Kirch Flat Campground
4.5017 reviewsnull
Kirch Flat 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
No fees are required to camp at Kirch Flat Campground. Users consistently confirm that 'camping is free.'
About this campground
Tucked away along the winding Kings River, Kirch Flat Campground offers adventurous souls a true off-the-grid experience within the stunning Pine Flat Lake recreation area. This hidden gem beckons spring rafters fresh from navigating rushing waters and solitude-seekers yearning to trade cell service for starlit skies. Best of all? Your wilderness retreat comes without the price tag – this rustic sanctuary remains one of California's last free camping treasures.
Kirch Flat Campground is primarily suited for primitive camping with basic facilities. It offers space for car camping and group camping in a scenic and remote location along the Kings River.
Historical SignificanceWhile the ancient oaks and weathered granite may hold countless stories, the documented history of this riverside haven remains as mysterious as morning mist on the Kings River.
Weather and SeasonsSpring awakens Kirch Flat with perfect camping weather and the thunderous excitement of whitewater season, drawing rafters and outdoor enthusiasts to its riverside sites. Summer brings warm, golden days ideal for swimming and lazy afternoons by the water. As autumn leaves carpet the ground and winter's chill settles in, the campground transforms into a hauntingly beautiful retreat where only the most intrepid campers venture, finding themselves alone with nature's raw beauty and the whisper of wind through empty campsites.
ElevationNestled in the gentle foothills where the Sierra Nevada Mountains begin their majestic rise from California's Central Valley, Kirch Flat occupies that sweet spot where valley heat gives way to mountain coolness, creating an ideal microclimate for year-round outdoor adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryHere, the Kings River carves its path through a landscape where stately oaks mingle with towering pines, creating a natural cathedral of green. The Sierra Nevada peaks stand sentinel in the distance, their granite faces catching the last light of day. Lucky visitors might spot a bobcat padding silently through camp at dawn, watch red-tailed hawks circle overhead on thermal currents, or share the meadows with free-ranging cattle that occasionally wander through like ghosts of California's ranching past.
Geological RegionKirch Flat sits at nature's crossroads, where the oak-studded foothills merge seamlessly with pine-covered slopes in the greater Pine Flat Lake area. This remarkable transition zone marks the western gateway to the legendary Kings Canyon, offering a taste of the dramatic landscapes that define nearby Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Here, ancient geological forces have sculpted a playground of granite, forest, and flowing water that captures the essence of Sierra Nevada beauty.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no explicit mention of ADA-compliant features or accommodations for visitors with disabilities.
Sites SizeCampsites are reported to be spacious enough for car camping and large groups.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by location within the campground. Some sites are quieter and more secluded, particularly those located to the left of the entrance.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCamping to the left of the entrance is recommended for a quieter experience. Early spring and summer offer the best opportunities for rafting and mild weather.
Best CampsitesSites #1-9 are available, with suggestions for camping to the left of the entrance for quieter experiences.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
Maximum 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 people per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 9 sites organized in a single loop layout.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations required; first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityEntire campground operates on a walk-up, first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations required, and therefore, no cancellation policy.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Kirch Flat Campground offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, including rafting, fishing, hiking, and enjoying the serene natural environment along the Kings River and in the Sierra National Forest. The campground is particularly popular with rafters during spring and early summer.
Hiking
The campground provides access to trails such as the Blue Oak Trail, which is an interpretive quarter-mile trail nearby. Additionally, there are general hiking opportunities in the surrounding Sierra National Forest.Fishing
Fishing is described as excellent, particularly for trout in designated streams. Visitors need a valid fishing license with a trout stamp.Swimming
The proximity of the Kings River allows for swimming, though users should exercise caution due to varying river conditions.Boating
Rafting on the Kings River is a highlight, with the area being particularly popular for whitewater rafting in spring and early summer.Wildlife viewing
The campground offers opportunities to spot local wildlife such as foxes, bobcats, and red-tailed hawks. Some visitors also mentioned cattle grazing in the area during certain seasons.Winter Activities
The campground has been noted as a pleasant destination for early winter camping, though fewer visitors and colder temperatures create a quieter setting.Water Sports
Visitors frequently engage in rafting and other water sports on the Kings River, especially during seasonal high water levels.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated rings.
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsRattlesnakes are common from spring through late summer. Visitors should exercise caution with wildlife and be prepared for cattle grazing through the campground at certain times of the year.
Active alertsThe campground has been closed off for use recently, according to user reviews. Additionally, lake access may be limited due to low water levels.
Weather forecast
97
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 22 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Partly cloudy
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
Closest emergency services are likely in Fresno, CA, approximately 30 miles away. No explicit details provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesYear-round camping. Peak periods may coincide with rafting season in spring and early summer.
Trash and recyclingThe campground operates under a 'pack-it-in, pack-it-out' policy, meaning visitors must take their trash with them when they leave. There are no trash or recycling bins on-site.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to the Kings River, which is popular for rafting, swimming, and fishing.
Common complaintsComplaints include lack of water, absence of flushing toilets, and stinky vault toilets. Some visitors have noted overcrowding during peak rafting seasons, while others mention the campground's 'creepy' isolation during winter.
HostNo site host information provided.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Fresno, California, travel east on Highway 180/Kings Canyon Highway to Academy Avenue. Turn left onto Academy Avenue, and then turn right on Belmont Avenue. Continue traveling for approximately 20 miles; Belmont Avenue becomes East Trimmer Springs Road approximately 6 miles east of the Academy Avenue intersection.
The campground is accessed via East Trimmer Springs Road, which is consistent with rural roads. The drive is described as 'slow-going' by users, but manageable.Nearby places
Sanger (20 miles, approximately 30 minutes by car)
Fresno (approximately 30 miles, 45 minutes by car).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies are likely available in Sanger or Fresno, CA, both within 30 miles of the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.5
17 reviews
Kirch Flat Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Kirch Flat Campground receives a mix of positive and negative feedback, with a general appreciation for its natural beauty and remoteness. Visitors frequently highlight its free camping, proximity to the Kings River, and suitability for rafting and fishing. However, the lack of potable water, cell service, and modern facilities limits its appeal to those who prefer a rustic camping experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews
What Campers Love
Many reviews praise the campground's natural setting, free access, and proximity to outdoor activities. 'A perfect place to get away from civilization and go off the grid,' said one visitor.
Based on 17 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints often focus on the lack of potable water, flush toilets, and cell service. 'Bathrooms were stinky, and there were no trash cans,' noted one user.
Based on 17 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors suggest bringing sufficient water and supplies due to the lack of amenities. Early arrivals increase the chance of securing more secluded sites.
Based on 17 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and early summer are highlighted as the best times to visit due to rafting and milder weather. Winter can be quiet but colder, making it less crowded.
Based on 17 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Great campsite! Free camping, campfire allowed in fire rings. Easy access to the Kings River.'
2. 'Beautiful campground. No flushing toilets or cell phone coverage. A perfect place to get...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Some users recommend camping to the left of the entrance for quieter experiences. Sites #1-9 were mentioned in one review, associated with quiet and clean surroundings.
Based on 17 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility features were noted in the reviews.
Based on 17 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed in the campground, but there are no specific pet-related amenities.
Based on 17 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025