Dispersed camping sites near Taft, California range from 4,000 to 7,500 feet in elevation, offering camping experiences across several climate zones. The region sits at the intersection of the San Joaquin Valley, Temblor Range, and Sierra Nevada mountains, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Road conditions to many camping areas deteriorate quickly after rainfall, particularly along dirt access routes.
What to do
Stargazing at designated spots: The Carrizo Plain National Monument provides exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. A visitor noted, "I visited in January on my way to the Bay Area and loved this campsite. The stars were also quite visible with minimal light pollution. The area is hilly and beautiful with enough flatness and openness to pitch a tent without issue."
Mountain hiking: McGill Campground offers access to mountaintop trails with varying elevation gains. "Just above Fraizer Park you can find mountaintop hiking and sledding depending on the time of year," mentions one camper. The campground features a quarter-mile hiking trail that circles the site, making it accessible for all skill levels.
Water recreation: Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area offers boating and fishing opportunities. According to a camper, "Took a chance and found a spot last minute, right on the water. People do like their jet skis there so if that bothers you then maybe find another place." The lake typically has fewer watercraft midweek, providing quieter fishing conditions.
Bird watching: The eucalyptus groves at several campgrounds provide habitat for various bird species. At KCL Campground, a visitor observed, "This rustic campground offers an arid natural beauty with endless walking. It's a popular place for birdwatchers – the resident owls who roost in the eucalyptus trees above the campsites are very vocal and they inspire daily gazers donning binoculars."
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: Most campgrounds report significantly lower occupancy Monday through Thursday. One KCL Campground visitor shared, "It's a very simple place but I found it so peaceful being surrounded by the golden plains, the breeze through the big shaded eucalyptus trees, and hearing the owls near sundown. I was also the only one at the site so that was nice."
Accessible wildlife viewing: The open terrain makes wildlife spotting easier than in densely forested areas. A KCL Campground review mentioned, "We saw kangaroo rats, bats, hawks, rabbits, ground squirrels (that are going extinct), and lots of fun insects. In the evening we heard lots of coyotes in the distance."
Cell service at select sites: Unlike many remote camping areas, several locations maintain usable connectivity. A camper at Songdog Ranch reported, "Cell service was fine and I felt perfectly safe as a solo female! I really enjoyed the ranch dogs coming to hang out with me!" Similarly, at KCL Campground: "Surprisingly, my TMobile was fairly consistent 90% of the time and I was able to tether my laptop/kindle to my phone on occasion."
Clean facilities despite remoteness: Selby Campground maintains well-kept facilities despite its isolated location. "Clean pit toilets. Will definitely return here," notes one visitor. Another adds, "There are 2 unisex vault toilets... No trash service, please pack out what you bring in so this campground stays free and open."
What you should know
Temperature fluctuations: The Taft region experiences significant temperature swings between day and night. A visitor to Carrizo Plain National Monument Dispersed camping area warned, "It was about 15 degrees (F) colder than was forecasted (20 F vs 35 F) at night, so be prepared to be a bit chilly if visiting during the winter."
Washboard roads: Access to many campgrounds requires navigating unpaved roads. A KCL Campground camper noted, "The 19mile access road from highway 33 can be grueling in places with heavy washboard. But for the walks, stargazing, creative inspiration and abundant wildlife, the payoff is well worth the driving effort."
Ground condition challenges: Burrowing animals create uneven terrain at several campgrounds. A visitor to Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area observed, "The campground is full of pocket gophers and ground squirrels so lots of uneven ground. Campground is full hookups. Lake was nice and not many boats. Ground was rough due to holes made by squirrel population."
Water availability limitations: Most non-developed campgrounds have minimal or no potable water. At KCL Campground, a camper advised, "Be prepared to bring your own water, the single spigot isn't potable due to agricultural nitrate impact on the water table."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with shade: The lack of natural shade makes tree-covered sites essential in warmer months. A camper at San Emigdio Campground shared, "Went there last weekend, such a beautiful campground hardly any people. No access to showers, but restrooms are clean and have sinks. Beware of rattlesnakes. Lots of cool trails within 15 min walk of camp sight."
Consider camping loops for safety: McGill Campground offers hiking trails that circle back to the campsite. One parent noted, "The 1/4 hiking trail around the site is perfect for kids exercising some independence."
Select well-maintained bathroom facilities: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. At Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area, a camper warned, "The bathrooms are really old. Like they have metal toilets. I travel a lot and wouldn't choose to shower here." However, others report, "Bathrooms were functioning, but not super clean, had a picnic table, fire ring and you could park right next to your site."
Watch for seasonal nuisances: Insects can be problematic during certain times of year. A KCL Campground visitor warned, "TONS. OF. FLIES. EVERYWHERE. It's a little unbearable during the day having to spend the majority of your energy swatting flies... Not little house flies, but super juicy big fat flies. Luckily they go away when the sun sets."
Tips from RVers
Level site selection: The natural terrain creates leveling challenges. At Bakersfield River Run RV Park, a camper noted, "The campground is clean and well maintained. Sites are level dirt for your rig and a clean cement pad for your chairs etc. A few of the pull thru spaces are a bit close together especially if you have pull outs but the cement pads do not face each other."
Generator restrictions: Many campgrounds prohibit generator use. A KCL Campground RVer shared, "There are about 12 dispersed sites and all of them are under or near eucalyptus trees that offer really lovely shade from the harsh sun. Each sites comes with a picnic table, fire ring + grill, 1 parking spot, and gear pole with hook."
RV size limitations: Most undeveloped campgrounds cannot accommodate large rigs. A cautious camper at KCL Campground advised, "Drove a 34 ft RV there once. Definitely visit in early to mid spring. The hills are green and filled with wild flowers and the weather is pleasant. If you wait too long and miss it the place dries up and turns brown in an instant."
Seasonal road conditions: Access becomes challenging for loaded vehicles after rainfall. A camper at Carrizo Plain National Monument Dispersed noted, "Beautiful hilly landscape. Despite the absence of trees or bushes for shadow, we had a wonderful evening here, on our way to santa barbara. After taking the next road, we found a simple semi-prepared spot."
