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Chimney Creek Campground

Little Lake, California · Tulare County · Campground

Chimney Creek Campground is located within Chimney Peak Recreation Area and is cherry stemmed out of Owens Peak Wilderness. The campground contains 36 sites and is nestled among beautiful pinyon pines, grey pines, and oaks along Chimney Creek at 5,700 feet in elevation. Each site in the campground has a picnic table an…

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About Chimney Creek Campground

Chimney Creek Campground is located within Chimney Peak Recreation Area and is cherry stemmed out of Owens Peak Wilderness. The campground contains 36 sites and is nestled among beautiful pinyon pines, grey pines, and oaks along Chimney Creek at 5,700 feet in elevation. Each site in the campground has a picnic table and fire ring. Potable water is available during the summer months near the very end of the campground loop at site 36. During the summer, days can be warm and dry. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail crosses Canebrake Road just south of the campground. Chimney Creek Trail, a primitive route along Chimney Creek, starts at the cattle guard a half mile from the start of the campground road.

How to Get There

Follow highway CA-178 approximately 30 miles east of the town of Lake Isabella and turn north onto Canebreak Road. Follow this graded dirt road approximately 9 miles to the prominent junction of Canebrake and Long Valley/ Chimney Basin Roads and continue straight (right fork). The campground will be on the right in an additional 2 miles. The campground road includes spurs to numerous sites. Potable water during the summer months is located at the very end of the campground road (1 mile).

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to Chimney Creek Campground

Heading to Chimney Creek Campground? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Chimney Creek Campground?

No central reservation system listed for Chimney Creek Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/14791) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Chimney Creek Campground?

Follow highway CA-178 approximately 30 miles east of the town of Lake Isabella and turn north onto Canebreak Road. Follow this graded dirt road approximately 9 miles to the prominent junction of Canebrake and Long Valley/ Chimney Basin Roads and continue straight (right fork). The campground will be on the right in an additional 2 miles. The campground road includes spurs to numerous sites. Potabl…

How do I contact Chimney Creek Campground?

You can reach the park at phone: 661-391-6000 or email: BLM_CA_Web_BK@blm.gov.