Sandy Flat Campground – Sequoia National Forest, Kern River Canyon

Sandy Flat Campground is a peaceful, river-access campground located along the Lower Kern River in the Sequoia National Forest. Known for its warm canyon climate, open terrain, and convenient access from Bakersfield and Lake Isabella, Sandy Flat offers an easygoing riverside experience that appeals to anglers, rafters, and families looking for a relaxed place to enjoy the Kern River corridor. Its broad, sandy riverbanks and wide canyon views give the campground a distinctive feel compared to the more forested campgrounds upstream.

Location & Setting

The campground sits off Highway 178 between Lake Isabella and Bakersfield, nestled along a wide, sandy stretch of the Lower Kern River. The surrounding terrain features granite boulders, rugged hillsides, and open desert vegetation, with cottonwoods and willows providing pockets of shade. The river in this section is calmer in places but still demands caution due to changing flow levels. The lower-elevation setting means warm days, mild nights, and early-season camping opportunities before higher campgrounds open for the year.

Campground Overview

Sandy Flat Campground offers a moderate number of campsites arranged in a loop layout with direct or close access to the river. Sites are generally open and sunny, making them great for fall, winter, and early spring camping. Most sites are level and suited for tents, vans, small trailers, and mid-sized RVs, though the rustic access roads and tighter turns may be challenging for very large rigs. The broad sandy areas around the campground provide plenty of space for kids to explore and play, giving Sandy Flat a family-friendly atmosphere.

Amenities

Campsites include picnic tables and fire rings, and the campground provides vault toilets. Potable water is not always available depending on the season, so campers should plan accordingly and bring enough water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. As with most Kern River campgrounds, there are no electrical hookups, showers, or dump stations on site. However, the campground’s close proximity to Lake Isabella, Kern River rafting outfitters, and nearby stores makes it convenient for stocking up on supplies during longer stays.

Activities & Nearby Recreation

Sandy Flat is positioned near several popular recreation zones along the Lower Kern. Fishing for trout and other species is common along nearby stretches of river, and local outfitters offer rafting trips ranging from family-friendly floats to more adventurous whitewater runs. The canyon also provides opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and photography, with dramatic rock formations and golden-light canyon views at sunrise and sunset. Wildlife sightings—such as deer, raptors, and songbirds—are frequent, and the clear canyon skies make evening stargazing surprisingly rewarding.

Summary

Sandy Flat Campground offers a relaxed, accessible camping experience along a scenic stretch of the Lower Kern River. With its sunny, open sites, broad sandy riverbanks, and convenient location between Lake Isabella and Bakersfield, it serves as an excellent base for fishing, rafting, and canyon exploration. For visitors seeking a warm-weather, family-friendly campground close to the river and full of classic Kern River scenery, Sandy Flat delivers a simple but rewarding outdoor getaway.