Camper submitted image from Chimney Creek Campground - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Chimney Creek Campground - 2
Roads
Camper submitted image from Chimney Creek Campground - 3
Nature
Camper submitted image from Chimney Creek Campground - 4
People
Camper submitted image from Chimney Creek Campground - 5
Camping
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Chimney Creek Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Chimney Creek Campground, near Bakersfield, California, is a peaceful spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. With a remote setting, it’s perfect for campers who enjoy solitude and the beauty of nature.

This campground offers a few basic amenities, including primitive bathrooms and some shaded sites, which are a hit among visitors. As one camper noted, “If you like to stay off the beaten path and away from crowds, this is a spot to check out.” Just remember to bring your own water, as there’s no potable supply available.

The area is known for its spacious sites, allowing for a bit of privacy between campers. Many appreciate the natural surroundings, with some sites offering nice shade, though be prepared for some bugs, especially in the summer. The dirt road leading in is manageable for most vehicles, making it accessible for both tent and RV camping.

Chimney Creek is also a great base for exploring the nearby Sierra Mountains. While campfires are generally not allowed due to fire restrictions, the stunning views and tranquility make it a worthwhile destination for a weekend getaway. Whether you're looking to unwind or just enjoy some time in the great outdoors, this campground has a lot to offer.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Chimney Creek Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

Follow highway CA-178 approximately 30 miles east of the town of Lake Isabella and turn north onto Canebreak Road. Follow this graded dirt road approximately 9 miles to the prominent junction of Canebrake and Long Valley/ Chimney Basin Roads and continue straight (right fork). The campground will be on the right in an additional 2 miles. The campground road includes spurs to numerous sites. Potable water during the summer months is located at the very end of the campground road (1 mile).

Address

Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office 3801 Pegasus Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93308

Coordinates

35.83917 N
118.0423 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

20%
40%
40%
0%
0%

4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 1, 2021

Remote and quiet

If you like to stay off the beaten path and away from crowds. The this is a spot to check out. Stayed memorial weekend. We were one out of about 5 campers in the area.

. They have primitive bathrooms . No potable water. So bring water. It is buggy. Ants, nats, mosquitos. Look for spots with shade cause it gets hot. . Sites from 19 to 36 are pretty nice.

Site19
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Chimney Creek Campground by Kevin M., June 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Chimney Creek Campground by Kevin M., June 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Chimney Creek Campground by Kevin M., June 1, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Apr. 9, 2021

We will be back

This is a good, secluded, peaceful place to unwind. The dirt road to get there was totally doable in our Transit Van. We will be back.

Reviewed Dec. 5, 2020

glass is half full or half empty depending on how you camp

remote camping site that most sites are overgrown. on other hand this leaves about 6-8 sites randomly placed among the original 30. so all sites are pretty far apart. some pit toliets that are open (at least 1, maybe 2) water appears to have been turned off. on plus side many sites have nice shade, but bugs are a problem in summer because of small creek. overall a great place to get away from crowd at the foot of the sierra moutains.

Site22
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Chimney Creek Campground by paul B., December 5, 2020
  • Review photo of Chimney Creek Campground by paul B., December 5, 2020
  • Review photo of Chimney Creek Campground by paul B., December 5, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Nov. 20, 2020

Awesome

Back in the middle of the woods, this spot was perfect. There was barely anyone there, picnic tables, clean bathroom, even some cows down the road. We had a great night here and found it hard to leave

  • Play button icon
  • Play button icon
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2018

Remote site along the PCT, with drive in, or hike in access

Forest Fire 2 years ago did some damage resulting in the water spigot being intermittently operating, boiling or filter a must. Spacious, sparsely used, remote tent or car camping, some space for RV but NO hookups. 20 mile dirt road for access. Fire restrictions usually "extreme" so probably not a spot for a campfire. Rattlesnakes common, use caution with kids and pets.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Chimney Creek Campground by Jon J., July 15, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chimney Creek Campground near Chimney Peak?

Yes, Chimney Creek Campground is located in the vicinity of Chimney Peak. The campground sits in a remote, wooded area in the same general region as Chimney Peak. This positioning makes it a good base camp for those wanting to explore the Chimney Peak area. The secluded location offers peaceful surroundings with very few other campers, even during holiday weekends.

How do I get to Chimney Creek Campground?

Chimney Creek Campground is accessed via a 20-mile dirt road. Despite being remote, the road is generally passable for most vehicles - campers report successfully reaching the campground in vehicles ranging from transit vans to cars. The journey takes you well off the beaten path, which contributes to the campground's uncrowded, peaceful atmosphere. No specific high-clearance requirements are mentioned, but as with any dirt road access, conditions may vary seasonally.

What facilities are available at Chimney Creek Campground?

Chimney Creek Campground offers basic, primitive facilities. The campground features pit toilets (at least one or two are typically open), picnic tables at most sites, and some shaded areas. Water availability is limited - the spigot operates intermittently and water should be boiled or filtered if available at all. Many campers report the water is completely turned off, so bringing your own water supply is essential. There are no hookups for RVs, making this primarily a tent or car camping destination. The campground layout provides good spacing between available sites for privacy.