Sandy Flat

Star4.43
330 reviews

Quick Facts

2,300 ft

Price

$34 - $128/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

34 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation Company, a division of ExplorUS 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
Sandy Flat
$34.00 - $128.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates vary from $34 to $128 per night. Holiday rates incur an additional $2-$8 surcharge. Fees do not account for taxes or discounts.
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
760-376-1269sschmidt@goexplorus.com
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What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 330 reviews

189 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocationsites

Some mention

noise

"User reviews offer a mixed perspective on Sandy Flat Campground. Positive aspects include its proximity to the river, clean campsites, and the helpfulness of the camp host. Negative points highlight issues like noise from neighboring campers, lack of shade, and occasional maintenance lapses in bathrooms."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Sandy Flat

35.5747, -118.5299

Driving directionsFrom Highway 99, take Highway 178 east for 4 miles. Turn right on Borel Road, then right onto the Old Canyon Road. Continue about 2 miles, then turn right into Sandy Flats Campground.
Accessible via paved roads; however, some reviews mention narrow roads and maintenance issues. "The road into the campground was in serious need of repair."
Nearby places
Lake Isabella (approximately 5 miles, 10 minutes)
Kernville (approximately 15 minutes)
Bakersfield (approximately 41 miles, 50 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Lake Isabella offers grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel. Kernville also has stores and local breweries. Giant Sequoia Mercantile nearby for books, maps, and camping gear.

Best Time to Camp at Sandy Flat

Summer transforms Sandy Flat into a sun-drenched haven where clean, dry heat gives way to spectacular stargazing under crystal-clear night skies. The canyon's unique geography occasionally channels refreshing breezes through camp, offering natural air conditioning on the warmest days. Winter brings a gentler touch to this moderate elevation, with cool temperatures that rarely dip into extremes, making year-round camping a delightful possibility for those seeking escape from both summer's intensity and winter's harsh grip elsewhere.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Summer offers river access and stargazing but reviewers note high heat and lack of shade.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Off‑season/fall reviews highlight quieter, cleaner conditions and pleasant weather.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring likely benefits from river flows, nearby waterfalls and comfortable temperatures.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year‑round; off‑season is quieter but no winter‑sport attractions noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 through December 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round from January 1st to December 31st.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts mentioned; however, user reviews noted red flag warnings during fire season.

About Sandy Flat

Nestled along the rushing waters of the Lower Kern River at 2,300 feet, Sandy Flat Campground offers an adventurer's paradise where ancient boulders create natural privacy between campsites. This riverside retreat beckons with the promise of splashing river days and trail explorations, while modern amenities like vault toilets, fresh drinking water, and shaded picnic areas ensure comfort in the wilderness. The single-loop design winds through a landscape sculpted by time, where each campsite feels like its own secret hideaway among the massive stones.
Sandy Flat Campground offers multiple camping options, including tent sites and RV spaces. Primitive and group camping options are available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay length of 14 nights during one visit within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Sandy Flat offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Hobo Fishing Trail provides accessible hiking opportunities, while the Lower Kern River offers fishing and floating options.
HikingHiking opportunities include trails like the Hobo Fishing Trail. Users have highlighted the proximity to the trails as convenient for short walks.
FishingFishing is a popular activity, with some users reporting catches of trout and catfish near the river beach area.
SwimmingSwimming options are available in the river, though conditions vary based on water flow. Users have noted areas with strong currents that require caution.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is available, though specific species are not detailed in the source material.
Beach activitiesBeach activities such as sunbathing and playing in the sand are accessible near the river beach areas.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsStrong river currents—use caution for swimming or tubing. "People unfortunately drown in the Kern often." Wind gusts may occur during sunset.
Active AlertsNo active alerts mentioned; however, user reviews noted red flag warnings during fire season.

Weather at Sandy Flat

Reviews

4.4
330 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Sandy Flat is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews offer a mixed perspective on Sandy Flat Campground. Positive aspects include its proximity to the river, clean campsites, and the helpfulness of the camp host. Negative points highlight issues like noise from neighboring campers, lack of shade, and occasional maintenance lapses in bathrooms.
Review Summaries
Based on 330 reviews

What Campers Love

"Bob the camp host was the best!" "Sites are nice and clean." "Great location right next to the river."
Based on 330 reviews

Common Concerns

"Bathrooms smelled TERRIBLE." "Noise pollution from neighboring campers." "Trash and litter around the campground."
Based on 330 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Choose sites #30, #32, and #33 for privacy and proximity to the river. Bring shade structures for camping during summer months.
Based on 330 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often focus on the lack of shade and high temperatures, while off-season reviews highlight quieter and cleaner conditions. Weekend stays may involve noise due to larger groups.
Based on 330 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bob the host is amazing and keeps the bathroom clean." "The river is refreshing and beautiful." "Avoid weekends if you prefer peace; weekdays are better."
Based on 330 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #33: Very private with ample space for setting up tents. Site #32: Close to bathrooms and water. Site #26: Includes upper-level space accessible via a climb.
Based on 330 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some sites like #18 require a short walk from the parking area, which might pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
Based on 330 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews about pets or pet policies are mentioned in the source material.
Based on 330 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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