Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground
Open year-round for free first-come, first-served camping. Portable toilets and trash bins are available during summer months only. A camping prohibition is in effect along the North Fork Kern Wild and Scenic River corridor through October 29, 2026, but Chamise Flat is a designated area where camping remains allowed. Campfires require a California Campfire Permit and are prohibited within 25 feet of the water's edge.
National Forest System Roads
Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
George Bush Loop Trail Area Closure
To provide for public safety and protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Western Divide Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest. Being on, or within 100 feet of, the George Bush Loop Trail.
About
Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground sits along the scenic North Fork of the Kern River within the Kern Wild and Scenic River corridor in Sequoia National Forest. This primitive camping area is located roughly 12 miles north of Kernville, just north of Goldledge Campground on the Upper Kern River. The site offers a more rustic alternative to the developed campgrounds in the area. As dispersed camping, there are no designated sites, picnic tables, or formal amenities. Portable toilets and trash bins are provided during summer months only; the rest of the year is pack-it-in, pack-it-out. No potable water is available, so campers must bring their own supply or water filtration system. Campfires are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit, though camping and campfires within 25 feet of the water's edge are prohibited due to the Wild and Scenic River designation. The area provides access to fishing, hiking, and non-motorized boating on the Kern River. Glass containers are prohibited in the Kern River zone. Pets are allowed on a 6-foot leash. Human waste must be disposed of properly using portable eco-friendly systems or by digging catholes at least 6 inches deep and 200 feet from water sources.
Directions
From Kernville, head north on Sierra Way (Mountain 99) for approximately 12 miles along the North Fork of the Kern River. The dispersed camping area is located just north of Goldledge Campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| SM.FS.SequoiaNF@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (760) 376-3781 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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