Camping near Posey, California encompasses a range of options along the Kern River and within proximity to Sequoia National Forest. The area features established campgrounds like Rivernook Campground and Camp Three Campground in Kernville, as well as several dispersed camping areas near Sequoia National Park. Limestone Campground, with its highly-rated sites, operates from April to October, while Holey Meadow Campground is available from May to November. The region's camping landscape is characterized by riverside locations, with many sites offering direct water access for swimming and fishing during warmer months.
Access to camping areas varies significantly by location and season. Many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain when dirt roads become rutted and slippery. Fire restrictions are common throughout summer and fall, with complete bans implemented during peak fire season. Campfire permits are required for all open flames, even at established sites. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with better coverage in Kernville and near Lake Isabella. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F, while winter nights at higher elevations can drop below freezing, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
The camping experience differs substantially between developed and dispersed sites. Established campgrounds like Rivernook provide amenities including showers, hookups for RVs, and reliable water sources, making them suitable for families with children. According to reviews, "The current wasn't too strong so the kids were able to enjoy themselves in the water." Dispersed camping areas offer more seclusion but require self-sufficiency. One camper noted that at dispersed sites near Sequoia, "It's all dust roads so AWD would be best, but we did make it in our van." Wildlife encounters, particularly bears, are common throughout the region, necessitating proper food storage at all camping locations. The proximity to the Trail of 100 Giants and other Sequoia attractions makes this area particularly popular during summer weekends.
$45 - $75 / night
"We tent camped and our site was close to the rv hook up sites. The rv sites have two different sizes and hookups. Tent sites had access to running water."
"We loved this river spot even though we were next to one of the smaller parts rather than the main river. If you can try and get one near the main river as it is more picturesque. "
"This small roadside campground is a lovely spot, tucked between a hillside and Deer Creek running year round right at the edge of the campground."
"There is a market close by Incase you forgot something, when you go back on the road make a right and at the intersection make another fight and ir should take you to the market."
$39 - $340 / night
"* Site 77 and Above: These sites are much better suited for tent camping, providing level ground while still maintaining great proximity to the water."
"Our family has been going to Camp James for over 10 years, and it's easily our favorite campground in California. The campsites are clean, shaded by trees, and it's right on the riverfront."
"Each site is private-ish and they won’t be walking through your site to drop in, you’ll just see groups of people float by your area, once they drop in close to the first site on the north end."
"You have access to the river nearby. The generator can be used until 10 p.m. Would recommend."
"Toilets and trash at entrance. The dam is being rebuilt so the water is real low. Easy to drive along the beach until nobody else is around."
"Free dispersed camping right off the highway, on the shore of Lake Isabella. Decent dirt and gravel road. Grassy meadow for tents and flat gravel areas for RVs. Dumpsters provided."
"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!"
"The area is secluded and away from kern campgrounds where you will see a lot of people. You will have some people checking out the area or driving in but for us they all left."
$34 - $36 / night
"A small, quiet campground that’s good for groups of 2-4 people since the sites are close to each other."
"The campsites are close to each other and is the only reason I did not mark this as 5 stars. 1, 2, 3 and 4 are in the first section/small loop and are up a slight hill and have a smaller bathroom. 5 and"
"Regardless they were gorgeous tucked in spots among the trees. Woke up to cattle walking through the meadow we parked next to."
"This camping site is a nice free area super close to the Giants Trail entrance (5 minute drive). As you head in you go thru a little dirt road and at the end you see an opening for this site."
$36 - $38 / night
"Easily accessed campground located right on the Kern River in the lower Sequoia Forest. No service, running water, or electricity, but there is vault toilets and dogs are allowed."
"The lsites are not as close to the river as Brush Creek campground, but still closer than Fairview, which is down the road. Facilities. There are vault toilets."
"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."
"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!"
TravelerHad used dyrt to plan a roadtrip, when we arrived to the site we could access the gravel parking lot but all the sections beyond that had day use only signs every 5 meters.
The area is covered in state park camping spots however. The main issue is that there is no network coverage so you would need cash to use the paid spots next door.
TravelerDid not stay here as we realized too late we needed a permit to stay here. In hindsight that was good as this section of the woods has burned down since the previous commenter.
ScoutThis is something we never thought we’d be writing after coming to Frandy for so many years. Some of us have been coming here for almost 30 years, and others for 10–15 years. This has always been more than just a campground trip for our families, it’s been a tradition, memories with our kids, friends, and years of looking forward to the same weekend together. Sadly, this year felt like watching something we’ve loved for decades completely lose what made it special. The biggest disappointment wasn’t even the campground itself, it was the way people were treated. Long-time loyal customers were spoken to with a level of disrespect that honestly left us shocked. We weren’t treated like returning guests who had supported this place for years; we felt like we were an inconvenience. After decades of coming here and bringing countless families and business over the years, to be treated that way was frustrating and honestly pretty sad. The campground itself has noticeably gone downhill as well. Bathrooms weren’t consistently maintained, the overall experience felt neglected, and the atmosphere that once made Frandy feel fun and family-oriented just wasn’t there. The place that used to feel welcoming now feels more like it’s being run with an“our way or the highway” attitude. What’s most disappointing is that Kernville is still beautiful and our group still had a great time because of each other, not because of Frandy. The only reason this trip was saved was by the people we came with. We left talking less about the fun memories we made and more about how disappointed we were with the campground experience itself. After decades of loyalty, we never thought we’d seriously consider going elsewhere, but after this experience we absolutely will be. There are too many other campgrounds nearby to spend hard-earned money somewhere that makes loyal customers feel unwanted.
TravelerGreat value for $20, we had our first showers in a week and they were nice and hot. Clean bathrooms. Not many others here. Nice lake views but too muddy for swimming. Some highway noise. Woken up by a group of roosters and had a nice chat with them.
GuideThis was a nice stay in May, not hot enough to need the AC. I just barely fit into site number 32 with a 23 foot trailer and parked my F150 askew. No hook ups, but there are bathrooms and dishwashing station. Across the Generals Hwy from the park is the dump station and freshwater fill, neither of which have a metal threaded end that you can connect to your RV. The fresh water is good quality and flows out fast. I filled containers and siphoned into my trailer. Stayed 4 nights, had to run generator once to charge batteries since I was under a shade tree and solar panel is on roof. A few sites are in full sun, but most have shade or partial shade. By 10 AM most campers had checked out or left to tour the park. Campground was silent, except for nature sounds. Wild turkeys walked the campground daily, sometimes gobbling, saw one deer two days. The campground is overrun with ground squirrels. A fat one kept begging at my screen door. Lots of acorn woodpeckers and wild mustard plants with small yellow flowers that the honeybees loved. Twice hummingbirds came to my red tail lights thinking they were feeders. Beautiful hikes along the Kaweah river in both directions. If you hike from site number 14, you will see a path to Marble Falls. Be aware it is a very narrow trail and you will get poison oak on your clothes, or skin if in shorts, that you will need to wash off. Lots of small flies and gnats fly around your head, but they don’t bite, just annoying. Didn’t see mosquitoes or get bites. Next time, I will stay in a campground on the north end. Driving from the CG to the Sequoia Trees, are countless tight hairpin turns and a gain in elevation of 6000 feet. After two days of going up and back down, with little cars riding my bumper and pulling over to let them by, it was tiring. Around one turn, a buck in velvet was standing in the road, no place to go except the side, which went straight up and the other side straight down. I was going 15 mph, the speed limit, and had to drive in the middle to avoid him. I did that drive every day to see the sequoias, which are magnificent! Pictures do not capture how awesome they are.
ScoutMy experience here at Success Lake has been fun!
GuidePlenty of space between campers. We parked about 10 feet from the water. Somewhat trashy but not the worst I have seen. The wind made the water really choppy and I think that kept any mosquitoes or flies away.
ScoutWe had a great time very relaxing just needs to be watered more but other wise it was good staff was very friendly
TravelerGreat views of the lake and mountains. Entertaining ground squirrels everywhere. Flushable toilets and an usable shower. No electric, water or sewage at the campsites but numerous water stations and a dump station. The downside is the price. 36 dollars while the two other forest service campgrounds a short distance away that have pit toilets and no shower are only 12 dollars and have the same great view. The private RV parks in the area only charge a dollar more and have full hookups and WiFi but don't have the view. The advantage of the high nightly fee is that the campground is mostly empty. As I write this, there are two other campers here and the other two campgrounds are packed.
Dispersed camping near Posey, California ranges from high-elevation sites at 7,000 feet to riverside locations under 3,000 feet. The area sits at the southern edge of Sequoia National Forest where lower elevation sites are accessible year-round while mountain campgrounds operate seasonally from late spring through fall. Summer daytime temperatures reach 100°F at riverside camps, but drop below 50°F at night in higher elevations.
Wildlife viewing in meadows: At Holey Meadow Campground, campers can observe deer and black bears from a safe distance. "The campground is beautiful and shaded, at night you can see the stars from the opening in the trees. It is next to a beautiful meadow," one visitor noted. Morning cow sightings are common at higher elevations.
Fishing in multiple spots: Limestone Campground offers reliable trout fishing from April through October. "Good for a nice picnic. No one was there when we went so it was peaceful," reported one visitor to nearby areas. Some campgrounds have designated fishing areas with calmer waters.
Hot springs exploration: Several primitive hot springs exist within 30 minutes of dispersed camping areas. "Walk upstream of the creek maybe 50 yards and there's a small hot spring," noted a camper at Leavis Flat. Temperature and accessibility vary seasonally, with spring offering the best experience before summer crowds.
Float the river: When water levels drop in late July and August, tubing becomes popular at multiple camps. "We were able to float down the river in our inner tubes safely. We were told May to June the river is very high in this area," explained a camper. Several campgrounds have gentle creek flows running through them, ideal for children.
Proximity to giant sequoias: Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park provides quick access to remarkable trees. "About a mile or two from the Trail of 100 Giants Sequoia trailhead so that was really nice beating the crowds there in the AM," one reviewer mentioned. Many campers use these sites as base camps for day trips.
Shade coverage: The tree canopy at most campgrounds provides essential relief from summer heat. "Because of all the tree covering, the temperature was comfortable and cool even during the day," noted a visitor to Holey Meadow. Sites without adequate shade can be 15-20 degrees hotter during peak afternoon.
Creek access: Small waterways running through campgrounds offer alternatives to the sometimes dangerous Kern River. "There was a relaxing creek runs through the campsite, allowing access to a fresh water source," observed a visitor to a dispersed site. These creeks provide safer water play for families with small children.
Stargazing opportunities: The lack of light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing. "It was absolutely gorgeous and the stars were unreal!" remarked a camper at Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground. Clear nights reveal the Milky Way, particularly during new moon phases.
Bear activity: Bears frequent many campgrounds in the area, especially at higher elevations. "They were Cubs, they're not scared of you but also won't mess with you if you lock up all your food," warned a camper. Some sites lack bear boxes, requiring visitors to secure food in vehicles.
Road conditions: Many dispersed sites require careful navigation. "It's all dust roads so AWD would be best, but we did make it in our van. Slid backwards down the hill kicking up dust a couple of times trying to get out the next day," reported a visitor to a dispersed camp. Recent rains can make roads impassable for standard vehicles.
Campfire restrictions: Regulations vary significantly by location and season. "Campfires are not allowed at some locations, requiring propane stoves with permits," noted a reviewer. Complete fire bans occur during high fire danger periods, typically July through October.
Site spacing: KRS RV Resort@Camp James and other established campgrounds offer varying degrees of privacy. "Camp sights are very close to one another not much privacy. The RV sights with full hooks up are further away from the river about 200 yards," observed one camper. Dispersed areas generally provide more separation between campsites.
River safety: The Kern River presents serious dangers, especially for children. "We were there August 1-6. The River was a little low but it was perfect for us with our 5 year old son," mentioned a camper at Camp James. Safer water play exists at established campgrounds with protected swimming areas.
Campground activities: Some locations organize family-friendly events. "This campground even offers activities for the whole family, movie night, bingo, even rock painting," noted a visitor to Rivernook Campground. These structured activities occur primarily during summer months.
Weather preparation: Temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night require appropriate clothing and gear. "Brisk at night even in the summer," warned a camper at a dispersed site. Families should pack layers for all seasons, regardless of forecast.
Wildlife education: Animal encounters provide learning opportunities with proper preparation. "There seemed to be a lot of campsites very far from each other. We only saw one other person," mentioned a camper at a dispersed site, noting the natural setting. Families should research local wildlife before arrival.
Campground hookups: Chico Flat Dispersed Camping lacks facilities, but nearby established campgrounds offer varying levels of service. "Full hookups, close to everything," reported an RVer at Camp James. Call ahead to confirm availability as some campgrounds limit generator hours.
Access road evaluation: Large rigs should scout routes before committing to dispersed sites. "Plenty of space and different places," noted a visitor to Keyesville Recreation Area, but added that some roads become impassable after rain. RVers often park at the top of inclines rather than risk difficult exits.
Water supply planning: Higher elevation campgrounds frequently lack reliable water sources. "NO drinking-water" appears as a common feature at dispersed sites. Most RVers recommend carrying at least one gallon per person per day plus vehicle needs.
Dump station locations: Limited sanitary facilities exist in the area, requiring advance planning. "There is a dump station in the campground," mentioned a reviewer at one location, though many dispersed sites have no facilities whatsoever. Lake Isabella offers the nearest reliable dump stations for dispersed campers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Posey, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Posey, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 175 campgrounds and RV parks near Posey, CA and 37 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Posey, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Posey, CA is Rivernook Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 28 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Posey, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 37 free dispersed camping spots near Posey, CA.
What parks are near Posey, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Posey, CA that allow camping, notably Sequoia National Forest and Kaweah Lake.
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