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Established Camping

Fossil Falls Campground

Fossil Falls Campground, near Little Lake, California, is a unique spot that offers a blend of solitude and stunning scenery. With spacious sites set among volcanic rock formations, it’s a great place to kick back and soak in the natural beauty.

This campground is perfect for those who appreciate a bit of rugged charm. Visitors have noted the sites are well spread out, providing a sense of privacy, and many have enjoyed the clear night skies for stargazing. As one camper put it, “The stars were amazing and the sunrise was on point too.” While there are no showers or electric hookups, the vault toilets are cleaner than expected, and there’s a water pump available, though it may not always be reliable.

For adventure seekers, the area around Fossil Falls is ripe for exploration. You can hike to the polished rocks of Fossil Falls or take advantage of nearby trails for OHV usage. Plus, it’s just a short drive to the town of China Lake for any supplies or dining options you might need.

While some campers mentioned the highway noise, the overall vibe is quiet and peaceful, making it a solid choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Whether you’re stopping by on your way to Death Valley or planning a longer stay, Fossil Falls Campground has a lot to offer for a memorable outdoor experience.

Description

Bureau of Land Management

Overview

Fossil Falls Campground is located in along California Highway 365 at the base of the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains.

Fossil Falls Campground contains 11 first-come-first-serve campsites with drinking water, restroom, tables and fire rings. RV sites are available and well suited for medium-sized RVs.

The fee is $6.00 per night and the stay limit is 14 days.

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Location

Fossil Falls Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

<https://bit.ly/2YNEt3b>

Coordinates

35.97528002 N
117.91186355 W

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Access

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

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

11 Reviews

Reviewed Jan. 13, 2023

Loved it. Solitude and accessible site plus accessible day use pads reserved for disabled folks

$6 sites. Rough road depending on rain washout - I managed to navigate in my low clearance station wagon - scout ahead some sections were fine. Loved this spot. Wanted to stay a few nights but headed out early after almost all campers left and it felt too remote to do solo. Vault toilet and no trash service. Water pump that may have worked I didn’t try it. Sites are very spread out and the cinder cone and volcanic rock around are awesome scenery. Hike to polished rocks of fossil falls. Will definitely come back! Great stop on the way to Death Valley.

Site10
Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Fossil Falls Campground by cal K., January 13, 2023
  • Review photo of Fossil Falls Campground by cal K., January 13, 2023
  • Review photo of Fossil Falls Campground by cal K., January 13, 2023
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Mar. 22, 2022

Nice quiet spot

Stayed here in my car the night before driving to Death Valley NP. There was only one other group there on a weekend in March, it was very quiet and secluded. Cleaner bathrooms than expected, beautiful stars, but very very windy, enough I wouldn't have been comfortable in a tent. Great cheap spot!

Month of VisitMarch
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Reviewed Dec. 30, 2021

Quiet desert campground

We stopped here on a whim and stayed for about 5 days. It was surprisingly rocky upon entering the park and made pulling our camper through there a bit more of a mission. BUT we found a nice site in the back between two hills that worked for us. The sites are dry sites but are spaced out nicely. It was quite windy while we were there but the temperature was nice and the evening sunsets were great! They did have pit toilets and supposedly had a well but the well pump barely pumped any water at all. The trails weren't bad in the area, there are places nearby for OHV usage. It's only about a 30 minute drive to the town of China Lake which is good for restaurants and groceries amongst other amenities. No dump sites nearby though.

Site3
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Fossil Falls Campground by Philip D., December 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Fossil Falls Campground by Philip D., December 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Fossil Falls Campground by Philip D., December 30, 2021
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2021

Too much highway noise!

Fossil Falls is a unique and beautiful place. The campground is nice, too. But the noise from the highway was apparent all night long.

Site5
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed May. 29, 2021

Got more than we expected!

Needed a spot off 395, pulled in didn't have to go too far and found a spot. We arrived at night so we did not have a lay of the land but the stars were amazing and the sunrise was on point too. Neighbors near by but very quiet. I'll be back to this spot.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Fossil Falls Campground by Laura , May 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Fossil Falls Campground by Laura , May 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Fossil Falls Campground by Laura , May 29, 2021
Reviewed May. 22, 2021

So cool!

Super fun area! Just off the highway and easy to get to. The volcano in the distance is beautiful and fossil falls is so unique…lots of room to explore the lava flows. The campground has fire pits and a picnic bench. The bathrooms are pretty decent for pit toilets. Good place to stop!

Site3
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 22, 2021

Super lit camp spot

We needed a place close to 395 and this was the SPOT. The fossil falls themselves were legit, and our site was cozy. It was a bit windy and dusty, but still had a great time.

Site3
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Jan. 9, 2021

Desert Bliss

Great place to park the car and enjoy the sunset and sunrise! Beautiful place to explore during the day and see the lava rocks!

  • Review photo of Fossil Falls Campground by Ciara C., January 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Fossil Falls Campground by Ciara C., January 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Fossil Falls Campground by Ciara C., January 9, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 21, 2020

Camping close to 395, very quiet.

Last time I spent the night here was in Feb. 2020, Close to Hwy. 395. BLM run and has vault toilets and a water source, fire rings and tables, no shade. Quiet, well separated sites. Good hiking in the area. Close to Red Hill off Hwy. 395.  Open all year. Cell service, great for star gazing.

Site11
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Fossil Falls Campground by M W., June 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Fossil Falls Campground by M W., June 21, 2020
Reviewed May. 16, 2019

Awesome

One of my favorite campsites off of 395. Easy to hike to the “falls” from the campground. I car camped but saw plenty of trailers there.

Reviewed Jun. 19, 2018

Lava rocks!!

A very cool and Very unique spot in Southern California. Places to walk around places to climb around. If you plan on doing any rock climbing then you’re planning on doing this in the morning. With the face of the sun kissing the rocks expect them to get extremely hot!

Bring water! There are toilets around and single camp sites with fire pits.

This is a great little stop off the 395.

  • Review photo of Fossil Falls Campground by George B., June 19, 2018
  • Review photo of Fossil Falls Campground by George B., June 19, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Fossil Falls Campground?

    Camping at Fossil Falls Campground can starts at $6.00.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Fossil Falls Campground?

    Fossil Falls Campground allows vehicles up to 40 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Fossil Falls Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Fossil Falls Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Fossil Falls Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Fossil Falls Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Fossil Falls Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is good.