chico Flat Campground
Open — Open year-round. Camping within 350 feet of the Kern River is prohibited through June 4, 2026. Portable toilets and trash receptacles available during summer months only.
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
Chico Flat Dispersed Camping is a free, no-reservation camping area situated along the Upper Kern River approximately 4 to 5 miles north of Kernville in Sequoia National Forest. As a dispersed camping site within the Kern Wild and Scenic River corridor, the area is subject to specific resource protection regulations, including a current forest order prohibiting camping within 350 feet of the river through June 4, 2026. This riverside area is designated for day-use only within that buffer zone. The campground operates year-round with no fees required. During summer months, portable toilets and trash receptacles are provided, but these amenities may not be available in winter. No drinking water is available on-site, so campers must bring adequate supplies or be prepared to filter water from natural sources. The area receives moderate use and offers opportunities for fishing, non-motorized boating, and hiking along the scenic Kern River. Camping and campfires are prohibited within 25 feet of the water's edge due to the Wild and Scenic River designation. Glass containers are prohibited throughout the Kern River Ranger District. A California Campfire Permit is required for campfires, barbecues, and camp stoves, though campfires may be restricted during high fire danger periods. Pets are allowed on a 6-foot leash. Visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all waste.
Directions
Chico Flat Campground is located approximately 4 to 5 miles north of Kernville, California, along Mountain Highway 99. From Kernville, head north on Mountain Highway 99 for about 5 miles; the campground will be on your right.
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 | No |
| 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
| Chico Flat Dispersed Camping |
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