Kern River Campground

This is our second stay at this campground and we really like it. I only gave it a 4 star rating because 1) unfortunately some campers don’t respect campgrounds and leave their trash in the bbq grill and/or fire pit. Come on people, leave no trace, pick up your trash. 2) Too many squirrels that drive my dogs nuts. They need some type of squirrel abatement program. With that said, we do really like this campground and recommend it.

Great serene spot (aside from a few noisy campers) by the river, liked it so much we camped out for 3 days. Great price too! Close enough to civilization but far enough you forget it's nearby. Would recommend!

You must register and reserve a campsite before 4 PM local. The website directs you to an unsecured website. I pressed on through and got a human on the phone, so far so good. The total was $35.

My sister and I arrived on a Tuesday and left on a Wednesday. We had slot 50. Our neighbors were blasting music all day non stop. It was beautiful campground and perfect location next to the river, it was just the blasting of music that was really rough to deal with. Would totally visit again and just pray the neighbors can be quiet!!

Been going up there since 1969 had many many Fantastic trips fishing is always good sightseeing is good just all around good place.

We had a blast here. Collin our camp host was fantastic. Vault bathrooms are what they are. We loved our 3 days here. Tubing, Fishing... though, river was very high and super fast, plus wrong lures make for no bites. But a great time still...

The sites are spacious and private. The public bathrooms leave a bit to be desired but they were functioning

Went with a HUGE group of friends and we all had such a great time. Some of us were in RVs and some were in tents. We all got to stay together no one had to be separated from the group. We were right on the water, super beautiful and relaxing. One of my most memorable trips for sure!

We had a great time floating on the river, sleeping in tents right by the water, bathrooms were clean and easy. Staff was so cool

This campground was clean, well maintained, and convenient location if you want to explore the Kern River up into the mountains. The campground runs along the river with some really fun little access spots if you’re lucky enough to get a river side site. The whole park is nice too, with a walking/biking trail to the reservoir, hiking trails nearby, and playground for kids.

It is by the Kern River with paved semi level paved campsites. All beautiful except for their bathrooms. They are extremely dirty, obviously old, and uncared for. I would prepare not to use their bathrooms and showers. I would return only for the campsite beauty.

Good campground. Needs more maintenance and facility cleaning. But, so close to a bunch of recreational opportunities. You can mtb the adjacent foothills, road bike the bike path, enjoy the river or near by Lake Ming.

Practically in my backyard. The concept is very nice with the Kern River and Lake Ming so close together, but the campgrounds could use some attention. The campground table was not acceptable, I don’t think they’ve ever been cleaned. Maybe an occasional high pressure washer on the pad and tables would be a plus. The two campground hosts said animals eat their prey on the tables. I hope that’s true because it was the scene out of a murder mystery. Not funny. The bathrooms needed major attention. On the lighter side the rules seem to be very slack, and people were enjoying themselves. On cold nights they overlook the generator quiet time. There’s a bike trail that is blacktop to take you into town if you’re willing to bike about 10 miles and very scenic, it takes you by the zoo. During the boat Boat drags the place gets crazy. Very close to the county golf course and they have a great little place to get a burger and a beer. Overall I give it a C+. 

My husband and I lucked out and were able to make a same day reservation (someone had cancelled). We got spot #24. They were at 50% capacity due to COVID. Everything was pretty clean and well maintained. The bathrooms could have used some attention. The shower area was a bit dirty and the shower head was very weak. The water was luke warm. There was only one shower in the women’s bathroom and one in the men’s bathroom. There was no extra cost for the shower. I was able to take a comfortable rinse-off, but would not have been able to properly wash my hair. The camp host, an older gentleman, was nice and accommodating. The camping spots are located next to the river. I would stay here again.

I stopped here on my way back to Utah and I'm glad I stopped here on the way back.  If I take this route again going to Cali (where I usually go) I will stop here.  The campground is right off the highway and even though you can see cars going by, the traffic is light and the campground is far enough where it doesn't bother you at all.  Each site has a bush (in varying sizes) that provides some privacy, but the space between the spots is a plus as well.  I like it here; hopefully you will as well.

Overall nice campgrounds. Was almost empty. You can hear jet boat noise from the adjacent lake from time to time. No WiFi but good Verizon LTE (25-30 Mbps) and decent AT&T 4G (10-15Mbps). They don’t take cash and the on-site reservation computer was not working so we had to book it online.

Camped here August 16-18 2019. Arrived to 107 degrees but the ample trees and cool river made it enjoyable. We were there on a weekend and it was sold out. We stayed at sites 21&23, river front so that made it fantastic.

Other reviewers had warned of the bathrooms being awful and the camp host being mean. They were right about the bathrooms and so wrong about the host! He was super pleasant and friendly! The bathrooms are terrible though.

I would go back again but since I like to explore new campsites probably won’t.

Great stop for rafting. There are bathrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, and a sense of peacefulness. We were only there for a night and slept in the car.

We spent a few days at the Kern River Campground and really enjoyed the spacious campsites, the river and Ming Lake. Great bike trails, and walking trails, this is great for a nice slow and easy day. I am adding a video to better show you the site, now we did go camping in early April and we had a very good winter. Dry camping only, No Hookups, there is water and a dump station on site.

Teri

rv camped. but could’ve tent camped in our spot, closer to the water. sites are HUGE! rv hookups lots of trees. water has enough pools to chill in. short walk upstream, gives you option for rafting back down to your camp. very enjoyable couple of days. oh! and super close , for a run into Sequoia for the day ( we did that!) we also reserved our spots, so our whole caravan of rvs would be together!

If you must go through Bakersfield and rest your head somewhere for the night, this is your best bet! Large campsites, very friendly host and no oil fields in sight 😂

Showers are kept fairly clean, and a creek runs right through :)