Wofford Heights sits at 2,700 feet elevation along the western edge of Lake Isabella in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains. Temperatures range from summer highs of 95°F to winter lows near freezing, creating distinct camping seasons. The area features diverse terrain from pine forests to high desert landscapes, with camping options ranging from established campgrounds to more secluded locations along the Kern River's north fork.
What to do
Tubing on camp creeks: At KRS RV Resort@Camp James, small creeks running through the grounds offer safe water play. "The kids loved tubing down it all day. In front of us was the river. Gorgeous views," notes Amber D., who adds that the campground offers structured activities like "movie night, bingo, even rock painting."
Fishing the Kern River: Multiple fishing spots provide access for anglers of various skill levels. "There is great trout fishing right off the property," explains Momma H. about Camp James, mentioning that the small on-site store sells fishing gear if you forget yours.
Hiking nearby trails: The Redwood Meadow campground places you directly across from notable hiking paths. "The Trail of 100 Giants is right across the street!" mentions Lili R., who recommends visiting later in the year when "there were no crowds and we had practically the entire campground to ourselves."
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Riverside sites at Camp Three Campground are particularly coveted. "Best sites are right next to the river. Spacious with a good amount of privacy depending on the site you get," shares Paul N., who adds that these spots are "easy to float to if you go up river."
Temperature differences: The cooling effect of the water creates natural air conditioning. Kim from Camp Three notes, "From these gems, the river is just a short, 1 or 2 minute walk. The temperature drops at least 10 degrees once you get down to the water."
Well-maintained facilities: Many campgrounds feature clean facilities despite their rustic settings. "The campground itself is very clean and well maintained. Kernville is less than a mile away where you can get gas, diesel, groceries, firewood or anything else you might have forgotten," reports Jeff G.
What you should know
Water availability varies: Several campgrounds have limited or no running water. At Redwood Meadow, Ryan W. warns, "There are no water fill up sites" despite some reservation websites claiming otherwise. Always bring extra water or confirm current conditions.
Reservation timing matters: Prime riverside spots fill quickly during peak season. "Book way in advance though. You can get a site right on the river with no sewage hookups or get all hookups off the river," advises Johnny P. about camping options.
River conditions change seasonally: The Kern River can be dangerous during high water months. David H. notes, "We were there August 1-6. The river was a little low but it was perfect for us with our 5-year-old son. We were able to float down the river in our inner tubes safely. We were told May to June the river is very high in this area."
Tips for camping with families
Choose creekside spots: Sites along smaller water features provide safer water play for children. At Camp James, site 81 is "on a creek that ran through the campground. The creek was great to sit in to escape the heat and float down. Lots of kids and dog friendly," according to David H.
Quiet time enforcement: Headquarters Campground provides a more secluded option for families seeking peace. Diego R. describes it as "a nice secluded campground up the river from Kern's more populated sites, in the heart of the Sequoia National Forest."
Check for family activities: Some campgrounds offer structured entertainment. Amber D. highlights Camp James for its "activities for the whole family, movie night, bingo, even rock painting," making it their "go-to campground every year."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility challenges: Large RVs face limitations at some campgrounds. At Hospital Flat, Tricia V. cautions, "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."
Hookup locations vs. river access: Determine priorities between amenities and water proximity. Jeff G. notes that "RV sites with full hookups are further away from the river about 200 yards" at Camp James, requiring campers to choose between conveniences and prime locations.
Wildlife considerations: Animal encounters require proper food storage and awareness. David W. from Camp Three Campground recounts, "We 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."
