The best camping near Fossil Falls

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Fossil Falls adventure.

Discover the ancient allure of Fossil Falls.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Fossil Falls

Top-rated campgrounds near Fossil Falls

94%

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Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

24 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Olancha, CA

Welcome to our new resort with breathtaking views our 100 acre RV retreat and our nearly 1 mile shoreline of beautiful Olancha Lake with the majestic snowcapped Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and Death Valley to the east make for an incredible retreat. We are located near Lone Pine in the township of Olancha in the Owens Valley of California.

99%

(50)

The Squattage in the Sequoia National Forest!

1 site · Lodging1 acre · California Hot Springs, CA

It’s a newly constructed little cottage that a Sasquatch would call home, that’s why we call it the Squattage! Our guests love the history of our Village and surrounding areas, the wildlife, serenity, and friendly folks, we hope you do too! Learn more about this land: Beautiful new A-frame, high-end fit and finish! Features include a sleeping loft! The downstairs has a daybed with a trundle, a sitting area, an indoor potty and a nice breakfast bar! It’s so relaxing, romantic, and just as fabulous as can be! The hot outdoor shower has a beautiful view of the trees and sky! The large front porch is perfect for relaxing or planning the day's adventure! All solar powered. There’s a propane fire pit to cook on or enjoy, propane is available for $35 or you can bring your own. Peaceful Village, beautiful views, park-like setting! Lots of wildlife to see! Beds have high-end bedding, nicer than the hotels! Towels and washcloths are provided for the shower. We even have a few games for you to play to add to your stay at the Squattage! HEY FOLKS! The weather is beautiful, come on up! Spoil yourself and spend some time in our neck of the woods, you deserve it! BOOK NOW BEFORE SOMEONE BEATS YOU TO IT!! Hope to see you soon! PS, we now have Star Link Wi-Fi!! Come on up and be a part of our community! Our Village has begun having craft shows on the first Saturday of every month, lots of great things for purchase! We attend and sell many beautiful items including exotic custom rings, don’t miss out! Items will be available for you to purchase after you check in👍

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Spirit Walk - Private Retreat

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Wofford Heights, CA

Private ADULT ONLY camping. With a central outdoor kitchen and dining area, group fire pit, & a bathroom with a composting toilet, sink, & shower. Seasonal creek. Quiet and private. We have a small cabin (The Playhouse) and 15 campsites. No Pets, No Smoking ADULTS ONLY. Spirit Walk is a quiet meditative place. It is not a conducive environment for young children. Thank you for understanding. Lake Isabella, the Kern River and historic Kernville are just 5 minutes down the road. All Hipcamp proceeds go directly back into the land in the way of forest maintenance, a tree planting program and improvements to the facilities.

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(530)

Death Valley Stargazing Camp

6 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Valley Wells, CA

PLEASE NOTE: You MUST approach the property from the south through the ghost town of Ballarat. If you try to approach from the north on Indian Ranch Road, you very well may come across some section of road that have been washed out. PLEASE APPROACH FROM THE SOUTH! The easiest way to get here is to navigate to Ballarat first, and then turn north on Indian Ranch Road. Google often thinks the road in between Ballarat and our location is closed, but we assure you it's not, and hasn't been for years. PLEASE NOTE THERE IS NO CELL SERVICE IN THE AREA. Pitch your tent or pull up your RV or camper van on Death Valley's front porch just outside of Surprise Canyon in Panamint Valley. Near the ghost town of Ballarat, Death Valley Stargazing Camp is one of only four private parcels in all of Panamint Valley -- and lies just west of the Death Valley National Park boundary. This pristine valley is untouched, and offers panoramic views of amazing sunsets, sunrises, and of course dark, dark skies! The property features 4 campsites with privacy amongst the 80 acres. All sites have several hundred feet in between them, and include a picnic bench, fire ring, and shared porta-potties across from the Green Alien Mailbox (800 - 1200 feet away depending on your campsite -- or as we call them, Starsites). And did we mention the views?? Whether you're visiting Death Valley, or just passing through the desert -- these campsites are serene, scenic, and include a stargazing wonderland! Site #1: Recessed from the road, this is the biggest site and has ample room for any type of vehicle, as well as lots of vehicles. Vehicles can pull through. Site #2: Closer to the road and also fairly big. Some vehicles can pull through but some will have to back out. Large trailers could be a problem. Site #3: Along side the road and the smallest of the three sites (although all sites are surrounded by nothing). All vehicles will have to back out of this site. Large trailers could be a problem. SIte #4: Across from the mailbox on the west side of the road. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR LARGE TRAILERS OR ANY HEAVY VEHICLES WHICH COULD GET STUCK IN THE SAND! Cars should proceed with caution and stay on the road as there are areas of loose sand near this site. Walk to it first to check conditions if you are unsure. Come join us in the middle of nowhere with dark skies and easy access to Death Valley, the Trona Pinnacles, Darwin Falls, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and countless canyons with mining ruins and adventures!

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Havilah Pines homestead

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Havilah, CA

Located in the national sequoia forest, Havilah pines homestead is a unique place, we are in the middle of a canyon, rural and remote but not too remote, do note that there is no cell service here but we do offer wifi service for a fee. the closest town and Lake is about 20 minutes away. we have the cleanest air in Kern, blue skies most days and stars during the night like you have never seen them in the city! it can get toasty during the day, but once that sun goes behind the mountain it cools off that some times you want to put something on! We are a micro farm growing organic food and practicing non GMO sustainable organic farming methods even our animals eat only organic non GMO feed, among our livestock are chickens, turkeys and guinea fowl, they happily free range on the homestead and produce delicious eggs, if you haven't eaten eggs like free range ones then you must try them! the taste is light years different than the store bought ones... It is a quite and peaceful place(except the roosters and guineas), at night you hear crickets and frogs and early in the morning wake up to a pleasant tune of wild bird's symphony.

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SoCal Camping

39 sites · Lodging20 acres · Kernville, CA

The cabins are situated in The Sequoia National Forest, overlooking the majestic rapids of the Kern River. Come and hike, bike, dip in the river, or simply kick back and take in the 360 of sky scrapping mountains (even glimpse Mount Whitney!) At once a silver mine along the Kern River, now converted to a fun recreation spot for adventure seekers

100%

(5)

Underworld Farms

15 sites · Lodging, RVs6 acres · Kernville, CA

Underworld Farms is a small goat ranch in the Kern River Valley. Surrounded by forestry land, on the Kern River, and on top of what used to be the old town of Whiskey Flat (Later re-named Kernville). There is no end to the beauty, history and adventure all around the property. Life took us to the Kern River Valley after moving out of Los Angeles. We enjoy living in the Southern Sierras immersed in all its natural beauty. The small but magnificent town of Kernville is approximately two and a half miles north of us. Our livestock includes horses, dairy goats, sheep, and rabbits: Most of which are raised and bred as 4H or FFA projects. You may be wondering why our farm is called "Underworld Farms". In a nutshell, since our ranch is on the footprint of the historic town of Whiskey Flat, we just happen to be south of the old Whiskey Flat "Boot Hill" Cemetery. Our "driveway" is the road that led from the old town of Kernville to the cemetery. We hope that you consider parking your RV, van conversion, or trailer on one of our customized spots on the property. Or enjoy a stay in one of our small cabins or trailers. Regardless of what you stay in, you will definitely have a memorable time. *** THE PIN MAP ON HIPCAMP IS NOT 100% ACCURATE. PLEASE REFFER TO THE MAP OF THE PROPERTY IN THE PHOTOS

Camp Kennedy Meadows

2 sites · Lodging6 acres · Inyokern, CA

Camp Kennedy Meadows is shaded by beautiful pinion pine trees that has available tent camping or dry camping with rv. We have three Yurts with beds 1 cabin and two rv rentals. Swimming pool in the summer. Full bar and restaurant within walking distance. Portable toilets throughout the campground.

Booked 3 times

Haiwee Flats

1 site · RV3 acres · Olancha, CA

Come and enjoy a beautiful relaxing weekend at Haiwee flats, 360 views of mountains, pull in site with easy access to the highway. Also a few miles nearby is the Haiwee Reservoir, shhhhhh ..please respect signs. Lots of exploring and hiking nearby. Sageflats is a nearby road that can bring you closer to the mountains. Get lost enjoy yourself.

Booked 4 times

🌲The Prophecy Sequoia Crest🌲

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Sequoia Crest, CA

🌲The Prophecy Sequoia Crest - Wilderness Retreat 🌲 Escape to the breathtaking beauty of Sequoia Crest, where nature's grandeur meets modern comfort. Our secluded camping spot offers a unique and rejuvenating experience nestled in the heart of the majestic Sequoia National Forest. Campsite Features: 🏕️ Private & Secluded: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature with our exclusive camping spot, providing privacy and solitude for the perfect getaway. 🌲 Surrounded by Giant Sequoias: Camp under the towering giants, as ancient as time itself, and wake up to the symphony of wind rustling through their massive branches. 🔥 Campfire Bliss: Enjoy cozy evenings around a crackling campfire, sharing stories and creating memories with your loved ones. Activities: 🌄 Scenic Hiking Trails: Explore the nearby trails that lead to panoramic vistas, revealing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. 🚴 Mountain Biking Adventures: For the adventurous souls, embark on thrilling mountain biking trails amidst the stunning landscape. 📸 Photography Paradise: Capture the beauty of nature with incredible photo opportunities at every turn. Local Attractions: 🏞️ Sequoia National Park: A short drive away, immerse yourself in the wonders of Sequoia National Park, home to iconic attractions like General Sherman Tree and Moro Rock. 🛶 Kings Canyon: Discover the beauty of Kings Canyon with its majestic canyons, waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems. Booking Information: ⛺ Accommodation Type: Tent camping 🚗 Accessibility: Accessible by car, with designated parking areas 📅 Availability: Check our calendar for open dates and plan your unforgettable Sequoia Crest adventure! Experience the magic of Sequoia Crest Wilderness Retreat and create memories that will last a lifetime. Book your stay now for a truly immersive nature escape!

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Cartago Springs

2 sites · RVs1 acre · Cartago, CA

Cartago Springs is right off of the 395 HWY, with beautiful panoramic views of the Sierra mountains with bright twinkling open skies at night. Just minutes from cotton wood creek and a short drive to the Alabama Hills and Mt. Whitney. Open land to park your trailer or RV. Star gaze and eat under the stars. Cartago wildlife area is a five minute walk down the road from the property. The Cartago Wildlife area is a protected wet land that homes many different birds and wild life, there are walking trails and a small pond to enjoy. The property sits near what was once the old Cartago dump. You can find beautiful colored glass, porcelains, neat items like silverware, car parts, old lighters, a pickers paradise. feel free to take any treasures you find home with you! If you like to ride, Olancha dunes is just down the road. Cactus Flats Road in Olancha will take you into the Coso Mountains where the trails are endless, the views are beautiful and the peace is surreal. Cartago Springs is a few miles north of the Mobile gas station, where they serve hot food a perfect convince for the traveler. Hope to see you soon!

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Kernville Ranch

5 sites · Lodging15 acres · Kernville, CA

Nestled in meadows with a private river flowing through horse pastures, tall shade trees and all natural cedar hot tub. Kernville Ranch is just a 5 minute walk from the center of Kernville. Plenty of fishing and white water rafting, hiking and hot springs and snow play depending on the season. Explore the lake for water-sports, the high country for pristine wilderness and a little snow. The town is full of restaurants, antiques stores, and a wonderful museum of the rich heritage of this Wild West town,

The best camping near Fossil Falls guide

Overview

About

In the eastern foothills of the Sequoia National Forest, Fossil Falls lies in wait for travelers on Highway 395. A misnomer, Fossil Falls actually doesn't have any fossils or waterfalls. What you will find here are actually fascinating lava formations that have been sculpted by the melting glaciers that historically resided in the valley. A hotspot for climbers, Fossil Falls has several "finger-friendly" and established climbing routes. Ranging from easy to intermediate routes the climbing here is a truly unique experience as you must work with the eroded landscape in order to summit.

Notable campgrounds

The Fossil Falls campground offers 11 sites with potable water, restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings for a complete camping experience.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot at the popular Fossil Falls campground, especially during peak seasons.
Check for cancellations regularly as plans change and spots may open up unexpectedly.
Consider visiting during the off-season for better chances of getting a reservation.
Explore nearby camping options as a backup plan or to extend your adventure in the region.

When to go

The best time to visit Fossil Falls is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and conducive to outdoor activities. Summer months can be extremely hot, making daytime exploration less comfortable. Winter offers clear, crisp days but prepare for cold nights.

Know before you go

Wear appropriate footwear for hiking on uneven lava terrain and ensure children are supervised at all times.
Be mindful of the local wildlife, including rattlesnakes, and keep pets on a leash.
There are no fossils at Fossil Falls, but the area is rich in geological and cultural history.
Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the high desert environment can be harsh.
Check the weather and park alerts before your visit for any closures or safety advisories.