Best Campgrounds near Taft, CA
Taft, California area campgrounds span from water-based recreation to remote public lands. Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area offers full hookup sites with lakefront camping, while the Carrizo Plain National Monument provides free dispersed camping on open terrain. Accommodations range from primitive tent sites to RV-friendly campgrounds with electrical hookups. The region includes several Bureau of Land Management properties including KCL Campground and Selby Campground, where tent and RV camping is permitted year-round with minimal amenities.
Weather conditions vary significantly in this semi-arid region where summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F, making spring and fall more comfortable for camping. Many campgrounds operate year-round, though facilities may be limited during winter months. Road access to dispersed camping areas can become problematic after rain, particularly in the Carrizo Plain where dirt roads become slick and challenging even for loaded vehicles. Water availability is inconsistent across the region, with developed sites like Buena Vista offering drinking water while primitive BLM sites require campers to bring their own supply. A recent visitor to Carrizo Plain noted, "It was about 15 degrees colder than was forecasted at night, so be prepared to be a bit chilly if visiting during the winter."
The landscape throughout the Taft region features rolling hills and expansive plains with limited natural shade. Campers consistently mention the excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution in the outlying areas. Several developed campgrounds provide picnic tables and fire rings, though fire restrictions are common during dry periods. The KCL Campground receives positive reviews for its remoteness, with one camper describing it as "just you and the plains." Waterfront sites at Buena Vista are particularly popular despite challenges with uneven ground caused by burrowing animals. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, though big rig accessibility is primarily limited to established sites with dedicated hookups rather than primitive camping areas.
