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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near Fossil Falls
Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground
Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground
95%
(226)
22mi from Fossil Falls · 24 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$29
/ night
Diamond Acres Camp 🏕
Diamond Acres Camp 🏕
96%
(26)
32mi from Fossil Falls · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Diamond Acres is a quiet, secluded camp in the Kern River Valley just minutes from Lake Isabella, the mighty Kern River, and Southern Sierras! We offer glamping sites (tent or trailer) with hot showers and flushing toilets!
Come enjoy the solitude and stars. Our camp overlooks miles of rolling hills with no houses in view! Skip the crowded campgrounds and glamp comfortably while only being 5 minutes from Lake Isabella! Take a short walk to the top of the property and enjoy some of the best sunsets you've ever seen! We are close to the Kern River, OHV trails, hot springs, hiking, kayaking, fishing, boating, paragliding, and so much more!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$25
/ night
Kernville Ranch
Kernville Ranch
100%
(20)
32mi from Fossil Falls · 5 sites · Lodging
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,
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$75
/ night
Double Triangle Ranch
Double Triangle Ranch
98%
(58)
33mi from Fossil Falls · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Once settled by Tubatulabel and Shoshoni tribes, this area is rich with reminders of their habitation.
Grinding rocks near Tipi camp are one of those.
When gold was discovered in the Kern River Valley, most of the native tribes were displaced but their decendents here in the KRV keep the history alive with language studies and cultural events.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$41
/ night
Wandering Star Ranch
Wandering Star Ranch
99%
(43)
35mi from Fossil Falls · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land:
Why book a camp site when you can book the campground? The Wandering Star is a private 20 acre dispersed group camp- Entire property (all sites) included in rental.
Bring a lock (Gate and Chain provided) and claim your retreat.
Take your jeep or ATVs through our gates straight into the BrightStar BLM Wilderness which abuts the property on two sides and extends into the Jawbone wilderness. Beginners can ride the extensive trails on the property itself. Play your music, dance naked, let your dogs run free... Enjoy the fantastic star gazing. Visit the primitive firing range a two minute walk away or by jeep, or plink varmints on site. Hiking, Biking. Nearby fishing, swimming, boating in the Kern River or Lake .
Situated on the back side of the lake, this site provides more sunlight time than many other sites around the lake. In some cases close to 2 hours.
Close to the lake at Mt. Mesa, boat launch, South fork Audubon nature preserve, restaurants, and scenic back road to Kernville.
Gas/Diesel and Market with Deli 5 minutes away.
(Ice, wood, adult beverages, fishing tackle, full grocery)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$100
/ night
Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
99%
(565)
37mi from Fossil Falls · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Private ADULT ONLY camping. With a central outdoor kitchen and dining area, group fire pit, and a bathroom with a composting toilet, sink and shower. Seasonal creek. Quiet and private.
Stargazer and the Boulders have their own fire pit, and there's a communal fire pit too.
We have a small cabin (The Playhouse) and 9 campsites. Each campsite will accommodate a medium size tent (10’x10’ max), except for The Boulders which will accommodate more.
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.
Toilets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$55
/ night
Off My Rocker Retreat
Off My Rocker Retreat
100%
(18)
41mi from Fossil Falls · 2 sites · RVs
We are located on 2.4 acres in the beautiful Kern River Valley. This isolated community offers a wide range of fantastic activities. Rafting, biking, hiking, and seasonal skiing.Kernville is the favorite spot for visitors and locals. Full of great places to eat along the Kern River.The Trail of 100 Giants is just North of there. We highly recommend taking the opportunity to go and be in awe of their ancient beauty.We would love to have you stay at our little ranch.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from
$36
/ night
The Squattage in the Sequoia National Forest!
The Squattage in the Sequoia National Forest!
97%
(76)
42mi from Fossil Falls · 1 site · Lodging
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👍
Toilets
Campfires
Wifi
from
$150
/ night
Golden Cactus Ghost Town
Golden Cactus Ghost Town
100%
(1)
11mi from Fossil Falls · 1 site · Tent, RV
Golden Cactus Ghost Town is a great place to rest and relax, surrounded by beautiful views in every direction. You can explore the ghost town itself or hike into No Name Canyon, where you’ll find a small river.
There are also many dirt roads behind the property, perfect for dirt bikes and other off-road vehicles.
The property is located just ¾ mile north of the Pearsonville Shell gas station and only 10 minutes from the nearest town. A public restroom is available next to the picnic area, where you can also enjoy a barbecue if you wish.
For RVs, we currently offer a 30-amp power outlet if you’d like to hook something up. Please note there are no gray or black water dumping facilities available.
If you’re camping outdoors, feel free to set up your tent in the designated area, which also includes access to a power outlet.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$29
/ night
Haiwee Flats
Haiwee Flats
83%
(3)
15mi from Fossil Falls · 1 site · RV
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, ..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.
Pets
from
$25
/ night
Robison Ranch
Robison Ranch
100%
(2)
17mi from Fossil Falls · 1 site · Tent, RV
Just off Highway 395, beneath the eastern Sierras, sits a former racehorse training facility with sweeping views of both the resident horses and surrounding mountains.
The property features a horse courtyard and open, undeveloped land for camping—peaceful, quiet, and perfect for slowing down. Stargazing is encouraged, with dark skies that truly shine. An outhouse with a toilet and sink is available on-site for campers’ use.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$45
/ night
Cartago Springs
Cartago Springs
78%
(9)
25mi from Fossil Falls · 2 sites · RVs
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!
Water hookup
Sewer hookup
Pets
from
$24
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
a
abhi
2 weeks ago
21 ft campervan
Nacho left very clear instructions for us and it was easy to find the campground. We didn't spend a lot of time at the campsite, but it's right next to the lake and could make for a relaxing picnic plan! Campground also had a public restroom (well maintained). Location is convenient with an easy and scenic ride out to Death Valley!
See more
C
Chris
2 weeks ago
24 ft travel trailer
With pets
We stayed at olancha over christmas weekend we arrived late however our spot was waiting for us when we arrived hook up were well marked and easily accessible. Camp ground was clean lake was clean and nacho was great at maintaining bathrooms and roads during the heavy rain. Views were simply amazing and nights so quiet
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peter
3 weeks ago
2 nights at Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
Had the most wonderful time at playhouse in spirit camp. I felt comfortable and communication was a 10/10 throughout the experience. I would definitely recommend!
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A
Angelica
December 2025
Tent
Group trip
The lake view was amazing. Nacho responds fast to messages and makes sure everything it’s okay. Thank you so much. It was my first time camping and it went smoothly.
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skanda
December 2025
16 ft car
Amazing views, Nacho was very helpful and let us change sites at the last minute. Restroom and shower clean and well maintained!
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T
Taelor
December 2025
Tent
This was mine and my husband’s first time camping at Lake Olancha and we will definitely be back! The host Nacho was very good at communicating and making us feel welcome and comfortable. We camped at tent site #2 and it had a great view of the lake and mountains along with a picnic table, fire pit and electrical stations on for sides of the tent for charging. It was practically snowing late at night but we were able to plug in our heater so our tent was nice and cozy when we were in there. It was so enjoyable in fact, we originally only booked 2 nights but ended up staying a 3rd night bc we didn’t want to leave lol there is only one public restroom but to our surprise we never had to wait to use it. The water for the shower was hot there was a heater and the toilet paper was always stocked. For the price you really cannot beat the experience and I would definitely recommend to stay here if you’re considering it!
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T
Taelor
November 2025
Tent
This was mine and my husband’s first time camping at Lake Olancha and we will definitely be back! The host Nacho was extremely good at communicating and making us feel welcome and comfortable. We camped at tent site #2 which has a lake/Mountain View, picnic table, fire pit and two electric stations for charging on both sides of the tent. Even though it was borderline snowing late at night, we were able to use our heater so our tent was very warm and cozy the whole trip. So much so, we originally only booked two nights but ended up booking a 3rd night bc we didn’t want to leave lol there is only one shared restroom but surprisingly we never had an issue with having to wait to use it. The water for the shower was hot and the toilet paper was always stocked. This was a great experience and I would definitely recommend it if you’re considering staying here!
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N
Nikki
November 2025
With pets
Loved loved loved my stay here! I would call it gamping - not quite luxury glamping but definitely above camping. There are basic amenities provided though bringing your own gear might be helpful. Definitely coming back with my friends!
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Maria
November 2025
Tent
My bf and I enjoyed our stay at Stargazer. It was quiet, clean, secluded and spacious! We loved that there were hot showers and clean toilets. We were the only one booked in the campground and we used the outdoor shower. The outdoor shower felt like we were showering in the middle of the forest! The creek is also so close to the campsite that you can hear it and it’s so relaxing. We cant wait to be back in the spring to go white water rafting!
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A
Adam
November 2025
Tent
Great location with easy access to Death Valley and Mt Whitney! Beautiful in the morning. Limited restrooms (only 1) and tent sites are a bit small but otherwise great place to crash for a couple nights. Firewood for $10/bundle cash only but there’s a gas station 2 mins away with firewood + bathroom if needed.
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E
Edgar
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Really enjoyed our stay at this campsite. It was our first camping trip ever so we only stayed the one night but definitely going back. Clean area, organized sites, clean bathroom, great views, and very easy to get to.
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Prajwal
November 2025
1 night at Diamond Acres Camp 🏕
Diamond Acre Camp is one of those rare places that feels calm the moment you arrive. The site is spacious, clean, and perfectly positioned for wide-open night skies. The star-gazing here is unreal — the kind of view that makes you forget about everything else.
The atmosphere is quiet, peaceful, and beautifully raw. My tent lit up under the stars felt straight out of a movie.
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G
Grace
November 2025
Tent
We loved it here! There was a bathroom with running water a short walk away and the views with the lake and mountains were beautiful.
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L
Lily
November 2025
Tent
I loved camping at Nacho's land. Very welcoming host, gorgeous views, and great location. The pond had fun activities to do when we returned to the campground!
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Michelle
November 2025
Tent
We had such a rejuvenating time tent camping on John’s land. The campsites were spacious, clean, and thoughtfully set up. The kitchen area and bathroom had everything we could possibly need — so organized, easy to find, and even hot water. We especially loved the outdoor shower, and really appreciated the walk-through tour over the phone with John when we arrived.
We stayed at the Stargazer site and it was unforgettable. Perfect, wide-open views of the stars and a cozy chimenea to sit beside the fire while we watched the sky all night. Truly such a special spot.
We will absolutely be back for future trips!
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Will
November 2025
With kids
Absolutely loved Diamond Acres, in particular the Stargazing Tent. The views were gorgeous (we saw the Milky Way!) and the site itself was set up great. Even though it was 38 degrees F overnight, we were cozy. Just wonderful.
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Chris
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Easy to find and a great host. Would definitely use again.
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V
Valerie
November 2025
15 ft travel trailer
With pets
This was such a great spot for us to find when we changed our route last minute! It was a bit wet/chilly out so we didn’t use many of the amenities but the views were GREAT. We met Nacho on the way in and he even let us switch sites so we weren’t right next to anyone. I highly recommend this easy site!
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J
Jonathan
November 2025
Tent
Super chilll spot to tent camp. Lots of nice amenities! Would definitely come back 👍🏼
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Lenzo
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Even on an extremely rainy day it was a great experience camping at Stargazer, when you arrive John will give you an introduction tour, and we really appreciated the moderate amount of equipment and amenities provided to us, the communal bathroom was really clean and campground has nice vibes!
See moreThe best camping near Fossil Falls, CA 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.
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