Sandy Flat
4.49134 reviewsSandy Flat
$34.00 - $128.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$34.00
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
Peak season rates vary from $34 to $128 per night. Holiday rates incur an additional $2-$8 surcharge. Fees do not account for taxes or discounts.
About this campground
Nestled along the rushing waters of the Lower Kern River at 2,300 feet, Sandy Flat Campground offers an adventurer's paradise where ancient boulders create natural privacy between campsites. This riverside retreat beckons with the promise of splashing river days and trail explorations, while modern amenities like vault toilets, fresh drinking water, and shaded picnic areas ensure comfort in the wilderness. The single-loop design winds through a landscape sculpted by time, where each campsite feels like its own secret hideaway among the massive stones.
Sandy Flat Campground offers multiple camping options, including tent sites and RV spaces. Primitive and group camping options are available.
Historical SignificanceSandy Flat rests within the legendary Sequoia National Forest, guardian of the world's most massive living things - the giant sequoias. This protected landscape has played a pivotal role in California's conservation story, preserving not just trees but an entire ecosystem that has captivated naturalists, adventurers, and families for generations. Here, visitors become part of an ongoing narrative of preservation and wonder that stretches back to the forest's establishment as a testament to America's natural heritage.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Sandy Flat into a sun-drenched haven where clean, dry heat gives way to spectacular stargazing under crystal-clear night skies. The canyon's unique geography occasionally channels refreshing breezes through camp, offering natural air conditioning on the warmest days. Winter brings a gentler touch to this moderate elevation, with cool temperatures that rarely dip into extremes, making year-round camping a delightful possibility for those seeking escape from both summer's intensity and winter's harsh grip elsewhere.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable 2,300 feet above sea level, Sandy Flat occupies a sweet spot in the Sierra Nevada's elevation profile. This moderate altitude delivers the best of mountain camping without the challenges of thin air or extreme temperature swings. The elevation creates a perfect microclimate where riverside breezes meet mountain air, offering refreshing conditions that make both active adventures and peaceful relaxation equally enjoyable throughout your stay.
Natural Features and SceneryTime stands still among the Ice Age boulders that define Sandy Flat's character, their weathered surfaces telling stories millions of years in the making. The Lower Kern River valley embraces the campground with a dramatic landscape of plunging canyons and hidden waterfalls, while the greater Sequoia National Forest unfolds in layers of ecological diversity. From the rushing river at your doorstep to the towering peaks on the horizon, every view offers a postcard-worthy scene of California's raw natural beauty.
Geological RegionSandy Flat claims its place in the southern Sierra Nevada's geological wonderland, where the forces of nature have carved one of California's most dramatic landscapes. The Lower Kern River has spent millennia sculpting steep-walled canyons and polishing ancient granite, creating a playground of waterfalls, swimming holes, and rapids. This corner of central California showcases the powerful intersection of water and stone, where every boulder and bend in the river reveals another chapter in the Earth's dynamic history.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySome campsites, such as #18, require a short walk from parking areas, but accessibility for individuals with disabilities is not explicitly detailed in the source material.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, with some offering space for larger setups. Site #26, for example, has an additional area accessible by climbing up a small hill.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary significantly by site. User reviews suggest sites such as #33 and #30 offer higher privacy compared to others.
Total Campsites34 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy, choose sites #33 or #8. For river access, select sites #20–24. Sites #16–19 are good for groups.
Best CampsitesHighly recommended sites for proximity to amenities include #32, #33, #34, and #30. "Best secluded spots close to the bathrooms, water, and river beach."
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay length of 14 nights during one visit within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Six people per site, including children.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are organized along a single loop, with vault toilets and drinking water available at multiple locations.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round from January 1st to December 31st.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website or app, or through their contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot explicitly mentioned, but some user reviews inquire about first-come-first-serve options.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled prior to arrival with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations incur an additional fee equal to the first night's use fee. Changes also incur a $10 fee unless extending or shortening the reservation within original dates.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Sandy Flat offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Hobo Fishing Trail provides accessible hiking opportunities, while the Lower Kern River offers fishing and floating options.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include trails like the Hobo Fishing Trail. Users have highlighted the proximity to the trails as convenient for short walks.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, with some users reporting catches of trout and catfish near the river beach area.Swimming
Swimming options are available in the river, though conditions vary based on water flow. Users have noted areas with strong currents that require caution.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is available, though specific species are not detailed in the source material.Beach activities
Beach activities such as sunbathing and playing in the sand are accessible near the river beach areas.Winter Activities
No explicit winter activities are detailed in the source material.Water Sports
Non-motorized water activities like floating are possible in the Kern River. Conditions depend on water levels.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire restrictions depend on fire season. Propane fire pits are recommended during bans on wood fires.
- Quiet hours start at 10 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsStrong river currents—use caution for swimming or tubing. "People unfortunately drown in the Kern often." Wind gusts may occur during sunset.
Active alertsNo active alerts mentioned; however, user reviews noted red flag warnings during fire season.
Weather forecast
97
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 10 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Town of Lake Isabella provides nearest services, including police and medical facilities. Kern Valley Hospital is approximately 15 minutes away.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 through December 31.
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are available and are noted to be within walking distance of campsites by users. However, litter has been reported, especially near the river and beach areas, detracting from the overall experience.
Proximity to water featuresClose to the Lower Kern River, with access to a day-use beach area; Lake Isabella is a short drive away. Nearby hot springs are often noted.
Common complaintsLack of shade at many sites. Noise complaints due to parties ignoring quiet hours. Vault toilets sometimes lack maintenance.
HostCampground hosts, including Bob and Kenny, are frequently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness. Hosts clean bathrooms and assist with campsite issues.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Highway 99, take Highway 178 east for 4 miles. Turn right on Borel Road, then right onto the Old Canyon Road. Continue about 2 miles, then turn right into Sandy Flats Campground.
Accessible via paved roads; however, some reviews mention narrow roads and maintenance issues. "The road into the campground was in serious need of repair."Nearby places
Lake Isabella (approximately 5 miles, 10 minutes)
Kernville (approximately 15 minutes)
Bakersfield (approximately 41 miles, 50 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Lake Isabella offers grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel. Kernville also has stores and local breweries. Giant Sequoia Mercantile nearby for books, maps, and camping gear.
Camper Reviews
4.5
134 reviews
Sandy Flat is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews offer a mixed perspective on Sandy Flat Campground. Positive aspects include its proximity to the river, clean campsites, and the helpfulness of the camp host. Negative points highlight issues like noise from neighboring campers, lack of shade, and occasional maintenance lapses in bathrooms.
Review Summaries
Based on 134 reviews
What Campers Love
"Bob the camp host was the best!" "Sites are nice and clean." "Great location right next to the river."
Based on 134 reviewsCommon Concerns
"Bathrooms smelled TERRIBLE." "Noise pollution from neighboring campers." "Trash and litter around the campground."
Based on 134 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Choose sites #30, #32, and #33 for privacy and proximity to the river. Bring shade structures for camping during summer months.
Based on 134 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews often focus on the lack of shade and high temperatures, while off-season reviews highlight quieter and cleaner conditions. Weekend stays may involve noise due to larger groups.
Based on 134 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Bob the host is amazing and keeps the bathroom clean." "The river is refreshing and beautiful." "Avoid weekends if you prefer peace; weekdays are better."
Based on 134 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site #33: Very private with ample space for setting up tents. Site #32: Close to bathrooms and water. Site #26: Includes upper-level space accessible via a climb.
Based on 134 reviewsAccessibility Features
Some sites like #18 require a short walk from the parking area, which might pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
Based on 134 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews about pets or pet policies are mentioned in the source material.
Based on 134 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025