Chimney Creek Campground

this place has no cell phone signal about at least 20 miles radius. I drove up from 395 high way. if something happen during camping you have to drive out about 20 miles. Or you go to General store(about 15 miles away) at Kennedy meadow for pay phone or come out to 395 high way.

lot of flys. I mean a lot day and night
no creek near by. all dried up due to fire like 20 years ago.
campsite is not maintained.

I drove to general store at Kennedy meadow and they think this campsite is shut down because of fire long time a go.

be prepared!!

This campground is conveniently located only 3 hours from LA, and is still such a remote spot. Chimney Basin Road is washboarded with extreme switchbacks, but was still easily maneuvered in a car with low ground clearance. The campground road itself is slightly less forgiving, with minimal potholes/rocks. Early sites had cows/bulls nearby. Only a few other campgrounds were occupied during the 3 nights we stayed, and the area was very quiet most of the day/night, with great stargazing! A steep but short rock scramble from site 34 leads to pretty views. Saw an old snake skin on this hike but no snake, be cautious. Plenty of shade at this site, and multiple flats areas for tents, although some were in the sun so be aware. Pit toilet and water spigot nearby. Biggest downside: the flies! They got very bad during the early mornings and just before sunset, but were more manageable in the middle of the day and went away completely at night. They didn’t seem to be interested in our food, only our faces! Also, be cognizant of fire restrictions - our neighbors the last night had a large bonfire when it’s clearly wildfire season in California. Also heard some gunshots during the day from these same neighbors, although not the campgrounds fault, especially since there are plenty of sites far enough apart - had these neighbors not chosen the site directly next to ours we likely would not have been bothered by them.

Spent Fathers Day Weekend here. I think i was the only one here. All the campsites are in a long canyon. The road was washed out past campsite 38. Pit toilets. i didn't see a lot of level sites for tents. This is on the Chimney Peak Byway. All i could here was a breeze coming through the canyon. There is a small creek that was running. Bring bug spray. Some flies but that could have been the site i chose. The PCT runs nearby.