Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground

Star4.33
27 reviews
Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground

Quick Facts

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Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

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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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 27 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."

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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.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

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.
    Weather and SeasonsSummer 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.
    Natural Features and SceneryThe North Fork of the Kern River flows as the centerpiece of this enchanting camping area, its waters carving through a lush forested corridor that provides both shade and natural beauty. Towering trees frame your riverside campsite, creating an intimate connection with the river's constant song while the forest canopy offers respite from the Sierra Nevada sun. This riparian setting delivers the quintessential California mountain river experience—where the scent of pine mingles with cool river breezes and the boundary between your camp and the wilderness dissolves into pure adventure.
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    Campsite details

    Total Campsitesnull campsites
    Recommended CampsitesBring all required potable water and supplies; note that toilets and trash bins may only be available in summer months.

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    Reserving a campsite

    Tents
    Tents are not allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are not allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are not allowed

    Site layoutDispersed campsites along the river; minimal development. Portable toilets and trash bins present seasonally (summer).

    Amenities available

    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Dispersed camping located along the North Fork of the Kern River.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed

    Hazards

    General hazardsNo potable water available on site. Sanitation facilities (portable toilets and trash bins) are present only during summer months.

    Weather at Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground

    63
    °F
    Dec 11
    Thursday
    Clear sky
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 21%
    Wind: 3.2 mph
    Clear sky

    Weather History
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    Good to know

    Trash and recyclingTrash bins available in the summer months.
    Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the North Fork of the Kern River; no water is available on site.

    Campground Map

    Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground
    Nearby places
    Kernville — about 12 miles

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    4.3
    27 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 27 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...
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    Based on 27 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...
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    Based on 27 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...
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    Based on 27 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...
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    Based on 27 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...
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    Based on 27 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...
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    Based on 27 reviews

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    Last updated December 10, 2025
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