Cabin camping near Bear Valley Springs, California offers access to the southern Sierra Nevada mountains where elevations range from 3,500 to 8,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during day and drop to 55-65°F at night, making evening campfires comfortable. Winter weather brings occasional snow to higher elevation cabin sites, particularly from December through February.
What to do
River recreation: Kern River County Park offers direct river access for tubing, swimming, and fishing. A camper noted, "We camp here every year. Usually late shooting to early summer. Camp grounds are well maintained." The park features 50 campsites with "lots of trees for shade" and many riverside sites.
Hiking with goats: Art Farm Nature Space offers unique activities including guided hikes with goats. "Their western Bar is the nicest looking bar anywhere and there is tons of fun activities including hiking with goats, volleyball etc etc," reports one visitor. Trails lead to scenic viewpoints with sunset views.
Water play for kids: Lake Isabella-Kern River KOA provides structured water recreation with "a pool, splashpad and water play area" for families with children. The campground features "weird Banana bikes which were fun" and a large pavilion with cooking areas.
What campers like
Riverside sites: Camp Kernville receives praise for its location directly on the Kern River. A camper shared, "The riverfront sites are primo! A short stroll and you're in Kernville." The convenience of being able to walk to town amenities adds to the appeal.
Spacious camping areas: Kern River County Park offers large campsites that provide privacy. One visitor commented, "Well maintained campground with well-spaced sites, you never feel like you're in your neighbor's lap." Campsites along the river offer wildlife viewing opportunities including "ducks and egrets, and a bald eagle perched in a tree."
Wooded campsites: KRS RV Resort@Camp James provides shaded sites that help manage summer heat. "The campsites are clean, shaded by trees, and it's right on the riverfront," noted one reviewer. The property features small creeks flowing through the campground that create additional cooling areas.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some cabin rentals requires four-wheel drive vehicles. Visitors without appropriate vehicles may need to adjust plans or select alternative locations with better access.
Bug preparation: Some cabins experience seasonal insect issues. One Oak Flat Lookout visitor warned, "Literally thousands of earwigs everywhere. We sprayed with the ultra toxic bug spray left behind, then returned and swept them up."
Water availability: Cabin amenities vary significantly between properties. Poso Guard Station Cabin offers electrical service but lacks running water, while Three Falls Ranch Guest Cabin provides toilets and showers. Confirm water access before booking.
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility to town: Camp Kernville offers convenience for families needing supplies. "The park is right near downtown and you can walk to cafe's, bakery, shops and market," notes one reviewer. This reduces packing pressure when traveling with children.
Swimming options: During summer, select cabin sites with safe water access. KRS RV Resort@Camp James features a small creek that runs through the property that's ideal for children. A visitor explained, "The kids loved tubing down it all day. In front of us was the river."
Organized activities: Some campgrounds schedule family events. KRS RV Resort@Camp James "offers activities for the whole family, movie night, bingo, even rock painting," according to a visitor. Lake Isabella KOA provides movie nights and scheduled pancake breakfasts.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup locations: KRS RV Resort@Camp James offers full-service RV sites slightly removed from the river. A camper noted, "You can get a site right on the river with no sewage hook ups or get all hook ups off the river." This allows choosing between prime location or maximum convenience.
Site preparation: Kern River County Park sites require advance planning for larger RVs. "50 huge campsites with lots of trees for shade. Many river side sites. No hook ups, but there is a dump station and several water spigots," according to one visitor.
Reservation timing: Popular cabin rental locations book quickly during summer. At KRS RV Resort@Camp James, visitors advise to "book way in advance though," particularly for riverside locations during peak season from May through August.
