Fossil Falls Campgrounds Recreation Site Camping Area

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Last Updated: February 22, 2026

Fossil Falls Campground, located in California’s high desert near the Sierra Nevada, offers 11 first-come, first-served established campsites—no reservations or permits required.


Summary

Fees are $6/night. Sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets; no water or hookups available, so bring your own supplies. RVs are welcome (no size restrictions), but dry camping only. Set among ancient lava flows and red rock formations, the stark desert scenery is dramatic and peaceful. Don’t miss the Fossil Falls hiking trail or nearby Red Hill cinder cone. Best visited in spring or fall for mild weather and stunning sunsets. A hidden gem for geology lovers and solitude seekers.



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15-Day Weather Outlook


       

5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

Fossil Falls Campgrounds Recreation SiteSF KERN R NR ONYX CA Preview Sf Kern R Nr Onyx Ca
138.0cfs
138cfs
Fossil Falls Campgrounds Recreation SiteSF TULE R NR CHOLOLLO CAMPGROUND NR PORTERVILLE CA Preview Sf Tule R Nr Cholollo Campground Nr Porterville Ca
19.5cfs
20cfs
Fossil Falls Campgrounds Recreation SiteSF TULE R NR RESERVATION BNDRY NR PORTERVILLE CA Preview Sf Tule R Nr Reservation Bndry Nr Porterville Ca
60.1cfs
60cfs
Fossil Falls Campgrounds Recreation SiteDEER C NR FOUNTAIN SPRINGS CA Preview Deer C Nr Fountain Springs Ca
33.6cfs
34cfs

Camping Essential Practices

Pack It In, Pack It Out
Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
Know Before You Go
Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
Minimize Campfire Impact
Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
Leave What You Find
Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.

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Nearby Snowpack Depths View more

INYOKERN 9.4 WSW
0"
0"
BEACH MEADOWS
0"
0"
NOHRSC CASA VIEJA MEADOWS
169.3"
169"
COTTONWOOD LAKES
0.85"
1"