Oak Flat Lookout
The Oak Flat Lookout location is in Kernville, California
93238. This page provides detailed contact information for this campground location including the campground phone number, office hours, reservation information and driving directions.
If you have any questions about the Oak Flat Lookout facility, or if you need to reserve a campsite, then call the campground listed below.
Address
11380 Kernville Road
Kernville
California
93238
Phone number
760-376-3781
Campground information Kernville, California
Overview
The Oak Flat Lookout sits the Greenhorn Mountains in the Sequoia National Forest and Sequoia National Monument, about an hour from Bakersfield, California. Perched at an elevation of 4,900 feet, the tower overlooks the scenic Kern River and Kern River Valley and has panoramic views of the mountains, river and valley.
Oak Flat Lookout was constructed in 1934 to provide fire detection views along the Kern River Canyon. In the early years of the Forest Service, lookouts provided a crucial link in wild land management, often being the only source of communication and fire detection for many miles. The lookout was operational until the 1980s.
There is no electricity or water in the lookout. All provisions, including food, water and bedding, must be carried up 40 steep steps to the tower space or pulled hand-over-hand in a small basket pulley system.
Recreation
Birdwatching and stargazing from the tower or the mountaintop are popular pastimes.
For guests who wish to visit an operating lookout, Breckenridge Lookout located southeast of Oak Flat is open during the summer months.
Facilities
The lookout has no electricity or water. A thermostat-controlled propane heater provides heat. The one-room cabin contains two twin beds. The tower can hold up to four adults.
The kitchen area includes a propane range, a counter and a sink with a drain. A propane light, fire extinguisher, a bucket and cleaning gear are all provided.
There is a single vault toilet 100 yards northwest of the lookout, and an outdoor barbecue fire ring and picnic table near the tower.
For more details, see the the Sequoia National Forest summary page.
Natural Features
The lookout tower has panoramic views of the mountains, the canyon and the river.
Frequently Asked Questions About 11380 Kernville Road Kernville, CA
How do I make a reservation with Oak Flat Lookout?
To make reservations at Oak Flat Lookout, you can call the office at 760-376-3781.
Where is Oak Flat Lookout located?
The Oak Flat Lookout is located at 11380 Kernville Road in Kernville,
. This is the location you will need to go to for camping and information.
Does Oak Flat Lookout have tent or RV camping?
Oak Flat Lookout offers both tent and RV camping, but to confirm you will need to call the office at 760-376-3781 to make sure things haven’t changed.