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)
1. Autonomy Farms
Greenfield, California1 Review•3 Photos•8 SavesAutonomy 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
2. Hobo Campground — Sequoia National Forest
Bodfish, California6 Reviews•4 PhotosOverview
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
3. Breckenridge Campground
Bodfish, California4 Reviews•2 Photos•162 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
4. San Emigdio Campground
Pine Mountain Club, California2 Reviews•6 Photos•13 SavesSan 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
5. Chula Vista Campground at Mt. Pinos
Pine Mountain Club, California6 Reviews•24 Photos•393 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
6. Cherry Creek Campground
Frazier Park, California2 Reviews•12 Photos•58 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Alcohol
7. Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
Kernville, California8 Reviews•26 Photos•167 SavesDispersed 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
9. ATV Campground — Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
Lebec, California1 Review•1 Photo•1 SaveHungry 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
10. Goldhill Camping Area
Frazier Park, California1 Review•6 SavesGoldhill 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
Recent Tent Reviews in Bakersfield
406 Reviews of 28 Bakersfield Campgrounds
Wendy S.
Guide
Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area
Just fine, but read!
This is a county park on a lake. The campsites are unique in that they are all pull through, but really pull along. There’s lots of space and you are not on top of each other. That said, the campground is full of pocket gophers and ground squirrels so lots of uneven ground. The bathrooms are really old. Like they have metal toilets. I travel a lot and wouldn’t choose to shower here. It’s great in November and December. I’m sure it’s hot in the summer and not a ton of shade. It’s very affordable and did the job. If the bathrooms were not so old it would have been a 4 star.
Natalie T.
TravelerCarrizzo Plain National Monument Dispersed
Rolling Hills & Plains
☆ No target shooting allowed ☆ Arrived on a drizzly day & tried going further down the road to other more secluded camping spots. However the dirt road was slick & minivan, loaded down, was slipping & sliding. Backtracked to a nice spot, camaflouged by a small hill, it'll protect my gear tent. This is open castle range.
ian S.
Scout
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.
- Bob H.Scout
Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area
Quiet campground
Campground is full hookups. Lake was nice and not many boats. Ground was rough due to holes made by squirrel population. Some minor litter.
- MMarcus K.Traveler
West Keyville Dispersed
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.Traveler
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!
- nnathalieScout
ATV Campground — Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
Closed until further notice
The post fire which burned the area of 10,000 acres on June 15, 2024 has caused this area to be closed until further notice. We went to camp but were turned away. Be aware. Otherwise would have been a great place to stay as I have been there before
Ryan B.Traveler
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.Traveler
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.
- NNikolaj A.Traveler
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.Guide
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
- mmichaelTraveler
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.Traveler
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.Guide
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.Traveler
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.Traveler
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.Guide
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.Scout
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.
- PPhilipp Z.Scout
Auxiliary Dam Recreation Site
Peacfull and beautiful view
Its a really nice place. Not so crowded and near a small town. Just 12$ per night.
- kkenneth B.Guide
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
- CClaudia H.Traveler
Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area
Quiet, clean, windy...
Great spot next to the lake. Very windy at times. Lost of gopher holes in the soil.
- MMichael B.Guide
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.Guide
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.ScoutSongdog 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.TravelerNettle 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.Traveler
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.TravelerRivernook 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.
Guide to Bakersfield
Bakersfield, California, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and relaxation in nature.
Tent campers should check out San Emigdio Campground
- This campground provides a peaceful atmosphere with clean restrooms and drinking water, making it a great choice for first-time campers.
- Located in Maricopa, it features picnic tables and allows pets, perfect for families looking to enjoy the outdoors together.
- With numerous trails nearby, visitors can explore the beautiful surroundings while keeping an eye out for local wildlife.
Tips for tent camping near Bakersfield
- At Chula Vista Campground at Mt. Pinos, campers can enjoy free camping with shaded sites and fire rings, but should be prepared for limited amenities like no drinking water or trash disposal.
- For those seeking a unique experience, Autonomy Farms offers a scenic farm stay with access to showers and the option to enjoy campfires.
- If you're looking for a more secluded spot, Breckenridge Campground is a well-reviewed option with clean facilities and a variety of trails for hiking and exploring.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- Hobo Campground — Sequoia National Forest features reservable sites and allows campfires, making it a cozy spot for a weekend getaway.
- At Cherry Creek Campground, campers can enjoy a beautiful mountain setting with a fire pit, perfect for those who love to cook outdoors.
- Woodford Hills offers reservable sites, ensuring a spot for those who prefer to plan ahead for their camping adventures.
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.