Best Campgrounds near Posey, CA

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Posey, California (163)

    1. Rivernook Campground

    27 Reviews
    Kernville, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 376-2705

    $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. "

    2. Leavis Flat Campground

    9 Reviews
    California Hot Springs, CA
    5 miles
    Website

    "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."

    3. KRS RV Resort@Camp James

    14 Reviews
    Kernville, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 376-6119

    $39 - $340 / night

    "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."

    "All sites are well kept, with access to clean bathrooms and coin operated showers. Staff is friendly and available when needed. Prices are a tad high but expected with a clean upscale Campground."

    4. Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description

    10 Reviews
    Kernville, CA
    12 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "There's great access to the national forest and the little town of Kernville is so cute and friendly."

    5. Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground

    7 Reviews
    Johnsondale, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 565-3341

    "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."

    6. Holey Meadow Campground

    7 Reviews
    Johnsondale, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 539-5230

    $32 - $34 / 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"

    7. Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park

    7 Reviews
    Johnsondale, CA
    12 miles

    "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."

    8. Limestone Campground

    10 Reviews
    Johnsondale, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 376-1815

    $34 - $36 / 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."

    9. Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    Lake Isabella, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 391-6000

    "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!"

    10. Camp Three Campground

    6 Reviews
    Kernville, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 376-1815

    $34 - $147 / night

    "Camp 3 is a good location if you can book it quickly outside of the Summer months."

    "desired (lots of trash, half the sites are extremely rocky / sandy with little shade, some sites have rotting or broken picnic benches and very little privacy, and there is only one place for trash upon exit"

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Recent Reviews near Posey, CA

693 Reviews of 163 Posey Campgrounds


  • french M.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Stine Cove Recreation Site

    Stine Cove

    I'm looking for a campsite near water and a nice mountain view, will definitely add Stine Cove to my next trip list.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Sequoia RV Ranch

    Beautiful & Quiet

    Beautiful and well kept campground. Also loved the fact that loud music is not allowed. The sites by the river are amazing. There is also a really nice, large, and clean dog park! Will stay here again!

  • Kenneth P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Balch Park Campground

    Fantastic Family Campground

    This is a historic campground. With 1000 year old trees and history of logging. Good fishing and hiking all around the area. Nice hosts and most people are respectful of the area.

  • Michael H.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Campground

    Very nice grounds

    Clean, newer type of space. Free showers for campers, and the price is cheap for a developed site. $20 for regular, $30 for an RV. Bathrooms are clean, water hookups, covered tables, and a dump station. Also seems pretty low usage. Saturday in Aug and we were the only ones. Reasonable cell on mint, T-Mobile and spectrum. If the trains and small freeway weren't close, it would be 5 as a site. It's central valley so hot in the summer with a bit of breeze and flat.

  • K
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Kern River Campground

    Reservations

    You must register and reserve a campsite before 4 PM local. The website directs you to an unsecured website. I pressed on through and got a human on the phone, so far so good. The total was $35.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Sequoia National Forest Quaking Aspen Campground

    Awesome campground

    This campground is a great area for yourself to be immersed into the forest. We arrived on a Sunday and there were first come first serve campgrounds available. We stayed one night but there were plenty of spots to choose from. The roads around the campground are drivable for all type of cars. Due keep in mind you will need a to obtain campfire permit online before you arrive depending if there are fire restrictions or not. There is no service within the campground so make sure you have everything available to you. There are 2 hikes nearby but unfortunately one of the hikes, Freeman Creek Trail, was closed due to restoration work being done at the time. Definitely would recommend if you plan a little trip into Sequoia National Forest.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Kern River Campground

    Loud neighbors

    My sister and I arrived on a Tuesday and left on a Wednesday. We had slot 50. Our neighbors were blasting music all day non stop. It was beautiful campground and perfect location next to the river, it was just the blasting of music that was really rough to deal with. Would totally visit again and just pray the neighbors can be quiet!!

  • Kim L.
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Sequoia National Forest Quaking Aspen Campground

    Quiet, well maintained, with a knowledgeable host

    Tim is amazing! He has all the info on nearby trails, maps of the area, answers every question you can think of. Just fantastic. 

    As of 6/22/25:

    • potable water available-vault toilets are well maintained-no food lockers, but also no in-camp bear incidents/sightings in the last few years, per Tim. So we made sure our food was locked in our cars whenever we weren't using it.
    • If you want cell service briefly, there is a spot about 3.5 miles away off 21S70 as if you're headed to Dome rock.
    • site#19 had at least 3 relatively flat spots for tents and was nice and spacious.
    • Firewood is available at camp, at the nearby Camp Nelson general store, and if you're passing through Springville, Gifford's has some. 

    This campground is so peaceful, and near several hiking trails. Would 100% come back here again.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Dome Rock Dispersed Camping

    Closed in Late March

    Beautiful drive up to the spot, unfortunately still closed in late March.


Guide to Posey

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.

What to do

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.

What campers like

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.

What you should know

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.

Tips for camping with families

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.

Tips from RVers

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 163 campgrounds and RV parks near Posey, CA and 33 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 27 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Posey, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 33 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.