Camper submitted image from Camp Three Campground - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Camp Three Campground - 2
Roads
Camper submitted image from Camp Three Campground - 3
Facilities
Camper submitted image from Camp Three Campground - 4
Nature
Camper submitted image from Camp Three Campground - 5
Water
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Camp Three Campground

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

ALERT: All USFS Campgrounds in the KERN RIVER RANGER DISTRICT OF SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST are now under a FIRE BAN as of June 18, 2025.** See Forest Order #0513-25-05 for more information.**

  • No camp fires or open flame cooking with wood, charcoal, or wood pellet! The exception is that propane gas can be used as long as it has an on/off switch, you will still need a fire permit from the local authorities.
  • No smoking out in the open, must be done either in your vehicle or within a building! Still no smoking in the restrooms!
  • Fireworks are prohibited! Please use caution due to the dryness of our forests. Thank you for your cooperation!
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Camp Three Campground, near Kernville, California, is a solid choice for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the comforts of designated camping sites. With a mix of tent, RV, and glamping options, it caters to various camping styles, making it a versatile spot for families and friends alike.

The campground is known for its proximity to the Kern River, where visitors can take a quick stroll to enjoy swimming and relaxing by the water. Many campers rave about the beautiful mountain views and the chance to unwind under the stars, with one reviewer noting, “Every site has a beautiful view of the mountainside and the stars.”

Facilities include picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for evening gatherings. While there are no showers and limited trash disposal, the well-maintained pit toilets and drinking water access help keep things manageable. Some campers appreciate the seclusion, as there’s no cell reception or WiFi, allowing for a true escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

For those seeking adventure, the surrounding Sequoia National Forest offers trails and climbing routes nearby. Just be mindful of the wildlife; a few campers have spotted rattlesnakes during the summer months. Whether you're looking to chill by the river or explore the great outdoors, Camp Three Campground has a little something for everyone.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Camp Three Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Highway 99 in Bakersfield, California, take Highway 178 east to Lake Isabella. From Lake Isabella take Highway 155 around the west side of the lake to the town of Kernville. Turn north on Sierra Way/Mountain 99 and continue 5 miles to the campground.

Address

PO BOX 1640
Kernville, CA 93238

Coordinates

35.809269 N
118.453606 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Is Camp Three Campground sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More
Presented byFord

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Gold Ledge Campground

Gold Ledge Campground

7 min away

Ant Canyon

Ant Canyon

8 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Yurts

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

34%
67%
0%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2021

Decent facilities, stellar location

While our first impressions were terrible (we did not love our originally reserved site - #33), once we moved to another available spot and started exploring, we ended up having the time of our lives. 

The campground itself left a lot to be desired (lots of trash, half the sites are extremely rocky / sandy with little shade, some sites have rotting or broken picnic benches and very little privacy, and there is only one place for trash upon exit), but every site has a beautiful view of the mountainside and the stars, and if you get one of the good sites along the river, you're a few steps from the best part during the summer: swimming in the Kern River. 

We stayed at site #29, where (like sites #25, #27, #28 & #30), there were nice, flat, soft surfaces to pitch your tent under the trees just beyond where you park your vehicles for privacy and shade. From these gems, the river is just a short, 1 or 2 minute walk to the River. Though nice to be near the water spouts and bathrooms, we would not recommend sites (#3-19, #22, #24, #26) Further down the river, we noticed that sites opened up a bit more and had much more space and shade, AND that the river was a lot closer - all great for larger groups and especially those with children. If we were to come back, we'd probably choose site #47 which had two shaded, flat places right near the site and was only a few steps from the river - which had a nice shaded space for chairs along it. Only downside for being on the end is that you're next to the Day Use entry point from the road.

Site#29
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Camp Three Campground by Kim , July 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Camp Three Campground by Kim , July 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Camp Three Campground by Kim , July 30, 2021
  • (20) View All
Reviewed Oct. 27, 2020

Great campground.

Best sites are right next to the river. Spacious with a good amount of privacy depending on the site you get. Easy to float to if you go up river. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes during the summer months Mx

  • Review photo of Camp Three Campground by Paul N., October 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Camp Three Campground by Paul N., October 27, 2020
Reviewed Oct. 5, 2020

Great Seclusion

This is a great primitive campground if you truly want to disconnect for a few days. No cell reception, no WiFi, there are restrooms but no showers. Take a 3 minute walk through the woods to get to Kern River and you have a little oasis away from it all. Bring everything you need with you. Currently no fires permitted. Great place to unplug and decompress.

  • Review photo of Camp Three Campground by Mike N., October 5, 2020
  • Review photo of Camp Three Campground by Mike N., October 5, 2020
  • Review photo of Camp Three Campground by Mike N., October 5, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 3, 2020

Excellent site, bad air quality.

This was a first family camping trip, and we were happy with our site. It had plenty of shade, was large enough to fit our huge cabin tent and still have extra space, and was a 2 minute walk to the stream where there was a nice little walled off spot safe for children to swim in. We did not have anyone in the neighboring sites, but if we did we would have hardly noticed them. The only downside was the very poor air quality that is typical of Sequoia and Kings during the summer. The pollution was visible and had an unpleasant smell to it that lingered throughout the day. The worst part of that was it blocked any view of the stars we might have had at night, one of the main reasons we were looking forward to while camping. We may not return until it somehow improves, which is unfortunate because the site had just about everything we were looking for.

Site34
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Camp Three Campground by Tyler F., September 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Camp Three Campground by Tyler F., September 3, 2020
Reviewed Feb. 18, 2020

Party Time

Camp 3 is a good location if you can book it quickly outside of the Summer months. We usually always camp here in May and since that is right before Memorial day when the campgrounds all open for the season it is usually pretty nice to be able to be in a quiet spot to hit the river and far enough away from town to be barely out of cell service but still close enough to hit up the brewery when you want. 

There are pit toilets that are well maintained, the camp hosts work really hard to accommodate all people. This is one of the more covered campgrounds going up the river so if you want shade then this is the site for you. 

The River next to the campground is also easily accessed and great for all levels of play. 

There is group camping as well here. It is a bit more open and not as well shaded. There is also easy access to climbing routes on rock formations nearby and access to trails nearby.

  • Review photo of Camp Three Campground by Hayley K., February 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Camp Three Campground by Hayley K., February 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Camp Three Campground by Hayley K., February 18, 2020
  • (7) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What are visitors saying about Camp Three Campground on the Kern River?

Camp Three Campground offers a true disconnect-from-civilization experience with primitive amenities. Campers appreciate the spacious sites that accommodate large tents with extra room to spare. The proximity to the Kern River is a major highlight, with some of the best sites located right next to the water. Many visitors enjoy the quieter experience during May before the summer rush begins. While some sites can be rocky and trash has occasionally been an issue, families particularly value the child-friendly swimming areas in the stream just a short walk from camp.

Where is Camp Three Campground located on the Kern River?

Camp Three Campground is located directly along the Kern River, offering easy river access just a short 2-3 minute walk through the woods from most campsites. The campground provides a secluded wilderness experience with no cell reception or WiFi, allowing visitors to fully disconnect. Its position makes it ideal for river activities, including floating downstream from points upriver. The location offers a nice balance of accessibility while maintaining a genuine outdoor experience away from urban amenities.

Are there photos available of Camp Three Campground to view before visiting?

Photos of Camp Three Campground are available online through various camping platforms and the official forest service website. These images typically showcase the riverside sites, surrounding woodland areas, and the nearby Kern River access points. Visual documentation of the campground helps potential visitors understand the primitive nature of the facilities, the natural setting, and site layouts before making reservations. For the most current and comprehensive collection of photos, check the official campground listing or call the managing ranger district.

Is there a map of Camp Three Campground showing the campsite layout?

Yes, maps of Camp Three Campground are available showing the numbered campsites and general layout. Site #33 and other sites are clearly marked on these maps. When reserving, consulting the map is recommended as site quality varies significantly - some sites are riverside while others are rockier or less desirable. Maps can be found on the official Forest Service website or at the ranger station. For planning purposes, note that the sites closest to the river are typically most popular.