RV camping near Johnsondale, California provides access to the southern Sierra Nevada landscape at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 7,000 feet. The region features diverse terrain with pine forests at higher elevations transitioning to oak woodlands and desert landscapes as you travel east. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing, while summer visitors should plan for temperatures that regularly exceed 90°F in lower elevation campgrounds.
What to do
Fishing access points: Several campgrounds offer direct water access for fishing enthusiasts. At KRS RV Resort@Camp James, campers can fish directly from their sites. As one visitor noted, "Great spots right on the Kern River. So many things to do and the campground resort is ran good, no issues at all. Full hookups, close to everything."
Tubing opportunities: The Kern River provides seasonal tubing depending on water levels. "We stayed in site 81 in our class C RV. Corner site on a creek that ran through the campground. The creek was great to sit in to escape the heat and float down. We also fished in the river," reported one Camp James visitor, adding that "we walked to the northern end and floated down the river back to our site with a nice cold beer in hand."
Sierra Nevada day trips: Sequoia RV Ranch serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby national forests. A reviewer confirmed the location advantage: "The greatest part was the proximity to Sequoia/Kings Canyon (8 miles to the entrance). Would definitely stay again should we visit the parks in the future."
What campers like
Natural swimming areas: Cool off in natural swimming holes during summer months. A guest at Camp James reported, "There is a small store on the property that sells fishing gear, snacks and other goodies. The campsites are clean, shaded by trees, and it's right on the riverfront. During the high season, it's fun to watch kayakers and whitewater rafters screaming down the rapids."
Privacy between sites: Nelson Falls RV Park offers more secluded camping options. "Beautiful and quiet little campground with sequoia trees all around. Saw deer in and around the campground almost daily," wrote one reviewer. The sequoia trees provide natural separation between campsites.
Cell connectivity options: While the existing description notes variable cell service, specific campground reviews add details about digital connectivity. A Nelson Falls RV Park guest explained: "Zero Cell coverage (we took that as a good thing), but make sure to download your google map. Starlink worked perfect, though there was wifi available."
What you should know
Seasonal water conditions: Water levels in the Kern River system vary dramatically by season. One Rivernook Campground guest advised, "We were there August 1-6. 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. We were told May to June the river is very high in this area."
Mountain driving realities: Some campgrounds require navigating mountain roads with steep grades. A Nelson Falls visitor cautioned, "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."
Amenity variations: Facilities differ significantly between campgrounds. One visitor to Nelson Falls noted, "The bathrooms had flush toilets and hot showers that were very CLEAN. That is usually very hard to find when you are camping! The entire campsite was clean and well maintained."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Boulder Creek RV Resort offers amenities specifically for families. As one camper shared, "Free muffins and coffee from 7-9a daily which was very hospitable and kind. We spent a few days in the Alabama Hills and then came here for full hookups during the week. It was a great combo."
Kid-friendly water features: Some campgrounds have safer water access points for children. A KRS Resort visitor detailed, "The kids loved tubing down it all day. In front of us was the river. Gorgeous views. The grounds are very well maintained, they collect trash every morning, there is a small store inside the office in case you forgot anything."
Spaciousness for children: Sites with room for children to play make family camping more enjoyable. A Sequoia RV Ranch guest explained, "We had 2 families with 4 kids under 5 years old. They rode bikes, played in the river and ran around until they crashed every night. We ventured out to Sequoia National Park only a few miles away, the views were amazing, and there was so much to do."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose RV sites based on hookup needs and privacy preferences. A visitor to Haven RV Park noted, "Very nicely kept facility, clean and in order. Was basically full while we were there and was beautifully quiet. They take a lot of pride in their facility and the management was extremely helpful and courteous."
Electrical capacity concerns: For larger RVs with high power requirements, confirm amperage before booking. One visitor to Sequoia RV Ranch reported, "We had issues with low voltage from the electric post on site 6 which caused our RV's electrical system to cycle on and off every minute or two. The onsite techs diagnosed an issue with the city-supplied power and mentioned sites 1 through 10 had issues with power, mostly on the weekends."
RV size limitations: Some campgrounds have physical constraints for larger vehicles. A Camp James reviewer shared that many prefer "site 80 which is back up right on the small Creek that runs right thru the middle of the grounds," suggesting that some of the most desirable spots may have specific orientation requirements that could limit larger RV access.
