Cedar Creek Campground
05 reviewsCedar Creek Campground, Sequoia National Forest, California
Cedar Creek 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
Free of charge.
About this campground
Nestled high in the mountains at 4,800 feet, Cedar Creek Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape where the modern world fades away. This intimate retreat features 11 secluded campsites scattered along the banks of bubbling Cedar Creek, which meanders through the campground on both the north and south sides of Highway 155. Here, you'll find the essentials for a back-to-basics camping experience: sturdy picnic tables beneath towering pines, clean restrooms, and prime fishing spots where the creek pools and eddies. The rugged mountain terrain that defines this special place makes it unsuitable for trailers, preserving its wild character for tent campers seeking solitude. Note that you'll need to bring your own drinking water, as the campground embraces its rustic roots without potable water facilities.
Cedar Creek Campground is described as a rustic and primitive camping experience, with 11 campsites located in a mountainous area. The site is unsuitable for trailers, indicating it is designed for tent camping or similar setups.
Historical SignificanceCedar Creek Campground bears the scars of nature's power, having been significantly impacted by the devastating 2016 Cedar Fire that swept through these mountains. This natural disaster forced the campground's closure, and the landscape still tells the story of fire and renewal. While the campground remains closed to camping, its history serves as a powerful reminder of the dynamic relationship between wildfire and forest ecosystems in the Sierra Nevada, where fire has shaped the landscape for millennia.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Cedar Creek into a cool mountain refuge, with daytime temperatures climbing to a pleasant 89°F before dropping to a refreshing 56°F at night—perfect sleeping weather under star-filled skies. The elevation ensures you'll need that extra layer even on the warmest days. Winter tells a different story entirely, as temperatures plunge well below freezing and snow blankets the landscape, creating a pristine wonderland accessible only to the most adventurous souls. Spring and fall offer their own magic, with wildflower blooms and golden aspens respectively, though visitors should always pack for rapidly changing mountain weather.
ElevationPerched at 4,800 feet above sea level, Cedar Creek Campground exists in that sweet spot where the air turns crisp and pine-scented, and the everyday world seems impossibly far below. This significant elevation brings dramatic temperature swings between day and night, thinner air that might leave lowlanders briefly breathless, and the kind of crystalline mountain light that makes every sunrise and sunset memorable. The altitude creates a unique microclimate where snow lingers into late spring and autumn colors arrive early, offering visitors a true high-country experience.
Natural Features and SceneryThe rugged mountain landscape surrounding Cedar Creek Campground showcases nature at its most dramatic. Granite peaks and ridges frame distant views, while closer at hand, Cedar Creek serves as the campground's liquid lifeline, tumbling over smooth stones and creating peaceful pools perfect for contemplation or casting a fishing line. The creek's dual presence on both sides of Highway 155 creates a unique camping environment where the sound of rushing water provides a constant, soothing soundtrack. Dense conifer forests blanket the mountainsides, their dark green contrasting beautifully with exposed granite faces and seasonal wildflower meadows.
Geological RegionDeep within Sequoia National Forest's mountainous backcountry at 4,800 feet, Cedar Creek Campground occupies a landscape sculpted by millions of years of geological drama. This rustic sanctuary sits among ancient granite formations pushed skyward by tectonic forces and carved by glaciers into the dramatic peaks and valleys visible today. Cedar Creek itself continues this geological story, patiently cutting its channel through the bedrock as it has for countless centuries. The surrounding terrain tells tales of volcanic activity, glacial scouring, and the patient work of erosion, creating a natural classroom for those interested in reading the stories written in stone.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo accessibility features are mentioned in the source material.
Sites SizeThe campground contains 11 sites, but specific dimensions or descriptions (e.g., large or small) are not provided.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels for the campsites are not detailed in the source material.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesConsider camping past the Cedar Creek crossing near Alder Creek for shaded areas and proximity to flowing water.
Best CampsitesUser reviews suggest areas near Alder Creek past the road crossing offer shade and better camping spots.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
No group camping information is available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampsites are located on both the north and south sides of Hwy 155.
Open and Closed SeasonClosed pursuant to Sequoia National Forest Order #0513-16-27 until October 25, 2018 due to damage from the 2016 Cedar Fire.
Reservation PlatformsNull
Walk-in AvailabilityNull
Cancellation PolicyNull
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Cedar Creek Campground is situated in a mountainous area with opportunities for fishing. The surrounding environment and natural features make it an appealing destination for outdoor enthusiasts, but limited facilities and ongoing closures affect its attractiveness.
Fishing
Fishing is available at Cedar Creek, which runs through the campground, providing opportunities for anglers. However, specific details such as types of fish or fishing conditions are not provided.Winter Activities
Chain requirements are in place during winter months for Hwy 155, but no specific winter activities are listed.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire permits are required for campfires, barbeques, and stoves.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsWinter conditions on Hwy 155 include snow and chain requirements. The campground lacks potable water, and outhouses are reportedly dilapidated according to user reviews. Cattle grazing in the area contributes to dust and cow pies.
Active alertsClosed as of Forest Order #0513-16-27 due to Cedar Fire damage until October 25, 2018.
Weather forecast
83
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 0.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Mainly clear
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 River Ranger District office at (760) 376-3781 is the nearest emergency contact for recreation information. No specifics on nearby hospitals or police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided about trash and recycling facilities at this campground.
Proximity to water featuresCedar Creek runs through the entire length of the campground on both sides of Hwy 155.
Common complaintsUser reviews consistently report that the outhouses are in disrepair, with one nailed shut, and cattle grazing contributes to a dusty environment with cow pies. Lack of potable water is another frequent concern.
HostNull
Campground Map
Cedar Creek Campground, Sequoia National Forest, California
Driving directionsFrom Glennville, go 10 miles east on CA 155, the campground will be on both the north and south sides of the highway. From Lake Isabella head north on Hwy 155 6 miles where the highway then veers to the west. Take Hwy 155 west for approximately 14 miles, and the campground is accessible from the highway.
Hwy 155 is subject to chain requirements during the winter months due to snow on the road. Access involves a narrow dirt road of approximately 3.3 miles, described as passable for low clearance vehicles under good road conditions.Nearby places
Lake Isabella: 6 miles north, Glennville: 10 miles east.
Nearby supplies
Null
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Cedar Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews indicate that the campground is very basic and lacks essential facilities, including potable water, well-maintained restrooms, and fire rings. The area is described as quiet and scenic but also overgrown and dusty, with cow activity being a notable issue.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Some campers appreciated the quiet and scenic nature of the area, describing it as peaceful and rustic. One user mentioned finding shaded spots near Alder Creek that were suitable for camping.
Based on 5 reviewsCommon Concerns
Many users expressed dissatisfaction with the poor condition of the facilities, including outhouses that were dilapidated and unpleasant to use. The lack of potable water and fire rings was also...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggested exploring spots near Alder Creek for better camping conditions and to avoid the main areas that are dusty and overrun by cattle. Bringing sufficient water, as there is no potable...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews did not provide sufficient detail to analyze seasonal trends, but the winter chain requirements suggest tougher access during snow conditions.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
"No tables, no fire rings, no potable water, only a couple of old, dilapidated outhouses, one of which is nailed shut." - David Yancey. "Cattle have thoroughly trampled the area so it's very dusty...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Alder Creek was mentioned as a better area for camping within the vicinity. It is quieter and has shaded spots, though it still lacks basic facilities.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews explicitly address accessibility features.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention pet policies or experiences.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025