West Kaiser
Closed for the season. Typically opens in June and remains open through December, weather permitting. Road conditions are rough.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Supervisor's Office: Temporary Closure
In compliance with the 48-notice received from the City of Clovis, the Sierra National Forest Supervisor’s Office, located at 1600 Tollhouse Road, will be temporarily closed during a cape seal road project on Friday, June 5. For convenience, many SNF staff will remain remotely available.…
Wilderness Use Restrictions
Order 05-15-00-26-04 is part of the Sierra National Forest's responsibility to implement Designated Wilderness Use policies. The purpose of the Order is to protect natural resources and wilderness values while also providing for public safety. The Order is renewed every two years in accordance…
Food and Refuse Storage
Food and Refuse Storage orders require that all unattended food and garbage within Developed Recreation Sites on the Sierra National Forest be secured in bear‑resistant containers.
Wilderness Food and Refuse Storage
The Wilderness Food and Refuse Storage orders require that all overnight visitors in Wilderness areas must use approved hard‑sided bear canisters or properly counter‑balance their food at least 15 feet above the ground and 10 feet horizontally from the trunk of a tree.
Rec Site Road Trail Closure Order
Effective through July 27, 2026 allowing for the continuation of repair efforts to respective recreation sites, roads, and trails (supersedes Forest Order No. 05-15-00-25-19).
Occupancy limitations
The Sierra National Forest has issued Forest Order 05-15-00-25-20 to address occupancy limitations and challenges caused by extended stays and unattended property, which can lead to resource damage, safety hazards, and reduced access for other visitors. The order prohibits camping, parking, or…
Wilderness Campfire Restrictions Order
Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Campfire Restrictions within the Sierra National Forest
About
West Kaiser Campground is a rustic, no-fee campground located in the Sierra National Forest at approximately 7,000 feet elevation near the Kaiser Wilderness. The campground offers 10 primitive sites dispersed on both sides of the road, each equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and bear box for food storage. Two vault toilets serve the campground, but no potable water or trash service is provided. This is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out facility, so campers must bring all drinking water and remove all garbage when they leave. The area sees light use, making it an appealing option for those seeking solitude in the Sierra Nevada. Access to West Kaiser requires navigating 19 miles of Stump Springs Road (Forest Road 5), a rough forest road that may not be suitable for low-clearance vehicles or large RVs. The remote location and lack of amenities attract self-sufficient campers looking for a true backcountry experience. Bears are active in this area; proper food storage in the provided bear boxes is essential.
Directions
From Shaver Lake, travel 4 miles north on Highway 168 past Shaver Dam. Continue 0.5 mile and turn left on Old Huntington Lake Road toward Big Creek. Travel 11 miles to the town of Big Creek, then continue 2 miles to the junction with Stump Springs Road (Forest Road 5). Turn left and travel 19 miles to the campground. Sites are on both sides of the road.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| 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 | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (559) 855-5355 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS West Kaiser Campground | |
| Sierra NF Alerts & Closures |
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