD

Driving directionsFrom Bakersfield, California, take Highway 99 to Highway 178 and travel east towards the Kern River Canyon. After passing through the last traffic light (Miramonte Drive) east of town, you will travel downhill. Rancheria Road will be the next left turn off the highway. Proceed 15 miles north along this road. The first part of Rancheria Road is paved and then it becomes an unimproved gravel road. It is approximately 45 minutes to reach the turnoff to Oak Flat. Watch for livestock and other traffic along this route. Turn right onto the Oak Flat spur road and travel up 0.7 miles to the Lookout tower.
Rancheria Road starts paved but transitions into an unimproved gravel road. Potential navigation challenges include rough terrain, especially in poor weather conditions. "Due to steep terrain, 4-wheel drive vehicles required" was explicitly mentioned in authoritative sources.
Nearby places
Bakersfield (approx. 1 hour), Kernville (exact distance not specified).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies information is not provided explicitly. Campers should plan to bring all provisions as stated in authoritative sources, including food, water, and bedding.

Best Time to Camp at Oak Flat Lookout

Mountain weather here is as dramatic as the views, with winds that sing through the tower's framework and weather that can shift from sunshine to storm in moments. Winter transforms this high perch into a crystalline wonderland, where temperatures often dip to around 31°F and occasional snow dustings (up to 6.6% chance) create magical morning scenes. Pack layers and warm clothing—the mountain demands respect, rewarding prepared visitors with unforgettable experiences above the clouds.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer visits are noted as popular and generally favorable in reviews.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Scenic mountain setting implies strong fall conditions; reviews imply pleasant visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Variable mountain weather in spring; likely pleasant some days but not specifically documented.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Winter brings snow and cold; propane heater helps but conditions can be harsh and access tricky.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: The campground is operational all year as inferred from stay limits and reservation rules.
  • Current Alerts: "This lookout is not open" due to vandalism in recent reviews. Window damage and lack of upkeep are recurring complaints.

About Oak Flat Lookout

Step back in time at Oak Flat Lookout, where adventurous souls can spend the night in an authentic 1934 fire lookout tower perched high above Sequoia National Forest. From this historic aerie, sweeping 360-degree vistas unfold across the dramatic Kern River Canyon and the rugged Greenhorn Mountains. Modern comfort meets vintage charm with a thermostat-controlled propane heater that keeps the tower cozy even as mountain winds whistle past the windows.
Oak Flat Lookout focuses on its historical lookout tower and provides a rustic camping experience without modern hookups or facilities.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
"Maximum Consecutive Stay: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground."

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Oak Flat Lookout emphasizes stargazing and birdwatching, offering panoramic views of the Kern River Canyon. The unique lookout experience combined with outdoor activities makes this a standout destination for nature enthusiasts.
Wildlife viewingBirdwatching is particularly popular at the lookout, and some user reviews mention sightings of wildlife such as lizards and tales of mountain lions noted in the guest book.
Winter Activities
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"The stairs are not for the faint of heart." "There are tales of mountain lions in the guest book." Strong winds are common. Bringing adequate provisions is necessary due to facility conditions.
Active Alerts"This lookout is not open" due to vandalism in recent reviews. Window damage and lack of upkeep are recurring complaints.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Oak Flat Lookout

Reviews

2.8
8 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Oak Flat Lookout has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Oak Flat Lookout are mixed, with sentiment scores averaging 3.68 overall and 2.75 specifically for campground aspects. While some campers praise the unique and historic experience, others criticize vandalism and maintenance issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests appreciated the panoramic views, solitude, and cell phone coverage. "Spending a couple nights in the Lookout Tower was a fantastic and truly unique experience," one camper remarked.
Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

Vandalism and lack of maintenance are recurring complaints. Reviewers noted smashed windows, litter, and inadequate cleaning between bookings. Additionally, accessibility challenges due to steep...
Show more
Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

1. Bring all provisions, including food, water, bedding, and firewood.2. Consider bringing a carbon monoxide alarm due to the propane stove.3. Opt for vehicles with good ground clearance for reaching...
Show more
Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visits during summer months were popular but not overwhelmingly hot, according to reviews. Winter months may feature snow and cold temperatures, requiring appropriate clothing and preparation.
Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful views. Peaceful solitude, yet still had cell phone coverage." (Ken W) "Firepit is adequate for cooking over." (Jonathan Vegas) "Sadly this lookout has been vandalised." (Jade T)
Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews for site 01 in the Oak Flat Lookout area highlight significant vandalism, including smashed windows and litter. Some campers suggested avoiding the lookout until repairs are made.
Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is challenging due to steep steps and rough terrain. Large dogs are not recommended due to difficulty climbing the staircase.
Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but reviewers recommend smaller pets due to the steep staircase. "Put a harness on the dog and carried him up into the tower... he liked the views." (Ken W)
Based on 8 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Oak Flat Lookout? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds
Sequoia National Forest
Oak Flat Lookout