Camping Near Bakersfield, CA

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Bakersfield, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Bakersfield, CA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Bakersfield, CA (152)

    Camper-submitted photo from Bakersfield River Run RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bakersfield River Run RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bakersfield River Run RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bakersfield River Run RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bakersfield River Run RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bakersfield River Run RV Park

    1. Bakersfield River Run RV Park

    25 Reviews
    43 Photos
    69 Saves
    Bakersfield, California

    "The PLACE To Stay". Bakersfield's Premier RV Park, we are centrally located in Bakersfield, CA right off of Highway 99 and Rosedale Hwy. Each site offers full hookups including 70 channel cable TV and Wi-Fi so that you can stay connected while relaxing in the park. Many nearby attractions including Buck Owens Crystal Palace, Rabobank convention center and many other sports and entertainment venues. We strive to make every guest feel welcome by providing friendly staff, clean and safe facilities and exceptional service. If you are traveling through the area, we hope that you will choose to stay with us.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $42 - $49 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Orange Grove RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Orange Grove RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Orange Grove RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Orange Grove RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Orange Grove RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Orange Grove RV Park

    2. Orange Grove RV Park

    22 Reviews
    70 Photos
    77 Saves
    Edison, California

    Every one of our extra-long, pull-thru sites offers the shade of two or more leafy orange trees. With their snowy white trunks and fragrant, flavorful fruits, the trees form a 40-acre oasis of shade and serenity in Bakersfield’s desert climate. And guess what? You can pick all the sweet, delicious oranges you want. Swim, hike, and explore at California’s most unique destination – Orange Grove RV Park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $43 - $54 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Kern River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern River Campground

    3. Kern River Campground

    18 Reviews
    25 Photos
    221 Saves
    Lebec, California

    Kern River Campground features 50 sites right along the Kern River, each with their own picnic table and fire ring. There is also potable water spigots and bathrooms at the campground. Other nearby attractions are Lake Ming, California Living Museum, and Hart Park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area

    4. Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area

    13 Reviews
    23 Photos
    96 Saves
    Tupman, California

    Buena Vista is a man-made site located approximately 25 miles southwest of Bakersfield. When the site was completed in April 1973, it took 43 days to fill both Lake Evans and the much larger Lake Webb with over 2,300,000,000 gallons (or 6,800 acre feet) of water. Lake Webb is an elongated shape of 873 acres available for boating, jet‐skiing and fishing, as well as an additional 125 acres for jet‐skiing (maximum speed 45 mph). Projecting midway into the lake, a horseshoe‐shaped spit of land contains 112 campsites in a double row. To maintain the landscaping through the dry season, a sprinkler system operates, requiring campers to place their things in designated spots. Lake Evans, at 86 acres, is the place for the more serene pursuits of sailing, fishing, and boating at no more than 5 mph.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern River County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern River County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern River County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern River County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern River County Park

    5. Kern River County Park

    11 Reviews
    5 Photos
    97 Saves
    Edison, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Bakersfield KOA Journey
    Camper-submitted photo from Bakersfield KOA Journey
    Camper-submitted photo from Bakersfield KOA Journey
    Camper-submitted photo from Bakersfield KOA Journey
    Camper-submitted photo from Bakersfield KOA Journey
    Camper-submitted photo from Bakersfield KOA Journey

    6. Bakersfield KOA Journey

    5 Reviews
    10 Photos
    20 Saves
    Bakersfield, California

    Ready to start your adventure? Welcome to Bakersfield KOA Journey, the Gateway to Central Valley, and the County Music Capital of the West Coast. It's the perfect place to rest before you begin the next leg of your journey. Spend some time at the pool, get a delicious meal at the Crest Bar and Grill, and enjoy Bakersfield's local charm! Make sure to visit the local breweries, restaurants and try the close hiking trails.

    Camping in Bakersfield, CA is an amazing way to explore the Central Valley and all that it has to offer. The region is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and parks, with opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing in the nearby Sequoia National Forest and Kern River. In addition to the outdoor adventures, Bakersfield also has a thriving wine industry and a number of cultural attractions, including the California Living Museum and the Kern County Museum. Camp with your RV to fully immerse yourself in the Central California region, with the comfort and convenience of all the amenities you need right at your fingertips.

    **Enjoy your RV site offering all the RV-friendly amenities you could wish for — including picnic tables, level padding, and great outdoor living space. **

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from A Country RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from A Country RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from A Country RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from A Country RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from A Country RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from A Country RV Park

    7. A Country RV Park

    4 Reviews
    12 Photos
    22 Saves
    Edison, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Mountain RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Mountain RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Mountain RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Mountain RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Mountain RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Mountain RV Park

    8. Bear Mountain RV Park

    3 Reviews
    9 Photos
    7 Saves
    Greenfield, California

    Once you reach our facility, you will enjoy all the conveniences you need for a pleasurable overnight or a weekly stop-over. Extra large parking areas and all full hookup pull-through sites are just the beginning.

    Our Location – We are located right off of HWY 99 via the Bear Mountain Blvd exit. Heading East and one right turn later onto South Union Ave puts you within seconds of the facility.

    Our Units – Each space at Bear Mountain RV Park is equipped with 50 amp utility hookups, and Wifi access.

    Park Facilities & Amenities

    Wi-Fi

    Map of Facility

    PET FRIENDLY!

    ( PET BREED RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY – SEE TERMS & CONDITIONS )

    Extra-wide sites

    RV Storage

    Restrooms

    Shower

    Laundry

    Dog Walk

    All 20/30/50 amp sites w/ full hook-ups

    Reserving your spot couldn’t be easier. So go ahead, and take advantage of the best rates in Bakersfield.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $40 - $46 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Tehachapi Mountain Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tehachapi Mountain Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tehachapi Mountain Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tehachapi Mountain Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tehachapi Mountain Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tehachapi Mountain Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground

    10. Rivernook Campground

    26 Reviews
    54 Photos
    563 Saves
    Kernville, California

    Rivernook Campground is the biggest privately owned campground along a beautiful stretch of the Kern River, with creeks running through the park. We offer Full Hook Up RV sites, Partial RV sites and dry tent camping sites. We have full service newly remodeled restrooms for our guests at no charge, on site dump station, cable, WIFI and we have a little store that might have something you need!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $45 - $75 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 152 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Bakersfield

Recent Reviews in Bakersfield

500 Reviews of 152 Bakersfield Campgrounds


  • ian S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Songdog Ranch
    Nov. 11, 2024

    Songdog Ranch

    Politicized campground

    Not a bad campground, but driving in, the owner has large political flags flying. In these highly divisive times, I don't want to stay at places that divide our country, I want to get away from that. Not recommended.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bakersfield River Run RV Park
    Nov. 7, 2024

    Bakersfield River Run RV Park

    Don’t bother if you wanna use a restroom after 10pm

    Nice rv park but pretty ridiculous that all the toilets and showers in the rv park are locked from 10pm-7:30 am. When you’re paying a minimum of $59 a night I’d expect I would At least be able to Use the restroom in the middle of the night wouldn’t recommend for that reason

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from West Keyville
    Oct. 17, 2024

    West Keyville

    Beautiful scenery, challenging access

    I drove past a couple of camp grounds directly at the lake and was very disappointed what I found. Yes, you can camp right at the lake but only if you appreciate the charme of a Walmart parking lot. There is basically next to no trees or any nature for that matter.

    So I looked a little further and was very happy to have found this site. Beautifully located right at a river, surrounded by trees, big boulders and the stunning mountain scenerey.

    However, be aware that this is not serviced at all. There is no electricity, water, dump stations or anything else than the actual spot. And BEWARE: there is quite a steep and narrow entry road into the site. I drove in with a 30 feet class A camper and I am little worried if I will get out tomorrow. Also I smacked some leaves off of a tree on my way in with my 13“ clearance.

  • AnnaEvan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Campo Alto Campground
    Oct. 15, 2024

    Campo Alto Campground

    Great Escape!

    This is a wonderful campground if you're looking to escape the crowds elsewhere. We were in spot 4 which was right next to the check in board. Despite the close proximity to the road the site was very big and had plenty of trees to throw our hammocks up and relax. Next time we would likely pick spots 6-8 or 13-17 as they were a little further into the campground and away from the main road.

    There is plenty of firewood to gather but I may suggest a small hatchet.

    The vault toilets were clean enough for vault toilets.

    My husband and I stayed Saturday to Monday and found that only a few hunters were left Sunday night and Monday morning and we enjoyed walking through the campground and checking out all the small viewpoints through the trees to the valleys below. The group sites looked spacious and awesome as well!

    Pine Mountain Club was close, quaint, and the people we met were friendly.

    We are keeping this spot in our back pockets for the next time we want to escape the busy city life!

  • Ryan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Holey Meadow Campground
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Holey Meadow Campground

    Beautiful and quiet

    Pulled in on a Friday afternoon and had the whole campgrounds to ourselves, until about 7 pm. Neighbors kept noise to a minimum. We chose site #3 (back right) and it had a fairly level spot for our cars RTT. Overall, the grounds and bathrooms were very clean. Holey Meadow, across the road, is small, but very beautiful. The main road is just past that, so you will hear traffic. The Trail of a Hundred Giants is about 2 miles north and worth a visit. A section of the trail was closed due to a downed tree, but still a nice walk.

  • Ryan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground

    Inaccurate Coordinates

    Arrived at the coordinates and had no place to turn off the road. Also, the area was hit by wildfires (maybe 2 years ago) so it's all pretty barren. Camped at Holey Meadows campground a few miles away.

  • Karen D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern's River Edge Campground
    Oct. 6, 2024

    Kern's River Edge Campground

    Nice campsite, friendly hosts, family and kid oriented

    Well run site, with easy late check in process. Friendly on site camp hosts who sell ice and firewood. Quite a lot of rules, and it had kind of a kids camp feel to it. Showers are hot, but you need quarters for them. I only gave three stars as it just not my kind of campground. If you're a family with kids I think it'd be great.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Paradise Cove
    Sep. 26, 2024

    Paradise Cove

    Beautiful scenery

    Very beautiful sight of the lake and mountains. Easy access from the road. Had a ton of wind and thunder so hard to move further up and away from the lake so we wherent up against the wind. Close to the road so a little noise from it, but thats what made it easy accessible as well. All in all a very nice campsite.

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Valley RV Park
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Mountain Valley RV Park

    Decent for a quick stop

    Grounds seem well kept, the gravel was raked at our site when we pulled in. Restrooms are ok, the issue was that the lock them up at 10:00pm and don’t open until 7:30am. It would be so simple to put a code lock on the doors. You have to pay for WiFi, and the laundry machines are paid for by using a credit card for pay cards and the machine was out of cards. The only way to use it was to create an account with some vendor online! In the morning there were planes taking off, towing gliders, which was interesting to watch

  • Ciara W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed
    Aug. 7, 2024

    Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed

    Guy just sitting in trees near the end

    All the spots at the front were taken here so we had to drive almost all the way to end. Don’t go down the final steep hill, you might not make it up. It’s very tight there and you have to do a 20 point turn to turn back.

    We walked down the hill and our friend saw some random guy come out the trees and follow us as we were walking back up. He might be living there because there was so much trash

    2 stars because the area itself is nice, there’s the river nearby and internet was good

  • m
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Gulch
    Jun. 29, 2024

    Boulder Gulch

    Good camping site

    This campground has some shade and some open areas.Area was clean and the host is personable. Cost of camping fee is $34 per night. Has potable water and running water in bathroom. No showers or amenities.

  • Maria K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bakersfield River Run RV Park
    Jun. 19, 2024

    Bakersfield River Run RV Park

    Perfection!

    Everything in this campground is 5 stars, the BEST one you will find in the Bakersfield area. They have a waiting list for monthly rates. Clean, grassy, bath houses and laundry, many different flowers, pool and hot tub, pool table near the gym.

  • Tammy P.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Los Alamos Campground at Pyramid Lake
    Jun. 19, 2024

    Los Alamos Campground at Pyramid Lake

    Close to the lake, can be very hot during the summer

    It usually stay empty and easy to get a site even in the peak season summer and spring but there is limited shades in most campsites and can get very hot during the days. There are not many trees around, Site 42 has really good shade but be aware of pocky leaves from those trees. My air mattress pop both times we camp there. There is not much around to do except pyramid lake close by which is nice and convenient to get to the water and go fishing or tubing. Also close by six flag.

  • joel G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawmill Campground
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Sawmill Campground

    Forest road camping outside of Yosemite

    Having to find a spot kind of late at night after other spots were full pretty level spot overlooking a meadow and review of the sunset roads a little rough getting back in there used four-wheel drive pulling a teardrop

  • Jorge R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from A Country RV Park
    Jun. 9, 2024

    A Country RV Park

    Accommodating and Clean

    Very convenient and super clean. The lady who answers the phone is super friendly and helpful. I think it's better for RVs and don't think there are any tent sites.

  • Daniel M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Flat
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Sandy Flat

    Great spot - close to the river

    The campground was great - the spot was not so great. I recommend staying here just don’t stay on camp spot 9. You have to “scale” down a medium incline just to get from your car to the camp flat for your tent. And your downwind from the bathrooms and can smell… everything. Again the campground was great and we were pretty close to the river which was awesome. But stay away from site 9. We’ll definitely be back but will be at one of the others. Be sure to bring river/water shoes and some decent bug repellent.

  • Maria K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Shaded Haven RV Park
    Jun. 1, 2024

    Shaded Haven RV Park

    Worst campground I’ve ever stayed at!

    5+ years Full time RVer, worst ever campground we have ever stayed at, stayed in many states, long-term short-term, stayed at this one for two months, although had a reservation for three. Sites are too tight, everything‘s grayish/dusty and dirty, you’re near a rail track, that blows its horn for minutes 24/7, that includes 2 AM, that includes 4 AM. Many of the neighbors you’ll see look like they’re on (mental) disability and don’t look healthy. Hot tub is smelly and yellow water too often although they state they clean it almost weekly. I god major depression staying here.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground
    May. 25, 2024

    Sequoia National Park Dispersed campground

    Definitely beautiful

    Does take about 45 mins to wind up there and i got there at 1:15am. Didn't find the campgrounds but had large side areas with forest machinery. Next to stream. Then if you continue on you will hit a 4 mile off road (my Corolla/any sedan OK) and see great views and waterfall! Nice!

  • Dennis F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Kern River Campground
    May. 21, 2024

    Kern River Campground

    Not the best but it's a great place

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

  • Caroline D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stine Cove Recreation Site
    May. 4, 2024

    Stine Cove Recreation Site

    the spot looked perfect, but the location didn't match

    we looked around the indicated GPS point but at this location, but house or ranch, nothing that looks like the photos posted previously. too bad the spot looked magnificent but with night falling and fatigue from the road we finally slept facing the road in the post office parking lot.

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Hills RV Park
    May. 3, 2024

    Lost Hills RV Park

    After the wind there as calm

    When arrived the wind was blowing and the dust was a moving.. but in the evening it calmed down.. nice place every thing looks updated, facilities, pool, help is nice, right next to loves truck stop so there is traffic but not hateful.. good place to stop on I 5



Guide to Bakersfield

Camping near Bakersfield, CA, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are great trails nearby. At Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park, one camper mentioned, "The nature trail is accessible directly from the campground and the views are jaw-dropping."
  • Fishing: The Kern River Campground is perfect for fishing. A visitor shared, "Fishing is always good sightseeing is good just all around good place."
  • Wildlife Watching: At KCL Campground, you might spot owls and other wildlife. One reviewer noted, "The campground was so nice and quiet... amazing wildflower blooms in spring."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A review for Reyes Creek Campground said, "We hiked the creek and loved the tree coverage."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. At Wheeler Gorge Campground, a camper remarked, "The restrooms and showers were very well kept."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. One visitor at Dennison Park said, "The camp host, Dane, was friendly, helpful, and a joy to chat with."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Rivernook Campground, have basic facilities. A camper noted, "The bathrooms were always clean, but the sites are so close together that you can literally hear everyone’s conversations."
  • No Reservations: Many sites, such as KCL Campground, operate on a first-come, first-served basis. One reviewer mentioned, "It’s first come first serve, no reservations and it’s free."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. At Wheeler Gorge Campground, a camper shared, "They let us know there was a bear in the area."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. Kern River Campground is great for families. One parent said, "We were right on the water, super beautiful and relaxing."
  • Bring Games and Activities: Keep the kids entertained. A visitor at Orange Grove RV Park mentioned, "The kids loved it :-)."
  • Plan for Safety: Make sure to keep an eye on little ones, especially near water. A camper at Camp James noted, "A friendly family of bears made their presence at night."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. A review for Bakersfield River Run RV Park said, "The spaces are a little tight but ok."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need amenities, check for campgrounds with full hookups. At Rivernook Campground, a visitor mentioned, "Full hookups worked fine."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near highways. A camper at Orange Grove RV Park noted, "At times you can hear the freeway and trains passing by."

Camping near Bakersfield, CA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Bakersfield, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Bakersfield, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 152 campgrounds and RV parks near Bakersfield, CA and 17 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Bakersfield, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bakersfield, CA is Bakersfield River Run RV Park with a 4.6-star rating from 25 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bakersfield, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Bakersfield, CA.

  • What parks are near Bakersfield, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Bakersfield, CA that allow camping, notably Carrizo Plain National Monument and Los Padres National Forest.