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Established Camping

Limestone Campground

Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect

There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

This location is open during the Federal government lapse in funding.

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

Limestone Campground, near Kernville, California, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the distractions of modern life. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Sequoia National Forest, this campground offers spacious sites, many shaded by trees, perfect for pitching a tent or parking your RV.

Visitors rave about the beautiful location right above the Kern River, where you can enjoy a short hike down to the water for a refreshing dip. The campground is known for its peaceful atmosphere, especially after dark when the stars come out in full force. As one camper put it, “nice n quite after 10pm lots of stars and morning airshow if you’re lucky.”

While amenities are limited—no running water or electricity—there are clean vault toilets and picnic tables at each site. Campers appreciate the well-maintained facilities and the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors without the noise of cell service. Just remember to keep your food secured, as bears are known to visit at night.

For those eager to explore, the area offers plenty of activities like hiking, fishing, and even white-water rafting. With its stunning scenery and tranquil vibe, Limestone Campground is a great choice for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy some quality time in nature.

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Location

Limestone Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

Off of 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. From Kernville go north on Sierra Way/Mountain 99 for 16 miles to the campground.

Coordinates

35.962831 N
118.477293 W

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Connectivity

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Ant Canyon

Ant Canyon

11 min away

Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)

Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)

13 min away

Drive Time

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

10 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 1, 2023

Spectacular location, few amenities

Campsites are above the river in a pretty narrow canyon. A short hike to the water. Spacious sites. Most sites have trees for shade. We were in one (12) that didn’t, but we moved our chairs to a shaded space between sites. The paved pad is above the area with the table and fire ring.

We were there in 2023 when the river was high due to a record snowpack. There was a relatively calm pool near our site and some small beach areas to enjoy the (cold!) water.

Toilets are in permanent buildings but are not flush. No water or electricity anywhere in the campground. No cell service, but there is Wifi at the market 3mioes away.

Site12
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Limestone Campground by Coleen B., August 1, 2023
  • Review photo of Limestone Campground by Coleen B., August 1, 2023
  • Review photo of Limestone Campground by Coleen B., August 1, 2023
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Aug. 15, 2022

1 night

Beautiful spot, but Bears visit at night . Keep food packed and ice chests put in vehicle.

Site16
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jan. 21, 2022

We love it

nice n quite after 10pm lots of stars and morning airshow if you’re lucky

Site10 but 4 is the best one
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Limestone Campground by Javier B., January 21, 2022
  • Review photo of Limestone Campground by Javier B., January 21, 2022
  • Review photo of Limestone Campground by Javier B., January 21, 2022
  • (20) View All
Reviewed Aug. 22, 2020

Next to the river

Great place to stay. Most sites have some shade. It is always great to reserve before because it does get crowded in the weekends, holidays and summer. Bathrooms are clean and well maintained.

  • Review photo of Limestone Campground by Jessica P., August 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Limestone Campground by Jessica P., August 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Limestone Campground by Jessica P., August 22, 2020
  • (14) View All
Reviewed Jul. 20, 2020

Gator rock!

Get your reservation in early. One of my favorite spots to camp. All the spots are great. Bathrooms are clean. Sites are well maintained

Reviewed Oct. 24, 2018

Kernville River Camp

Easily accessed campground located right on the Kern River in the lower Sequoia Forest. No service, running water, or electricity, but there is vault toilets and dogs are allowed. Pretty hefty on the fee almost $30 a night, But trust me this place is worth it. Lots of trees to make shady spots. The lower camp spots are located at the bottom of the hill (easier access to the river, safer for children). The higher spots are up the hill with a magnificent few of the raging Kern River. There is a few private "beach" spots you can enjoy the river without the intimidating rapids (videos below). It is about 30 minutes from any store or cell service, so make sure you come prepared. Probably one of the best campgrounds in Kernville! Check out a deal for white water rafting before you plan your trip. One of the most fun I've ever had in my life!

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Limestone Campground by Jen D., October 24, 2018
  • Upper Campground
    Play button icon
  • Private beach
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Reviewed Aug. 30, 2018

Great wilderness camping near the Kern River

Beautiful campground for $24/night. It is popular during the summer months, so if you want to reserve a site for the weekend, make sure to reserve online well in advance. Sites are pretty nicely spaced out and almost all sites have shade. The lsites are not as close to the river as Brush Creek campground, but still closer than Fairview, which is down the road.

Facilities. There are vault toilets. Both trash and recycling collection bins are available (not the case for nearby day use areas or dispersed camping). Each site has its own campfire ring and picnic table.

Dogs allowed throughout the forest as long as they are on leash.

Activities in the area:

  • hike the 7 teacups trail or go canyoneering
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • White water tubing/rafting/kayaking
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Limestone Campground by Les R., August 30, 2018
  • Review photo of Limestone Campground by Les R., August 30, 2018
  • Review photo of Limestone Campground by Les R., August 30, 2018
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2017

Unamed Campsite by Bone Creek CA

To be honest, we were about 10 miles up the mountain from Limestone campground off of a stream instead of the raging Kern River. Limestone is great, but the place we found up the mountain by a creek called Bone Creek was amazing. Beautiful air scenery water and fish. Great hiking, swimming, fishing, and site seeing. Loved it and I will be back over and over again.

SiteLimestone Campground
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Limestone Campground by Cody H., July 11, 2017
  • Review photo of Limestone Campground by Cody H., July 11, 2017
  • Review photo of Limestone Campground by Cody H., July 11, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Limestone Campground located on Kern River?

Limestone Campground is situated directly along the Kern River in a narrow canyon. The campsites are positioned above the river, requiring a short hike to access the water. While not as close to the river as nearby Brush Creek campground, Limestone offers beautiful views of the river from some sites. The campground is easily accessible from the highway, though this proximity can result in some road noise at night.

Is there a map available of Limestone Campground?

Yes, maps of Limestone Campground are available through the reservation system when booking a site. The campground has a straightforward layout with numbered sites (including site 12 mentioned by visitors). For the most current and detailed map, check the recreation.gov website when making a reservation or contact the Sequoia National Forest office directly. Having a map is helpful for selecting sites with preferred features like shade or river views.

Is Limestone Campground part of Sequoia National Forest?

Yes, Limestone Campground is located within the lower Sequoia National Forest. It's situated in the Kern River region of the forest, making it a convenient base for exploring this section of Sequoia. The campground showcases the natural beauty characteristic of the forest with its wooded sites and proximity to the Kern River. Visitors should follow Sequoia National Forest regulations, including proper food storage due to bear activity in the area.

What amenities and facilities are available at Limestone Campground?

Limestone Campground offers vault toilets that are regularly cleaned and well-maintained. The campground features spacious sites with fire rings and picnic tables, with most sites providing ample shade from trees. There are no hookups, running water, or electricity available. The fee is approximately $24-30 per night. The campground is dog-friendly and sites are well-maintained. For comfort during summer visits, reserve shaded sites in advance as some spaces (like site 12) have limited natural cover.