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.…
SNF Rec Site Road Trail Closure Order
Forest Order No. 05-15-00-26-01 will be effective from March 25, 2026, through July 27, 2026. It allows for the continuation of repair efforts to respective recreation sites, roads, and trails and 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…
Temporary Fire Restrictions from Order 05-15-00-25-07 Lifted
Effective October 11, 2025, the Sierra National Forest is lifting temporary fire restrictions placed into effect by Forest Order 05-15-00-25-07 on June 27, 2025. Criteria for enacting and the lifting of fire restrictions through forest orders are based on National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS)…
Wilderness Campfire Restrictions Order
Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Campfire Restrictions within the Sierra National Forest
Wilderness Use Restrictions
Wilderness use restrictions within the Ansel Adams, John Muir, Kaiser, Dinkey Lakes, and Monarch Wildernesses located in the Sierra National Forest
Food Refuse Storage Order
Possessing or storing any food or refuse within a Developed Recreation Site in a manner that allows bears or other wildlife to gain access is prohibited
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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