Camper submitted image from Hospital Flat - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Hospital Flat - 2
Camping
Camper submitted image from Hospital Flat - 3
Nature
Camper submitted image from Hospital Flat - 4
Water
Camper submitted image from Hospital Flat - 5
Animals
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Hospital Flat

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

ALERT: All USFS Campgrounds in the KERN RIVER RANGER DISTRICT OF SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST are now under a FIRE BAN as of June 18, 2025.** See Forest Order #0513-25-05 for more information.**

  • No camp fires or open flame cooking with wood, charcoal, or wood pellet! The exception is that propane gas can be used as long as it has an on/off switch, you will still need a fire permit from the local authorities.
  • No smoking out in the open, must be done either in your vehicle or within a building! Still no smoking in the restrooms!
  • Fireworks are prohibited! Please use caution due to the dryness of our forests. Thank you for your cooperation!
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Hospital Flat is located in Sequoia National Forest, featuring a landscape of dense forests and rugged terrain. Temperatures can range from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Trail of 100 Giants and Lake Isabella, offering opportunities for hiking and water activities.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Hospital Flat is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Kernville, go 6.5 miles north on Sierra Way (Mountain 99) to the campground.

Coordinates

35.828046 N
118.458108 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

Is Hospital Flat sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More
Presented byT Mobile

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.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 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

0%
0%
100%
0%
0%

3.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 5, 2023

Poor restrooms, few good swim spots available

We stayed in the heat of the summer so it was unfortunate that our campsites had little to no shade. We were on the outskirts closest to the road, but there were campsites along the river that had more trees. Once you get down to the water, the temperature drops at least 10 degrees.

Our site was VERY close to the main road which made me nervous with our young children. There are large boulders along the campground, but no fence or other kind of barrier. And the cars were hauling a** down that road.

There was a pit toilet a little bit across from our site that we could not smell but I believe the sites directly in front and behind probably got it bad. It was pretty gross. I can do pit toilets usually but these had me gagging at one point.

The water is just a short walk down some rocky trails, so would not be very good for elderly or very small children unless you plan on carrying them down. We found a little rocky beach area to camp for the day but it was just barely big enough for our group. There was not anywhere else that we could see that would have been good for swimming. There was a little rapid area with some waterfalls up river from us which was very pretty.

This river is notorious for sweeping people away so please be cautious and keep an eye on your children. We secured a paracord on each end of the river so we had something to help us float across. The current was strongest in the middle but manageable on either side.

The camp host was friendly enough but did not do rounds of any kind. There are also no fires allowed at this campground (at least not during the time we went).

We were warned of a resident bear that lives across the street but we did not encounter him or any other wildlife.

We probably will not be returning, especially not with the kids. But we still had a good time regardless.

Site33 & 34
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Hospital Flat by Haley M., June 5, 2023
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Hospital Flat by Haley M., June 5, 2023
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2021

Not recommended for RVs!

This is a nice clean campground right on the Kern River. However, the website says several spots are good for a 30-foot RV. I do not recommend anything bigger than 24 feet or so. The road through the campground is very narrow, and lined with large boulders. Some of the turns are very tight. For tent camping, though? Great spot. And the river front spots are nice. Just expect that others will want to get to the river and will be walking in or near your campsite.

Site7
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Hospital Flat by Tricia V., August 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Hospital Flat by Tricia V., August 10, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there photos of Hospital Flat Campground to view before visiting?

Photos of Hospital Flat Campground are available through official sources and camping platforms. Viewing images before your trip can help you see the campground's riverside setting, the layout of campsites, and get a feel for the natural surroundings. Photos typically show the Kern River access, campsites (including those with more shade along the river), and the general terrain. Check the Forest Service website or camping platforms like The Dyrt for current imagery to help plan your visit.

What amenities and facilities are available at Hospital Flat Campground?

Hospital Flat Campground offers basic facilities in a riverside setting. The campground provides campsites with some situated directly along the Kern River. Some sites have fire rings and there are both sunny and shaded spots, with more tree cover available at sites closer to the water. The campground is described as clean and well-maintained. Interior roads are narrow and lined with boulders, which limits RV accessibility. Sites advertised for 30-foot RVs may actually be better suited for vehicles 24 feet or smaller due to tight turns within the campground.

What do visitors say in their reviews of Hospital Flat Campground?

Visitors to Hospital Flat Campground highlight its prime location directly on the Kern River as a major draw. The campground is described as clean and well-maintained, providing a pleasant outdoor experience. Many note that sites along the river offer better shade and cooler temperatures (about 10 degrees cooler than other areas). A common caution involves the campground's accessibility—the interior roads are narrow with large boulders and tight turns that make navigation challenging for larger vehicles. Despite site descriptions suggesting 30-foot RV compatibility, most recommend limiting RV length to 24 feet or less for safety and ease of movement within the grounds.

Where is Hospital Flat Campground located and how do I get there?

Hospital Flat Campground is located along the Kern River in the Sequoia National Forest in California. The campground sits riverside, offering direct access to the water. To reach the campground, follow directions to the Kern River area, and be prepared for narrow access roads. The campground is accessible by car, though the interior roads are quite narrow with large boulders lining the paths, making navigation challenging for larger vehicles. For specific directions, check with the Sequoia National Forest or use GPS coordinates from their official website.