Top Tent Camping near Kernville, CA

Searching for a tent campsite near Kernville? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Kernville, CA (27)

    Camper-submitted photo from Limestone Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Limestone Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Limestone Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Limestone Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Limestone Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Limestone Campground

    1.

    Limestone Campground

    10 Reviews
    49 Photos
    369 Saves
    Johnsondale, California

    Overview

    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.

    Recreation

    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 Forest___s overview of the area.

    Facilities

    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 Forest___s overview of the area.

    Natural Features

    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.

    Nearby Attractions

    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.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (760) 376-1269.

    • Pets
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $34 - $36 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
    Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
    Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
    Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
    Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description
    Camper-submitted photo from Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description

    2.

    Chico Flat Dispersed Camping - Partially Closed, See Description

    8 Reviews
    26 Photos
    162 Saves
    Kernville, California

    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.__

    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Hobo Campground — Sequoia National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Hobo Campground — Sequoia National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Hobo Campground — Sequoia National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Hobo Campground — Sequoia National Forest

    3.

    Hobo Campground — Sequoia National Forest

    6 Reviews
    4 Photos
    Bodfish, California

    Overview

    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.__

    Recreation

    __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.

    Facilities

    __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.

    Natural Features

    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.

    contact_info

    This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (760) 376-3781.

    Nearby Attractions

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $26 - $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Holey Meadow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Holey Meadow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Holey Meadow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Holey Meadow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Holey Meadow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Holey Meadow Campground

    5.

    Holey Meadow Campground

    6 Reviews
    8 Photos
    78 Saves
    Johnsondale, California

    Overview

    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. Elevations range from about 1,000 to 12,000 feet, creating precipitous canyons and mountain streams with spectacular waterfalls such as Salmon Creek Falls near Fairview and Grizzly Falls on the Kings River. This remote campground is popular with hikers and people who want to tour the giant sequoias, including the Trail of a Hundred Giants.

    Recreation

    Activities in this remote area include hiking and touring giant sequoias. Trails in the monument, open to hikers, horses and bikes, wind through giant sequoia groves, up mountains, and alongside wild rivers. Plenty of hiking is offered nearby, including a wheelchair-accessible nature trail, the Trail of a Hundred Giants.

    Facilities

    Activities in this remote area include hiking and touring giant sequoias. Trails in the monument, open to hikers, horses and bikes, wind through giant sequoia groves, up mountains, and alongside wild rivers. Plenty of hiking is offered nearby, including a wheelchair-accessible nature trail, the Trail of a Hundred Giants.

    Natural Features

    This primitive campground sits at an elevation of 6,400 feet southeast of Porterville, California, within the Giant Sequoia National Monument. It is a short drive to the the Trail of a Hundred Giants, through the Redwood or Long Meadow sequoia grove.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (661) 455-6010.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Redwood and Long Meadow Sequoia groves and the Trail of a Hundred Giants are a short drive away.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $32 - $34 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Breckenridge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Breckenridge Campground

    6.

    Breckenridge Campground

    4 Reviews
    2 Photos
    160 Saves
    Bodfish, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Forest Belknap Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Forest Belknap Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Forest Belknap Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Forest Belknap Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Forest Belknap Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Forest Belknap Campground

    8.

    Sequoia National Forest Belknap Campground

    6 Reviews
    9 Photos
    19 Saves
    Camp Nelson, California

    Overview

    Belknap Campground, elevation 4,800 feet, is located east of Porterville, CA off state highway 190 in the Giant Sequoia National Monument in the Western Divide Ranger District. It sits within the Belknap and McIntyre giant sequoia groves.

    Recreation

    Trails in the monument are open to hikers, horseback riders and bikers. The trails wind through giant sequoia groves, up mountains and alongside wild rivers. A hiking trail also starts within the campground, leading into the sequoia grove, with fishing in Tule River along the way.

    Facilities

    Trails in the monument are open to hikers, horseback riders and bikers. The trails wind through giant sequoia groves, up mountains and alongside wild rivers. A hiking trail also starts within the campground, leading into the sequoia grove, with fishing in Tule River along the way.

    Natural Features

    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 near Fairview and Grizzly Falls on the Kings River.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (661) 455-6010.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table

    $34 - $36 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Peppermint Campground

    9.

    Lower Peppermint Campground

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    65 Saves
    Johnsondale, California

    Located along the Lloyd Meadow Road (Forest Road 22S82), 10 miles north of Johnsondale. The campground is 27 miles from California Hot Springs, 32 miles from Kernville, 31 miles from Ponderosa, and 74 miles from Porterville. Most services are available in Porterville and Kernville.

    The campground has 17 single family units. Some units can accommodate recreational vehicles up to maximum length of 16 feet. Sanitary facilities, portable water, tables, and fire rings are provided.

    Nearby activities are fishing, touring, hiking, viewing scenery and hunting during the prescribed seasons. Nearby attractions include the Needles, North Fork Kern and the Freeman Creek Grove of giant sequoias.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
Showing results 1-10 of 27 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Kernville

421 Reviews of 27 Kernville Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Fish Creek Campground
    July 8, 2024

    Fish Creek Campground

    Tranquil Camping

    Campsite 32 was beautiful, overlooking the creek, every morning here was blissful. Fairly remote (about 25-30 min from the general store with wifi) this place feels like another world

  • Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Gulch
    June 29, 2024

    Boulder Gulch

    Good camping site

    This campground has some shade and some open areas.Area was clean and the host is personable. Cost of camping fee is $34 per night. Has potable water and running water in bathroom. No showers or amenities.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Forest Fish Creek Campground
    June 13, 2024

    Sequoia National Forest Fish Creek Campground

    Radical

    The sites were pretty well spaced and quiet at night. The bathrooms were not bad, and there's running water (needs to be treated). There's the wonderful sound of motorcycles on and off through the day, so if that bothers you take notice. There's some great fishing near by too.

  • Camper-submitted photo from A Country RV Park
    June 9, 2024

    A Country RV Park

    Accommodating and Clean

    Very convenient and super clean. The lady who answers the phone is super friendly and helpful. I think it's better for RVs and don't think there are any tent sites.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Flat
    June 2, 2024

    Sandy Flat

    Great spot - close to the river

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Shaded Haven RV Park
    June 1, 2024

    Shaded Haven RV Park

    Worst campground I’ve ever stayed at!

    5+ years Full time RVer, worst ever campground we have ever stayed at, stayed in many states, long-term short-term, stayed at this one for two months, although had a reservation for three. Sites are too tight, everything‘s grayish/dusty and dirty, you’re near a rail track, that blows its horn for minutes 24/7, that includes 2 AM, that includes 4 AM. Many of the neighbors you’ll see look like they’re on (mental) disability and don’t look healthy. Hot tub is smelly and yellow water too often although they state they clean it almost weekly. I god major depression staying here.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Forest 22S82 Dispersed Site
    June 1, 2024

    Sequoia National Forest 22S82 Dispersed Site

    Dispersed campground

    This place is near the natural water slide area. Road is not good but you can do with 4x4 all the way inside. You can see very flat area. We spent a night near big tree because there is no one.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wishon Campground
    May 26, 2024

    Wishon Campground

    A blast as a kid

    We went many years as kids and we were all surfers from Newport Beach wanting to do extreme things. One day I decided to go up the pump station, over the barb wire to the top of the I Beam. Crazy my dad took this picture. I was 15 years old and crazy!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Kern River Campground
    May 21, 2024

    Kern River Campground

    Not the best but it's a great place

    Been going up there since 1969 had many many Fantastic trips fishing is always good sightseeing is good just all around good place.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sequoia National Forest Belknap Campground
    May 13, 2024

    Sequoia National Forest Belknap Campground

    Great Campground in the Sequoia Trees

    Each campsite had its own uniqueness. There are plenty of trees and plenty of shade on all the sites. There are a handful of giant sequoia’s in the middle of the campground. We had site 15, and although the picture of the site looks small there is a trail to, an upper spot for putting the tent, which makes the campsite secluded and beautiful! There is a creek that runs along the grounds, and there is plenty of hiking all around. We thoroughly enjoyed this campground, and highly recommended.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park
    May 2, 2024

    Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park

    Gorgeous desert

    Beautiful area with nice shady rock overhangs to stay cool during the day. No AT&T signal. No tesla signal. There was poor WiFi at the visitor center but at least you could send an email or message. The desert was alive in April! I got #8 which had a nice view. Not too crowded at 1 pm on a Saturday where I got to choose from a dozen open sites. So much better than the Alabama Hills area which was completely packed.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground
    April 24, 2024

    Rivernook Campground

    Standard

    Probably could have been a 3. We checked in late 930 but called ahead to let them know. We got to our spot no power. Under 30 degrees with no heater not ideal. They did come fix it in the morning but when we mentioned it to the office they just said oh well. Definitely not exceptional service. General store was very limited. Wi-Fi didn’t work they claimed it was out of service. People drive way too fast through the camp ground. Lots of permanent residents with some pretty rough setups. Upside great location by the river. Beautiful sites and sounds.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park
    April 21, 2024

    Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park

    Desert Camping

    Enough space for our 29” RV, pavement was really ok for desert, water, toilets in the morning full of insects, but that’s desert. You also have Wi-Fi at the Visitors Center which we really loved. Our spot had view to both sites of the rocks.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Balch Park Campground
    April 16, 2024

    Balch Park Campground

    Incredible spot in the trees

    Stayed here Aug 2022 and reminiscing. This location was a dream. I wanted to be fully immersed in the woods and this hit the spot. No contact with people and wildlife all around. Will definitely be back.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Fairview Campground
    April 15, 2024

    Fairview Campground

    Great location

    If you can, get a spot that is next to the river. We had a great time lounging by the river, fishing, and just hanging around. The bathrooms were clean, and the camp host was great too. I would definitely come back in Spring and Fall. Summer might be a little too warm, but if the fish are biting - they're the boss.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gold Ledge Campground
    March 7, 2024

    Gold Ledge Campground

    River View Campsite

    Came as a going away trip. Great little camp ground. The park ranger was kind and knowledgeable of where to get decently priced firewood. Close to amazing hiking trails and town so if you needed anything, it was just down the road.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Rivernook Campground
    February 29, 2024

    Rivernook Campground

    Nothing like the website photos…

    My partner and I canceled our booking here after a short drive to our “campsite”… everyone seemed to be camping in what looked like dirt parking spots with cheap fire rings with no space or privacy. The campground was rundown and poorly maintained… looks more like a cheap trailer park than whatever they’re advertising on the website. After driving almost two hours to this location… we will admit we were incredibly disappointed with what we found. Don’t waste your money.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Kern's River Edge Campground
    February 29, 2024

    Kern's River Edge Campground

    A lovely, quiet campground.

    My partner and I stayed here after a campground down the road overbooked us for a weekend, and it ended up being a lovely trip. The campsites were clean and spacious, the bathrooms were sanitary and showers were hot. Only downside happen to be the on-site general store was shut down the whole weekend.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park
    December 22, 2023

    Dispersed Camp near Sequoia National Park

    Secluded gorgeous dispersed camping

    Stunning. If you want privacy this is it. You are definitely alone. We went and there was only 1 other camper there - he was kinda weird and wanted to hang out but we politely asked him for privacy (he said he is there a lot). BRING water and fill up on gas before you go. There are 0 resources for you. It’s gorgeous, we will definitely be going back

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park
    December 17, 2023

    Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park

    Beautiful "in the middle of no where," but close to town...

    We LOVE Red Rock (Ricardo)!! Other than it being an official campground its 'close' to dry camping. Definitely prefer its view and background over Jawbone (nearby...but Jawbone is still also great). If you are camping to chill, Red Rock...if you are there to shoot and ride, Jawbone. The best part is the BEAUTIFUL cliffs boarding the sites. Definitely follow the nature trail up onto the butte/mesa/cliff. (that's also the only place for cell signal :-P

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park
    December 8, 2023

    Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park

    Camping heaven!

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from A Country RV Park
    November 12, 2023

    A Country RV Park

    Convenient, clean and friendly

    Convenient park adjacent to freeway but the noise is minimal. Clean park and bathrooms. Nice place to spend a night.



Guide to Kernville

Camping near Kernville, California, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just soaking up the beauty of nature, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are great trails nearby, especially around Whitney Portal. One camper mentioned, "Nice hiking trails accessible from the campground," making it a perfect spot for those who love to explore.
  • Fishing: The Kern River is a popular spot for fishing. A visitor at Kern River Campground said, "Fishing is always good sightseeing is good just all around good place."
  • Stargazing: The clear skies in the area make for excellent stargazing. A camper at Tuttle Creek Campground noted, "Great dark skies for stargazing and photography."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One review for Ricardo Campground said, "Beautiful area with nice shady rock overhangs to stay cool during the day."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like Rivernook Campground, are praised for their cleanliness. A visitor mentioned, "Restrooms and showers were very well kept."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff. At Camp James, one reviewer said, "Helpful friendly staff, super clean, and amazing camp sites!"

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Tuttle Creek Campground, lack certain amenities. A camper pointed out, "No showers or drinking water," so be prepared.
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Popular spots can get busy. A visitor at Potwisha Campground noted, "This campsite is really crowded," especially in summer.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Bears and other wildlife are common. One camper at Camp James shared, "A friendly family of bears made their presence at night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Rivernook Campground, which has good facilities. A family shared, "The best FIRST TIME CAMPING experience, I could have asked for."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Kern River Campground said, "We had a blast here," highlighting the fun they had tubing and fishing.
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids, especially near water. One reviewer at Whitney Portal mentioned, "Saw fresh bear scat near our site, but never saw any bears," reminding everyone to stay alert.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Orange Grove RV Park noted, "The spaces are a little tight but ok."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Bakersfield River Run RV Park mentioned, "The freeway noise was pretty constant."
  • Use Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. One reviewer at Rivernook Campground appreciated the "full hookups worked fine."

Camping near Kernville, California, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With its beautiful scenery and variety of activities, it’s a great spot for families, RVers, and anyone looking to escape into nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kernville, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kernville, CA is Limestone Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 10 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Kernville, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 27 tent camping locations near Kernville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.