The Eastern Sierra region surrounding Little Lake, California sits at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 8,000 feet, creating diverse climate zones throughout the camping season. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F during daylight hours but drop below 50°F after sunset, requiring campers to pack accordingly. Many campsites in the area require advance reservations during peak season from May through September.
What to do
River activities near Kernville: At Headquarters Campground, visitors can enjoy premier water recreation. "A nice secluded campground up the river from kern's more populated sites, in the heart of the Sequoia National Forest," notes Diego R. The riverside location provides easy access for fishing, swimming, and wading.
Hiking at Sequoia National Forest: The Quaking Aspen Campground serves as a gateway to numerous trails. "It is just a short (very steep) hike from The Wheel Meadow Grove of Giant Sequoias. The trail going from the campground down to the trees is a great Mtn Biking trail. Loads of turns and beautiful views," writes Hayley K. The campground connects to multiple day hiking options without requiring permits.
Fishing opportunities: Local streams and lakes support productive fishing, particularly for trout. "I have also caught tons of trout here so fishing is excellent!" reports Tyler C. about Springhill South Recreation Site. Most fishing areas require a California fishing license, available online or at local sporting goods stores for $52.66 (annual resident) or $17.02 (one-day non-resident).
What campers like
Riverside campsites: Visitors appreciate sites positioned directly along the Kern River. "By far the best campground there. The river front campsites are awesome and have a great size. There's plenty of shade (which is rare for the area), and the section of river is so fun," says Morgan F. about Headquarters Campground. These sites typically cost $24-30 per night.
Natural water features: Camp Three Campground offers a creek for cooling off. "Take a 3 minute walk through the woods to get to Kern River and you have a little oasis away from it all," writes Mike N. Another camper noted, "It had plenty of shade, was large enough to fit our huge cabin tent and still have extra space, and was a 2 minute walk to the stream where there was a nice little walled off spot safe for children to swim in."
Proximity to attractions: Diaz Lake Campground provides convenient access to regional highlights. "I drove up and checked out the Mt Whitney trailhead and the view was incredible," shares Laurie S. The campground's location allows day trips to multiple destinations while maintaining a central base camp.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most premium glamping accommodations close to Little Lake, California require advance booking. For KRS RV Resort@Camp James, Johnny P. advises, "Book way in advance though. You can get a site right on the river with no sewage hook ups or get all hook ups off the river."
Temperature fluctuations: The area experiences significant day-to-night temperature changes. "It was above 100 degrees so pulled in at 5 and left by 9:30 next morning," reports eli R. about summer temperatures at Diaz Lake. Even during peak summer, nighttime temperatures can drop below 50°F at higher elevation sites.
Wildlife encounters: Local campgrounds host various wildlife. At Quaking Aspen Campground, a visitor observed, "We saw no wildlife besides ground squirrels and some birds. We had a trail camera set up all night every night and caught nothing." Meanwhile, at Camp Three, one camper warned, "The unfortunate part was were in a family of Skunk's back yard. It's Skunk season when they teach their young. No one was sprayed but they were clear that we were not welcome."
Tips for camping with families
Water play areas: Families with children appreciate safe water access at Kern's River Edge Campground. "The campsites were clean and spacious, the bathrooms were sanitary and showers were hot," notes Makenna R. Another reviewer mentioned, "Nice campsite, friendly hosts, family and kid oriented."
Organized activities: Several campgrounds offer structured recreation for children. At Lake Isabella-Kern River KOA, Nick B. reports, "They have a wonderful pool and splash pad for the kids. They do movie nights and pancakes on certain days." These scheduled activities typically run from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends.
Site selection for families: When glamping with children near Little Lake, choose sites with practical amenities. "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. Lots of kids and dog friendly," describes David H.
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: RV campers should note varying hookup availability. Jeff G. observed at KRS RV Resort@Camp James, "The RV sights with full hooks up are further away from the river about 200 yards. The campground is very clean and well maintained." Riverfront sites often lack full hookups but provide better views and access.
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the Eastern Sierra have uneven terrain. At Lake Isabella-Kern River KOA, Ricky S. found, "Overall nice site with full hookups & wi-fi/cell. Had a nice shade tree but it can be real sunny without one. Laundry right on site!" Most RV campers recommend bringing leveling blocks as sites may slope.
Off-season advantages: RV camping during shoulder seasons offers reduced crowds. "I stayed 2 nights due to high winds in the area that were bouncing my little RV all over the hwy. Camped here in mid-May and it was pretty deserted. Had the place mostly to myself," reports Laurie S. about Diaz Lake Campground.
