Kernville, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Kernville is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Kernville, CA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
Rivernook Campground is the biggest privately owned campground along a beautiful stretch of the Kern River, with creeks running through the park. We offer Full Hook Up RV sites, Partial RV sites and dry tent camping sites. We have full service newly remodeled restrooms for our guests at no charge, on site dump station, cable, WIFI and we have a little store that might have something you need!
$45 - $75 / night
$39 - $340 / night
POTENTIAL FIRE BANS - CHECK BEFORE CAMPING Last report - bans in effect til 11/2020 (reported 10/2020)
Located on the east side of Lake Isabella off Sierra Way. Open camping; Free use area; Chemical toilets. No limit on trailer length. Open year round. Supplies at Kernville
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For facility specific information, please call (760) 376-1269.
$34 - $36 / night
Sandy Flat Campground is set back from the Lower Kern River at an altitude of 2,300 feet near the town of Lake Isabella. Campsites are a short walk from the river, offering countless recreational opportunities for visitors.
Hiking, trout fishing, river wading and floating are popular pursuits. The Hobo Fishing Trail, a short walking trail, is nearby. Click here to learn more about the Lower Kern River, including safety and permitting requirements and a listing of local outfitters.
Hiking, trout fishing, river wading and floating are popular pursuits. The Hobo Fishing Trail, a short walking trail, is nearby. Click here to learn more about the Lower Kern River, including safety and permitting requirements and a listing of local outfitters.
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.
For facility specific information, please call (760) 376-1269.
The Giant Sequoia Mercantile offers a wide variety of books, maps, gifts, local art, camping supplies and other merchandise.
$34 - $36 / night
Keysville (formerly Keyesville) is a historic mining area that offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Set in rolling terrain amidst a blue oak and foothill pine woodland, Keysville is dissected by the lower Kern River. A little exploration can turn up a wealth of historic resources, including a variety of mining structures and features, a historic fort, and the famous Walker Cabin. Keysville offers commercial and noncommercial white-water rafting opportunities as well as fishing, recreational gold panning, and dispersed camping. A network of over seventy miles of trails provides for mountain biking, equestrian, and motorized recreation use.
Travel Responsibly - on designated roads and trails or in permitted areas
Respect The Rights of Others - including private property owners and all recreational trail users, campers and others to allow them to enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed. Educate Yourself - by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies, planning for your trip, taking recreation skills classes and knowing how to use and operate your equipment safely. Avoid Sensitive Areas - such as meadows, lakeshores, wetlands and streams, unless on designated routes. Do Your Part - by leaving the area better than you found it, properly disposing of waste, minimizing the use of fire, avoiding the spread of invasive species, restoring degraded areas and joining a local enthusiast organization.
https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/Keysville%20arch%20E%20low%20res.pdf
Nestled along the banks of the Kern River, among oak woodlands and steep hillsides, Frandy is a complete campground welcoming families and groups alike in Kernville, California to enjoy some California High Desert camping. The atmosphere is truly relaxing and family-friendly, making the campground an ideal place to stay during your Kern River camping trip. There is plenty of room for tents, RVs, buses, trailers, and campers with pull-thru sites and clean facilities. Whether you come to kayak, explore the Sequoia National Forest, or just relax among the desert landscape, Frandy is the finest Kern River Valley campground for your stay.
$50 - $125 / night
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.__
Up to 40% offRivernook Campground is the biggest privately owned campground along a beautiful stretch of the Kern River, with creeks running through the park. We offer Full Hook Up RV sites, Partial RV sites and dry tent camping sites. We have full service newly remodeled restrooms for our guests at no charge, on site dump station, cable, WIFI and we have a little store that might have something you need!
$45 - $75 / night
$39 - $340 / night
POTENTIAL FIRE BANS - CHECK BEFORE CAMPING Last report - bans in effect til 11/2020 (reported 10/2020)
Located on the east side of Lake Isabella off Sierra Way. Open camping; Free use area; Chemical toilets. No limit on trailer length. Open year round. Supplies at Kernville
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For facility specific information, please call (760) 376-1269.
$34 - $36 / night
Sandy Flat Campground is set back from the Lower Kern River at an altitude of 2,300 feet near the town of Lake Isabella. Campsites are a short walk from the river, offering countless recreational opportunities for visitors.
Hiking, trout fishing, river wading and floating are popular pursuits. The Hobo Fishing Trail, a short walking trail, is nearby. Click here to learn more about the Lower Kern River, including safety and permitting requirements and a listing of local outfitters.
Hiking, trout fishing, river wading and floating are popular pursuits. The Hobo Fishing Trail, a short walking trail, is nearby. Click here to learn more about the Lower Kern River, including safety and permitting requirements and a listing of local outfitters.
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.
For facility specific information, please call (760) 376-1269.
The Giant Sequoia Mercantile offers a wide variety of books, maps, gifts, local art, camping supplies and other merchandise.
$34 - $36 / night
This campsite was fantastic. Access was easy with a 4x4, but may be a little tough for a 2WD car. Plenty of space for a small trailer to maneuver.
Highly recommend. Perfect for an off-road trailer or overland setup.
Very beautiful sight of the lake and mountains. Easy access from the road. Had a ton of wind and thunder so hard to move further up and away from the lake so we wherent up against the wind. Close to the road so a little noise from it, but thats what made it easy accessible as well. All in all a very nice campsite.
Grounds seem well kept, the gravel was raked at our site when we pulled in. Restrooms are ok, the issue was that the lock them up at 10:00pm and don’t open until 7:30am. It would be so simple to put a code lock on the doors. You have to pay for WiFi, and the laundry machines are paid for by using a credit card for pay cards and the machine was out of cards. The only way to use it was to create an account with some vendor online! In the morning there were planes taking off, towing gliders, which was interesting to watch
We love lake Isabella and just discovered this free camp spot right on the beach…
We stopped here on our way through Sequoia Nat’l Forest and loved it. The water is super clear and nice! We were the only ones staying here, so it was very quiet and calming. A handful of camping spots around this area, well worth the stay!
All the spots at the front were taken here so we had to drive almost all the way to end. Don’t go down the final steep hill, you might not make it up. It’s very tight there and you have to do a 20 point turn to turn back.
We walked down the hill and our friend saw some random guy come out the trees and follow us as we were walking back up. He might be living there because there was so much trash
2 stars because the area itself is nice, there’s the river nearby and internet was good
This is just a parking lot to hike to the spring. From here we went to keysville to spend the night
Not for big rigs! A very primitive but beautiful area. Tons of winding roads with lots of S curves Leading up to 9000 feet. Many great camping spots including close to Peppermint Creek. Completely dry area so no campfires until November. No services and no reception so pack it in and pack it out!
Directions didn’t lead me to any dispersed camping but I did find just an ok spot along the road. Don’t know if where I camped was allowed but I did anyway
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
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.
Everything in this campground is 5 stars, the BEST one you will find in the Bakersfield area. They have a waiting list for monthly rates. Clean, grassy, bath houses and laundry, many different flowers, pool and hot tub, pool table near the gym.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Does take about 45 mins to wind up there and i got there at 1:15am. Didn't find the campgrounds but had large side areas with forest machinery. Next to stream. Then if you continue on you will hit a 4 mile off road (my Corolla/any sedan OK) and see great views and waterfall! Nice!
Been going up there since 1969 had many many Fantastic trips fishing is always good sightseeing is good just all around good place.
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.
Its a really nice place. Not so crowded and near a small town. Just 12$ per night.
we looked around the indicated GPS point but at this location, but house or ranch, nothing that looks like the photos posted previously. too bad the spot looked magnificent but with night falling and fatigue from the road we finally slept facing the road in the post office parking lot.
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.
Very well maintained place. Nice space between RV’s. Convenient trail in the back of the RV site along the river with restricted access so you can walk your dog. The staff are great.
We stayed here two nights and felt so peaceful and out of sight ! Def recommend
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.
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.
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
What camping is available near Kernville, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Kernville, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 163 campgrounds and RV parks near Kernville, CA and 35 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Kernville, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kernville, CA is Rivernook Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kernville, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 35 free dispersed camping spots near Kernville, CA.
What parks are near Kernville, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Kernville, CA that allow camping, notably Sequoia National Forest and Kaweah Lake.
