Kirch Flat Group Campground sits on the Kings River at 1,000 feet, where oak-covered foothills meet one of California's premier whitewater runs. This is a hot-season escape for Valley residents, with the river providing both Class III-IV rapids upstream and fishing holes right off the flat. Come spring through fall — summer gets brutal.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- $100
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 1,000 ft
- 📍GPS
- 36.87922, -119.14894
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- spring, summer, fall, winter
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 559-855-5355
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
The campground occupies a large flat beside the Kings River, shaded by oaks and pines but still hot enough in summer to drive most campers away until October. RVs up to 30 feet fit, though the setting favors tents. You get vault toilets, fire rings, and pedestal grills, but no water — pack everything you need for your group of up to 50.
Expect zero cell service and no running water. The nearest real services are 45 miles back in Sanger, about an hour and 20 minutes of driving. There's cell reception 10 minutes away if you need to check in with the world.
What to Know
The campground requires reservations and runs $100 per night for the group site. Watch for rattlesnakes and poison oak, which is abundant throughout the area — the classic "leaves of three" warning applies.
Spring brings the best conditions: green hills, California poppies coloring the foothills, and ideal weather before the heat sets in. Fall offers similar relief once temperatures drop.
On the River
The Kings River delivers a ten-mile run with Class III and IV rapids, typically running late April through mid-July depending on snowpack. Put-ins are available upstream at Winfrey Mine and Garnet Dike — no permits required for private rafting. Several commercial outfitters run trips through the High Sierra Ranger District.
The campground sits where the river is about to enter Pine Flat Reservoir, though there's no boat access from the reservoir side. Upstream, the river holds Wild and Scenic designation. A short walk puts you at the water's edge for fishing or cooling off, but respect the current — it's stronger than it looks.
For hiking, continue upriver past Garnet Dike put-in to where the road ends at a trailhead leading into the Wild and Scenic section of the Kings River.