Kern Cabin (FR 12N21) in CA -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in California
Kern Cabin (FR 12N21) in CA
A 16.7-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in El Dorado County, CA. The road serves Big Hill. The road is open seasonally, April 1 to December 31.
Eldorado National Forest, Pacific Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 10-day limit in any 365 days. Camp at least 100 ft from water.
14.2 of the 16.7 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. 14.2 of the 16.7 miles in are dirt. Climbs 2,700 ft over 16.7 miles -- sustained grades near 14%, with pitches to 56%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~130 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 18 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch. A gate 16.6 miles in.
Big Hill Ridge stands 708 ft above the site, 0.7 miles south. The Union Valley Reservoir shoreline is 0.3 mi off. Private here -- the nearest through road is 1.1 miles off. The nearest town, Pollock Pines, is 12 mi off.
September normals 46–76°F, 0.5″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by Eldorado National Forest, Pacific Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov