Is Kirch Flat Group Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Kirch Flat Group Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Kirch Flat Group Campground before I book?

Yes! Kirch Flat Group Campground has 5 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 Kirch Flat Group Campground?

Kirch Flat Group Campground is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Kirch Flat Group Campground?

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

How many campsites does Kirch Flat Group Campground have?

Kirch Flat Group Campground has 9 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Kirch Flat Group Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Kirch Flat Group 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 Kirch Flat Group Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Kirch Flat Group Campground?

Popular activities at Kirch Flat Group Campground include Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Kirch Flat Group Campground

4.56

97 reviews

29688 Auberry Rd, Prather, CA 93651

Top 3% in CASpring

C-Report Card

Featured in:Group Camping California Camping Near Kings Canyon National Park Spring Camping California

Quick Facts

1,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Sierra National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Sierra National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Kirch Flat Group Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

559-855-5355SM.FS.sierranfinfo@usda.gov

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Campground Map

29688 Auberry Rd, Prather, CA 93651

Kirch Flat Group Campground

29688 Auberry Rd, Prather, CA 93651

Nearby places

Sanger: 45 miles (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes)

Driving directionsTake Belmont Avenue east from Fresno. Follow Belmont Avenue until it turns into Trimmer Springs Road. Continue on Trimmer Springs Road past the community of Piedra and all the way around Pine Flat Reservoir. Campground is located at the extreme east end of the lake where the Kings River merges into Pine Flat Reservoir (dependent on water level). Driving time from Fresno is approximately 1 1/2 hours.

Weather at Kirch Flat Group Campground

Current alerts(5)

Dogs must be on a 6' leash at all times.
Maximum occupancy is 50 people and no more than 14 vehicles.
Sierra National Forest Order- Camping Restrictions: prohibits camping in one place for more than 14 days within any 30- day period.
Tent camping recommended. Site can accomodate up to 30' RV

Best Time to Camp at Kirch Flat Group Campground

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of comfortable temperatures (daytime highs typically 55–75°F, nights 40–50°F), peak wildflower displays (California poppies and foothill blooms) and elevated Kings River flows that make rafting and whitewater trips especially good. Fishing and hiking are excellent — trails are green and cooler than the hot summer months — and crowds are moderate except on holiday weekends. Expect lively river conditions (stronger currents and higher flows from winter runoff),so Peak months: April, May, March, October Avoid: July, August

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Top 3% in CA

Best season: peak wildflowers and prime rafting flows; reviewers highlight spring.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Kirch Flat Group Campground

Kirch Flat Group Campground sits in the Sierra National Forest foothills near the Kings River, managed by the Forest Service. This small, rustic site draws groups looking for river access and a quiet base for rafting, fishing, and swimming. Spring brings wildflower displays and elevated river flows that make whitewater trips especially rewarding.

Kirch Flat Group Campground caters to tent camping and small RVs, and also provides a group camping area.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of comfortable temperatures (daytime highs typically 55–75°F, nights 40–50°F), peak wildflower displays (California poppies and foothill blooms) and elevated Kings River flows that make rafting and whitewater trips especially good. Fishing and hiking are excellent — trails are green and cooler than the hot summer months — and crowds are moderate except on holiday weekends. Expect lively river conditions (stronger currents and higher flows from winter runoff),so Peak months: April, May, March, October Avoid: July, August

Elevation1000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Kings River cuts through canyon terrain here, framed by oak woodlands and views of the Sierra Nevada's western slope. Mature oaks provide shade across the sites. Spring brings California poppies and foothill wildflowers that cover the surrounding hillsides in gold and orange. The river flows year-round, with higher, faster currents from winter runoff through late spring.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or accommodations are available within the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum length of stay is 14 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum group size is 50.

Groups

The group site accommodates 50 people and 14 vehicles. It offers picnic tables and fire rings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground has accessible vault toilets, walkways, and parking areas.

Site SizeThe campground accommodates tent camping and small RVs (up to 30' in length).

PrivacySites are described as quiet and secluded, particularly during off-peak periods. However, 'popular with rafters' during the rafting season.

Total Campsites9 campsites

Recommended SitesFor quiet camping, choose areas to the left of the entrance as described by user reviews.

Best CampsitesReviews mention sites #1-9 for cleanliness, but no specific site numbers stand out as superior.

Need help booking Kirch Flat Group Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Kirch Flat Group Campground offers a mix of basic amenities designed for tent and small RV camping. The facilities include picnic tables, fire rings, pedestal grills, and vault toilets. Notably, the campground lacks running water, requiring visitors to bring their own water supplies. Trash collection facilities are also absent, and it operates on a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy. The nearest essential services are in Sanger, approximately 45 miles away. "Bathrooms were Stinky with no trash cans available outside next to the campground sites. #1-9," noted one reviewer. Other reviewers appreciated the fire rings for campfires.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Kirch Flat Group Campground

Kirch Flat Group Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities centered around the scenic Kings River. Popular activities include rafting, fishing, swimming, and hiking.

Hiking4.0/5

Several trails accessible, incl. upstream trail to the wild & scenic river.

Fishing4.0/5

Kings River is a designated trout stream; fishing cited as popular.

Boating4.0/5

Rafting on Kings River (Class III–IV) is highlighted as a primary activity.

Water Sports4.0/5

Whitewater (Class III–IV) rafting implies strong whitewater kayaking potential.

Swimming3.0/5

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Quiet, secluded and off-grid setting suggests good dark-sky potential.

Photography4.0/5River canyon, oak woodlands and spring wildflower displays make it photogenic.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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 ToiletsThere are no flush toilets at this campground. Only vault toilets are available.

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.

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

Rate Kirch Flat Group Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.6

97 reviews

Top-Rated

Kirch Flat Group Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Kirch Flat Group Campground are generally positive, highlighting its scenic views, access to the Kings River, and the quiet, off-the-grid experience. However, the lack of amenities such as running water and cell service is a common concern.

Review Summaries

Based on 97 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers praised the campground's natural beauty, the proximity to the Kings River, and the availability of activities such as rafting and fishing. Many appreciated the 'quiet and serene' atmosphere...

Based on 97 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of amenities like running water and trash collection, stinky vault toilets, and the remote location requiring a long drive to reach essential services.

Based on 97 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites #1-9 were mentioned as being clean but lacking trash cans nearby. Locations close to the river are favored for their easy access to swimming and fishing.

Based on 97 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water and trash bags. Avoid the area during peak rafting season if you prefer solitude. Be prepared for hot weather in summer and watch out for rattlesnakes and poison oak.

Based on 97 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is popular in spring and early summer for rafting, while fall and winter offer a quieter, more secluded experience. Summer can be very hot, and visitors are advised to plan accordingly.

Based on 97 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Wonderful spot. No electricity, water, or cell reception, but free and beautiful.' (James Crall) 2. 'Great place to swim with my boys and do a bit of fishing, designated trout stream so need a...

Based on 97 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets, walkways, and parking areas are accessible. No specific complaints or praises regarding accessibility were noted.

Based on 97 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. No specific reviews from pet owners were noted.

Based on 97 reviews

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Kirch Flat Group Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

559-855-5355SM.FS.sierranfinfo@usda.gov

Go if

You want a group site with river access for rafting and fishing and don't need modern restrooms.

Skip if

You need running water, flushing toilets, or well-maintained facilities.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

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Kirch Flat Campground

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Kirch Flat Campground sits along the Kings River near Pine Flat Lake in the Sierra Nevada foothills outside Sanger. Operated by PG&E, this primitive campground offers a handful of sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables but no potable water. Visitors come for whitewater rafting during spring snowmelt, fishing, and off-grid camping in a natural riverside setting.

Kirch Flat Group Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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