Poso Guard Station
Closed — Closed for repairs until further notice. Target reopening is late summer 2025. When operational, the cabin is typically open May 26 through October 27 and available by reservation up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov.
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
Built in 1933 as a residence for fire patrolmen, Poso Guard Station sits at 4,480 feet elevation on a mountaintop in the Giant Sequoia National Monument. The historic cabin is perched amidst pines and oaks approximately one hour from either Bakersfield or Porterville. The location offers sweeping views of the San Joaquin Valley, the Greenhorn Mountains, and Tobias Peak with its 8,300-foot lookout tower. The one-bedroom cabin accommodates up to five guests with a queen bed, twin bed in the bedroom, and a hide-a-bed couch in the living room. Modern amenities include electricity, hot and cold running water, a furnace, full kitchen with stove, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and complete cookware. The bathroom features a flush toilet and tub-shower. Outside, guests enjoy a picnic table and campfire ring with additional space for tents or RVs, though no hookups are available. The area provides opportunities for wildlife viewing including deer, raptors, Golden Eagles, and occasional California condors. Summer activities include hiking, fishing, biking, and horseback riding. The Trail of 100 Giants and Tobias Fire Lookout are within an hour's drive. Winter brings opportunities for skiing and snowmobiling. Temperatures range from the 20s in winter to high 90s in summer.
Directions
From Bakersfield: Take Highway 65 north to Highway 155, turn east on 155 to Jack Ranch Road. Turn left (north) on Jack Ranch Road to Old Stage Road (M3). Travel through Balance Rock settlement to a 4-way intersection; the driveway to Poso Cabin is a hard left turn. From Porterville: Travel south on Highway 65 to Ducor, turn left (east) on Avenue 56 to Fountain Springs. At the 4-way stop, turn right onto Old Stage Road southeast to Jack Ranch Road intersection. Turn left (north) on M3 through Balance Rock settlement to the 4-way intersection; driveway is a hard left turn.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $187 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (559) 335-5385 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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