Bakersfield camping options span elevations from 400 feet in the valley to over 6,000 feet in the Tehachapi Mountains. Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F in the valley while mountain campgrounds remain 20-30 degrees cooler. During winter months, higher-elevation sites may close due to snow while valley locations operate year-round.
What to do
Floating the Kern River: At Kern River County Park, campers can access both calm sections for beginners and more challenging waters. "We camp here every year. Usually late shooting to early summer. Camp grounds are well maintained. Would not recommend camping on holidays. Close to 2 lakes ming and hart Park," notes Mike J.
Fishing Lake Isabella: The reservoir offers year-round fishing with trout, bass, and catfish. "Only a few miles to town. A short walk to lake Ming and Kern River golf course," reports David V. about Kern River County Park's location.
Explore Tehachapi Mountains: Tehachapi Mountain Park provides access to hiking trails with pine forest surroundings. "This is a hidden gem. It was 100 in Mojave and 70 in the TMP. Gorgeous tall evergreens and some larger oaks, a few might be old growth," writes Shannon O. The park sits at approximately 6,000 feet elevation, providing significant relief from valley heat.
Stargazing in Carrizo Plain: Songdog Ranch offers yurt camping near Bakersfield with expansive views. "Lots of campsite choices along the ridge with beautiful expansive views of the plain. During springtime, the wildflowers are beautiful," reports Esther Y.
What campers like
Temperature differences: Tehachapi Mountain Park serves as a cooling escape. "Best sites are right next to the river. Spacious with a good amount of privacy depending on the site you get," explains Paul N. about Camp Three Campground, another mountain option.
Fruit availability: At Orange Grove RV Park, visitors appreciate the fresh produce. "Clean, quiet easy on and off HWY58. Sites are level the pool is clean, staff is awesome. Don't forget the oranges," advises Glenn B. Another camper adds, "The oranges are absolutely fantastic and makes you wonder why you can't get the same quality in a store."
Private yurt accommodations: Songdog Ranch offers more secluded options. "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," reports Jenny S., who felt safe as a solo female traveler.
Water features: Many campgrounds offer water recreation. "We had site 80 which is back up right on the small Creek that runs right thru the middle of the grounds. The kids loved tubing down it all day. In front of us was the river," shares Amber D. about Camp James.
What you should know
Limited shade: Many valley campgrounds lack natural coverage. "You definitely could hear the trains in the evening and night; it didn't bother me as I use a white noise machine," notes Corey O. about Orange Grove RV Park.
Wildlife awareness: "Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes during the summer months," warns Paul N. about Camp Three. Another camper at Reyes Creek mentions, "The temperature varies greatly from day to night (90's to 50's when I was there) and there are bugs a plenty, so bring repellant."
Reservation requirements: Lake Isabella-Kern River KOA fills quickly during summer. "We stay here in transit often. The park, while busy is pretty nice for an overnighter," shares Semi H. about Orange Grove.
Access limitations: Mountain campgrounds have narrow roads. "The road to the campground is a narrow, twisty, two lane road. Then we got to the campground and it got narrower and steeper. The grades in some parts of the campground were double digit percent grades," cautions one reviewer about Tehachapi Mountain Park.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming access: The Kern River provides swimming holes. "From these gems, the river is just a short, 1 or 2 minute walk to the River," notes Kim about Camp Three Campground's site locations.
Alternative cooling options: When lake access isn't available, look for campgrounds with pools. "They have a wonderful pool and splash pad for the kids. The staff was amazing! They have pizza and a small bar to relax in," shares Nick B. about Lake Isabella-Kern River KOA.
Check noise levels: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours better than others. "They clean and rake all camp sites after each use and they enforce the 10:00pm quiet time," notes David H. about Camp James.
Shade consideration: For tent camping with children, prioritize shade. "Campsites are around 6,000', pit toilets, grills, steel fire pits, picnic tables and potable water taps," describes Shannon O. about Tehachapi Mountain Park's amenities.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Large RVs face challenges at mountain campgrounds. "We were towing a 13' travel trailer and did OK, but I wouldn't want anything bigger than that," advises Mark about Tehachapi Mountain Park.
Hookup availability: Full hookups are limited. "We had 20/30/50 amp power, water and sewer. There is a very nice, clean, but sort of small pool," reports Barry G. about Orange Grove RV Park.
Seasonal considerations: Some sites have different capacity during different seasons. "Brite Lake is a small lake but you can definitely catch some fish! You can camp right up to the water which was awesome! It does get a little windy at times but nothing too crazy," notes Chris B.
Year-round access: Valley campgrounds often remain open during winter. "Our site had water hookup, a picnic table, a fire ring. There were showers at the upper end of the campground," shares a camper about Tehachapi Mountain Park, which despite its elevation, remains accessible most of the year.
