California / Fresno County / Sierra National Forest

Kirch Flat Group Campground

Open — Open year-round by reservation only. No running water or trash service available. Maximum 14-day stay limit.

About

At 1,000 feet elevation, Kirch Flat Group Campground sits on a large sandy flat directly on the edge of the scenic Kings River, surrounded by rolling oak-covered foothills and spectacular river canyon and mountain views of the Sierra Nevada. The campground accommodates up to 50 people and is available by reservation only through Recreation.gov. Though temperatures can be very hot during summer months, the campground is ideal for spring and fall camping. It's particularly popular with San Joaquin Valley residents, fishermen, day users, and whitewater enthusiasts who come to enjoy the challenging Class III and IV rapids. The Kings River offers an enjoyable ten-mile rafting run, with season typically running from late April to mid-July depending on runoff. Put-ins are available at Winfrey Mine and Garnet Dike upriver from the campground. Oak and pine trees provide good shade throughout the area. The campground operates on a "Pack it In, Pack it Out" program with no trash service or running water. Campers must bring their own water and garbage bags. The nearest services are in Sanger, about 45 miles away. Watch for rattlesnakes and poison oak. There is no cell phone coverage at the campground, though reception is available approximately 10 minutes away.

Directions

Take Belmont Avenue east from Fresno. Follow Belmont Avenue until it turns into Trimmer Springs Road. Continue on Trimmer Springs Road past the community of Piedra and around Pine Flat Reservoir. Campground is located at the east end of the lake on the Kings River. Driving time from Fresno is approximately 1.5 hours.

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