Tent Camping Near Bakersfield, CA

Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Bakersfield? Find the best tent camping sites near Bakersfield. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Bakersfield, California's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Bakersfield, CA (28)

    Camper-submitted photo from Autonomy Farms
    Camper-submitted photo from Autonomy Farms
    Camper-submitted photo from Autonomy Farms

    1. Autonomy Farms

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    7 Saves
    Greenfield, California

    Autonomy Farms was created in 2013 with the goal of connecting people to their food. The main farm operates south of Bakersfield on 20 acres, where we have our poultry operation. The farm sits at the base of the San Joaquin Valley, with beautiful views of Bear Mountain the surrounding foothills.

    In 2022, we opened up the farm to allow campers to come visit and stay. The farm features a pond stocked with fish, an outdoor shower (with both hot and cold water), indoor bathroom and plenty of room to roam. We have a total of 6 sites for tent campers, Vans, car campers and pop up camper trailers - sorry, no RVs or 5th wheels are allowed.

    We are an organic working farm, so depending on the day you stay, we may have more activity than others. We have staff on and off the farm coming and going from the farmers markets we participate in. We have three working dogs that love to keep predators away at night by barking if they sense any around. We have roosters that crow, lizards, bugs and insects, bull frogs in the pond, California King snakes, and lots of birds/hawks/owls.

    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • WiFi

    $30 - $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Hobo Campground — Sequoia National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Hobo Campground — Sequoia National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Hobo Campground — Sequoia National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Hobo Campground — Sequoia National Forest

    2. Hobo Campground — Sequoia National Forest

    6 Reviews
    4 Photos
    Bodfish, California

    Overview

    Hobo Campground is tucked on the banks of the Lower Kern River, north of the popular Miracle Hot Springs. It sits at 2290 feet elevation on the Sequoia National Forest in the Lower Kern Canyon. The close proximity to the Lower Kern River and the shade provided by the riparian forest make it an ideal summer escape from the heat. It has 23 individual tent only sites and an additional 10 sites across the campground.__

    Recreation

    __White water boating is popular on the Lower Kern and requires a free Kern River Use permit from the Kernville Ranger Station. A trail also exists at the northern end of Hobo Campground that connects visitors to Sandy Flat Campground. The remains of an old resort can be found in the campground and Miracle Hot Springs area.

    Facilities

    __White water boating is popular on the Lower Kern and requires a free Kern River Use permit from the Kernville Ranger Station. A trail also exists at the northern end of Hobo Campground that connects visitors to Sandy Flat Campground. The remains of an old resort can be found in the campground and Miracle Hot Springs area.

    Natural Features

    The campsites are mostly all shaded by majestic sycamores, willows, cottonwoods, alders with views of the Lower Kern River close by.The trees show off a dramatic display of yellow, gold, and orange in the fall. The Kern River flows higher in the late spring and early summer months as water is released from Lake Isabella. The river can appear calm but can be deceiving with it's fast currents under the surface. The Forest Service does not encourage swimming in the river.

    contact_info

    This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (760) 376-3781.

    Nearby Attractions

    Remington Hot Springs is a free Hot Spring on Forest Service Land located approximately one mile West of Hobo Camppground off Old Kern Canyon Road. White water rafting is a very popular activity on the Kern River, local Rafting Outfitters provide half-day to multi day trips along the Kern River.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $26 - $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Breckenridge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Breckenridge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Emigdio Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Emigdio Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Emigdio Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Emigdio Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Emigdio Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Emigdio Campground

    4. San Emigdio Campground

    2 Reviews
    6 Photos
    12 Saves
    Pine Mountain Club, California

    San Emigdio Campground is situated near the entrance to San Emigdio Canyon between the preserve's Administration Center and The Crossing. The campground includes twelve spacious tent campsites, picnic tables, potable water, flush toilet restrooms, and a dishwashing station. A small creek and pond meanders through the campground and there is plenty of shade provided by large cottonwood trees.

    Tent camping and camper vans/trucks only (max length 21 feet).

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Chula Vista Campground at Mt. Pinos
    Camper-submitted photo from Chula Vista Campground at Mt. Pinos
    Camper-submitted photo from Chula Vista Campground at Mt. Pinos
    Camper-submitted photo from Chula Vista Campground at Mt. Pinos
    Camper-submitted photo from Chula Vista Campground at Mt. Pinos
    Camper-submitted photo from Chula Vista Campground at Mt. Pinos
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
    Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
    Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
    Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
    Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
    Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description

    7. Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description

    8 Reviews
    26 Photos
    164 Saves
    Kernville, California

    Dispersed Camping on Upper Kern River approximately 4 to 5 miles north from Kernville. Ther is no water available at this location. Portable toilets and trash recepticals are available during__summer months. See Larger Picture Here.

    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Remington
    Camper-submitted photo from ATV Campground — Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area

    9. ATV Campground — Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    1 Save
    Lebec, California

    Hungry Valley SVRA is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds. Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

    Semi-Developed Camping: Hungry Valley has eleven semi-developed campgrounds with over 200 campsites available on a first come, first serve basis. Located along Gold Hill Road and Hungry Valley Road, these campgrounds provide shade ramadas, picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and trash bins. Smith Forks Campground has flush toilets and sinks. Drinking water is not available in the park.

    Group Campground: The Honey Valley Group Camp is a large group campground with shade ramadas, picnic tables, barbecue, and fire rings. You can reserve the Honey Valley Group Campground through Reserve California.

    Fire / Firewood Restrictions: Open ground fires and firewood collection in the park are not allowed. If you plan to have a fire, you will need to buy firewood locally. Burn it where you buy it. Ask about any seasonal fire restrictions. Pallet burning is not allowed.

    Dump Stations: There are no dump stations in the park. A dump station is available nearby in the town of Lebec at the truck stop or at the northbound and southbound rest areas. Seasonal dump services are also available at Pyramid Lake.

    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets

    $10 / night

    • No image available

      10. Goldhill Camping Area

      1 Review
      6 Saves
      Frazier Park, California

      Goldhill Camping Area is an open camping location adjacent to Piru Creek at the base of Alamo Mountain.__ Recreational Vehicles up to 26 feet. Picnic tables, fire rings, toilets. No potable water available.__ Located near several Forest Service Off-Highway Vehicle (motorcycle and four-wheel drive) roads and trails and is approximately eight miles southwest of Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area.Area ammenities:__Tent camping, Trailer camping, Picnic tables, Toilets, Parking, Trash service

      • Tents
    Showing results 1-10 of 28 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews in Bakersfield

    403 Reviews of 28 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.

    • 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.

    • 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

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from KCL Campground
      May. 1, 2024

      KCL Campground

      Quiet rolling hills

      Small campground for 12 smaller than 30 ft rigs or tents. Most are much smaller. Rough bumpy road for miles ether direction on a first come, first serve campground. Has vaulted toilet with no water or other services. If full, would seek off road area on right just as you approach. Has older building of interest. There was a great horned owl in one of the few eucalyptus trees at the campsite. Quiet and nice area to take a hike or two with pretty nice views if you like the high desert landscape. Warning not to travel dirt roads after a rain as you’re likely to get stuck. Better if you come in from the north side(58) on paved roads, but would limit you to boondocking likely because unable to get to this or Selby campgrounds. Selby is another first-come site to the NW

    • Bryan S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground
      Apr. 24, 2024

      Rivernook Campground

      Standard

      Probably could have been a 3. We checked in late 930 but called ahead to let them know. We got to our spot no power. Under 30 degrees with no heater not ideal. They did come fix it in the morning but when we mentioned it to the office they just said oh well. Definitely not exceptional service. General store was very limited. Wi-Fi didn’t work they claimed it was out of service. People drive way too fast through the camp ground. Lots of permanent residents with some pretty rough setups. Upside great location by the river. Beautiful sites and sounds.

    • Jenny S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Songdog Ranch
      Apr. 2, 2024

      Songdog Ranch

      Spacious and beautiful private property. Friendly, accommodating hosts!

      I stayed for a quick stop overnight and found the site as described. Just a table, fire pit, and water spigot.  The hosts are very accommodating and made sure I was able to find my site after dark and were very responsive to my texts!  Cell service was fine and I felt perfectly safe as a solo female!  I really enjoyed the ranch dogs coming to hang out with me! I'll be back to try one of the other sites with more amazing views!

    • Jack J.
      Camper-submitted photo from Nettle Springs Campground
      Mar. 23, 2024

      Nettle Springs Campground

      One Night Stay

      It’s a pack in and pack out camp ground. Apache canyon trail getting is was a fun drive. I used my 4x4 but could easy done without. Not a soul was there. Could see it getting busy during the summer though.

    • Jack J.
      Camper-submitted photo from Gold Ledge Campground
      Mar. 7, 2024

      Gold Ledge Campground

      River View Campsite

      Came as a going away trip. Great little camp ground. The park ranger was kind and knowledgeable of where to get decently priced firewood. Close to amazing hiking trails and town so if you needed anything, it was just down the road.

    • makenna W.
      Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground
      Feb. 29, 2024

      Rivernook Campground

      Nothing like the website photos…

      My partner and I canceled our booking here after a short drive to our “campsite”… everyone seemed to be camping in what looked like dirt parking spots with cheap fire rings with no space or privacy. The campground was rundown and poorly maintained… looks more like a cheap trailer park than whatever they’re advertising on the website. After driving almost two hours to this location… we will admit we were incredibly disappointed with what we found. Don’t waste your money.

    • makenna W.
      Camper-submitted photo from Kern's River Edge Campground
      Feb. 29, 2024

      Kern's River Edge Campground

      A lovely, quiet campground.

      My partner and I stayed here after a campground down the road overbooked us for a weekend, and it ended up being a lovely trip. The campsites were clean and spacious, the bathrooms were sanitary and showers were hot. Only downside happen to be the on-site general store was shut down the whole weekend.

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from San Emigdio Campground
      Dec. 15, 2023

      San Emigdio Campground

      Great campground

      It’s my first car camping. Toilets and sink were clean. The information desk and the rangers were kind and nice. I’ll definitely go back again.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from A Country RV Park
      Nov. 12, 2023

      A Country RV Park

      Convenient, clean and friendly

      Convenient park adjacent to freeway but the noise is minimal. Clean park and bathrooms. Nice place to spend a night.



    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bakersfield, CA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bakersfield, CA is Autonomy Farms with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near Bakersfield, CA?

      TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Bakersfield, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.