Sandy Flat Campground sits along the Kern River in the Sequoia National Forest. The campground is 6½ miles downstream from the Lake Isabella dam. Visitors to the campground enjoy sitting on rocks with feet in the water (when water levels are safe; never when current is dangerous), fishing, and whitewater rafting in the Kern River. The Kern River is not safe for swimming. Nearby Lake Isabella has boating, waterskiing, windsurfing, and fishing. The Kern River canyon can be quite hot in the summer.
Sandy Flat Campground has 34 campsites. Among them are 6 walk-in, tent sites. The rest can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. One site is designated for up to 24 people. Campsites are arranged in a single loop in mainly open sites. Sites by the river appear to be the nicest. Some boulders are scattered throughout the campground. River access is best from the day use area.
| Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Sandy Flat Campground Location: | On Kern Canyon Way, south of Borel Powerhouse and Borel Rd. off Highway 178 |
| Elevation: | 2,300 feet |
| Mileage from Gateway City: | Bakersfield - 35 miles |
| Number of Sites: | 34 |
| Camping Season: | Open year-round |
| Max. People per Site: | 6 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 2 ($7 per night fee for untowed 2nd vehicle) |
| Pets: | On leash, always attended |
| Operated by: | ExplorUS for Sequoia National Forest |
| Campground Information: | (760) 376-1815 |
| Kern River Ranger District: | (760) 379-5646 |
| Reservations | |
|---|---|
| Reservations available: | Sandy Flat Campground reservations can be made for camping dates from late May through November. At other times when the campground is open, sites are first-come, first-served. |
| Booking Window: | Reservations can be made from 3 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date. |
| Maximum RV/Trailer Length: | 24 feet |
| Wheelchair Accessible Sites: | None designated |
| Fees: | $34 single campsite per night ($2 more over holidays)
$66 double campsite ($4 more over holidays) $128 quad campsite ($8 more over holidays) Plus $10 reservation fee |
| Campground Map: | Sandy Flat Campground Map |
| Reservations: | Sandy Flat Campground Reservations |
| Check-in, check-out: | Check-in: 2:00 PM Check-out: Noon |
| Sandy Flat Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups |
| Campground: | Vault toilets, tap water |
| Showers: | No |
| Dump station: | No |
| Attractions near Sandy Flat Campground: | Enjoy the Kern River. Try out the nearby Hobo Fishing Trail. Drive up to Lake Isabella for fishing and boating. Visit the North Fork Marina with store and boat rentals. Try some mountain biking or hiking. Stop in at the Lake Isabella Visitor Center. Drive north to the Trail of 100 Giants, an accessible walk through Long Meadow Grove of Giant Sequoias. Stroll through the towns of Kernville and Wofford Heights. Visit the South Fork Wildlife Area.
Trout Fishing Best Sellers |
| Updates | Last Updated February 2025 |
Sandy Flat Campground
Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.
In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.
Sandy Flat Campground
Lake Isabella attract visitors who enjoy boating, fishing, and camping. Those who camp at Sandy Flat Campground are along the lower Kern River, about 7 miles from Lake Isabella.
Check Sequoia National Forest - Sandy Flat Campground for any campground updates.
Reviews from Previous Campers
2022 - 2024