Kern River camping offers year-round access to outdoor activities with varying seasonal conditions near Weldon, California. The area sits at elevations ranging from 2,600 to 3,000 feet with summer temperatures routinely exceeding 90°F and mild winter conditions. Campsites along the river corridor provide direct access to fishing, swimming, and water sports during appropriate flow seasons.
What to do
River activities during low flow: Water conditions at Camp Three Campground vary significantly through the year. During late summer, the river becomes more manageable for beginners. "We stayed at site #29, where there are nice, flat, soft surfaces to pitch your tent under the trees just beyond where you park your vehicles for privacy and shade. From these gems, the river is just a short, 1 or 2 minute walk," notes a visitor.
Fishing opportunities: The Kern River supports a healthy trout population. "I have also caught tons of trout here so fishing is excellent!" reports a camper at Springhill South Recreation Site. Access points along the river provide both wade fishing and shoreline casting options.
Hiking access: Multiple trails connect from campgrounds into Sequoia National Forest. "There is easy access to climbing routes on rock formations nearby and access to trails nearby," mentions a reviewer at Camp Three. Most trails require moderate fitness levels and proper footwear.
What campers like
Riverside camping locations: Headquarters Campground offers premium waterfront sites. "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," writes one camper.
Family-friendly water features: The creek at KRS RV Resort@Camp James provides safe water play for children. "We had site 80 which is back up right on the small Creek that runs right thru the middle of the grounds. The kids loved tubing down it all day," shares a family. The small creek offers controlled water access separate from the main river.
Organized activities: Camp James provides scheduled recreation options. "This campground even offers activities for the whole family, movie night, bingo, even rock painting. This will be our go to campground every year," mentions a reviewer. Most activities run during summer months and weekends.
What you should know
Campsite selection affects experience: Shade access varies significantly across sites. At Hungry Gulch, "You have to get there early if you want to get a shaded site. Working toilets were a plus and you have room to work with when setting up your gear."
Wildlife encounters: Bears and skunks live in the region. "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," reports a camper at Camp Three Campground.
Noise levels vary by location: Highway noise affects peripheral sites. "Our site was VERY close to the main road which made me nervous with our young children. There are large boulders along the campground, but no fence or other kind of barrier. And the cars were hauling a** down that road," writes a visitor to Hospital Flat.
Tips for camping with families
Safer water access: Kern's River Edge Campground provides family-friendly amenities. "My partner and I stayed here after a campground down the road overbooked us for a weekend, and it ended up being a lovely trip. The campsites were clean and spacious, the bathrooms were sanitary and showers were hot," notes a camper. The camp maintains family-oriented rules and atmosphere.
Group camping options: Halfway Group Campground accommodates larger family gatherings. "We were at group site 3, it has a covered picnic area and flat area for tents closer to the river bank," reports a camper. Group sites require advance reservations and accommodate 8-25 people depending on location.
Camp amenities for children: Several campgrounds offer kid-friendly facilities. "Well run site, with easy late check in process. Friendly on site camp hosts who sell ice and firewood. Quite a lot of rules, and it had kind of a kids camp feel to it," writes a visitor to Kern's River Edge Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site access limitations: Hospital Flat has narrow roads unsuitable for larger rigs. "The website says several spots are good for a 30-foot RV. I do not recommend anything bigger than 24 feet or so. The road through the campground is very narrow, and lined with large boulders. Some of the turns are very tight," cautions an RVer.
Full hookup options: Orange Grove RV Park offers complete services. "We had site 117 and it was a nice spot with no fire pit. Full hookups and really I can't imagine you could have a nicer park in Bakersfield," reports a camper. This provides a reliable alternative for larger rigs seeking full amenities within driving distance of Weldon.
Riverfront RV parking: Limited riverfront sites with services exist. "You can get a site right on the river with no sewage hook ups or get all hook ups off the river," explains a Camp James visitor. Most riverside sites require a generator or dry camping capabilities.
