Best Campgrounds near Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield, California provides several camping options situated along the Kern River and throughout the surrounding valley. The area contains a mix of developed RV parks and established campgrounds, with facilities like Bakersfield River Run RV Park and Kern River Campground offering varying levels of amenities. Camping accommodations range from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups, with some locations like Kern River County Park also featuring cabin rentals. Most campgrounds are located within a 30-minute drive of downtown Bakersfield, making them convenient stopping points for travelers on Highway 99 or those exploring the southern San Joaquin Valley.
Many campgrounds in the Bakersfield area operate year-round due to the region's desert climate, though summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F. Sites with water and electric hookups are especially valuable during hot months. "This place is a hidden gem in Bakersfield amid industrial complex buildings. It does sit next to a branch of the Kern river…unfortunately it was dry," noted one visitor about River Run RV Park. Access to most camping areas involves paved roads suitable for all vehicles, with many campgrounds situated near highways for convenient access. Reservations are recommended, particularly during peak travel seasons, as many campgrounds fill quickly despite their substantial capacity. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the camping areas near Bakersfield.
Campers consistently mention the quality of facilities and cleanliness as standout features of Bakersfield area campgrounds. Several RV parks provide amenities like swimming pools, hot tubs, and recreation rooms that offer respite from the valley heat. According to one visitor, "The bathrooms are by far the cleanest I've seen. They have a great laundry room as well." Most campgrounds feature level sites with concrete pads, full hookups, and cable TV connections. Road noise from nearby highways is noted in some reviews, particularly for sites positioned along perimeter fences. While the natural Kern River setting is highlighted in campground names and marketing, visitors should be aware that the river is frequently dry, limiting water recreation opportunities directly from the campgrounds.
