Kern River County Park, near Bakersfield, California, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a side of comfort. The campground offers spacious sites, many right by the river, making it perfect for peaceful mornings and relaxing afternoons.

You’ll find amenities like clean restrooms and hot showers, which campers appreciate after a day of exploring. The park is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure. As one visitor noted, “Great view of the Kern River! Clean, quiet, good vibes.”

Wildlife is abundant here, with geese, egrets, and even the occasional bald eagle spotted nearby. The shaded areas provided by the trees make for a comfortable retreat during the hotter parts of the day, and the picnic tables and fire rings at each site are perfect for evening gatherings. 

If you’re up for some exploration, the Kern River offers thrilling water activities, but be cautious as the currents can be strong. Plus, it’s just a short drive to nearby attractions like Lake Ming and Kern River Golf Course. Whether you’re tent camping, RVing, or trying out a cabin, Kern River County Park is a solid choice for a memorable getaway.

Kern River County Park

Edison is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Edison is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Edison, reviewed by campers like you.

Edison

The Best Camping Near Edison, California

Just an FYI - this is a day use only park. No camping allowed here.

Day use only

Beautiful and wild, the river is deceptive. 

Come see but don't get in

My family comes here every year. Staff around the area really friendly. The people that runs the desk they don’t seem so friendly but they try I guess. You will see them only one time on your stay so don’t let that big you. Awesome place to camp for sure. 

Yearly camp  

We camp here every year. Usually late shooting to early summer.  Camp grounds are well maintained.  Would not recommend camping on holidays. Close to 2 lakes ming and hart Park. 

Great place dangerous river

50 huge campsites with lots of trees for shade. Many river side sites. No hook ups, but there is a dump station and several water spigots. Been coming here for years. Only a few miles to town. A short walk to lake Ming and Kern River golf course 

Huge campsites

We stayed here just for a night on our way to Death Valley. It’s super convenient from Bakersfield and nice and quiet, by the Kern River. Clean and calm with some nice sites by the river. All have picnic tables and fire rings. The host was so lovely and let us stay for free in a site that had already been paid for (the folks had left early). We couldn’t believe it! So generous and kind. 

Quiet and lovely

Well maintained campground with well-spaced sites, you never feel like you're in your neighbor's lap. Sites along the river feel a little less private simply because everyone walks along the river, but there's really plenty of room. Lots of trees, so it would be cool in the summer. Great birds along the river, lots of ducks and egrets, and a bald eagle perched in a tree right above my site with its breakfish! Great place to stay on the way to Death Valley or up the central valley to Fresno.

Lovely campground, friendly host

A fairly good camp ground with restroom and shower access. Was slightly confusing at first on how to get to the site, but looking at a geographical map made the route clear. Any of the covered spots are truly shaded by trees making a mid day snooze very doable. 

Good spot with amenities 

We went tent camping and the spots were huge and close to the river which made for beautiful peaceful mornings. 

Beautiful easy get away

Great campsite (#21) right on rivers' edge.  Winter runoff and water is high and fast. Shade during the day. Restrooms are being rebuilt but should be ready by mid to end of June. Porta potties for now but they are very clean. Geese, grebes, egrets, lots of ground squirrels and raccoons.

Wildlife and fast river

Great view of the KernRiver! Clean , quiet, good vibes.

Great place to camp!

For $32, you can get a site off the river and have a little camping pit and picnic table and you’re around other RVs and it’s good. I opted for locating a self created campsite in the area off the beaten path. It might not be allowed, but I was gone by 7 AM and I was super quiet. And I think that’s the thing if you’re super quiet and you’re gone early then probably not a problem. But if you’re planning to bring your camper to one of those secluded spots and making a lot of noise, then you may want to just get a $32 spot.

Paid vs not paid

Good value campground, paved pull through sites with table/chairs and fire pits. No powered sites but has a water fill point. 
Decent toilet and shower facilities.
Paid $20 for a night in January 2026

Photos of Kern River County Park

Real photos from real campers