Primitive camping near Posey, California includes several dispersed sites at elevations between 6,000-7,000 feet where weather can change rapidly. Most locations experience winter closures from November through April, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and dropping to 45-55°F at night. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many sites due to sandy and uneven forest roads.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Brush Creek Recreation Site, you'll find good trout fishing spots. "We always catch great fish here trout, catfish, bass," reports a camper who frequently visits the area.
Waterfall exploration: The dispersed sites near Camping Area No. 3 provide access to natural water features. "If you walk across you will come across a beautiful waterfall. You can use a donut floaty and slide right down," notes one regular visitor who recommends wearing bug spray due to mosquitoes.
Stargazing: The dark night skies offer exceptional star viewing opportunities. At Stine Cove Recreation Site, "The night sky has no light pollution, and is beautiful enough to knock you off your feet because of all the stars," according to one camper who stayed the full 14-day limit.
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: Many dispersed camping areas offer peaceful settings away from crowds. "I was surprised how vacant this location was. It was absolutely gorgeous and the stars were unreal! There seemed to be a lot of campsites very far from each other," reported a visitor to Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground.
Wildlife viewing: The area hosts diverse wildlife including birds, deer, and occasionally bears. At Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park, one camper observed, "We saw two bears every night so take precaution. They were Cubs, they're not scared of you but also won't mess with you if you lock up all your food."
River sounds: Many campers appreciate the natural white noise provided by water features. "It was such a peaceful place and the sounds of the river right next to our camp was just heaven on earth," wrote a visitor to Brush Creek who stayed for two nights in June.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations vary by location and season, with fire bans common during dry months. Campfire permits are required year-round. At Keyesville Recreation Area, most sites have established fire rings, but during high fire danger periods all open flames are prohibited.
Water access: No potable water is available at any dispersed sites. Though many campsites are near streams or the Kern River, all water must be filtered or treated before drinking.
Road conditions: Access roads can deteriorate quickly after rain. "Access was easy with a 4x4, but may be a little tough for a 2WD car," notes a camper at Camping Area No. 3, reflecting the general condition of forest roads in the area.
Tips for camping with families
Safety near water: The Kern River can be dangerous, especially during spring runoff. A camper at Chico Flat warns, "Use caution in early spring and summer months the river is very fast and DANGEROUS! Really great. Be ready for a hike from the car to the site, it's down a decent hill to the campsite."
Wildlife precautions: Teach children proper food storage. A visitor to Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground shared: "The meadow is nice but you need to hike in. We saw two bears every night so take precaution."
Site selection: For families, choose sites with easier access to vehicles. "The site we chose was a bit of a rocky walk from the car, but worth it to have a more private spot," mentions a camper at Chico Flat who appreciated the trade-off between privacy and convenience.
Tips from RVers
Parking logistics: At Evans Road Hidden Camp, RV access is limited but possible for smaller vehicles. "We drove to the end of the track, ends in a loop, and parked our camper van there," reports one visitor who found good privacy with no other campers present.
Road clearance: Many forest roads require high clearance vehicles. At Keyesville Recreation Area, one RVer noted, "My Class C was able to make it through a few of the dirt roads no problem," but cautioned that the busiest spot by the river often has 20+ vehicles on weekends.
Generator usage: Most primitive sites don't restrict generator use, but campers should respect quiet hours. At Keyesville, a camper observed there are "no official RV sites with hookups, but plenty of room to park one and use the generator."
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