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Greetings Traveler,
My name is Joe and I own the property known as Vakinheim. It has served as a private Spiritual Retreat for many friends over the years. I've hosted and held various outdoor adventure recreation activities, and even used it as a training ground where I practiced primitive survival skills in preparation for a 21 day Naked and Afraid Survival Challenge, which I am proud to say I completed during season 12, episode 9 on the Discovery Channel.
Now, I am happy to share this very special place with you. Let me tell you a little about more about it.
Vakinheim is an Open Desert Primitive Camp Site located 2 miles south of Inyokern.
No amenities currently available. However the town of Inyokern is 2 short miles away, just close enough to be walking distance, yet still far enough away to feel alone in the desert.
Vakinheim does accommodate multiple vehicles, as well as RVs and Trailers, Fellow Boondockers are always welcome. But please watch out for glass.
The roundabout driveway allows for trailer pull throughs, and features a large communal fire pit in the center.
The light pollution is always low, so you can see more stars at Vakinheim than you would in Hollywood, and every new moon you can see the galaxy.
One of the best local Places to visit is Indian Wells Brewing Company, theirs beer are good, and they have an amazing restaurant too.
$10 - $20 / night
Walker Pass Campround is located just off of California State Highway 178 and at the junction of the Owens Peak and Cache Peak segments of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Located at 5,000 feet, there are pinyon pines and a few Joshua trees in this semi-arid setting and outstanding views of the dry, rugged foothills of the Southern Sierras. The campround includes eleven walk in sites for Pacific Crest Trail hikers and tent campers. The camprgound also has two sites for car camping. All sites have a picnic table and fire ring. Hitching racks and corrals are available for horses. No potable water is available at this site.
Limestone Campground sits in an area dotted with oak and gray pine along the Upper Kern River, a designated Wild and Scenic River, at an elevation of 3,500 feet.
Whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Upper Kern River are popular activities. To learn more about the Upper Kern River, including safety and permitting requirements and a listing of local outfitters, visit the Sequoia National Forests overview of the area.
The Sequoia National Forest, located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada in central California, takes its name from the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree, which grows in more than 30 groves on the forest's lower slopes. The forest comprises about 1.1 million acres, and elevations range from about 1,000 to 12,000 feet creating precipitous canyons and mountain streams with spectacular waterfalls such as Salmon Creek Falls and Grizzly Falls. At various points along the river, gray pines, scrub oaks, grass and dry climate shrubs cling to steep canyon walls, while cottonwoods and willows line the water's edge.
The campground provides a good base for day trips to the Sequoia National Park Trail of 100 Giants. The Giant Sequoia Mercantile offers a wide variety of books, maps, gifts, local art, camping supplies and other merchandise.
For facility specific information, please call (760) 376-1269.
$34 - $36 / night
Dispersed Camping on Upper Kern River approximately 4 to 5 miles north from Kernville. Ther is no water available at this location. Portable toilets and trash recepticals are available during__summer months. See Larger Picture Here.
Hobo Campground is tucked on the banks of the Lower Kern River, north of the popular Miracle Hot Springs. It sits at 2290 feet elevation on the Sequoia National Forest in the Lower Kern Canyon. The close proximity to the Lower Kern River and the shade provided by the riparian forest make it an ideal summer escape from the heat. It has 23 individual tent only sites and an additional 10 sites across the campground.
__White water boating is popular on the Lower Kern and requires a free Kern River Use permit from the Kernville Ranger Station. A trail also exists at the northern end of Hobo Campground that connects visitors to Sandy Flat Campground. The remains of an old resort can be found in the campground and Miracle Hot Springs area.
The campsites are mostly all shaded by majestic sycamores, willows, cottonwoods, alders with views of the Lower Kern River close by.The trees show off a dramatic display of yellow, gold, and orange in the fall. The Kern River flows higher in the late spring and early summer months as water is released from Lake Isabella. The river can appear calm but can be deceiving with it's fast currents under the surface. The Forest Service does not encourage swimming in the river.
Remington Hot Springs is a free Hot Spring on Forest Service Land located approximately one mile West of Hobo Camppground off Old Kern Canyon Road. White water rafting is a very popular activity on the Kern River, local Rafting Outfitters provide half-day to multi day trips along the Kern River.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (760) 376-3781.
$28 - $30 / night
Long Valley Campground is a remote, primitive campground located within Chimney Peak Recreation Area and is cherry stemmed out of Domelands Wilderness. The campground contains 13 sites, picnic tables, fire rings, and primitive pit toilets. There is no potable water at the campground. The Volpe Trail, a 3-mile unmaintained route that provides access to the South Fork of the Kern River within Domelands Wilderness, starts at the end of the campground road near site 13.
Guide
Beautiful well kept campground. We tent camped and our site was close to the rv hook up sites. The rv sites have two different sizes and hookups. Tent sites had access to running water. We were located close to the creek and the bathrooms with showers. The walk to the water was a bit far but fun once you’re out there. The current wasn’t too strong so the kids were able to enjoy themselves in the water. Overall we had a blast.
Traveler
Remote. Saw 3 rattlesnakes. Bring plenty of water. Tent camping only. Very limited space.
RangerI’ve been coming here since I was a kid, not much has changed except the water level.. and nicer restrooms!
we tent camped by the river ( other options include by a brook ) and had plenty of space and trees. Full rv hookups and rv camping available on the top tier of the campground. Be careful of thievin raccoons!
Close to Riverkern , cell service and supplies
Guide
Excellent family spot. Beautiful well kept grounds. Clean showers and bathrooms. Polite guests. Respectable to after hour policies. Ground keepers make sure everyone is happy. Full hook up sites make it easy. Shaded tent sites make it comfortable. Camp store make it convenient. Walking distance to town and store. Kern river Brewing company is the family favorite. Pizza Barn delivers to you while riverside.
Scout
This is a nice clean campground right on the Kern River. However, the website says several spots are good for a 30-foot RV. I do not recommend anything bigger than 24 feet or so. The road through the campground is very narrow, and lined with large boulders. Some of the turns are very tight. For tent camping, though? Great spot. And the river front spots are nice. Just expect that others will want to get to the river and will be walking in or near your campsite.
Guide
Started 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.
Guide
I go camp at Frandy campgrounds once a year in October. It’s a wonderful camp ground, very large and well maintained. Some sites are appropriate for RV with electrical hook ups. I always camp near the river, there are plenty of walk ways to get down there to relax. It’s enjoyable to be able to walk into town to have a drink or enjoy a bite to eat if you don’t want to cook at your campsite. I love this camp ground, it’s a great spot for the family. You can even rent a covered wagon to stay the night if you don’t want to tent camp.
Guide
This was a pretty nice campground. We were at group site 3, it has a covered picnic area and flat area for tents closer to the river bank.
We called park services to make sure our camper was allowed (Twice) and it indeed it was. However when using a pop up you are essentially camping in the parking lot. It didn’t end up being a bad spot but I would definitely say this site is more appropriate for tent camping.
Porta-potties were kept clean and trash was emptied from large trash containers regularly.
Bears are common in the area and there are no bear lockers for food. So keep this in mind.
Overall it’s a wonderful area to camp and play in the river.
Traveler
We arrived very late at night so no one was working but was able to grab a spot by booking at the front drop off pillar - u just fill out the paperwork and add cash in it and drop it in the pillar.
Sadly there werent any only tent sites left so we just took a site with a yurt but only used the tent we had. The host was okay with it the next morning and was very kind explaining and giving us some info on the area.
They had a little gift shop which had medicine which was a life saver. I was coming up with something the day after arrival but the med from gift shop cleared it up in a few hrs. Definitely made the rest of the stay much more enjoyable.
When we were about to leave we found out our car died from using the portable alternator but host was kind enough to help out with a jumpstart and even helped cleaned the battery leak with a bottle of coke he took from the gift shop. He cleans the sites in the morning and does what he can with the restrooms.
Definitely recommend.
Legend
General: Smallish (approx. 50-site) campground that does not take reservations. No hookups, one walk-in tent site, and the others are either back-in or pull-through. Some are “double” sites that would be ideal for sharing.
Site Quality: Varies. All sites (except four, three of which are designated handicap sites) are a mixture of sand/gravel. Not all are completely level, and some accommodate larger vehicles than others.
Bathhouse: Pit toilets only. Some are open air and some are enclosed; the one closest to our site was clean.
Activities: hiking, photography. Good night sky area. The nature trail is accessible directly from the campground and the Hagen Canyon trail is ¾ mile from the campground. Red Cliffs is another short trail across the highway; these are the most popular (and short) hikes in the park but there are others. The views are jaw-dropping and well worth exploring.
Note that although there is a dump station, there is a $20 charge to use it.
We arrived around 1 pm on a Sunday in late March and had our pick of sites, however, the campground filled in to about ¾ full by the end of the day.
Guide
This campground is sparse in amenities and full of the beauty of the eastern Sierras. The sites are really optimized for car or tent camping, but will also work for a small trailer. We have a 13 foot vintage travel trailer and she fits anywhere, but not all of the slabs were level or easy to back into. The sites are large and most of them have a pretty view, or an interesting rock formation. They are spacious and there is plenty of room from your neighbors.
We went in July and there were no attendants on site, and they are all first come first served. You put your fees (cash or check) in an envelope at the entrance and tear off a flap to clip at your site while you are there, as well as a hang tag for your vehicle. Its $17 per site and I think an additional $7 per extra vehicle The toilets are vault toilets, and there are water taps every few sites but the notice said that the water was not potable until boiled for 5 minutes. There are no showers, and no trash bins - you pack your trash out.
There is no cel service - we had none until the bottom of the 9 mile grade where you start the climb 30 miles away. There is a general store that has ice and drinks about 35 minutes / 9 miles from the campsite towards Kennedy Meadows, and Grumpy Bears retreat about 2 more miles down the road that has food and a bar. Both the general store and Grumpy Bears have a decent wifi that you pay for. I used the 2 hours for $2 and that was enough to get messages out and catch up.
The only gas for sale that I saw was at the general store, and it was expensive, but nice to know its there. There is a trash dumpsite on the turnoff before Grumpy Bears.
We stayed for 5 days and I could have stayed much longer!
Legend
Kern River is a great place in the hot California Desert. This place has everything to make you feel at home. Several large sites for tents or RV's , bathrooms with full showers, a pool, splashpad and water play area. They have these weird Banana bikes which were fun. I was in complete heaven when I saw the coffee bar! There is a big pavilion with cooking areas for everyone!
This is close to several nearby attractions. They offer great wifi services. Great places if you have little ones. so much to do and all of the staff was wonderful.
They have Cabins too! I didnt stay in them but they are pretty cute.
GuideI gave a four star only because there are a lot of tent spots only and I really like some of them but they are reserved for tent only. There are sites on the river with hook ups except sewer, but that’s ok for us. There is also a large grass area they have for large parties like weddings and things. We go every year.
Traveler
Windy and creepy campers coming up to ur tents and some what stalking you!.
Scout
We 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.
ScoutGreat place for RVs and tents. Great fishing spots all over the campground. And access to floating in your tubes and hanging out at beaches in the campground
Traveler
I love pitching a tent and waking up to a beautiful lake especially when your right on the water! First come first serve and Launching access anywhere pretty much! Kernville lake Isabella is the place!
Guide
There are no amenities however it’s a fairly popular spot to camp. There are tents setup at the top of the hill. A 10 minute walk to the natural hot springs along the river.
Scout
Stayed here in my car the night before driving to Death Valley NP. There was only one other group there on a weekend in March, it was very quiet and secluded. Cleaner bathrooms than expected, beautiful stars, but very very windy, enough I wouldn't have been comfortable in a tent. Great cheap spot!
Legend
PROS: walking distance to lake Isabella, awesome views. Beautiful sunrise and sunset. RVs, Trailers and tents are welcome, big spaces available. This camp has drinking water, toilets, dump station and a playground for kids. Great for family vacation.
CONs: not too much shade.
Guide
Our experience here was really frustrating for multiple reasons, but for the sake of this review I will try to highlight what is important for other campers to know. We had a bad experience from the beginning when we arrived at Hungry Gulch and were blown off by the camp host for asking who we could ask some questions of since we had made a reservation online at Recreation.gov and it was unclear what to do since there are not assigned camp spots. Since we had a kayak lesson to get to we called the Sequoia Recreation line and were told that we could pick any empty campsite, put our tent there and then it was OK to leave and the camp host would come along later to check our reservation (again which was done online so we had no other proof besides our email). We pitched our tent, went off for our kayak lessons, and when we got back to the campsite around 9 pm there was another family in our site and our tent was gone! The camp host took down our tent and gave our spot to someone else because we "didn't have the proper tag and hadn't checked in with him,"which of course we tried to do. So, I had to go find him and explain to him how I had done exactly what I was told by Sequoia Recreation and then he had to drive around for 15 minutes to find us a new spot and didn't even offer to help us put our tent back up that he had taken down (at what was now almost 10 pm). We were surrounded by people playing really loud music on a speaker on one side, another group that was drunkenly yelling on another and loud road noise. Someone came around the sites at like 10 pm and of course everyone was quiet for all of 5 minutes and then we didn't see anyone else after that checking on things. At 12:30 am we had enough, asked both groups to be quiet and while it helped some, both were still making lots of noise. After a long day of kayaking I was exhausted and gave up. We packed up our site at almost 1 am and left out of sheer frustration and ended up having to get a hotel in Bakersfield just to get some sleep. Beware of this campground and know that they're tricky with their sites. There are not a ton of bathrooms and the sites on the periphery of the campground are really close to the road with lots of noise. There are some sites with shade but not many. I am giving it 2 stars for location and proximity to Kern River activities and Lake Isabella.
GuideNearly all these campsites butt up against the Badlands-esque rock formations with mini slot canyons to explore right at your campsite. My son absolutely loved this place. I loved it. We had a great time!
It costs $25 per night and has zero amenities but the landscape makes up for it. Joshua trees and amazing rock formations, Jack rabbits and desert squirrels... it’s just great.
1 bar AT&T if you’re lucky. No water, no electricity, but there’s a dump station near the visitor center. No electric car charging. Lots of tents and small rigs, nothing big. Campground uses narrow one-way dirt road. There are about 50 campsites with a picnic table, fire ring, rocky tent pad and fairly level gravel parking spot. At least 2 spots are ADA with concrete parking spots and nearby restroom.
Now during COVID time it’s self registration, not sure about other times. We stayed one night and never saw a ranger. The campground was about half full and didn’t fill up while we were there.
Traveler
This camping site is a nice free area super close to the Giants Trail entrance (5 minute drive). As you head in you go thru a little dirt road and at the end you see an opening for this site. There is one site located right at the start of the access road but with no views. The main area is cleared to pitch your camping tent. There are no trash cans around or toilets (closest is entrance of Giants trail) but trash may be near at the other camp sites. I did have to put my trash in the tree with a rope about 20-50ft away just for safety. Make sure you don’t keep anything smelly in your tent or around your truck because there is a local bear that comes by in the middle of the night when everyone’s sleeping. The Bear didn’t tamper with my ground tent but I ended up sleeping in my camper due to it being too cold. Although, I did hear the next campers yell out bear for safety. But nothing to worry about if you pack in and pack out and are respectful. The stream and meadow is beautiful. I would recommend this to anyone looking to have a secluded quite area that some ppl may not come to due to the friendly bear wink.
Traveler
Forest Fire 2 years ago did some damage resulting in the water spigot being intermittently operating, boiling or filter a must. Spacious, sparsely used, remote tent or car camping, some space for RV but NO hookups. 20 mile dirt road for access. Fire restrictions usually "extreme" so probably not a spot for a campfire. Rattlesnakes common, use caution with kids and pets.
Traveler
Chico Flat Dispersed Campsite offers many areas with flat ground to tent upon, as well as a large parking lot to car camp if that’s your thing. However there aren’t loads of trees to hammock camp on. You cannot build a campfire here. There is a pit toilet. There is river access right next to the campsite. There is also spotty cell reception if you want that.
Let it be known, this campsite is not clean. The previous campers that came long before me left two things: trash, and a message. There was a menagerie of bottle caps and broken glass strewn practically everywhere for me to pick up. This can be said for dare I say everywhere in this whole campsite. Additionally, this trash acted as a proverbial “go ahead” for other people to litter and make the litter situation worse; not cool.
If you want to really get away from people, don’t come here. When I went people brought the whole kit-and-kaboodle: a suburb of tents, gas generators, bright lights, loud music, etcetera.
Perhaps this isn’t how this site always is, but man it got crowded, noisy, and annoying. I’ll spare you from the whole story.
If you’re looking for a quick spot to crash, look no further. If you’re intent on bringing generators, lights, dogs and speakers, this is unfortunately for you. If you’re looking to get away and spend time in nature like myself, this isn’t for you.
Traveler
The campground was great - the spot was not so great. I recommend staying here just don’t stay on camp spot 9. You have to “scale” down a medium incline just to get from your car to the camp flat for your tent. And your downwind from the bathrooms and can smell… everything. Again the campground was great and we were pretty close to the river which was awesome. But stay away from site 9. We’ll definitely be back but will be at one of the others. Be sure to bring river/water shoes and some decent bug repellent.
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.
Tent camping near Inyokern, California, offers a variety of unique experiences amidst stunning natural landscapes. From remote sites to well-equipped parks, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.
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Which is the most popular tent campsite near Inyokern, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Inyokern, CA is Vakinheim with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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