Camping spots near Bear Valley Springs, California sit in the Tehachapi Mountains at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 feet. The region's unique microclimate creates cooler temperatures in summer and occasional snow in winter, with seasonal temperature variations of 30-40°F between day and night. Strong wind patterns affect the eastern portions of the area, particularly around Brite Lake where gusts can challenge tent campers.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Brite Lake Aquatic Recreation Area provides stocked fishing with restrictions on swimming. "Fishing is nice if you have a boat of some kind. The boat has to have a trolling motor only though," explains Charlotte R. about the lake's regulations.
Mountain biking: The foothills near Kern River Campground offer trails for various skill levels. "You can mtb the adjacent foothills, road bike the bike path, enjoy the river or near by Lake Ming," notes Tommy B., highlighting the recreational diversity.
Glider watching: For a unique experience, Mountain Valley RV Park sits adjacent to a glider airport. "Sites are right off runway for glider flying. We ended up extending stay from one night to four to watch air force cadet competition," shares Ricki, who enjoyed this unexpected attraction.
Hiking trails: Multiple trails are accessible from the area's campgrounds, varying in difficulty. "Chill spot! Great hike also!! The scenery is amazing!" shares Chris B. about the trails near Tehachapi Mountain Park.
What campers like
Mountain forest experience: Tehachapi Mountain Park provides a high-altitude forest setting. "Beautiful spot. Old school mountainside camping in the tall trees. Campsites are around 6,000', pit toilets, grills, steel fire pits, picnic tables and potable water taps," describes Shannon O., noting the mature tree cover.
Private campsite layouts: The mountainside terrain creates natural separation between sites. "I normally don't like campgrounds because of the way they are set up with neighbors to each side. But this place is incredible, with plenty of private spots due to the whole place being on the side of a mountain," says Leo L. about Tehachapi Mountain Park's layout.
Riverside camping: Several campers appreciate Kern River Park for its water access. "We went tent camping and the spots were huge and close to the river which made for beautiful peaceful mornings," Anna B. explains about the riverside experience.
Temperature relief: The higher elevation campgrounds provide escape from valley heat. "It was 100 in Mojave and 70 in the TMP," Shannon O. notes about Tehachapi Mountain Park's temperature advantage during warmer months.
What you should know
Road accessibility: The mountain campgrounds have challenging access roads. "Beautiful spot. Note: this is not a place for large RVs or trailers. The road in is tight and twisty with no shoulders and some trees and rock faces snug up against it," warns Shannon O. about Tehachapi Mountain Park.
Water restrictions: Brite Lake Aquatic Recreation Area has limitations visitors should know. "Our family stayed here for 2 nights. We enjoyed our time but the kids were disappointed they couldn't touch the water at the lake," Charlotte R. explains about the swimming prohibition.
Bathroom availability: Facilities vary widely between locations. "Negative - One unisex bathroom/shower for the entire park. No code provided," reports Jonelle K. about Bear Mountain RV Park's limited facilities.
Seasonal wind patterns: Wind affects certain campgrounds more than others. "Not my favorite campground. Very windy, not able to go in the water which was a disappointment for our dogs," Allison notes about Brite Lake's conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Bring shade options: Tree cover varies significantly between campgrounds. "Not a whole lot of shade in the RV sites there is more shade in tent areas," Charlotte R. mentions about Brite Lake, suggesting portable shade for summer visits.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer better facilities for children. "Clean, friendly, and easy full hookup...clean facilities, Dog Park, Swimming pool," Wendy A M. notes about Orange Grove RV Park, which provides more developed amenities.
Alternative water activities: Since swimming isn't allowed at Brite Lake, Charlotte R. suggests, "I brought a small plastic pool for them to get wet in at our site because it was hot."
Weekday scheduling: For quieter experiences, midweek visits reduce crowds. "We spent a night in late May and there were only a few other sites occupied on a Wednesday night," Shannon O. reports about Tehachapi Mountain Park's typical occupancy.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Larger rigs face significant limitations. "The grades in some parts of the campground were double digit percent grades and the hairpin turns were very sharp. We were towing a 13' travel trailer and did OK, but I wouldn't want anything bigger than that," advises Mark about navigating Tehachapi Mountain Park.
Temperature management: RVers should note power limitations that affect cooling options. "30 amp max limits AC. Spaces are large. Beautiful countryside," Aaron S. explains about Brite Lake's electrical capabilities during hot weather.
Off-season benefits: Visiting outside peak times provides better experiences. "Clean and quiet, easy on and off HWY58. Sites are level the pool is clean, staff is awesome. Don't forget the oranges," Glenn B. recommends about Orange Grove RV Park, highlighting its year-round appeal.
Shower access hours: Some facilities have restricted hours. "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," Jesse B. notes about Bakersfield River Run RV Park's 10pm-7:30am bathroom closures.
