Cool campsites in Southern Sierra

Hello!

I am looking for a campsite or area in late April for a group of friends in the southern Sierra hopefully near some beginner friendly climbing. I have a full rack, plenty of ropes, etc, but most of the people don't climb too hard. 

It would be great to be near fishable water or have enough space to play some yard games. We have previously used some FS roads up by the needles. 

Would love some input, feel free to DM if you don't want to blow up a spot too much! Appreciate y'all, thanks!

Sounds like Kern River near Kernville area might be your spot. I think it is still not too hot at that time of year. Awesome river next to some good climbing at New Directions area and Kernville slabs. We really enjoyed staying at the Limestone campground but it is a little further from the climbing. If you stay at Camp 3 or Headquarters campground you are right next to these spots. Some good fishing at Isabella Lake as well.

https://www.mountainproject.com/area/106278927/kernville-rock-aka-kern-slabs

  mountainproject.com/area/10…

Might be a little further, but Alabama Hills would also be nice. Lots of easy single pitch sport climbing, with great views of the mountains. I am pretty sure there is BLM land nearby for camping, though I haven’t been.

This place might just fit the bill:

https://www.mountainproject.com/area/107965156/fish-creek-rock

Free camping in the overflow lot and a pay CG across street for bathroom, water use. April is about the right time o the year.

The crag was originally developed as a teaching place so the easy climbing is one pitch stuff, harder long stuff added later (causing confusion) But that’s ez enuf to figure out once you are standing at bottom.
Trout Fishing (fly) is hard but Fish Creek (down below cg a few miles) has big golden rainbow mixed Trout. Creek is walkable.
Also more climbing up there than you can shake a stick at - only a fraction has ended up on MP. In April you will need to drive up from the east side cause Sherman Pass doesn’t open till June or so.
oh yea… you can dirt bike up there.

Have Fun 

Thanks everyone for the ideas!

M A wrote:

Thanks everyone for the ideas!

Thanks for acknowledging the advice. So many people want information, get it, and disappear. Leaving US to wonder how it went. Have a blast, enjoy the fine camping and climbing. 

Guy Keesee wrote:

Thanks for acknowledging the advice. So many people want information, get it, and disappear. Leaving US to wonder how it went. Have a blast, enjoy the fine camping and climbing. 

For sure! I think we are leaning towards Fish Creek, seems to fit the bill, plus we have been to Alabama hills and Kern River area. Both are great and we're on our list, but it's good to go somewhere new! I'll report back after.

Just called the Kernville Ranger Station, they didn't think Fish Creek campground would be accessible right now. Any boots on the ground know different? If not, back up is Kernville! Thanks again!

https://www.kennedymeadowsgeneralstore.com/contact

Kennedy Meadows General Store 559 850 5647

Or contact Grumpy Bears Retreat 559 850 2327 

Over the years I have been climbing I have found out one thing, something I live by. The local Rangers are pretty much clueless as to what’s going on around them. Best to know some locals, who live close by. The nice Person who was at the store this morning tells me you can drive as far as Fish Creek. Yes the CG is most likely still closed. But you can still camp at the overflow (turn to the right, drive back, keeping to the left, at end is trail head for the crag) 

It’s going to be prime this weekend 

Edit: support these stores/restaurants: eat a burger or grab a 6 pack 

Edit edit: you must drive in from the east (up 9 mile canyon) 

Fish Creek was awesome! Thanks for all your help Guy!

I called the store as well and the let me know there were some rocks on the road, but otherwise passable. Weather couldn't have been better, it was mid 60s during the day with some clouds. The overflow campsites were great, got there in a FWD no problem and even caught a little golden trout at the creek right there. The climbing was super fun as well, easy to find and well bolted. Couldn't recommend highly enough. Here's an photo from our campsite of the extent of the snow cover:

I’m glad you had a great time. So much to climb around those parts- almost never see another person.
FC is my summer go to.
Thanks again for getting back to Us.

This is an awesome thread! I'm feeling inspired now to camp/climb at FC! Thank you so much for the information, much appreciated!

Needlerock Creek Rd is a good dirt road that drops downhill off the Great Western Divide Hwy between Ponderosa and Dome Rock. A mile or so down there's a great campsite with this view: