Chico Flat Dispersed Camping
4.4420 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Open all year around...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
Varies
Season
Open all year around...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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What Campers Say
4.44
Recommended
Based on 20 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."
Fees & Passes at Chico Flat Dispersed Camping
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: No specific stay limit mentioned.
Cancellation: Cancellation not applicable as it is FCFS
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official kernville etc}}}]}, website.
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
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Weather and SeasonsWinter 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.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to panoramic views where the river becomes your morning entertainment and fish rise to greet the dawn. The landscape unfolds in layers of natural splendor – from the rushing waters of the Kern River to the towering conifers that frame every vista. This designated Wild and Scenic area showcases nature's artistry at every turn, with photo-worthy scenery that changes with the light throughout the day. The riverbank offers peaceful spots for contemplation, while the surrounding forest invites exploration.
Geological RegionNestled within the majestic Sequoia National Forest, this campsite claims prime real estate along the Upper Kern River – a waterway so spectacular it's earned official Wild and Scenic designation. The terrain features expansive sandy areas perfect for pitching tents, as noted by seasoned campers who praise these level, comfortable spots. The river has carved its path through ancient granite, creating a dramatic corridor where water, stone, and forest converge in timeless harmony.
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Campsite details
Sites SizeSites are described as large sandy areas ideal for tent camping. Specific dimensions are not mentioned.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is reported as good; one reviewer mentioned it was 'pretty secluded,' while another noted to 'pick a spot as far away from the garbage disposal as you can' for a better experience.
Total Campsites0 campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
00
Check-out
00
Stay Limit
No specific stay limit mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific guest limit mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen all year around.
Reservation PlatformsFirst come at no-cost
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst Come FCFS
Cancellation PolicyCancellation not applicable as it is FCFS
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.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available. Specific details about trail lengths or difficulties were not mentioned.Fishing
Fishing is allowed in the Kern River. One reviewer said, 'Great free spots and some nice fishing nearby.'Swimming
Swimming in the Kern River is a popular activity. A reviewer noted, 'Great access to the river and lots of lovely spots for camping.'Boating
Non-motorized boating is available as a water activity. No specific details about types of boats or docking facilities were mentioned.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife 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
Cold weather and snow-related conditions occur periodically, but no specific winter activities were mentioned.Water Sports
Swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating in the Upper Kern River.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- campfire r
Hazards
General hazardsTentatively Bear risk noted
Weather at Chico Flat Dispersed Camping
50
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 29%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 1.4 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Kern River Ranger District Office, 11380 Kernville Road, Kernville, CA 93238 (approximately 4-5 miles). Phone: 760-376-3781.
Good to know
Peak season datesOpen for round year .
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are available during summer months. Visitors are encouraged to follow 'Pack It In, Pack It Out' principles for solid waste management. Regular disposal and recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresProvide to srim to kernville.
Common complaintsNone
Campground Map
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).
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.4
20 reviews
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 20 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...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
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....
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
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 20 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed on 6' leashes. No specific amenities for pets were mentioned.
Based on 20 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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