Best Campgrounds near Bakersfield, CA

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!