We’re no strangers to pivots, and Hanning Flat Dispersed Area is probably our favorite pivot to date. In the spring of 2025, we were planning to travel north up the east side of California before crossing the Sierra Nevada Mountains around Redwoods National Park, but wildfires made those plans change. We found the Hanning Flat Dispersed Area, just outside of Isabella Lake, California.
What to Expect at Hanning Flat Dispersed Area
Like most boondocking or dispersed camping areas, Hanning Flat has no amenities; bring your own water and pack out your trash. Especially the latter. The area appears to be a popular teen hangout. This is based on the abundance of discarded liquor bottles and assorted party trash. As I’ve written about before when discussing Government Wash, our public lands are the responsibility of everyone. We need to work together to maintain them. Packing out an extra bag or two of trash helps keep these places open and clean for the next generation to enjoy. Not leaving extra trash in the first place is best.
As for camping there, the area is relatively flat, with decent dirt roads. However, care needs to be taken when camping closer to the water. We got lucky with our spot, but it could have been a very different story as the ground gets loose and sandy fast. Remember, tow trucks won’t leave pavement. If you get stuck in the loose sand, you need to have a way to self-rescue or hope someone else nearby can help you out. Our 16-ton bus would not have been easy to get out if we had gotten stuck.
The other hazard to be aware of is the burr bushes. Sections of the area are dense with burr bushes, and their seed pods cling to everything! Every time we took the dog out for a walk, we needed to spend several more minutes “deburring” her.
Amenities Around Hanning Flat
Due to its location, laundry and groceries are readily available. The little town of Mountain Mesa has a laundromat, while the city of Lake Isabelle hosts several grocery stores as well as auto parts stores in case one is in need of that kind of resupply. As for water and dump stations, there is a KOA in Mountain Mesa, but we opted to refill on our way and don’t know what their rates or policies are.
Whether you planned it or plans changed and you end up camping here, it’s a great spot with great views. It’s for sure one of our lasting favorites!
