Sandy Flat
SANDY FLAT
Part of Sequoia National Forest
Overview
Sandy Flat Campground is set back from the Lower Kern River at an altitude of 2,300 feet near the town of Lake Isabella. Campsites are a short walk from the river, offering countless recreational opportunities for visitors.Facilities
Campsites are set along one loop in largely open sites. Large boulders, relics of the ice age, are scattered throughout the campground. River access is in the day camp area. Drinking water, picnic areas and vault toilets are provided.
Natural Features
The Sequoia National Forest, located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada in central California, takes its name from the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree, which grows in more than 30 groves on the Forest's lower slopes.The Forest comprises about 1.1 million acres, and elevations range from about 1,000 to 12,000 feet, creating precipitous canyons and mountain streams with spectacular waterfalls such as Salmon Creek Falls and Grizzly Falls.
Recreation
Hiking, trout fishing, river wading and floating are popular pursuits. The Hobo Fishing Trail, a short walking trail, is nearby.Click here to learn more about the Lower Kern River, including safety and permitting requirements and a listing of local outfitters.
Nearby Attractions
The Giant Sequoia Mercantile offers a wide variety of books, maps, gifts, local art, camping supplies and other merchandise.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (760) 376-1269.Important Notices
Six people per site including children
Hookups are not available
River views are limited due to bank overgrowth
In accordance with standard industry practices, ExplorUS will be assessing an additional vehicle fee of $8.00 per night on the second vehicle in each single family campsite, and on the third and fourth vehicle in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to the first vehicle by a hitch and towed onto the site. In the case of motorcycles, the first two are considered to be one vehicle and the third and fourth are also considered to be one vehicle. No additional vehicle fees are collected for bicycles.
- Click here for more info about the Sequoia National Forest
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Site length includes tow vehicle
Notifications and Alerts
Fire Restrictions
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), and to protect natural resources and provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Sequoia National Forest. This Order is effective from August 11, 2026, through November 30, 2026.
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, except in the designated Campfire Areas listed in Exhibits A or B. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building or within the areas listed in Exhibits A or B. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).
3. Operating an internal combustion engine, except on a designated National Forest System road, trail, or within the areas listed in Exhibits A or B. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(g).
4. Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame, except within the areas listed in Exhibits A or B. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(h).
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
2. Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit are not exempt from the prohibitions listed above. However, persons with a valid California Campfire Permit may use a stove or lantern that uses gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel and has a shut-off valve, or a propane-fueled campfire pit with an on/off switch (wood-burning campfire pits are prohibited) in an area at least five feet from any flammable materials.
3. Persons with a valid 2026 Forest Products Removal Permit (fuelwood permit) from the United States Forest Service are not exempt from the prohibitions listed above, but may operate an internal combustion engine off National Forest System roads and trails only to the extent necessary to cut fuelwood, provided the cutting of fuelwood is done in compliance with the terms of the fuelwood permit.
4. Persons with a Forest Service non-special use written authorization to conduct non-recreational activities, such as harvesting timber or forest products, or grazing livestock, are exempt from Prohibition Nos. 3 and 4, to the extent allowed by the written authorization.
These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions contained in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.
A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
This Forest Order supersedes Forest Order 0513-26-05, signed on June 9, 2026.
Available Activities
- FISHING - Fishing
- CAMPING - Camping
Directions
From 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.
Contact Information
Phone: 760-376-1815
Lake Isabella, CARental Options
Available Campsites
- Site 023, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 021, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 028, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 029, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 032, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 020, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 022, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 025, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 027, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 034, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 031, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 019, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 016, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 030, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 017, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 018, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 026, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 033, Loop SANDY FLAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
