Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground
Open — Open year-round and free of charge. Portable toilets and trash bins are available during summer months only. California Campfire Permit required for fires, which may be prohibited during fire restrictions.
Western Divide and Kern River Ranger Districts Winter Road Closures
To provide for public safety and protect natural resources, using any type of motorized wheeled vehicle on the National Forest System roads the Exhibit and attached map, except persons using a tracked over-the-snow vehicle when there is a minimum of twelve inches of snow on the road.
Hume Lake Ranger District Road Closure Except ATV/OHV and Tracked Vehicles - 2025
To provide public safety and protect natural resources, using any type of motorized wheeled vehicle on the National Forest System roads listed below and shown on the attached map (Exhibit A) is prohibited.
Hume Lake Ranger District Road Closure Except Tracked Vehicles - 2025
To provide public safety and protect natural resources, the following act is prohibited within the Hume Lake
Hume Lake Ranger District Winter Roads Closure - No Exceptions - 2025
To provide public safety and protect natural resources, using any type of motorized wheeled vehicle on the National Forest System roads listed below and shown on the attached map (Exhibit A) is prohibited.
Wildlife Alert - BEARS
Be Bear Aware During Your Visit.Are you prepared to store your food properly on your next camping or backpacking trip?Much of the Sequoia National Forest is American black bear habitat. They belong here.
Sequoia National Forest Camping and Parking Restrictions
The following acts are prohibited within the Sequoia National Forest. 1. Camping for more than 14 consecutive days within any 30-day period anywhere on National Forest System lands within the Sequoia National Forest. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(a).
Day Use Only Prohibition FOREST ORDER NO. 0513-25-04
The following is prohibited within the Sequoia National ForestBeing in an area designated as Day Use Only after sunset or before sunrise.
Kings River Scenic Byway Dispersed Camping Prohibition 2025
To protect natural resources, camping within 250 feet of the Kings River Scenic Byway (State Highway 180) from its intersection with Tenmile Road (Forest Road No. 13S09) and continuing east approximately 21.1 miles to the Sequoia National Forest boundary. See map.
Kern River Ranger District Glass Container Prohibition
The following act is Prohibited within the Kern River Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest: Possessing or storing food or beverages in glass containers in the Kern Canyon and Isabella Lake Glass Container Prohibition Areas, as described in Exhibit A, and shown on Exhibits B, C, and D.
North Fork Kern Wild and Scenic River Camping Prohibition
Camping is prohibited outside of the developed campgrounds and designated dispersed camping areas listed in the Exhibit and locations shown on the map.
Brush Creek Dispersed Camping Area Prohibition
Camping is prohibited within 50 feet of the Brush Creek water’s edge, between the intersection of Brush Creek with the Kern River and points 0.5 miles east of the Kern River along both branches of Brush Cree
Chico Flat Dispersed Camping Area Prohibition
Kern River Ranger DistrictChico Flat Dispersed Camping Area Prohibition
About
Located approximately 12 miles north of Kernville along the North Fork of the Kern River, Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground offers a quieter alternative to the busier dispersed camping areas along the Kern River corridor. This free camping area features more spread-out individual sites that provide greater privacy and solitude than typical dispersed camping locations. The campground sits within the Kern Wild and Scenic River corridor in Sequoia National Forest, offering scenic views and direct access to the river. As a dispersed camping area, Chamise Flat provides a more rugged camping experience with minimal amenities. Portable toilets and trash bins are available during the summer months only. No potable water is available on-site, so campers must bring their own water or be prepared to filter water from natural sources. The area is popular for fishing, hiking, and whitewater rafting, with life jackets recommended when near the river. Some sites can accommodate larger RVs with back-in parking available. Campers must follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all waste during months when trash service is not provided. Camping and campfires within 25 feet of the water's edge are prohibited due to the Wild and Scenic River designation. Glass containers are prohibited throughout the area, and campfires may be restricted during periods of high fire danger. A California Campfire Permit is required for campfires, barbeques, and camp stoves.
Directions
Drive north from Kernville approximately 12 miles on Mountain Highway 99; Chamise Flat will be on the west side of the road.
Nearby Campgrounds
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 | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| SM.FS.SequoiaNF@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (760) 376-3781 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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