Camper submitted image from Sandy Flat - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Sandy Flat - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Sandy Flat - 3
Roads
Camper submitted image from Sandy Flat - 4
Water
Camper submitted image from Sandy Flat - 5
People

Established Camping

Sandy Flat

Sandy Flat, near Lake Isabella, California, is a campground that offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation. With its proximity to the Kern River, it’s a prime location for those looking to enjoy some time by the water, whether you’re swimming or just soaking up the sun.

The campground features picnic tables and firewood availability, making it a great place for gatherings and meals outdoors. Visitors have noted the peaceful environment and the beautiful views, with one camper mentioning, “We loved the peaceful environment and the hiking up and down to go swim in the river.” Just keep in mind that campfires are not allowed during certain seasons, but that doesn’t seem to dampen the fun.

For those who enjoy exploring, Sandy Flat is close to Miracle Hot Springs, adding another layer of relaxation to your stay. Reviewers have highlighted the easy access to hiking trails and the scenic beauty of the area, making it a fantastic choice for groups looking to unwind together. Just remember to pack some bug repellent and river shoes for a comfortable experience!

Description

National Forest

Sequoia National Forest

Overview

Sandy Flat Campground is set back from the Lower Kern River at an altitude of 2,300 feet near the town of Lake Isabella. Campsites are a short walk from the river, offering countless recreational opportunities for visitors.

Recreation

Hiking, trout fishing, river wading and floating are popular pursuits. The Hobo Fishing Trail, a short walking trail, is nearby. Click here to learn more about the Lower Kern River, including safety and permitting requirements and a listing of local outfitters.

Natural Features

The Sequoia National Forest, located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada in central California, takes its name from the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree, which grows in more than 30 groves on the Forest's lower slopes. The Forest comprises about 1.1 million acres, and elevations range from about 1,000 to 12,000 feet, creating precipitous canyons and mountain streams with spectacular waterfalls such as Salmon Creek Falls and Grizzly Falls.

Nearby Attractions

The Giant Sequoia Mercantile offers a wide variety of books, maps, gifts, local art, camping supplies and other merchandise.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (760) 376-1269.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Sandy Flat is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Highway 99, take Highway 178 east for 4 miles. Turn right on Borel Road, then right onto the Old Canyon Road. Continue about 2 miles, then turn right into Sandy Flats Campground.

Coordinates

35.574714 N
118.529933 W

Open in Google Maps

Is Sandy Flat sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

45%
34%
12%
0%
12%

4.0

out of 5

9 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 2, 2024

Great spot - close to the river

The campground was great - the spot was not so great. I recommend staying here just don’t stay on camp spot 9. You have to “scale” down a medium incline just to get from your car to the camp flat for your tent. And your downwind from the bathrooms and can smell… everything. Again the campground was great and we were pretty close to the river which was awesome. But stay away from site 9. We’ll definitely be back but will be at one of the others. Be sure to bring river/water shoes and some decent bug repellent.

Site9
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Sandy Flat by Daniel M., June 2, 2024
  • Review photo of Sandy Flat by Daniel M., June 2, 2024
  • Review photo of Sandy Flat by Daniel M., June 2, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 18, 2022

Don’t go

We got there in dead of summer super hot no shade and the camp host was awful! Camp site 14-19 is home in not park next to as it says on the website. Bathrooms were gross the host never cleaned them while we stayed for a week. His method of cleaning was spray it with Lysol and close the door. Don’t go in the summer 100+ with no shade is just way to hot. Only thing I loved was being in the river

Site23
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed May. 9, 2022

Great spot for groups to come camp

We had a group come out and stay here and this location worked out great as we were able to play at the river during the day and then had a nice campfire at night.

This campground is also great as it’s very close to Miracle Hot Springs.

Site18 & 19
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Sandy Flat by Kela K., May 9, 2022
  • Review photo of Sandy Flat by Kela K., May 9, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2021

Perfect summer spot

We came again. This time we reserved spot #21 and it was perfect for us. Very close to the river and surrounded by trees, making it very convenient for camping accessories and games. Campfires are still not allowed because of the season and campfires are such a highlight during camping but we still had a blast.

SiteCampsite #21
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Sandy Flat by Pamela A., August 5, 2021
  • Review photo of Sandy Flat by Pamela A., August 5, 2021
  • Review photo of Sandy Flat by Pamela A., August 5, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 13, 2021

A surprise find.

Booked a site at lake Isabella but it was ugly and windy. Went to look for a better campground and found this gem on the Kern River just a short bit away. Beautiful sites next the the refreshing Kern River. Couldn’t have worked out any better!

Site20
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Sandy Flat by Louis , July 13, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2021

First time experience

I really enjoyed our time in this campground. At first I was a bit upset because they prohibited campfires because of the high temperatures during the summer but this did not ruin our stay. We loved the peaceful environment and the hiking up and down to go swim in the river. Lots of fun little spots and beautiful views. Very friendly and helpful host as well. Cannot wait to come again and explore more :)

SiteSlot #10
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Oct. 31, 2020

Hidden Gem/ Family Fun!

This campground was a pleasant surprise during our recent visit. Our campground space (#32) had an extremely private feel hidden away between some large boulders. There are easy hikes in the area, and easy access to the kern river. The portion of the river has slow moving water during our visit so safe for swimming. This is a hidden gen, feel remote and will be visiting again in the future.

  • Review photo of Sandy Flat by Javier L., October 31, 2020
  • Review photo of Sandy Flat by Javier L., October 31, 2020
  • Review photo of Sandy Flat by Javier L., October 31, 2020
Reviewed Oct. 27, 2020

Close to hot springs

I stayed at this campground during Thanksgiving week.  It was pretty empty, and we had a great spot right on the river.  We appreciated the proximity to the hot springs.

Our site was pretty big, but that was not the case for some of the other sites which looked small or close to other sites.  Some sites have a shelter, which would be nice if rain was in the forecast.  

The campground does close at the end of November.  There was a winter storm rolling in as we were packing up, but it was so beautiful in that area with a little bit of snow.

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Sandy Flat by Julie D., October 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Sandy Flat by Julie D., October 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Sandy Flat by Julie D., October 27, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Dec. 29, 2019

Closed during winter!

Went to camp here but it was closed. Ended up going up the street to Remington and camping there as well as hiking to the hot springs.

  • Review photo of Sandy Flat by Jordan M., December 29, 2019
  • Play button icon

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Sandy Flat?

    Camping at Sandy Flat can cost between $34.00 and $36.00 depending on the site.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Sandy Flat?

    Sandy Flat allows vehicles up to 50 feet.

  • Does Sandy Flat have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Sandy Flat does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Sandy Flat?

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

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Sandy Flat?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Sandy Flat. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Sandy Flat, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Sandy Flat?

    There are 32 campsites at Sandy Flat and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts