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Dispersed Camping

Calkins Flat Dispersed Camping

2 Reviews

Calkins Flat Dispersed Camping is located near the Kern River in California, offering a landscape of riverbanks and forested areas. Temperatures can range from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer, providing varied camping conditions throughout the year. Nearby attractions include the Trail of 100 Giants and the Sequoia National Forest, which offer opportunities for hiking and exploring nature.

Description

US Forest Service

Sequoia National Forest

About 15 miles north of Kernville, this is the Calkin's Flat Dispersed Campground. No water is available. Portable toilets and trash bins available in the summer months.

Rules: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sequoia/maps-pubs/?cid=fseprd883625

Campfire Permits required for campfires, barbecues, and camp stoves. Campfires and barbecues may be prohibited during fire restrictions, camp stoves allowed with current California Campfire Permit.

Camping within 25 feet of the Kern River's edge is prohibited according to it's national Wild and Scenic designation. Glass containers prohibited.

Reservation Info

No reservations required. Operates on a first come first served basis.

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Location

Calkins Flat Dispersed Camping is located in California

Coordinates

35.91733862700456 N
118.48988579029225 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Dispersed

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Toilets
Alcohol

For Vehicles

Big Rig Friendly

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 24 min from Bakersfield
2 hrs 14 min from Visalia
2 hrs 24 min from Hanford
2 hrs 46 min from Fresno

Nat P.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 11, 2025

Nice spot near the water

Next to the road but the road is fairly quiet. Not many trees for hammocks so we had to use them as one person tents on the ground. But convenient spot on the way into Sequoia national park.

Month of VisitJune

Jose B.

Traveler

Reviewed Feb. 5, 2025

Not a bad spot

Went in early January 2025 with the pup. Had the place to ourselves so he got to run around. it was pretty cold and windy especially at night but when the sun came out it was s perfect. Dumpsters and bathrooms were open. Short walk to the river with spots to set chairs and swim. Water was pretty calm but I'd wait till summer because damn that was cold. Must be an airforce base nearby cause they flew by quite a bit and pretty low. It was awesome. Absolutely no cell service. Download your music or be stuck with kern county country radio.

Month of VisitJanuary