Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground

Star4.35
31 reviews
Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
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
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 31 reviews

33 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanshade

"Reviewers overwhelmingly love Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground, consistently giving it 4–5 star ratings. They highlight its peaceful, riverside setting, natural beauty, and free dispersed camping feel, especially for those who don’t need amenities. Many mention returning for years or wanting to come back, with comments about clean camps, quiet surroundings, and great river access."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground

Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground

35.9132, -118.4864

Nearby places
Kernville — about 12 miles

Best Time to Camp at Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground

Summer transforms Chamise Flat into a fully-serviced dispersed camping destination, with portable toilets and trash bins available to accommodate the seasonal influx of river enthusiasts and wilderness seekers. While the site remains accessible year-round, these amenities appear when warm weather draws visitors to the Kern River's refreshing waters, making summer the most convenient time to experience this riverside retreat.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer adds portable toilets and trash bins; seasonal influx and river recreation make it prime.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Likely pleasant and less crowded in fall, though few explicit seasonal reviews are provided.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring likely offers good river flows and scenery, but specific spring feedback is limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

No winter services mentioned; access and river conditions may limit appeal in winter.

Planning Tips

    About Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground

    Tucked along the pristine North Fork of the Kern River, Chamise Flat beckons adventurous campers seeking a true wilderness experience just 12 miles north of Kernville. This dispersed camping area embraces a back-to-basics philosophy—bring your own water and enjoy the freedom of riverside camping where nature sets the rhythm. During summer months, you'll find portable toilets and trash bins to help maintain this beautiful landscape.
    Dispersed (primitive) camping along a river; minimal to no developed facilities.
    Advertisement

    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite


    Amenities available

    Vault toilets

    Advertisement

    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsNo potable water available on site. Sanitation facilities (portable toilets and trash bins) are present only during summer months.
    No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

    Weather at Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground

    Reviews

    4.4
    31 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewers overwhelmingly love Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground, consistently giving it 4–5 star ratings. They highlight its peaceful, riverside setting, natural beauty, and free dispersed camping feel, especially for those who don’t need amenities. Many mention returning for years or wanting to come back, with comments about clean camps, quiet surroundings, and great river access.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 31 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Campers praise the beautiful Kern River setting, describing it as “beautiful,” “breathtaking,” and “pretty and quiet” with great spots to swim, float, or fish. The campground is free, offers a more...
    Show more
    Based on 31 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Complaints are limited, but a few cautions appear repeatedly. Some reviewers note that it can get crowded on weekends and around peak holidays, and one mentions the general regional issue of petty...
    Show more
    Based on 31 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Reviewers recommend coming prepared for dry/dispersed camping with your own supplies, including toilet paper since only porta-potties are provided. Several suggest visiting right before Memorial Day...
    Show more
    Based on 31 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    “If you don't need fancy amenities, it's perfect.” “Any of the free spots along the Kern are worth it, especially right before Memorial Day and right after Labor Day when the crowds are thin and the...
    Show more
    Based on 31 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    Several comments distinguish Chamise Flat from nearby areas, noting it “has a higher vantage than the other camp places and is up on a bluff more than Chico flat or goldledge,” which some campers...
    Show more
    Based on 31 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    One reviewer specifically mentions tying up floats and enjoying the river “with our dogs,” suggesting that dogs are allowed and can enjoy the area, especially near the riverbank. No other...
    Show more
    Based on 31 reviews

    0
    0 review
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5

    Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

    Been to Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


    Last updated February 17, 2026
    Advertisement

    Nearby Campgrounds

    Campgrounds you may also like

    Popular campgrounds in California

    Campgrounds
    Sequoia National Forest
    Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground