Chico Flat Dispersed Camping

Star4.45
115 reviews

Quick Facts

2,940 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Open all year around...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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Official Website
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Chico Flat Dispersed Camping
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for this site; it is free of charge.
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

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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 115 reviews

104 Google reviews

"Most reviewers appreciate the natural beauty, free camping, and access to the Kern River. However, complaints about trash left behind by other campers and occasional wildlife encounters, including bears, were noted."

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Campground Map

Chico Flat Dispersed Camping

35.8235, -118.4620

Driving directionsDispersed Camping on Upper Kern River approximately 4 to 5 miles north from Kernville.
"Parking spots are better defined and a lot less trash around the sites. Fire rating was low." (Damian Lavalle, user review). Additionally, "The campground is beautiful and for once there were NO JETS flying 200 feet off the ground. Nice and peaceful for a change." (Donnie E., user review).
Nearby places
Kernville (4-5 miles, a few minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
Kernville, 4-5 miles away. User comment: "Only a couple minutes drive from town so it's a nice base to plan your activities from." (Noud Frenken, user review).

Best Time to Camp at Chico Flat Dispersed Camping

Winter transforms this riverside retreat into a crisp, serene wonderland. Expect cold temperatures that demand proper preparation – think warm sleeping bags, insulated clothing, and weather-appropriate gear. The chilly season offers its own rewards: fewer crowds, crystalline air, and the peaceful solitude that only winter camping can provide. Snow may dust the surrounding peaks, creating stunning contrasts against the evergreen forest.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Summer highlighted as best: river cools temps, and portable toilets/trash receptacles available seasonally.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open year-round; fall offers pleasant weather and scenic hiking though specifics are limited.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring likely strong with river flows and wildlife activity; open year-round but few specifics given.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Winter is crisp and serene but cold; requires proper gear; limited winter-specific activities.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Open for round year .. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open all year around.

About Chico Flat Dispersed Camping

Embrace the freedom of wilderness camping at this pristine dispersed site along the Upper Kern River. While you won't find traditional amenities like bathrooms or designated facilities, you'll discover something far more valuable – an authentic connection with California's untamed backcountry. This primitive camping experience invites adventurous souls to practice Leave No Trace principles while immersing themselves in the raw beauty of the Sequoia National Forest.
Chico Flat is a dispersed camping site offering free camping year-round with minimal amenities. It is primarily suited for tent camping but RVs may be accommodated in some areas. Group and cabin accommodations are not explicitly mentioned.
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Stay Limit
No specific stay limit mentioned.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Chico Flat offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and water activities such as non-motorized boating. Wildlife sightings are common, and the area is appreciated for its proximity to the Upper Kern River.
HikingHiking opportunities are available. Specific details about trail lengths or difficulties were not mentioned.
FishingFishing is allowed in the Kern River. One reviewer said, 'Great free spots and some nice fishing nearby.'
SwimmingSwimming in the Kern River is a popular activity. A reviewer noted, 'Great access to the river and lots of lovely spots for camping.'
BoatingNon-motorized boating is available as a water activity. No specific details about types of boats or docking facilities were mentioned.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is common in the area. One reviewer mentioned seeing 'quite a few animals,' likely due to reduced human presence during the pandemic.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTentatively Bear risk noted
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Chico Flat Dispersed Camping

Reviews

4.5
115 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Chico Flat Dispersed Camping is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Most reviewers appreciate the natural beauty, free camping, and access to the Kern River. However, complaints about trash left behind by other campers and occasional wildlife encounters, including bears, were noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 115 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers often praised the beauty of the area, access to the river, and the free camping policy. One user noted, 'Large sandy areas that would be fine for a tent,' while another called it 'one of...
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Based on 115 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users reported issues with trash left behind by other campers, limited cell service, and the lack of shade for RV camping. One user warned about bears scavenging for food, stating, 'We woke up...
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Based on 115 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing sufficient drinking water, proper food storage to avoid attracting wildlife, and choosing campsites away from the garbage disposal to minimize encounters with larger...
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Based on 115 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months provide the best amenities with portable toilets and trash receptacles available. Visitors noted that the campsite can be cold at night and that the river helps manage summer heat....
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Based on 115 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'FREE CAMPING! It's a nice spot to fish, swim and tent camp.' (Jessica Kaleikini) 2. 'Loved that it was pretty secluded.' (Tracie Phillips) 3. 'Great free spots and some nice swimming and fishing...
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Based on 115 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Review by Damian Lavalle noted that 'parking spots are better defined,' while another mentioned staying farther from the garbage area to avoid animal encounters.
Based on 115 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed on 6' leashes. No specific amenities for pets were mentioned.
Based on 115 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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