Best Campgrounds near Onyx, CA
Camping near Onyx, California is situated in the scenic Kern River Valley, with a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas that provide access to both desert landscapes and mountain terrain. The area includes several developed facilities like Rivernook Campground and KRS RV Resort at Camp James in nearby Kernville, which offer full hookups and amenities for RV and tent campers. Free dispersed camping can be found at Keyesville Recreation Area and Hanning Flat Dispersed Area, where campers can enjoy more primitive experiences along the Kern River. Lake Isabella, located just a few miles from Onyx, provides additional camping options with waterfront access at sites like Auxiliary Dam Recreation Site.
Most campgrounds in the Onyx area are accessible year-round, though summer temperatures can exceed 100°F while winter nights often drop below freezing. Fire restrictions are common during the dry summer months, with many dispersed areas prohibiting open flames regardless of season. Campfire permits are required for all fires when allowed. Cell service is generally available near established campgrounds and Lake Isabella but becomes spotty in more remote areas. Many access roads to dispersed sites are unpaved, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain when dirt roads can become rutted or muddy.
The camping experience varies significantly between developed and dispersed sites. According to visitors, Rivernook Campground offers "beautiful well-kept" grounds with access to creek swimming areas where "the current wasn't too strong so kids were able to enjoy themselves." For those seeking more solitude, Keyesville Recreation Area provides "plenty of sites and beautiful nature" with opportunities to camp right next to the water, though it "gets very busy" on weekends. Off-road enthusiasts particularly enjoy the area, with multiple OHV trails accessible from camping areas. Fishing is productive in the Kern River, with campers reporting catches of "trout, catfish, and bass" at various locations throughout the region.
