Indian Flats Campground
4.139 reviewsnull
Indian Flats Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Indian Flats Campground does not have a specific reservation fee due to its first-come, first-served nature. No water is available onsite, and users are advised to plan accordingly.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Cleveland National Forest, Indian Flats Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape with 17 intimate campsites perfect for those seeking solitude and adventure. This hidden gem serves as a gateway to the legendary Pacific Crest Trail, putting hikers at the doorstep of one of America's most iconic long-distance trails. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach without onsite water facilities, the nearby Warner Springs Gas Station provides a convenient resupply point for adventurers preparing for their journey into the wild.
Indian Flats Campground primarily offers primitive camping for tents with basic facilities. RV camping may be possible but information about hookups is not available.
Historical SignificanceThe land surrounding Indian Flats whispers stories of ancient peoples who once called this region home. Historical accounts tell of two remarkable metate-covered boulders – grinding stones used by American Indian communities for generations – that once graced the original campsites. These sacred artifacts, though relocated, serve as powerful reminders of the deep cultural heritage embedded in this landscape, where countless generations gathered, lived, and thrived long before modern trails wound through these hills.
Weather and SeasonsIndian Flats enjoys the gentle embrace of Southern California's mild climate, with comfortable temperatures hovering around 60°F during peak season days and cooling to a refreshing 40°F under starlit nights. The campground transforms with the seasons – from sun-drenched days perfect for trail exploration to dramatic storm systems that sweep through the mountains, bringing life-giving rain to the chaparral landscape. These periodic storms add character to the camping experience while reminding visitors of nature's dynamic beauty.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryFar from the crowds and commotion of popular destinations, Indian Flats Campground rewards those who venture off the beaten path with an extraordinary sense of peace and connection to nature. The campground sits within a precious riparian corridor, where water-loving plants create ribbons of green through the dry chaparral landscape. This delicate ecosystem serves as a sanctuary for the endangered Arroyo Toad, whose presence speaks to the ecological importance of this protected habitat. Here, campers wake to birdsong rather than traffic, and fall asleep to the gentle rustling of leaves instead of city sounds.
Geological RegionIndian Flats Campground rests within the rugged embrace of Cleveland National Forest, where the distinctive Southern California chaparral ecosystem creates a tapestry of drought-adapted shrubs, aromatic sage, and hardy oaks. This remarkable landscape represents millions of years of geological evolution, where ancient seas gave way to mountain ranges and created the diverse topography hikers and nature lovers treasure today. The campground's location within sensitive riparian zones adds another layer of ecological richness, creating microhabitats where water meets the arid chaparral in a delicate dance of life.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not disclosed in the information provided.
Sites SizeCampsites sizes are not explicitly stated in the sources.
Sites PrivacySites have varying levels of privacy, with some exposed and open according to user reviews.
Total Campsites17 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
Group camping sites are not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutnull
Open and Closed SeasonIndian Flats Campground is temporarily closed for Arroyo Toad protection during breeding season beginning April 1st through at least May 31st.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations allowed.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides basic recreational activities primarily centered around hiking and exploring the Pacific Crest Trail. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the secluded atmosphere and the opportunity for peaceful overnight stays.
Hiking
Access to the Pacific Crest Trail is available, offering varied hiking opportunities nearby.Wildlife viewing
The campsite is in a remote area that likely supports wildlife viewing; however, specific details are not provided.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned.Water Sports
Water sports are not applicable due to the absence of water bodies in or near the campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires may be prohibited during drought conditions. Visitors are strongly advised to check current area fire restrictions.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include fire ants, prevalent during certain times of the year, and tree bug infestations. One review mentioned, 'The tree bug infestation is taking its toll. A lot of them are marked for harvesting to slow the spread.'
Active alertsClosure for Arroyo Toad protection during breeding season from April 1st through at least May 31st.
Weather forecast
85
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 48%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3.3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
null
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingUser reviews indicate issues with trash management, citing overflowing waste bins.
Proximity to water featuresNearby access to the Pacific Crest Trail and sensitive riparian habitats.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include lack of maintenance, 'trash overflowing,' 'dirty restrooms,' and 'no TP,' as noted by a user review. Another stated, 'The USFS chose to abandon the piped water system.'
Hostnull
Campground Map
null
Driving directionsThe road leading to Indian Flats Campground is narrow and paved. 'The road was a narrow paved road,' noted one reviewer, and those with trailers may face challenges if they encounter vehicles traveling in the opposite direction.
The road is narrow and paved, which may limit accessibility for larger vehicles. Seasonal closures apply from April 1st through at least May 31st for Arroyo Toad protection.Nearby places
null
Nearby supplies
The nearest water source is at Warner Springs Gas Station, according to authoritative sources. User reviews corroborate this claim by stating, 'Fortunately the gas station at the turn off allows potable water jug fills at their gas pumps.'
Camper Reviews
4.1
9 reviews
Indian Flats Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Indian Flats Campground generally highlight its peaceful and secluded nature but raise concerns about maintenance, lack of water, and cleanliness issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciated the quiet and remote location, access to trails, and the opportunity for hiking within and near the campground.
Based on 9 reviewsCommon Concerns
Frequent complaints include lack of potable water, unclean vault toilets, overflowing trash bins, and poor maintenance. Some users expressed dissatisfaction with noise from other campers.
Based on 9 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing sufficient water due to the lack of potable water on-site. They suggest planning for additional cleaning supplies for vault toilets and preparing for potential noise from...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is temporarily closed from April 1 to May 31 for Arroyo Toad protection, limiting its accessibility during this period. Summer visits may require dealing with fire restrictions due to...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. "No running water and pit toilets. No campfire allowed due to the drought." - Traves O'Neill 2. "Small campground and not many people there - very quiet and secluded." - David Partridge 3. "Vault...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site reviews mention exposed and open campsites, vault toilets, and the need for improvements in maintenance. No particular site numbers are highlighted.
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are not available for Indian Flats Campground.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Some reviews mentioned the presence of dogs, with one user noting that a dog was not leashed, leading to a minor safety concern.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025