Dispersed camping near Edison, California offers primitive camping sites in high desert terrain along the Kern River and Lake Isabella. The area sits at elevations between 2,600-3,500 feet with hot, dry summers and cool winters. Sandy soil conditions throughout the region create challenging access for standard vehicles, with temperatures commonly exceeding 100°F during summer months.
What to do
River activities: Access the Kern River directly from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping. This location provides easy access to swimming, tubing and fishing opportunities. "It's only a 3 minute walk down to the river. Very nice, convenient and clean," notes Cameron S.
Stargazing: Enjoy dark night skies with minimal light pollution. The high desert environment offers excellent stargazing conditions. "Stars are bright, and little to no light pollution. You can see the Milky Way faintly, if the moon isn't out," reports Jadon K. at Chico Flat.
Hot springs hiking: Park at Remington Hot Springs lot and hike to natural springs. While camping isn't allowed at the springs themselves, many visitors use this as a day trip from nearby sites. "This is just a parking lot to hike to the spring. From here we went to keysville to spend the night," explains Ciara W.
What campers like
Seclusion: Find privacy at Hanning Flat Dispersed Area where you can often camp without seeing other visitors. "I spent two days here and only seen a handful of vehicles drive through, mostly US Forest Service trucks," reports Mike N.
Wildlife watching: Observe grazing cattle and native wildlife. The primitive camping areas support diverse ecosystems. "The area is also used by lots of cows for grazing so beware of the patties and lots of mooing. They didn't bother us, we actually quite enjoyed watching them," shares Aliza N. about Hanning Flat.
Riverside camping: Set up directly along the water at Evans Road Hidden Camp. Waterfront sites provide peaceful natural sounds and recreation access. "Beautiful views, flowers, fresh air. No other campers present so good privacy. Lots of birds, peepers, and late night owls. Quite pleasant," notes Erik R.
What you should know
Vehicle access challenges: High clearance vehicles recommended for many sites. Sandy terrain and unpaved roads create challenging conditions. "A motor home or camper trailer would surely not make it. The whole Keyesville SRMA is open for dispersed camping," explains Marc L. about approaching Black Gulch.
Trash management: Pack out all waste from primitive camping sites. Many visitors report trash problems, especially during peak seasons. "Please please respect the camp if you stay here, leave it better than you found it. The litter gets bad in the summer," urges Matt F. about Chico Flat.
Seasonal water levels: Lake Isabella levels fluctuate significantly. Water access points change based on dam management and seasonal conditions. "Water is low due to them repairing the dam, where I'm camped at should be underwater and it is gorgeous," reports Jeffrey T. from Stine Cove Recreation Site.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose sites away from steep terrain. Many primitive camping areas have varied terrain requiring careful setup. "Watch out for snakes!!!! Be ready for a hike from the car to the site, it's down a decent hill to the campsite," warns Erin M. about Chico Flat.
Water safety: Exercise caution with children near the Kern River. Swift currents can be dangerous, especially during spring runoff. "Use caution in early spring and summer months the river is very fast and DANGEROUS!" emphasizes Erin M.
Shade considerations: Arrive early to secure shaded sites during summer. Limited tree cover in some areas makes shade valuable for family comfort. "The tent was in the sun, so the morning/afternoon was hot. But there was a tree to hang out under," notes Jules about their experience at West Keyville.
Tips from RVers
Access roads: Scout routes before bringing large rigs. Many sites have challenging entry points that may damage RVs. "There is quite a steep and narrow entry road into the site. I drove in with a 30 feet class A camper and I am little worried if I will get out tomorrow," cautions Marcus K. about West Keyville.
Parking locations: Find level areas for larger vehicles at Keyesville Recreation Area. Some dispersed sites accommodate RVs better than others. "You can park RVs right next to the water but it gets very busy, there are more secluded spots accessible to even Class A rigs further down," advises therealquaid D.
Generator use: Check regulations for specific areas. Some primitive camping sites near Edison permit generators while others restrict them. "No official RV sites with hookups, but plenty of room to park one and use the generator," notes Jadon K. about options at Chico Flat.
