Rv campgrounds near Glennville, California sit at elevations between 2,000 and 4,000 feet in the southern Sierra Nevada foothills. Temperatures vary significantly between summer highs reaching 100°F and winter lows dropping below freezing, especially at higher elevation sites. Mountain camping locations experience up to 30-degree temperature swings between day and night, even during summer months.
What to do
Glider watching at Tehachapi: Visit Mountain Valley RV Park where you can observe gliders from the adjacent airport runway. "Sites are right off runway for glider flying. We ended up extending stay from one night to four to watch air force cadet competition," writes one visitor. Morning is best for watching takeoffs, as "we watched the gliders take off starting around 9am."
Float the Kern River: During summer months, the river level drops to create perfect tubing conditions. "The River was a little low but it was perfect for us with our 5 year old son. We were able to float down the river in our inner tubes safely," notes a camper at KRS RV Resort@Camp James. Best times are July-August when water levels moderate.
Pick fresh citrus: Several Bakersfield area campgrounds maintain working citrus groves. "This park is a repurposed orange grove with plenty of fruit trees between sites," explains a visitor to Orange Grove RV Park. Another camper adds, "The oranges are absolutely fantastic and makes you wonder why you can't get the same quality in a store."
What campers like
Clean shower facilities: Bakersfield area RV parks are known for exceptionally clean bathrooms. At Bakersfield River Run RV Park, visitors note "the bathrooms and grounds are modern, the showers are fantastic." Another camper calls them "better than you'll find in most homes."
Peaceful mountain settings: The higher-elevation campgrounds offer tranquil environments. A visitor to Nelson Falls RV Park reports, "Beautiful and quiet little campground with sequoia trees all around. Saw deer in and around the campground almost daily." The small size of these mountain parks contributes to their intimate atmosphere.
Swimming pools: Many Bakersfield RV parks feature pools for summer heat relief. "The pool was nice, the park was very clean and organized," mentions a camper at Bakersfield River Run RV Park. These pools often require reservations during COVID restrictions, but as one camper noted, "you get a 35 minute slot, 10 people at a time. Which was nice, who likes a crowded pool?!!"
What you should know
Limited cell service in mountains: Higher elevation campgrounds have connectivity challenges. A visitor to Nelson Falls RV Park mentions "Zero Cell coverage" but notes "Starlink worked perfect, though there was wifi available." Download maps before arrival.
Bathroom access restrictions: Some campgrounds lock bathrooms overnight. A camper at Bakersfield River Run RV Park notes bathrooms "are locked from 10pm-7:30am." Another visitor at Mountain Valley RV Park similarly warns, "bathrooms are locked between 10 pm and 7:30 am (not good for those of us with early mornings)."
Mountain driving conditions: Access to Sierra Nevada campgrounds requires careful driving. A Nelson Falls visitor explains, "The drive up is a little daunting with going up the mountain, but the road was fine just take your time it will be worth it."
Tips for camping with families
Creek access for kids: Small children enjoy the shallow creeks running through some campgrounds. At KRS RV Resort@Camp James, a visitor explains their site was "on a creek that ran through the campground. The creek was great to sit in to escape the heat and float down. Lots of kids and dog friendly."
Kid-friendly swimming: When river levels are high, look for parks with controlled water access. "During the high season, it's fun to watch kayakers and whitewater rafters screaming down the rapids. But our favorite time to go is in late July and August, when you can float down the river in an inner tube," says a regular visitor to Camp James.
Family activities at campgrounds: Some parks organize events specifically for children. "This campground even offers activities for the whole family, movie night, bingo, even rock painting," reports a camper at A Country RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Site layout considerations: Pay attention to how pull-through sites are arranged. "The sites are wide and long enough for our 42' 5th wheel," notes a visitor to A Country RV Park. Some campgrounds alternate the direction of entry for privacy.
Best site locations: Request specific site areas when booking. At Mountain Valley RV Park, end sites offer better views, with one camper mentioning "We stayed in the exact spot both times on the end of the back row with a great view of the airport."
Summer reservations essential: Book well in advance for summer stays, especially at riverside campgrounds. "Book way in advance though," warns a KRS RV Resort@Camp James visitor. Riverside sites are particularly in demand during June-August when water activities are popular.
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