Chimney Creek Campground

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Chimney Creek Campground

BLM camping is a popular activity for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurous travelers all over the western United States. BLM stands for Bureau of Land Management, a government agency that administers and protects a large variety of unique and beautiful federal lands. Most of these sites not only feature well-maintained campgrounds in peaceful settings, but also numerous nearby opportunities for outdoor fun. Search for "BLM camping near me" to find out if any of these places are in your area.

One of the many BLM sites in California is Chimney Creek Campground, located within the Chimney Creek Recreation Area. The campground lies just east of Sequoia National Forest and only a short distance from three national parks. Death Valley National Park is about 50 miles east, Sequoia National Park is about 30 miles north, and Kings Canyon National Park is just a few miles north of Sequoia. In addition to the lovely campground, the Chimney Creek Recreation Area offers miles of scenic hiking trails to explore.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Pacific Crest Trail

The Pacific Crest Trail is an extremely long point-to-point trail that runs all the way from Mexico to Canada. As it happens, the popular tail passes right through the Chimney Creek Recreation Area at Canebrake Road. The fairly challenging trail features forests, lakes, rocky areas, waterfalls, and more. Hikers, backpackers, and campers have all been known to visit the scenic trail regularly.

Length: 2,650 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Johnsondale Bridge River Trail

The Johnsondale Bridge River Trail is a beautiful out-and-back trail within the Sequoia National Forest. The trail will take you through lush forested areas, near rivers, and past waterfalls. You'll also find opportunities for fishing and rock climbing as you traverse the popular trail. The best time to visit is either summer or fall when the flow of the river isn't too strong.

Length: 5.2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing & Boating

Although the area around Chimney Creek Campground is relatively arid, some fishing and boating options are within a reasonable distance. One nearby possibility is Lake Isabella, where you can catch a variety of fish species, including large- and smallmouth bass, rainbow and brown trout, kokanee salmon, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. You can also take a boat out onto the lake if you have a valid permit. Motorized boats, small fishing boats, kayaks, canoes, and sailboats are all great options, and visitors regularly use the lake for waterskiing, wakeboarding, and tubing as well.

Climbing

Climbing enthusiasts will have a variety of fun and challenging climbs to choose from in the area around Chimney Creek Campground. The nearby Chimney Rocks area features multiple granite formations with numerous different climbing routes available. The most popular of the formations is Chimney Spire, which features at least 13 separate routes. The most popular Chimney Spire route is Duet, which is rated 5.8+. Other formations that adventurous climbers can take on include Chimney Rock, Crystal Wall, The Monk, Dinner Wall, Sasquatch Spire, and Moccasin Ridge.

Wildlife Viewing

The nearby Sequoia National Forest and National Park are both inhabited by diverse creatures. The area is particularly known for its large population of black bears, but they're far from the only wildlife you may spot. While exploring the area, you may be lucky enough to see coyotes, badgers, beavers, wolverines, mountain lions, foxes, deer, sheep, and more.

Picnicking

At the Chimney Creek Campground, every available campsite comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. You can either enjoy your lunch at one of the tables or scope out a peaceful area near the creek and lay out a picnic blanket. Either way, you'll find the site a relaxing place for picnics.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is a possibility at the Chimney Creek Campground. Although none of the campground's 36 campsites features water, sewer, or electric hookups, many of the sites can accommodate RVs. Things are much the same at the nearby Long Valley Campground, and those are the only Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the area. If you require a campground with RV hookups and modern amenities, you'll likely need to travel southwest or southeast roughly 20 miles. A couple of relatively nearby options are the Lake Isabella / Kern River KOA and the El Solana Mobile Home and RV Park.

Free Camping

The Chimney Creek Campground is a perfect spot for Bureau of Land Management free camping. All 36 of the campsites are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also do your free camping at the other nearby BLM campground, Long Valley Campground. If you want to really rough it, you can select any area you like to set up your own campsite, provided you're outside of the established campgrounds.

RV Rentals Near Chimney Creek Campground Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Chimney Creek Campground BLM trip

When you're planning your trip to the Chimney Creek Campground, make sure you're prepared for the hot California weather. During the summer, potable water is provided at the end of the campground loop at campsite No. 36. However, you'll want to bring plenty of your own water even during spring and fall. Additionally, don't forget to bring sun protection, especially if you intend to do any hiking or rock climbing in the area.

The Chimney Creek Recreation Area is in a remote section of California, so be prepared to go without cell phone service. You'd also be wise to pack your RV full of emergency supplies and plenty of food that's easy to prepare. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

With a little effort, you can help preserve the health and beauty of the Chimney Creek Campground BLM area. Make sure to properly dispose of any waste, garbage, or trash near your campsite or pack it out when you leave. If you come across any wildlife, don't approach the animals. You can enjoy observing them from a safe and respectful distance. Treat your fellow campers with privacy and respect, and if you burn any campfires, keep them small and contained. Please do not take anything from the site with you or disturb the natural environment. Make every effort to leave behind no trace of your visit to the site.

Chimney Creek Campground Location

To reach the Chimney Creek Campground from Lake Isabella, CA, follow CA-178 east for approximately 30 miles. Turn north when you reach Canebrake Road (a graded dirt road), and follow it for roughly 9 miles. When you reach the junction of Canebrake and Long Valley/Chimney Basin Roads, continue straight on via the right fork. After about 2 more miles, the campground will be on your right.

Ready to visit Chimney Creek Campground? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.