Join the fun near Bodfish. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Bodfish campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.
"The hubs, kids and myself have spent a lot of time in Keysville if you're looking for a weekend getaway for mountain biking or trail riding this is the place!"
"Beautiful spot conveniently located only a couple miles outside of town. Dumpsters and put toilets provided on both sides of the Kern River."
"Nice long drive to a beautiful destination"
"We like to camp next to the creek. Fishing is plentiful and the air is great as long as there’s no fires near."
"The entrance to the road which leads from Sherman Pass to the campground does not give a clear indication that there is, in fact, a campground at the end."
"This is a stop along the Pacific Crest Trail. The scenery is an amazing mix of Joshua Trees, pines, chaparral, mountains and large rocks, some snow on the peaks facing north."
"Right off the highway either beautiful overlook. Simple to access but few spaces for campers…lots if tent space."
$25 - $45 / night
"There are trails to hike. FYI, there is no cell reception and no provided wifi. Personally I think that’s a good thing 😬."
"We did a backpacking trip from Johnsondale Bridge down to Fairview Campground following the Rincon trail in May.
It was hot but the views and the quietness was beautiful!"
"This was (still kind of is) a working horse packing station where they ran cattle out for the summer. Most trips out now are aimed at tourists/fishermen but the vibe is still the same."
"Adventure Awaits folks get outside!"
"Overnight stay driving through. Easy access. Level parking areas. I stopped close to 395 & had no noise from road. Slept well with strong night winds."
"We landed here and drove thru the FF campground, which we knew was closed but wanted to check it out, and pulled out onto the dry lake bed area to spend the night. "
"It is primarily for off road enthusiasts, however, we just came out here to enjoy the desert and go for walks. "
GuideStarted coming here over 40 years ago as a kid. This was (still kind of is) a working horse packing station where they ran cattle out for the summer. Most trips out now are aimed at tourists/fishermen but the vibe is still the same. Fun horse riding trips. Great family vacation to get away from everything. Cabins are rustic but have everything you need. Plenty of tent camping in the campgrounds before the lodge. This is a great starting point for many backcountry backpack trips as it is near the PCT. Lots of hiking. Great fishing spot, river is generally stocked with fish on a weekly basis.
ScoutThe hike to Kennedy meadows campground was wonderful and scenic and the campground itself is in a nice location. The only downfall is the trail and campground is shared for horses and there is POOP EVERYWHERE. Somewhere midway through the hike there is a trail leading to Sharon Lake. Very isolated lake with lots of trout - they were jumping out of the water.
GuideMy family would camp here once a year for 4-5 days. It is dispersed camping, so there are no hookups or designated sites. It is primarily for off road enthusiasts, however, we just came out here to enjoy the desert and go for walks. We would usually go toward the end of the year when it is not so hot (Oct-Dec) and have had a variety of weather over the years. From beautiful skies, to wind, rain and snow. The wind always picked up in the evening, so don't forget to roll up your awning. Our rig is a 30' bunkhouse trailer being pulled by a full size 4x4 truck. Although you don't need 4x4 and probably any car can make it out there. You just might have to drive slow as some of the road are pretty tore up. The camping is all over the valley and I can't see ever showing up and not being able to find a good spot (for what it is). There will be dust and some dirt bikes, trucks and OHV's rolling around. You will probably hear some of them long into the night. But I think there are areas you can go to get away from a lot of it and enjoy the stars and solitude of the desert. As you drive in you pass a ranger station. $10 gets you water to fill up your tanks and a pass to use their dump station.
LegendThe hubs, kids and myself have spent a lot of time in Keysville if you're looking for a weekend getaway for mountain biking or trail riding this is the place! Some of the best free riding in California! Highly recommend keyesville to everyone! Town is just a few miles away if you should need anything.
GuideIf you like to be off the grid amidst the trees this is the place for you. We like to camp next to the creek. Fishing is plentiful and the air is great as long as there’s no fires near.
ScoutWe were robbed from this location while out hiking and rafting for the day. Lost thousands of dollars in gear, clothes and personal items. Literally everything was gone, they plucked up the whole tent and took it all, nothing left but some tent stakes once we returned. The location is convenient to town and it is nice next to the river BUT BEWARE and don’t leave ANYTHING. We have a feeling it’s people who know the area and do quick grab and goes, not other campers.
LegendAlong Hwy 178 towards Ridgecrest you'll find this campground that is small but quiet and clean. It is not for big rigs or RVs.
There are 2 sites with fire pits and covered picnic tables that could fit a large van at most. There is one other spot that is level but has no fire pit or covered table. Further back are several scattered picnic tables and tent spots. There are also 2 unisex ADA accessible pit toilet bathrooms which were quite filthy.
This is a stop along the Pacific Crest Trail. The scenery is an amazing mix of Joshua Trees, pines, chaparral, mountains and large rocks, some snow on the peaks facing north. It is close to the highway so there is some road noise and people stopping to use the bathroom. The road in is paved and narrow and potholed but passable.
There was no cell service with AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile.
There is a donation based drop box for camping fee so pay what you want or what you can afford.
Fires and charcoal grills are not allowed per sign at info board, camp stoves are ok.
RangerBeautiful spot conveniently located only a couple miles outside of town. Dumpsters and put toilets provided on both sides of the Kern River. A larger group site on one side and dispersed sites on the other. Great, reliable Verizon service. Road access is rough in some places, but passable in our low-clearance rig. Days are typically windy so tenters beware. Some of the sites on the dispersed side could use some TLC, but for the price you can't complain. Seems like a great fishing spot, and there do appear to be hiking trails in the area. Glad we made the trip out, if we pass it again we will definitely stay again!
TravelerOvernight stay driving through. Easy access. Level parking areas. I stopped close to 395 & had no noise from road. Slept well with strong night winds.
Horse camping in California offers a unique blend of scenic trails and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the state's natural beauty with their horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bodfish, CA is Keysville South Recreation Site with a 3.6-star rating from 5 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Bodfish, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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