The best camping near Fossil Falls, CA

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Discover the ancient allure of Fossil Falls.  

The best camping in Fossil Falls, CA

Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

1. Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

95%
(233)
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 🏕

2. Diamond Acres Camp 🏕

96%
(28)
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

3. Kernville Ranch

100%
(20)
32mi from Fossil Falls · 5 sites
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 
$72
 / night
Double Triangle Ranch

4. 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

5. Wandering Star Ranch

99%
(45)
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

6. Spirit Walk - Private Retreat

99%
(567)
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
The Squattage in the Sequoia National Forest!

7. The Squattage in the Sequoia National Forest!

97%
(76)
42mi from Fossil Falls · 1 site
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 Wild West Town

8. Golden Cactus Wild West Town

100%
(1)
11mi from Fossil Falls · 1 site · Tent, RV
Golden Cactus Wild West Town is a great place to rest and relax, surrounded by beautiful views in every direction. You can explore the 1800s gold rush 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 have access to a power outlet.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$33
 / night
Haiwee Flats

9. Haiwee Flats

83%
(3)
15mi from Fossil Falls · 1 site
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

10. Robison Ranch

100%
(3)
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
SoCal Camping

11. SoCal Camping

87%
(103)
31mi from Fossil Falls · 39 sites
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
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$102
 / night
The Kern Lodge

12. The Kern Lodge

32mi from Fossil Falls · 19 sites
Location: we are located in Kernville, just a 5 to 8-minute walk from the Kern River, next door to the Kern River Brewing Company, across from the Sierra Gateway Market, and up the street from Pizza Barn and the Kern River Fly Shop. We are 1 hour from the Trail of 100 Giants in the Sequoia National Park (the Trail is CLOSED from November – Memorial Day in May). Our rooms vary between Mountain and Pool Views. Most stores and restaurants are either next door, down the street, or over the bridge (5 to 8 minutes walk). Weather: we are located in a high desert country. Even though we are in the mountains, the Kern River Valley is usually warmer than you expect (except during winter months). You can check the weekly forecast for Kernville here. Amenities: Internet Wi-Fi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge. Parking-Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed). Pets-Pets are not allowed. Pool-Outdoor Pool (seasonal) – FREE Entertainment & Family Services-Game Room Coin-Operated Foosball Table – $1.00 BBQ Facilities – FREE Family Friendly-Family Rooms General Non-smoking Rooms Air Conditioning – FREE Designated Smoking Area Honeymoon Suite Heating Grounds Library Skiing Skiing (Off-site) Activities Golf Course (within 2 miles) Hiking (Off-site) – FREE Fishing (Off-site) – FREE Canoeing (Off-site) Cycling (Off-site) Windsurfing (Off-site) Foosball – Coin Operated $1.00 Cleaning Services Daily Housekeeping – FREE
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$92
 / night
Rivergate Cabin

13. Rivergate Cabin

33mi from Fossil Falls · 1 site
Nestled in Sequoia National Forest, this custom cabin boasts unbeatable views with BACKYARD ACCESS to the Kern River and PRIVATE BEACH! It is a Kernville gem, blending modern/tribal themes with a vaulted wood ceiling, real River Rock fireplace, open living area, rec/game room, secluded deck, modern chef's kitchen, multiple picnic areas and the Kern River flowing through the BACKYARD! Rivergate offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$360
 / night
Kern River Nest

14. Kern River Nest

33mi from Fossil Falls · 3 sites
Perched at the top of a gravel driveway, the Kern River Nest has close proximity by car to downtown Kernville and the river; is walking distance to hiking trails; and boasts beautiful mountain views from the property. The property has 3 units that can be rented separately or all together for one large group. Unit 1: The "Mountain Perch" includes 3 bedrooms on 2 stories with 4 total Queen sized beds, 2 bathrooms, front and back decks, and open kitchan/living room. Unit 2: The "Chateau" is a studio unit with 2 Queen sized beds and small kitchen set up. Unit 3: The "Casita" is a studio unit with 1 Queen sized bed and a kitchenette. All units come with access to a serene garden with a hot tub, clawfoot bathtub and outdoor shower.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$220
 / night
Underworld Farms

15. Underworld Farms

86%
(43)
34mi from Fossil Falls · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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 our son's 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 drive your vehicle and pitch a tent on one of our tent friendly sports. Or enjoy a stay in one of our small cabins. Regardless of what you stay in, you will definitely have a memorable time. The campground is VERY barebones and rural. Critters, bugs, and sometimes fellow Hipcampers can be sparce or prevalent pretty randomly. Because Underworld Farms is a working ranch, you will probably hear livestock noises like horses neighing, sheep and goats calling, and our protector dogs barking from time to time. We encourage you to walk over to the horses and goats and meet them. They especially like when you bring them carrots or apple pieces. The ranch has a double outhouse with a hand washing station sandwiched in between, it is rustic and bare bones. We check it to see if it has paper products, soap, water, and plenty of room in the trash bins. During the hotter months, the "daddy longleg" spiders enjoy infiltrating the outhouses and seem to spin new webs overnight. But they and their webs are harmless and easy to brush off. We ask for your assistance if there is something missing, or the trash needs taking out, or if the spiders have taken over again by getting ahold of us through the Hipcamp App and letting us know. With all that being said, there is an ambient beauty here that is unbelievable and memorable. This beauty and draw is so powerful that it causes the many people who come visit to make arrangements to live in our little valley. There is much to do in and around our valley that you couldn't do it all in a lifetime. We hope that you come and stay at the ranch while enjoying our valley. May you have a great time. *** THE PIN MAP ON HIPCAMP IS NOT 100% ACCURATE. PLEASE REFFER TO THE MAP OF THE PROPERTY IN THE PHOTOS
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$24
 / night
Split Mountain Retreat

16. Split Mountain Retreat

94%
(8)
35mi from Fossil Falls · 5 sites · RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Split Mountain Retreat! Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. Enjoy amazing lake and mountain views from our Mountain Top Studio or our large, level RV campsite. Unobstructed 360* views, complete privacy, acres of land to roam and full RV hookups. There is a studio apartment and two RV locations, each with 50amp and 30amp; 120V outlets and septic connections. A covered area with picnic tables and a sitting area with Adirondack chairs. 28 acre property surrounded by BLM land. Hiking abounds. Multiple sitting areas for meditation or enjoying the spectacular view. No close neighbors. Complete privacy, peace and quiet. No Smoking. No Parties. Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature at our private mountain top retreat.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$84
 / night
Cozy cabin by the lake

17. Cozy cabin by the lake

100%
(1)
36mi from Fossil Falls · 1 site
Walking distance to rafting. Relax with the whole family at this peaceful and cozy place to stay. Perfect for a large family or multiple small families staying together. Fenced in backyard. Lots of parking and space for a small rv/ trailer. Come play in the snow up the mountain during winter, enjoy the lake all year round. Explore the town, find a few treasures at the antique store, hike the Trail of 100 Giants, soak in Miracle Hot Springs, and fish or catch crayfish in the river/lake.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$350
 / night
Spectacular A-Frame. Epic views!!

18. Spectacular A-Frame. Epic views!!

88%
(4)
36mi from Fossil Falls · 1 site
Welcome to Wild Elk Sleepover! This charming A-Frame cabin is nestled on a serene hillside between Lake Isabella, Alta Sierra and Kernville. Fill your lungs with the fresh Autumn air. This valley is the California mountains' best kept secret. - Stunning mountain & lake views - Spacious deck - Full kitchen - Retro gaming system in bedroom TV - Cozy fire pit - Comfy mattresses - Mini split AC in every room - Dog Friendly! Perfect base for all your adventures. Unwind and rejuvenate! Cheers!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$126
 / night
Cabin Grimm

19. Cabin Grimm

100%
(5)
36mi from Fossil Falls · 1 site
A storybook cabin located in the heart of the Sequoia National Forest. We love all things spooky so we have tried to bring the old magic of the woods into our little cabin. 3 bedrooms and 2 baths tucked into a small community. We are motivated by a love of nature & a respect for it. A wood burning hot tub is tucked in between the pines offers a soak after a day of exploring our beautiful Southern Sierra. Before forewarned, if it’s in the winter, we get a lot of snow. We highly suggest a an all-wheel-drive vehicle or definitely chains on a 2 wheel dr. vehicle.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$194
 / night
Isabella Camping

20. Isabella Camping

100%
(1)
36mi from Fossil Falls · 12 sites · Tents, RVs
NEW PROPERTY! More photos are coming soon!! Lake view with easy access, Tent & Camp; RV camping , electric & water hook ups , laundry mat , restrooms and cold showers. Property is open access off the highway, so there will be slight noise. There are 8 sites in the front with a lake view, and 4 in the back that don't. Total of 12 campsites. There are full hook-ups with water, electric (30 amp), and sewer. The sites are dirt/gravel but not rough terrain. The sites are completely level, so you can park and go. The lake is just on the other side of the highway. You can access the lake by walking, it's right across the street. Less than an 1/8th of a mile is drive in access to the lake. You are welcome to haul in your boat to the property as well, happy to give you boat parking.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$51
 / night

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The 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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