Hospital Flat Campground is located along the Kern River in the Sequoia National Forest, 6½ miles upstream from Kernville. The campground is 10 miles from Lake Isabella. Visitors to the campground enjoy hiking, fishing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting in the Kern River. Swimming in the river is very dangerous because of strong currents. Nearby Lake Isabella has boating, waterskiing, windsurfing, and fishing. The Kern River canyon can be quite hot in the summer.
Hospital Flat Campground has 49 campsites around a single loop. Four of the campsites are walk-in, tent-only sites. One of the walk-in sites can accommodate 24 people. The remainder can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Rocks and boulders are scattered about the campground. Some sites have shade, but many are exposed to the sun.
| Hospital Flat Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Hospital Flat Campground Location: | Sierra Way/Mountain 99, 4 miles north of Kernville |
| Elevation: | 3,000 feet |
| Mileage from Gateway City: | Bakersfield - 56 miles |
| Number of Sites: | 49 |
| Camping Season: | Open May - September |
| Max. People per Site: | 6 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 2 (fee for 2nd vehicle) |
| Pets: | On leash, always attended |
| Campground Information: | (760) 376-1815 |
| Kern River Ranger District: | (760) 379-5646 |
| Reservations at Hospital Flat Campground | |
|---|---|
| Reservations available: | whenever campground is open |
| Booking Window: | Reservations can be made from 3 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date. |
| Maximum RV/Trailer Length: | 30 feet |
| Wheelchair Accessible Sites: | None designated |
| Fees: | $34 per night for a single site ($2 more over holidays)
Quad campsite $145 ($8 more over holidays) Plus $10 reservation fee |
| Reservations: | Hospital Flat Campground Reservations |
| Check-in, check-out: | 2:00 PM, check-out Noon |
| Hospital Flat Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups |
| Campground: | Vault toilets, tap water |
| Showers: | No |
| Dump station: | No |
| Campground Map: | Hospital Flat Campground Map |
| Attractions near Hospital Flat Campground: | Slip on your daypack and set out on 13-mile Whiskey Flat, 16-mile Flynn Canyon or 4-mile Tobies Trails. Enjoy the Kern River at Riverkern Beach Picnic Area. Drive down to Lake Isabella for fishing and boating. Visit the North Fork Marina with store and boat rentals. Try mountain biking or hiking. Stop by McNally's Fairview Lodge and Restaurant. Tour the Lake Isabella Visitor Center.
Trout Fishing Best Sellers |
Hospital Flat Campground
Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.
In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.
Hospital Flat Campground
Lake Isabella may attract visitors from far and wide. Upstream of the lake the Kern River flows through a winding canyon. Visitors at Hospital Flat Campground are along the Kern River less than 7 miles from Kernville.
Check Sequoia National Forest - Hospital Flat Campground for any campground updates.
