Quaking Aspen Campground

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Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero. See it on Recreation.gov

Quaking Aspen Campground

Located along the Western Divide Highway a quarter of a mile past the end of State Highway 190 (27 miles east of Springville). The campground was named for the quaking aspen trees that grow in the area. The trees are a shimmering brilliant green in the spring and deep russet-gold in the fall. Hiking is available on the many trails near the campground. The campground has 32 single family units, two of which are accessible, including a vault toilet. Some units can accommodate recreational vehicles up to a maximum length of 24 feet. Sanitary facilities, potable water, tables, and BBQ stoves are provided. Open from May 15th through October 15th weather depending. Elevation is 7,200 feet. Fishing season is open for Peppermint Creek and streams in the Golden Trout Wilderness from the last Saturday in April to November 15; the Tule River Drainage, which includes Boulder and Belknap Creeks, and the Tule River, are open to fishing year around. Consult the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife for specific regulations. Supplies are available at Ponderosa Lodge located approximately 2 miles from the campground. Group sites are adjacent to the main campground, and are available by RESERVATION ONLY. The parking area does not accommodate RV hookups. Yurts (canvas tents elevated on a platform) available through reservation only. Nearby Hiking Trails Summit Trail passes through the campground climbing Slate Mountain, or in the opposite direction, to the Golden Trout Wilderness, forking left to Maggie Lakes, and right to Grey Meadow. Freeman Creek Trail meanders through Freeman Sequoia Grove (which is the site of the President George Bush Giant Sequoia tree) and into the Golden Trout Wilderness, either at Jerky or the Forks-of-the-Kern Trailheads. Dome Rock is 4 miles south of Quaking Aspen and a short walk to the top from the end of the road for a fine view of The Needles and Lloyd Meadow basin area. North Road (21S50) is about a quarter of a mile west of Quaking Aspen and the gateway to Jordan Peak Lookout, Golden Trout Wilderness, and Freeman Creek Grove. Campfire permits are required for campfires, barbeques, and camp stoves. Permits are available at your local Ranger Station or online at Campfire Permit - Ready for Wildfire . ExplorUS All developed campground areas on the Forest operate under a concessionaire permit with ExplorUS. For additional information, please visit About Explorus - Hospitality Management (goexplorus.com) , or call their home office at 661-429-1599, or their Lake Isabella office at 760-376-1269.

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