Overview

Hospital Flat

Closed — Closed for the season. Operates mid-May through mid-September. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

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

Hospital Flat Campground occupies a scenic location along the North Fork of the Kern Wild and Scenic River in Sequoia National Forest at 3,000 feet elevation. The campground sits in an open area overlooking the river, surrounded by gray pine, scrub oak, grasses, and shrubs clinging to the steep canyon walls, with cottonwoods and willows lining the riverbanks. The facility offers 40 individual family sites and 1 accessible group site with ramp access, accommodating RVs and trailers up to 30 feet in length. All sites feature paved access roads. The Upper Kern River is renowned for whitewater rafting and kayaking, and the campground provides convenient access to these activities along with excellent fishing opportunities. The Cannell Meadow National Recreation Trail begins just north of Kernville, stretching 11.5 miles through mixed pine and fir forest to a historic Forest Service cabin built between 1904 and 1909. Visitors also enjoy making day trips to Sequoia National Park and Giant Sequoia National Monument.

Directions

From Bakersfield, take Highway 178 East to Lake Isabella. From Lake Isabella, take Highway 155 around the west side of the lake to Kernville. From Kernville, go north on Sierra Way (Mountain 99) for 6.5 miles to the campground.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups No
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store No
Price $36

Vehicle

Max RV Length 40ft
Max Trailer Length 40ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email jhumphries@goexplorus.com
Phone +1 (760) 376-1269

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Overview
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