A
Abby S.
Guide
GuideMinietta Road
Great spot with epic views. Quiet besides the occasional vehicle on the road before the turn off. Stayed in the first spot but saw a few other rigs farther back. Lovely place.
Tent Camping near Inyokern, CA
Search destinations
Add dates
Tent campers visiting the Inyokern area can access several established campgrounds and dispersed camping options in the surrounding Sierra foothills and desert terrain. Limestone Campground, located along the Kern River in Sequoia National Forest, offers designated tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Free dispersed camping options are also available near Sequoia National Park, where primitive tent camping is permitted with proper permits.
Most tent sites in the region require campers to bring their own water, as drinking water is limited at most locations. Limestone Campground provides vault toilets and trash collection, while dispersed camping areas like Camping Area No. 3 and Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park have no facilities. Surface conditions vary from established dirt pads at Limestone Campground to ungraded natural surfaces at dispersed sites. Fire regulations fluctuate seasonally, with some areas allowing campfires with permits while others enforce strict fire bans, particularly during the dry summer months. Several campgrounds enforce a 14-day stay limit.
The terrain near Inyokern transitions from desert landscapes to forested mountain areas as elevation increases. Sites along the Kern River offer water access and fishing opportunities, with campsites providing shade from pine trees. Higher-elevation tent sites in Sequoia National Forest deliver cooler temperatures during summer months. Tent campers can access hiking trails throughout the region, including the South Rincon Trail. A review mentioned that "Limestone is great, but the place we found up the mountain by a creek called Bone Creek was amazing. Beautiful air scenery water and fish." Remote backcountry camping areas may require high-clearance vehicles to access, while providing greater solitude away from developed campgrounds.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Inyokern (20)
1. Vakinheim
"We had an area where we could set up bon fire. Had some wood on the area. Easy to find the location based of Joe's directions. I will definitely be coming back !! Thank you Joe !"
Check AvailabilityAvailable this weekend
from $10 - $20 / night
2. Long Valley Campground
3. Limestone Campground
"Sites are pretty nicely spaced out and almost all sites have shade. The lsites are not as close to the river as Brush Creek campground, but still closer than Fairview, which is down the road."
"Most sites have trees for shade. We were in one (12) that didn’t, but we moved our chairs to a shaded space between sites. The paved pad is above the area with the table and fire ring."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $36 - $38 / night
4. Hobo Campground — Sequoia National Forest
"Due to a bridge wash out and no funds for repair, this beloved campground is closed."
"Unfortunately, went to camp there last weekend and were informed the bridge has been washed out and camp is closed with no plans to repair the bridge. SO SAD!"
Check Availabilityfrom $28 - $30 / night
5. Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park
"If you want privacy this is it. You are definitely alone."
"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."
6. Live Oak South — Sequoia National Forest
"It is also an off-roading area for sport bikes and the like so there are trails all through out for it. But all the campsites are pretty spaced out so you’ll have your privacy."
7. Old Gold Ledge
"Right next to the river and serene."
8. Breckenridge Campground
"This is a awesome campground, with just a fire ring and table (if a site has it, if not there's plenty to choose from) there is an outhouse and that it is, no signal unless you go up to the lookout"
"Cool place to go and chill, just make sure you are prepared for a narrow and bumpy road, also a short dirt trail."
9. Camping area No. 3 (dispersed)
"Plenty of space for a small trailer to maneuver.
Highly recommend. Perfect for an off-road trailer or overland setup.""Please make sure to pack all your trash that is the reason it’s been closed so many people leaving toilet paper everywhere. Dig a hole and do your business in that hole only lol."
10. Evans Road Dispersed Camping
"The 2 on the south side are attainable with careful driving and 2 wheel drive. One site is visible by the road, the other crests a small hill and has limited visibility from the road."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 36 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 2 hrs 3 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 2 hrs 38 min from Visalia, CA
- 2 hrs 46 min from Hanford, CA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Inyokern, CA
16 Photos of 20 Inyokern Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Inyokern, CA
380 Reviews of 20 Inyokern Campgrounds
Matt G.
RangerMinietta Road
Good for what it is. Nice place for a stop over. No cell an no amenities. Road wasn't bad getting there. An no one was around.
- JJohn M.
ScoutHaven RV Park
Great place
Great place to stay, Jonathan is a really great guy and keeps the place immaculate. Very little traffic and has plenty of trees surrounding the property.
Dawn S.GuideRicardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park
Absolutely beautiful!
Sites are big. The night was so dark we saw thw milky way before the moonrise. The canyon is gorgeous!
- mmarina B.Scout
West Keyville Dispersed
Quiet spot next to the river.
Shade, hikes, big boulders, jump off rocks swimming hole, decent connection on verizon. Steep descent from road, and a bit rough. Ranger said next month it will be graded again ( Nov ‘26). I loved it here!
- JJerina V.
TravelerLake Olancha RV Park
Awesome stay
Staying for 2 nights at the end of August. Its hot but the lake and amenities offered make you totally forget the temperature! Kids had a blast with the peddleboat, peddle boards and kayaks. The docks are a fun spot to hang out and have dinner. Amazing views!!!
jackosc2GuideKeysville South Recreation Site
The best camp spot, plenty of space and toilet!
We came late afternoon on a Saturday and there was heaps of space left. Some spaces any car can drive, some require higher clearance and some are 100% 4x4 access only. But there was plenty.
The pit toilet is off to the right of the site, although, it can be messy inside, we cleaned it twice in our 1 day stay.
The river is clean, flowing and not freezing cold which was great. Plenty of places to have a dip or a swim. Plenty of places to get chairs under trees for a break from the sun. Absolutely no flies or mosquitoes, it's hands down the best camping spot we've found in the USA so far. Huge bins on the way in to accommodate rubbish.
2 bars 4G Verizon signal, tarmac road until entry and then abit lumpy down to main site.
- VVanessaScout
Fossil Falls Campground
No shade
We enjoyed it for a quick stay . No shade, electric or water .... but does have a nice view.
- aalice N.Guide
Kennedy Meadows Campground
Mosquitoes, horse flys, flys & tree sap! Sites are otherwise nice🧐
Had a nice site under a tree that was dripping sap everywhere! We could only use one end of the site table & things were still sticky! Enjoyed walking about the area and could see the nice stream below. There were so many 🦟 & biting flys that our one dog didn’t want to come out of our van, he also had sap on the bottom of his paws. This area is free, but there is a volunteer camp host that occasionally comes around to check you are not parked on the dirt areas. It is beautiful country and there is a very narrow road pass going towards Troy Meadows/Bakersfield/Lake Isabella that we enjoyed. Need to stop in at General Store for a beer!
Guide to Inyokern
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.
Tent campers should check out Long Valley Campground
- Located in a remote area, Long Valley Campground is ideal for those seeking solitude, though it has limited space and no drinking water.
- This campground is known for its proximity to wildlife, with visitors reporting sightings of rattlesnakes, so be prepared.
- Tent camping is the only option here, making it a true back-to-nature experience.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities at Limestone Campground
- Limestone Campground features spacious sites with shade from trees, perfect for a comfortable stay.
- The campground is situated above a river, providing easy access for a refreshing dip or a scenic hike.
- While there are no showers or electric hookups, the clean toilets and well-maintained facilities enhance the camping experience.
Some prices for tent camping range from free to $20
- At Chico Flat Dispersed Camping, camping is free, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking to enjoy the outdoors.
- For a more structured experience, Walker Pass Campground offers a donation-based fee system, allowing campers to pay what they can afford.
- Prices can vary, but many campgrounds in the area provide affordable options for tent campers, ensuring everyone can enjoy the beauty of California's wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Inyokern, CA?
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.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Inyokern, CA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Inyokern, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Inyokern, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring