Top Free Dispersed Camping near Kernville, CA

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Kernville, CA (30)

Showing results 1-10 of 30 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Kernville

85 Reviews of 30 Kernville Campgrounds


  • Ryan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground

    Inaccurate Coordinates

    Arrived at the coordinates and had no place to turn off the road. Also, the area was hit by wildfires (maybe 2 years ago) so it's all pretty barren. Camped at Holey Meadows campground a few miles away.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)

    Perfect.

    This campsite was fantastic. Access was easy with a 4x4, but may be a little tough for a 2WD car. Plenty of space for a small trailer to maneuver.

    Highly recommend. Perfect for an off-road trailer or overland setup.

  • Cameron L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)

    Great Spot tucked off the road

    We stopped here on our way through Sequoia Nat’l Forest and loved it. The water is super clear and nice! We were the only ones staying here, so it was very quiet and calming. A handful of camping spots around this area, well worth the stay!

  • Ciara W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
    Aug. 7, 2024

    Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed

    Guy just sitting in trees near the end

    All the spots at the front were taken here so we had to drive almost all the way to end. Don’t go down the final steep hill, you might not make it up. It’s very tight there and you have to do a 20 point turn to turn back.

    We walked down the hill and our friend saw some random guy come out the trees and follow us as we were walking back up. He might be living there because there was so much trash

    2 stars because the area itself is nice, there’s the river nearby and internet was good

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Peppermint Dispersed Area
    Jul. 20, 2024

    Upper Peppermint Dispersed Area

    Fantastic but very, very remote spot

    Not for big rigs! A very primitive but beautiful area. Tons of winding roads with lots of S curves Leading up to 9000 feet. Many great camping spots including close to Peppermint Creek. Completely dry area so no campfires until November. No services and no reception so pack it in and pack it out!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
    May. 25, 2024

    Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground

    Definitely beautiful

    Does take about 45 mins to wind up there and i got there at 1:15am. Didn't find the campgrounds but had large side areas with forest machinery. Next to stream. Then if you continue on you will hit a 4 mile off road (my Corolla/any sedan OK) and see great views and waterfall! Nice!

  • Caroline D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stine Cove Recreation Site
    May. 4, 2024

    Stine Cove Recreation Site

    the spot looked perfect, but the location didn't match

    we looked around the indicated GPS point but at this location, but house or ranch, nothing that looks like the photos posted previously. too bad the spot looked magnificent but with night falling and fatigue from the road we finally slept facing the road in the post office parking lot.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
    Mar. 25, 2024

    Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed

    Stayed a night

    We pulled in at night time around 10:30PM. I was scared it would be sketchy, but turned out to be a smooth dirt road. We encountered multiple other campers as well before we found a suitable turnout. Loved the accessibility. We woke up to a beautiful little spot near the water; would definitely camp again here

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hanning Flat Dispersed Area
    Dec. 22, 2023

    Hanning Flat Dispersed Area

    Nice quiet spot, 4x4 ideal

    We were looking for a place to car camp on our way up toward sequoia and stopped here. Was easy to locate even at night. Would suggest 4x4 and wouldn’t recommend heavier vehicles as it’s a sandy dried up lake bed and we had to dig ourselves out in the morning. No fire pits or bathrooms.

  • Vanessa C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park
    Dec. 22, 2023

    Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park

    Secluded gorgeous dispersed camping

    Stunning. If you want privacy this is it. You are definitely alone. We went and there was only 1 other camper there - he was kinda weird and wanted to hang out but we politely asked him for privacy (he said he is there a lot). BRING water and fill up on gas before you go. There are 0 resources for you. It’s gorgeous, we will definitely be going back

  • Sharyn A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Stine Cove Recreation Site
    Oct. 27, 2023

    Stine Cove Recreation Site

    Camping at lake since 1957

    I’ve been camping at This lake since I was 11. My favorite place caught 100’s of fish out of there. I’ve camped in all the camps over the years but I like steins cove when we had a boat. Camp right on the water and the price is right FREE. I live in Az now but when we go back we always hit the lake.  Love it great memories with my mom and dad and our kids and grandkids. Enjoy❤️

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jawbone Canyon OHV Area
    Oct. 20, 2023

    Jawbone Canyon OHV Area

    beautiful big place

    I really liked it! The place looks beautiful, especially with sunset and sunrise and there is a lot of space. Just the toilet was hard to find. You just have to drive 2 min more on the road. It doesn‘t have water, showers or trash dispencers.

  • Pavla L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dome Rock Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 11, 2023

    Dome Rock Dispersed Camping

    Great dispered camping with a nice view

    There are about five spots for disperesed camping, we stayed at an upper spot with great view and wonderful night sky. We felt very safe here. Road is bumpy, so drive very carefully, but we saw RVs to get there. (October 2023)

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
    Aug. 29, 2023

    Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description

    Quiet and near the river

    Found this campground on a spontaneous camping trip to the Kern River. There were only two other groups there and they were far enough away that we couldn't hear them at all. Just the sounds of the river, the crickets and the birds. The stargazing at night was spectacular. The site we chose was a bit of a rocky walk from the car, but worth it to have a more private spot.  The vault toilets were open and very clean and not very smelly. We could not go swimming here, had to go to another day area for that. The tent was in the sun, so the morning/afternoon was hot. But there was a tree to hang out under. Our T-Mobile and AT&T phones did not work at all. Overall great experience.

  • Marc L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Gulch South Dispersed Camping
    May. 15, 2023

    Black Gulch South Dispersed Camping

    I didn't make it

    I'm driving a large Nissan can converted into a camper. I made it to where Forest route 26S06 meets black gulch. I might have made it the rest of the way but it was getting dark and scary. A motor home or camper trailer would surely not make it. The whole Keyesville SRMA is open for dispersed camping.

  • Raven P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
    Feb. 9, 2023

    Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed

    Free Camping

    Access to the river is closed as of 26 January, still plenty of dispersed places down the road to camp. Bathrooms and trash dump and lots of trails to ride bikes! Some of the sites are a little rough for trailer access.

  • therealquaid D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hanning Flat Dispersed Area
    Nov. 3, 2022

    Hanning Flat Dispersed Area

    Secluded, 15min away from convenience store and dump station.

    I’ve camped here multiple times, sometimes with multiple RVs in a group, it’s very private with wide vistas.

    Sometimes you can go days without a single car passing by, and there are a lot of spots to just camp since it is all completely level. There are a lot of insects, birds, and the occasional cow and deer.

    To swim in the lake this area connects to Stine Cove campground - via a very soft sandy road - which is also free, has a vault toilet, but is shaded by mountains and less private.

    There’s a $12 dump station with potable water at Camp 9 and one at Old Isabella Recreation Site.

    T-mobile was very slow but Verizon had a good connection.

    Heads up that the lake is MUCH lower than anything you see on satellite view, from Stine Cove I still had to walk 30min before getting to the shore.

  • Popeye F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 6, 2022

    Dispersed Camping

    San Bernardino National Forest

    Dispersed camping at a Yellow Post campsite was great. About 4 mi. of washboard dirt road past Heart Bar Campground to Yellow post site #6. No amenities other than a picnic table and a fire ring. That means, bring plenty of water and a port-a-potty. There is no fee, however, you need to go on line to get a fire permit, which is necessary even for a propane stove. Actually, the fire permit is for anything that has a flame. This trip was over Labor Day weekend of 2022 and the use of the fire pit was forbidden at that time due to high fire hazard conditions. The campsites are quite far apart so you feel a sense of privacy. However, you will see vehicles and or horses go by on the road next to the campsite. Some of the vehicles drive fast on the dirt road which can kick up dust clouds. This is only a problem if you are downwind. The temperature was about 83 for a high and 55 for a low and the wind was light and comfortable. We were glad we had our canopy. The canopy has bug screens on 4 sides but the bugs were not too bad. We used lemon grass bug spray repellent and were comfortable. This campground is away from light sources making it great for stargazing. We enjoyed the campsite so much that we just hung out and relaxed there all weekend ...no hikes or trips away from the campsite. We hung a couple of hammocks with tarps for shade but backed our teardrop under a naturally shaded area of the campsite. We will probably camp there again. If you are not into dispersed camping, there are several campgrounds nearby. Heart Bar campground is huge with amenities and South Fork Family Campground is nice with more shade and a small stream running through. The parking for rv's at South Fork is a bit short at some of the campsites. Best to check the length for a match with your gear. This area is great for camping but make sure you have everything you need as there is no grocery store at the corner. Happy camping..!

  • l
    Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
    Sep. 6, 2022

    Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description

    Not Great

    Chico Flat Dispersed Campsite offers many areas with flat ground to tent upon, as well as a large parking lot to car camp if that’s your thing. However there aren’t loads of trees to hammock camp on. You cannot build a campfire here. There is a pit toilet. There is river access right next to the campsite. There is also spotty cell reception if you want that.

    Let it be known, this campsite is not clean. The previous campers that came long before me left two things: trash, and a message. There was a menagerie of bottle caps and broken glass strewn practically everywhere for me to pick up. This can be said for dare I say everywhere in this whole campsite. Additionally, this trash acted as a proverbial “go ahead” for other people to litter and make the litter situation worse; not cool.

    If you want to really get away from people, don’t come here. When I went people brought the whole kit-and-kaboodle: a suburb of tents, gas generators, bright lights, loud music, etcetera.

    Perhaps this isn’t how this site always is, but man it got crowded, noisy, and annoying. I’ll spare you from the whole story.

    If you’re looking for a quick spot to crash, look no further. If you’re intent on bringing generators, lights, dogs and speakers, this is unfortunately for you. If you’re looking to get away and spend time in nature like myself, this isn’t for you.

  • Michael D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hanning Flat Dispersed Area
    Aug. 9, 2022

    Hanning Flat Dispersed Area

    Decent dispersed spot just south of Sequoia NP

    We stayed here in June and there were plenty of open spots we just couldnt see many since it was dark. We eventually found a spot about half a mile back. Only one other person nearby. We had a few bars of service on verizon and at&t.

    Overall nice secluded spot off the road with great scenery would recommend



Guide to Kernville

Camping near Kernville, California, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just soaking up the beauty of nature, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are great trails nearby, especially around Whitney Portal. One camper mentioned, "Nice hiking trails accessible from the campground," making it a perfect spot for those who love to explore.
  • Fishing: The Kern River is a popular spot for fishing. A visitor at Kern River Campground said, "Fishing is always good sightseeing is good just all around good place."
  • Stargazing: The clear skies in the area make for excellent stargazing. A camper at Tuttle Creek Campground noted, "Great dark skies for stargazing and photography."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One review for Ricardo Campground said, "Beautiful area with nice shady rock overhangs to stay cool during the day."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like Rivernook Campground, are praised for their cleanliness. A visitor mentioned, "Restrooms and showers were very well kept."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff. At Camp James, one reviewer said, "Helpful friendly staff, super clean, and amazing camp sites!"

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Tuttle Creek Campground, lack certain amenities. A camper pointed out, "No showers or drinking water," so be prepared.
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Popular spots can get busy. A visitor at Potwisha Campground noted, "This campsite is really crowded," especially in summer.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Bears and other wildlife are common. One camper at Camp James shared, "A friendly family of bears made their presence at night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Rivernook Campground, which has good facilities. A family shared, "The best FIRST TIME CAMPING experience, I could have asked for."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Kern River Campground said, "We had a blast here," highlighting the fun they had tubing and fishing.
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids, especially near water. One reviewer at Whitney Portal mentioned, "Saw fresh bear scat near our site, but never saw any bears," reminding everyone to stay alert.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Orange Grove RV Park noted, "The spaces are a little tight but ok."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Bakersfield River Run RV Park mentioned, "The freeway noise was pretty constant."
  • Use Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. One reviewer at Rivernook Campground appreciated the "full hookups worked fine."

Camping near Kernville, California, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With its beautiful scenery and variety of activities, it’s a great spot for families, RVers, and anyone looking to escape into nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Kernville, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Kernville, CA is Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed with a 4.5-star rating from 8 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Kernville, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 30 dispersed camping locations near Kernville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.