Camping in Kernville, CA, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2024

United States
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California
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Kernville

90% (1291 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Kernville

Under $50

Top camping destinations

Sequoia National Forest

Los Padres National Forest

492 campgrounds

Angeles National Forest

Available this weekend

98%

(569)

River Ridge Ranch -722 acres

14 sites · Lodging, Tents722 acres · Springville, CA

Swimming in North Fork Tule River, miles of hiking trails on ranch. River Ridge goes from 1,000' elev. to 3,000' elevation. Hike right on the ranch. We are between Sequoia National Park (about an hour) and the Giant Sequoia National Monument (16 miles to groves up Hwy 190 and no entrance fee). Choose from individual tent sites, group tent sites, tiny cabins. the 5-acre Compound or the Entire Ranch. There are 33 giant sequoia groves in our Southern Region of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, some easily driven to, and some remote. Our ranch is a nature preserve and an education demonstration site, teaching sustainable and regenerative land use practices. River Ridge Institute, our non-profit, hosts a variety of events for the public. Please note: you are expected to leave the ranch and kitchen area as you found it, i.e., dishes washed thoroughly and dried and put away, recycling separated from trash, food scraps in compost buckets, sticky marshmallow removed from forks and surfaces (ick!). Thank you. Enjoy: The Kitchen has a 3-burner cooktop, large fridge, microwave, full dishes and utensils and pots and pans with a big washing area in the back. Propane barbecue grill.. There's a River Barn to use as a remote space and Turtle Cove for swimming. Saturday morning Farmer's Market in downtown at 9 AM - Noon. Ancestral land of the Foothill Yokuts tribe. Homesteaded in 1859, owned by the Negus family from 1909-2000. Barbara and I bought it to save it from subdivision and it's now protected by a Conservation Easement and acts as a community center for the arts, music, poetry, gatherings and outdoor education. We're both biologists, so, just ask us. Please see the Rules and Safety section to review our Waiver of Liability.

Kernville Ranch

5 sites · Lodging15 acres · Kernville, CA

Nestled in meadows with a private river flowing through horse pastures, tall shade trees and all natural cedar hot tub. Kernville Ranch is just a 5 minute walk from the center of Kernville. Plenty of fishing and white water rafting, hiking and hot springs and snow play depending on the season. Explore the lake for water-sports, the high country for pristine wilderness and a little snow. The town is full of restaurants, antiques stores, and a wonderful museum of the rich heritage of this Wild West town,

Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

24 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Olancha, CA

Welcome to our new resort with breathtaking views our 100 acre RV retreat and our nearly 1 mile shoreline of beautiful Olancha Lake with the majestic snowcapped Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and Death Valley to the east make for an incredible retreat. We are located near Lone Pine in the township of Olancha in the Owens Valley of California.

Bare All Retreat

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents138 acres · Caliente, CA

Welcome to our 138-acre ranch and farm, nestled amidst the stunning natural beauty of our mountainous landscape. With a creek running through the front and steep mountains in the rear, our property offers a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Explore the many old gold miners trails that crisscross our land, now perfect for horseback riding and OHV adventures. Our working ranch and farm provide a glimpse into traditional agricultural practices, with opportunities to observe and participate in farm activities. Keep an eye out for free-range cattle roaming the area, adding to the rustic charm of our mountainous terrain. Discover hidden valleys with seasonal waterfalls and year-round springs, offering peaceful retreats and refreshing natural beauty. Whether you're seeking adventure on the trails, relaxation by the creek, or a glimpse into rural life on the farm, our 138-acre property has something for everyone to enjoy amidst the serene beauty of nature.

87%

(76)

SoCal Camping

39 sites · Lodging20 acres · Kernville, CA

The cabins are situated in The Sequoia National Forest, overlooking the majestic rapids of the Kern River. Come and hike, bike, dip in the river, or simply kick back and take in the 360 of sky scrapping mountains (even glimpse Mount Whitney!) At once a silver mine along the Kern River, now converted to a fun recreation spot for adventure seekers

12 top campgrounds near Kernville

98%

(569)

River Ridge Ranch -722 acres

14 sites · Lodging, Tents722 acres · Springville, CA

Swimming in North Fork Tule River, miles of hiking trails on ranch. River Ridge goes from 1,000' elev. to 3,000' elevation. Hike right on the ranch. We are between Sequoia National Park (about an hour) and the Giant Sequoia National Monument (16 miles to groves up Hwy 190 and no entrance fee). Choose from individual tent sites, group tent sites, tiny cabins. the 5-acre Compound or the Entire Ranch. There are 33 giant sequoia groves in our Southern Region of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, some easily driven to, and some remote. Our ranch is a nature preserve and an education demonstration site, teaching sustainable and regenerative land use practices. River Ridge Institute, our non-profit, hosts a variety of events for the public. Please note: you are expected to leave the ranch and kitchen area as you found it, i.e., dishes washed thoroughly and dried and put away, recycling separated from trash, food scraps in compost buckets, sticky marshmallow removed from forks and surfaces (ick!). Thank you. Enjoy: The Kitchen has a 3-burner cooktop, large fridge, microwave, full dishes and utensils and pots and pans with a big washing area in the back. Propane barbecue grill.. There's a River Barn to use as a remote space and Turtle Cove for swimming. Saturday morning Farmer's Market in downtown at 9 AM - Noon. Ancestral land of the Foothill Yokuts tribe. Homesteaded in 1859, owned by the Negus family from 1909-2000. Barbara and I bought it to save it from subdivision and it's now protected by a Conservation Easement and acts as a community center for the arts, music, poetry, gatherings and outdoor education. We're both biologists, so, just ask us. Please see the Rules and Safety section to review our Waiver of Liability.

Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

24 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Olancha, CA

Welcome to our new resort with breathtaking views our 100 acre RV retreat and our nearly 1 mile shoreline of beautiful Olancha Lake with the majestic snowcapped Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and Death Valley to the east make for an incredible retreat. We are located near Lone Pine in the township of Olancha in the Owens Valley of California.

A Unique Mountain Retreat

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Tehachapi, CA

The title says it all this property is truly A Unique Mountain Retreat that will give you the peace, quiet and tranquility you are looking for. An energy efficient Uniquely designed home that is off the grid and has a very green footprint with solar and windmill to charge batteries. Oak and pine tree covered acres with fitness and nature trails around the property. Each level campsite with picnic table is designed for privacy with plenty of distance between sites and mountain views in every direction, along with an optional gas log fire pit and BBQ. There is plenty of clean, non potable drinking water, custom built toilets and optional hot showers, limited electrical use, cell phone charging and low power use devices as I am off grid. There is a fitness and nature trail on the property and Pacific Crest trail is approx 20 to 30 min drive, Mountain park which has many miles of hiking trails and an Indian reservation with hikes to many petroglphs. Things to see are the World famous Tehachapi railway loop, historic downtown, vineyards, mountain spirit center a Buddhist temple, glider rides, bicycle riding and fishing. There is cell service around the property but intermittent at the campsites.

99%

(519)

Spirit Walk - Private Retreat

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Wofford Heights, CA

Private ADULT ONLY camping. With a central outdoor kitchen and dining area, group fire pit, & a bathroom with a composting toilet, sink, & shower. Seasonal creek. Quiet and private. We have a small cabin (The Playhouse) and 15 campsites. No Pets, No Smoking ADULTS ONLY. Spirit Walk is a quiet meditative place. It is not a conducive environment for young children. Thank you for understanding. Lake Isabella, the Kern River and historic Kernville are just 5 minutes down the road. All Hipcamp proceeds go directly back into the land in the way of forest maintenance, a tree planting program and improvements to the facilities.

Bare All Retreat

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents138 acres · Caliente, CA

Welcome to our 138-acre ranch and farm, nestled amidst the stunning natural beauty of our mountainous landscape. With a creek running through the front and steep mountains in the rear, our property offers a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Explore the many old gold miners trails that crisscross our land, now perfect for horseback riding and OHV adventures. Our working ranch and farm provide a glimpse into traditional agricultural practices, with opportunities to observe and participate in farm activities. Keep an eye out for free-range cattle roaming the area, adding to the rustic charm of our mountainous terrain. Discover hidden valleys with seasonal waterfalls and year-round springs, offering peaceful retreats and refreshing natural beauty. Whether you're seeking adventure on the trails, relaxation by the creek, or a glimpse into rural life on the farm, our 138-acre property has something for everyone to enjoy amidst the serene beauty of nature.

SoCal Camping

39 sites · Lodging20 acres · Kernville, CA

The cabins are situated in The Sequoia National Forest, overlooking the majestic rapids of the Kern River. Come and hike, bike, dip in the river, or simply kick back and take in the 360 of sky scrapping mountains (even glimpse Mount Whitney!) At once a silver mine along the Kern River, now converted to a fun recreation spot for adventure seekers

Kernville Ranch

5 sites · Lodging15 acres · Kernville, CA

Nestled in meadows with a private river flowing through horse pastures, tall shade trees and all natural cedar hot tub. Kernville Ranch is just a 5 minute walk from the center of Kernville. Plenty of fishing and white water rafting, hiking and hot springs and snow play depending on the season. Explore the lake for water-sports, the high country for pristine wilderness and a little snow. The town is full of restaurants, antiques stores, and a wonderful museum of the rich heritage of this Wild West town,

100%

(57)

Camping with Mountain Views

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Posey, CA

Learn more about this land: 1.1 miles from U.S National Forest. Camp site is huge. The total land is 2.36 acres and the land below the parking area is part of the property and can be used to relax, walk around, or let dogs run. Views for miles and a peaceful place to relax in the Sequoias. Night view of city lights below in San Joaquin Valley. Pull in and have the place to yourself. There's no onsite manager but there is someone within a mile of the property if there are needs or issues. Let me know if you want to buy wood as the caretaker sells wood for $10 a night or less if you stay more than one night. You can check yourself in and out with directions that are provided upon booking so you can arrive anytime you want.If you have a large camper 32 foot or under unless you are a miracle worker :). If you don't think you can pull a trailer from the sharp left on the road you can go up the road about 1.5 miles and turn around so it's an easy right.

100%

(2)

Cabin Grimm

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Springville, CA

A storybook cabin located in the heart of the Sequoia National Forest. We love all things spooky so we have tried to bring the old magic of the woods into our little cabin. 3 bedrooms and 2 baths tucked into a small community. We are motivated by a love of nature & a respect for it. A wood burning hot tub is tucked in between the pines offers a soak after a day of exploring our beautiful Southern Sierra.

100%

(35)

Wandering Star Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent15 acres · Weldon, CA

Learn more about this land: A large private dispersed group camp- Entire property (all sites) included in rental. 7 night maximum. Longer possible with discussion. 15 acres yours to enjoy. Take your jeep or ATVs through our gates straight into the BrightStar BLM Wilderness which abuts the property on two sides. Beginners can ride the extensive trails on the property itself. Play your music, dance naked, let your dogs run free... Enjoy the fantastic star gazing. Visit the primitive firing range a two minute walk away or by jeep, or plink varmints on site. Hiking, Biking. Nearby fishing, swimming, boating in the Kern River or Lake . The Brightstar wilderness extends to Jawbone canyon. Situated on the back side of the lake, this site provides more sunlight time than many other sites around the lake. In some cases close to 2 hours. Close to the lake at Mt. Mesa, boat launch, South fork Audubon nature preserve, restaurants, and scenic back road to Kernville. Verizon has good service Gas/Diesel and Market with Deli 5 minutes away. (Ice, wood, adult beverages, fishing tackle, full grocery)

99%

(62)

The Squattage in the Sequoia National Forest!

1 site · Lodging1 acre · California Hot Springs, CA

It’s a newly constructed little cottage that a Sasquatch would call home, that’s why we call it the Squattage! Our guests love the history of our Village and surrounding areas, the wildlife, serenity, and friendly folks, we hope you do too! Learn more about this land: Beautiful new A-frame, high-end fit and finish! Features include a sleeping loft! The downstairs has a daybed with a trundle, a sitting area, an indoor potty and a nice breakfast bar! It’s so relaxing, romantic, and just as fabulous as can be! The hot outdoor shower has a beautiful view of the trees and sky! The large front porch is perfect for relaxing or planning the day's adventure! All solar powered. There’s a propane fire pit to cook on or enjoy, propane is available for $35 or you can bring your own. Peaceful Village, beautiful views, park-like setting! Lots of wildlife to see! Beds have high-end bedding, nicer than the hotels! Towels and washcloths are provided for the shower. We even have a few games for you to play to add to your stay at the Squattage! HEY FOLKS! The weather is beautiful, come on up! Spoil yourself and spend some time in our neck of the woods, you deserve it! BOOK NOW BEFORE SOMEONE BEATS YOU TO IT!! Hope to see you soon! PS, we now have Star Link Wi-Fi!! Come on up and be a part of our community! Our Village has begun having craft shows on the first Saturday of every month, lots of great things for purchase! We attend and sell many beautiful items including exotic custom rings, don’t miss out! Items will be available for you to purchase after you check in👍

83%

(20)

Underworld Farms

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Kernville, CA

Underworld Farms is a small goat ranch in the Kern River Valley. Surrounded by forestry land, on the Kern River, and on top of what used to be the old town of Whiskey Flat (Later re-named Kernville). There is no end to the beauty, history and adventure all around the property. Life took us to the Kern River Valley after moving out of Los Angeles. We enjoy living in the Southern Sierras immersed in all its natural beauty. The small but magnificent town of Kernville is approximately two and a half miles north of us. Our livestock includes horses, dairy goats, sheep, and rabbits: Most of which are raised and bred as our son's 4H or FFA projects. You may be wondering why our farm is called "Underworld Farms". In a nutshell, since our ranch is on the footprint of the historic town of Whiskey Flat, we just happen to be south of the old Whiskey Flat "Boot Hill" Cemetery. Our "driveway" is the road that led from the old town of Kernville to the cemetery. We hope that you consider parking your RV, van conversion, or trailer on one of our customized spots on the property. Or drive your vehicle and pitch a tent on one of our tent friendly sports. Or enjoy a stay in one of our small cabins. Regardless of what you stay in, you will definitely have a memorable time. The campground is VERY barebones and rural. Critters, bugs, and sometimes fellow Hipcampers can be sparce or prevalent pretty randomly. Because Underworld Farms is a working ranch, you will probably hear livestock noises like horses neighing, sheep and goats calling, and our protector dogs barking from time to time. We encourage you to walk over to the horses and goats and meet them. They especially like when you bring them carrots or apple pieces. The ranch has a double outhouse with a hand washing station sandwiched in between, it is rustic and bare bones. We check it to see if it has paper products, soap, water, and plenty of room in the trash bins. During the hotter months, the "daddy longleg" spiders enjoy infiltrating the outhouses and seem to spin new webs overnight. But they and their webs are harmless and easy to brush off. We ask for your assistance if there is something missing, or the trash needs taking out, or if the spiders have taken over again by getting ahold of us through the Hipcamp App and letting us know. With all that being said, there is an ambient beauty here that is unbelievable and memorable. This beauty and draw is so powerful that it causes the many people who come visit to make arrangements to live in our little valley. There is much to do in and around our valley that you couldn't do it all in a lifetime. We hope that you come and stay at the ranch while enjoying our valley. May you have a great time. *** THE PIN MAP ON HIPCAMP IS NOT 100% ACCURATE. PLEASE REFFER TO THE MAP OF THE PROPERTY IN THE PHOTOS

Star Hosts in Kernville

100%

(9)

Kernville Ranch

5 sites · Lodging15 acres · Kernville, CA

Nestled in meadows with a private river flowing through horse pastures, tall shade trees and all natural cedar hot tub. Kernville Ranch is just a 5 minute walk from the center of Kernville. Plenty of fishing and white water rafting, hiking and hot springs and snow play depending on the season. Explore the lake for water-sports, the high country for pristine wilderness and a little snow. The town is full of restaurants, antiques stores, and a wonderful museum of the rich heritage of this Wild West town,

The Squattage in the Sequoia National Forest!

1 site · Lodging1 acre · California Hot Springs, CA

It’s a newly constructed little cottage that a Sasquatch would call home, that’s why we call it the Squattage! Our guests love the history of our Village and surrounding areas, the wildlife, serenity, and friendly folks, we hope you do too! Learn more about this land: Beautiful new A-frame, high-end fit and finish! Features include a sleeping loft! The downstairs has a daybed with a trundle, a sitting area, an indoor potty and a nice breakfast bar! It’s so relaxing, romantic, and just as fabulous as can be! The hot outdoor shower has a beautiful view of the trees and sky! The large front porch is perfect for relaxing or planning the day's adventure! All solar powered. There’s a propane fire pit to cook on or enjoy, propane is available for $35 or you can bring your own. Peaceful Village, beautiful views, park-like setting! Lots of wildlife to see! Beds have high-end bedding, nicer than the hotels! Towels and washcloths are provided for the shower. We even have a few games for you to play to add to your stay at the Squattage! HEY FOLKS! The weather is beautiful, come on up! Spoil yourself and spend some time in our neck of the woods, you deserve it! BOOK NOW BEFORE SOMEONE BEATS YOU TO IT!! Hope to see you soon! PS, we now have Star Link Wi-Fi!! Come on up and be a part of our community! Our Village has begun having craft shows on the first Saturday of every month, lots of great things for purchase! We attend and sell many beautiful items including exotic custom rings, don’t miss out! Items will be available for you to purchase after you check in👍

Camping with Mountain Views

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Posey, CA

Learn more about this land: 1.1 miles from U.S National Forest. Camp site is huge. The total land is 2.36 acres and the land below the parking area is part of the property and can be used to relax, walk around, or let dogs run. Views for miles and a peaceful place to relax in the Sequoias. Night view of city lights below in San Joaquin Valley. Pull in and have the place to yourself. There's no onsite manager but there is someone within a mile of the property if there are needs or issues. Let me know if you want to buy wood as the caretaker sells wood for $10 a night or less if you stay more than one night. You can check yourself in and out with directions that are provided upon booking so you can arrive anytime you want.If you have a large camper 32 foot or under unless you are a miracle worker :). If you don't think you can pull a trailer from the sharp left on the road you can go up the road about 1.5 miles and turn around so it's an easy right.

Wandering Star Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent15 acres · Weldon, CA

Learn more about this land: A large private dispersed group camp- Entire property (all sites) included in rental. 7 night maximum. Longer possible with discussion. 15 acres yours to enjoy. Take your jeep or ATVs through our gates straight into the BrightStar BLM Wilderness which abuts the property on two sides. Beginners can ride the extensive trails on the property itself. Play your music, dance naked, let your dogs run free... Enjoy the fantastic star gazing. Visit the primitive firing range a two minute walk away or by jeep, or plink varmints on site. Hiking, Biking. Nearby fishing, swimming, boating in the Kern River or Lake . The Brightstar wilderness extends to Jawbone canyon. Situated on the back side of the lake, this site provides more sunlight time than many other sites around the lake. In some cases close to 2 hours. Close to the lake at Mt. Mesa, boat launch, South fork Audubon nature preserve, restaurants, and scenic back road to Kernville. Verizon has good service Gas/Diesel and Market with Deli 5 minutes away. (Ice, wood, adult beverages, fishing tackle, full grocery)

A Unique Mountain Retreat

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Tehachapi, CA

The title says it all this property is truly A Unique Mountain Retreat that will give you the peace, quiet and tranquility you are looking for. An energy efficient Uniquely designed home that is off the grid and has a very green footprint with solar and windmill to charge batteries. Oak and pine tree covered acres with fitness and nature trails around the property. Each level campsite with picnic table is designed for privacy with plenty of distance between sites and mountain views in every direction, along with an optional gas log fire pit and BBQ. There is plenty of clean, non potable drinking water, custom built toilets and optional hot showers, limited electrical use, cell phone charging and low power use devices as I am off grid. There is a fitness and nature trail on the property and Pacific Crest trail is approx 20 to 30 min drive, Mountain park which has many miles of hiking trails and an Indian reservation with hikes to many petroglphs. Things to see are the World famous Tehachapi railway loop, historic downtown, vineyards, mountain spirit center a Buddhist temple, glider rides, bicycle riding and fishing. There is cell service around the property but intermittent at the campsites.

Dog-friendly getaways

100%

(242)

A Unique Mountain Retreat

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Tehachapi, CA

The title says it all this property is truly A Unique Mountain Retreat that will give you the peace, quiet and tranquility you are looking for. An energy efficient Uniquely designed home that is off the grid and has a very green footprint with solar and windmill to charge batteries. Oak and pine tree covered acres with fitness and nature trails around the property. Each level campsite with picnic table is designed for privacy with plenty of distance between sites and mountain views in every direction, along with an optional gas log fire pit and BBQ. There is plenty of clean, non potable drinking water, custom built toilets and optional hot showers, limited electrical use, cell phone charging and low power use devices as I am off grid. There is a fitness and nature trail on the property and Pacific Crest trail is approx 20 to 30 min drive, Mountain park which has many miles of hiking trails and an Indian reservation with hikes to many petroglphs. Things to see are the World famous Tehachapi railway loop, historic downtown, vineyards, mountain spirit center a Buddhist temple, glider rides, bicycle riding and fishing. There is cell service around the property but intermittent at the campsites.

Bare All Retreat

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents138 acres · Caliente, CA

Welcome to our 138-acre ranch and farm, nestled amidst the stunning natural beauty of our mountainous landscape. With a creek running through the front and steep mountains in the rear, our property offers a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Explore the many old gold miners trails that crisscross our land, now perfect for horseback riding and OHV adventures. Our working ranch and farm provide a glimpse into traditional agricultural practices, with opportunities to observe and participate in farm activities. Keep an eye out for free-range cattle roaming the area, adding to the rustic charm of our mountainous terrain. Discover hidden valleys with seasonal waterfalls and year-round springs, offering peaceful retreats and refreshing natural beauty. Whether you're seeking adventure on the trails, relaxation by the creek, or a glimpse into rural life on the farm, our 138-acre property has something for everyone to enjoy amidst the serene beauty of nature.

95%

(143)

Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

24 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Olancha, CA

Welcome to our new resort with breathtaking views our 100 acre RV retreat and our nearly 1 mile shoreline of beautiful Olancha Lake with the majestic snowcapped Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and Death Valley to the east make for an incredible retreat. We are located near Lone Pine in the township of Olancha in the Owens Valley of California.

River Ridge Ranch -722 acres

14 sites · Lodging, Tents722 acres · Springville, CA

Swimming in North Fork Tule River, miles of hiking trails on ranch. River Ridge goes from 1,000' elev. to 3,000' elevation. Hike right on the ranch. We are between Sequoia National Park (about an hour) and the Giant Sequoia National Monument (16 miles to groves up Hwy 190 and no entrance fee). Choose from individual tent sites, group tent sites, tiny cabins. the 5-acre Compound or the Entire Ranch. There are 33 giant sequoia groves in our Southern Region of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, some easily driven to, and some remote. Our ranch is a nature preserve and an education demonstration site, teaching sustainable and regenerative land use practices. River Ridge Institute, our non-profit, hosts a variety of events for the public. Please note: you are expected to leave the ranch and kitchen area as you found it, i.e., dishes washed thoroughly and dried and put away, recycling separated from trash, food scraps in compost buckets, sticky marshmallow removed from forks and surfaces (ick!). Thank you. Enjoy: The Kitchen has a 3-burner cooktop, large fridge, microwave, full dishes and utensils and pots and pans with a big washing area in the back. Propane barbecue grill.. There's a River Barn to use as a remote space and Turtle Cove for swimming. Saturday morning Farmer's Market in downtown at 9 AM - Noon. Ancestral land of the Foothill Yokuts tribe. Homesteaded in 1859, owned by the Negus family from 1909-2000. Barbara and I bought it to save it from subdivision and it's now protected by a Conservation Easement and acts as a community center for the arts, music, poetry, gatherings and outdoor education. We're both biologists, so, just ask us. Please see the Rules and Safety section to review our Waiver of Liability.

SoCal Camping

39 sites · Lodging20 acres · Kernville, CA

The cabins are situated in The Sequoia National Forest, overlooking the majestic rapids of the Kern River. Come and hike, bike, dip in the river, or simply kick back and take in the 360 of sky scrapping mountains (even glimpse Mount Whitney!) At once a silver mine along the Kern River, now converted to a fun recreation spot for adventure seekers

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

98%

(262)

Sequoia National Forest

Ponderosa, California

100%

(3)

Success Lake

East Porterville, California

Friends, dark chocolate, and a few bottles of wine. The climb up to the top of Moro is SOOO worth it. (Jump the railing and head due south-west for this hang out spot!)

99%

(167)

Sequoia National Park

Silver City, California

The trails of Red Rock Canyon State Park.

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(20)

Red Rock Canyon State Park

California City, California

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Kernville guide

Overview

A peaceful town outside Bakersfield, Kernville provides a rich Sierra Nevada experience (think granite peaks, sequoia trees, and swimming holes) without the crowds of Sierra hot spots like Lake Tahoe and Yosemite further north. The town is set on the banks of the Kern River, right before it feeds into Lake Isabella, where rafting, boating, fishing, and swimming are all popular, especially during the hot summer months. Visitors won’t have to stray far for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, peak bagging, hot springs, and skiing, either. Kernville is also just a few hours from Sequoia National Park and Whitney Portal.

Where to go

Kern River and Lake Isabella

The Kern River and Lake Isabell are two destination-worthy attractions right at Kernville’s doorstep. The river is popular with tubers, rafters, and fly fishers. There are natural hot springs (Miracle and Remington) on the Kern River just 17 miles from Kernville. Lake Isabella has boulder-strewn beaches, boat launches, and watercraft rental facilities.

Local Mountains

Kernville is nestled below a variety of Southern Sierra parks and peaks with mountain biking and hiking trails. At 6,000 feet, Greenhorn Mountain Park is a great local spot to fill the lungs with mountain air. Come winter, the Alta Sierra Ski Resort has downhill runs just 30 minutes from Kernville.

Sequoia National Forest

Kernville is situated on the southern boundary of the Sequoia National Forest, a 1.2-million-acre swath of the Sierra Nevada range. Highlights here include the granite towers of the Needles rock climbing crag and Long Meadow Grove, an old-growth sequoia forest with ancient, colossal trees. This area can serve as a great alternative to Grant’s Grove of the Sequoia National Park further north.

Mojave Desert and the Eastern Sierra

For a major change of scenery, drive east from Kernville and watch the landscape and flora transform as you descend into the Mojave Desert. From here, Route 395 will take you north into Owen’s Valley, where Lone Pine and the Whitney Portal offer spectacular views of the Eastern Sierra.

When to go

Due to its southern location and relatively low elevation of 2,667 feet, Kernville is a great year-round destination. Winter visitors should prepare for snow and below freezing temperatures. Spring and fall tend to be mild and dependable times to visit Kernville. Summer travelers may want to track the weather and avoid heat waves. Late summer and fall visitors should also monitor air quality if there are wildfires in the region.