Saddle Springs (FR 27S02) in CA -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in California

An 18.2-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Kern County, CA.

Sequoia National Forest, Kern River Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days.

All 18.2 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. 17.9 of the 18.2 miles in are dirt. Climbs 4,900 ft over 18.2 miles -- sustained grades near 14%, with pitches to 34%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~150 ft on the downhill side. Little level ground alongside -- few of the stretches measured have a flat spot to pull onto. Winds through 12 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch. Water crossings 3.8, 10.6 and 15.9 miles in.

Hooper Hill stands 670 ft above the site, 0.3 miles southwest. Private here -- the nearest through road is 2.0 miles off. Kern River runs 1.2 mi off. Night skies measure Bortle 3 -- a dark rural sky. The nearest town, Bodfish, is 1.8 mi off.