Brush Creek Dispersed Camping
4.4326 reviews11380 Kernville Road Kernville, CA 93238
Brush Creek Dispersed Camping
$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
Camping is free of charge. America The Beautiful Access/Senior Passes are honored.
About this campground
Where the rushing waters of Brush Creek converge with the mighty Upper Kern River, adventurers discover a hidden gem of free dispersed camping that captures the essence of California's wild heart. This pristine riverside sanctuary welcomes outdoor enthusiasts with convenient vault toilets and seasonal trash facilities, all set within an expansive, open landscape that beckons anglers to cast their lines and hikers to explore untamed trails. The easily accessible site offers the perfect blend of wilderness immersion and practical amenities, making it an ideal basecamp for those seeking authentic outdoor experiences without the crowds or fees of traditional campgrounds.
Brush Creek Dispersed Camping is a free, year-round dispersed camping area suitable for tents and RVs, with minimal facilities and no designated sites.
Historical SignificanceWhile the written history of this confluence remains unrecorded, the timeless meeting of waters speaks to centuries of natural harmony and the enduring appeal of riverside camping in the American West.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Sierra Nevada seasons at Brush Creek, where summer days warm to a pleasant 90°F, perfect for riverside relaxation and evening campfires under star-filled skies. As autumn paints the surrounding forest in golden hues, temperatures settle into that sweet spot between 50°F and 75°F, creating ideal conditions for hiking and fishing. Winter transforms the landscape into a crisp wonderland, with temperatures dipping to a brisk 27°F in January—a season for the hardy souls who appreciate the stark beauty of frost-kissed mornings and the solitude of off-season camping. Spring brings renewal and moderate temperatures, making every season a unique chapter in your camping story.
ElevationNestled within the varied elevations of the Sequoia National Forest, this riverside retreat offers the perfect balance of mountain accessibility and river valley comfort.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a photographer's paradise where the crystal-clear waters of Brush Creek dance into the powerful currents of the Upper Kern River, creating a symphony of rapids and pools that mesmerize visitors. Towering peaks frame the horizon while dense forests of pine and fir provide natural shelter and shade. The dramatic interplay of rushing water, granite boulders, and verdant forest creates an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty. Morning mist rises from the river, afternoon sun illuminates the rapids, and evening light transforms the mountains into silhouettes against painted skies—each moment offering its own spectacular show.
Geological RegionCarved by millennia of flowing water through the rugged terrain of Sequoia National Forest, Brush Creek Dispersed Camping sits within one of California's most geologically diverse regions. The Upper Kern River corridor showcases the raw power of water sculpting granite mountains, creating a landscape where ancient bedrock meets rushing rivers. This dynamic environment features classic Sierra Nevada geology—from weathered granite outcroppings to river-polished stones, all surrounded by montane forests that have adapted to the challenging mountain environment. The result is a textbook example of how water, time, and tectonics combine to create the spectacular riverine ecosystems that define California's high country.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned, although vault toilets may offer basic access.
Sites SizeSites are not formally designated, offering a mix of open parking areas and tent spots along the river.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies widely, from secluded spots near the creek to crowded open areas. One camper noted, 'Plenty of river spots for your party to hang out in private or ones with many other people as well.'
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesEarly arrival is recommended to find a good spot near the river.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites are highlighted.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specified check-in time.
Check-out
No specified check-out time.
Stay Limit
No explicit stay limit noted.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific guest limits noted.
Groups
No designated group sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutWide-open parking area with camping along the river's edge.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen all year around.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations needed.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-serve; early arrival recommended to secure a space.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations; hence no cancellation policy applies.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Brush Creek offers a variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, and non-motorized boating, with scenic views along the Kern River.
Hiking
There are trails available near the campground. A user noted, 'Slightly opposite to the campground is a short hiking trail, about 1-mile in and out, that runs along the creek.' Another highlighted, '15 miles from the campground is the 100 Giants trailhead.'Fishing
Brush Creek's confluence with the Kern River is described as a good fishing spot.Boating
Non-motorized boating activities such as kayaking or canoeing can be enjoyed on the Kern River.Winter Activities
No specific winter recreation activities were mentioned, though the site is open year-round.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing are implied due to the proximity to the Kern River.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires require permits; prohibited during fire restrictions.
- Quiet hours are No explicit quiet hours noted; user reviews mention loud music as common.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife like spiders, skunks, and swift-moving Class 5 rapids in the Kern River. Broken glass and unsanitary conditions are noted as concerns.
Active alertsCamping prohibitions within 50 feet of Brush Creek are active until September 30, 2026.
Weather forecast
84
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 16.2 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
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
Kern Valley Hospital in Lake Isabella (approximately 22 miles away); Kernville Ranger Station (11380 Kernville Road Kernville, CA 93238).
Good to know
Peak season datesNo peak season pricing structure; open year-round.
Trash and recyclingSeasonal trash bins are available, but there is no consistent trash service. Visitors are encouraged to 'Pack It In, Pack It Out.'
Proximity to water featuresLocated at the intersection of Brush Creek and the Upper Kern River, providing excellent access to water features.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include loud music, unsanitary bathroom conditions, trash left behind by previous campers, and limited shade.
HostThe campsite does not have official hosts but sheriff cars frequently patrol the area.
Campground Map
11380 Kernville Road Kernville, CA 93238
Driving directionsHead north from Kernville approximately 15 miles and Brush Creek will be on the west side of the road.
The campground is accessible via a paved road approximately 15 miles from Kernville; no seasonal closures are noted.Nearby places
Kernville (15 miles, approximately 20 minutes drive)
Bakersfield (about 80 miles, 1.5 hours drive)
Los Angeles (200 miles, approximately 3.5 hours drive).
Nearby supplies
Small stores and meat markets are available a few miles down the mountain, likely in Kernville
larger supplies would require a trip to Lake Isabella or Bakersfield.
Camper Reviews
4.4
26 reviews
Brush Creek Dispersed Camping is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Brush Creek Dispersed Camping are mixed, with positive comments on the location's natural beauty and proximity to the Kern River, but frequent complaints about cleanliness and crowding.
Review Summaries
Based on 26 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciated the natural beauty, proximity to Kern River, and the availability of free camping. One user called it 'an amazing campground' with 'beautiful and fun' surroundings. Another...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include poor cleanliness of toilets, trash left by previous campers, and noisy neighbors. A reviewer said, 'The temporary porta potties were not well maintained,' while another...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend arriving early to secure the best sites, avoiding weekends to escape crowds, and bringing all necessities, including water and trash bags.
Based on 26 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer weekends are noted as very crowded, while off-season visits offer more peace and quiet. Some campers also mentioned fire restrictions during certain seasons.
Based on 26 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Brush Creek is an amazing campground that I had an extraordinary time in.' - 'This is a big parking lot on the side of the Kern River.' - 'Bathrooms weren’t well maintained.' - 'Amazing place for...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews indicate that sites near the water are highly coveted, but some areas may lack shade. One user mentioned setting up 'just a few steps from the water,' while another highlighted 'not a lot of...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews were noted, though vault toilets may offer basic accessibility.
Based on 26 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcomed on a 6' leash. No additional details on pet-related facilities or issues were provided.
Based on 26 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025