One of our favorite places to camp is on the Kings River, east of Pine Flat Lake. Near where Sue and I like to camp is USFS Kirch Flat Campground off of Trimmer Springs Road, but we prefer to disperse camp along the Kings River.
First spot is right after you cross the first bridge, turn right on the dirt road. Haven’t camped there but it’s a nice spot and easy to get to.
Our favorite spot is about one-mile up Trimmer Springs Road on the left. It has foundations left behind by — who knows? — but lately it has been taken over by a river rafting company so we scouted alternate locations.
Just after you cross the bridge the second time, hang a right onto the dirt road which parallels the river — E. Trimmer Springs Road. Along here are great spots to pull over and camp, and there is a very rustic campground up the road about two or three miles called Bear Wallow. Just a picnic table and a USFS toilet, but Sue and I pulled in pretty close to the river and were the only ones there.
More spots up the road if you want to explore a bit, and the map shows some more small campgrounds. It’s a dirt road but we had no problems driving it in our 22-foot motorhome. Had to slow down a couple spots to ease our way over some rocks, but no big deal.
Very scenic along the Kings River. It was flowing fast last time we were there, as the snow melt combined with the rains had it really moving. The river has special fishing regulations: artificial lures only with the barbs removed, and catch and release.
See USDA/Sierra/recreation/fishing for fishing regulations.
If you want to have a campfire, you must use the fire pit in the campground. I would also recommend you get a fire permit from any USFS office or Cal Fire. We get ours at the USFS office in North Fork.
We like to hike along the road with our Corgi Maggie May, fish and just relax. Love to read books and the Fire Tablet I got for Christmas is loaded up so I don’t run out of reading material.
In the spring, this area is a wildflower paradise.
Remember, pack out any trash you make and keep the campsite clean.
Like I said, camping along the Kings River is one of our favorite places and we hope it can become yours also.
Camping on the Kings River (Year Round) See map.
