Camping near Kernville

Kernville is the perfect basecamp for Southern Sierra peaks, pines, and plunges.

90% (1233 reviews)
90% (1233 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Kernville

Dog-friendly getaways

Star Hosts in Kernville

12 top campgrounds near Kernville

99%
(479)

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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$53
 / night
100%
(5)

Underworld Farms

15 sites · Lodging, RVs6 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 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 enjoy a stay in one of our small cabins or trailers. Regardless of what you stay in, you will definitely have a memorable time. *** THE PIN MAP ON HIPCAMP IS NOT 100% ACCURATE. PLEASE REFFER TO THE MAP OF THE PROPERTY IN THE PHOTOS
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$40
 / night
93%
(187)

Havilah Pines homestead

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Havilah, CA
Located in the national sequoia forest, Havilah pines homestead is a unique place, we are in the middle of a canyon, rural and remote but not too remote, do note that there is no cell service here but we do offer wifi service for a fee. the closest town and Lake is about 20 minutes away. we have the cleanest air in Kern, blue skies most days and stars during the night like you have never seen them in the city! it can get toasty during the day, but once that sun goes behind the mountain it cools off that some times you want to put something on! We are a micro farm growing organic food and practicing non GMO sustainable organic farming methods even our animals eat only organic non GMO feed, among our livestock are chickens, turkeys and guinea fowl, they happily free range on the homestead and produce delicious eggs, if you haven't eaten eggs like free range ones then you must try them! the taste is light years different than the store bought ones... It is a quite and peaceful place(except the roosters and guineas), at night you hear crickets and frogs and early in the morning wake up to a pleasant tune of wild bird's symphony.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$38
 / night
100%
(12)

Off My Rocker Retreat

2 sites · RVs2 acres · Lake Isabella, CA
We are located on 2.4 acres in the beautiful Kern River Valley. This isolated community offers a wide range of fantastic activities. Rafting, biking, hiking, and seasonal skiing.Kernville is the favorite spot for visitors and locals. Full of great places to eat along the Kern River.The Trail of 100 Giants is just North of there. We highly recommend taking the opportunity to go and be in awe of their ancient beauty.We would love to have you stay at our little ranch.
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from 
$40
 / night
100%
(43)

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.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
100%
(43)

Double Triangle Ranch

3 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Weldon, CA
Once settled by Tubatulabel and Shoshoni tribes, this area is rich with reminders of their habitation.  Grinding rocks near Tipi camp are one of those.  When gold was discovered in the Kern River Valley, most of the native tribes were displaced but their decendents here in the KRV keep the history alive at the Nuii Cuni Center at Wofford heights, a short drive around the lake from us.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$45
 / night
95%
(64)

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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$39
 / night
86%
(62)

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
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$159
 / night
100%
(7)

Diamond Acres Camp 🏕

3 sites · Lodging2 acres · Weldon, CA
Diamond Acres is a quiet, secluded camp in the Kern River Valley just minutes from Lake Isabella, the mighty Kern River, and Southern Sierras! We offer glamping sites (tent or trailer) with hot showers and flushing toilets! Come enjoy the solitude and stars. Our camp overlooks miles of rolling hills with no houses in view! Skip the crowded campgrounds and glamp comfortably while only being 5 minutes from Lake Isabella! Take a short walk to the top of the property and enjoy some of the best sunsets you've ever seen! We are close to the Kern River, OHV trails, hot springs, hiking, kayaking, fishing, boating, paragliding, and so much more!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from 
$60
 / night
100%
(26)

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. Pass through our gates straight into BrightStar Wilderness BLM.  Ride your dirt bikes, ATV's, horses. Play your music, let your dogs run free... Great star gazing. Primitive firing range two minute walk away, 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)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$125
 / night
100%
(3)

Descanso Cabanita

1 site · Lodging1 acre · California Hot Springs, CA
This is a newly renovated, tiny cabin that is quaint and cozy with its own small front porch. There is an outhouse with a dry flush toilet outside of the cabanita. It is set on a property with a larger host cabin and looks out over the beautiful hills of the Sequoia National Monument. It is ideal for one person, or two who don't mind sharing a small space. It is half a mile from the town/resort of California Hot Springs; currently under renovation (due to re-open in the fall of 2023) by the new owners: Artistree. There are numerous hiking trails and creeks for hiking and fishing nearby and it is a 45-minute drive to the Trail of 100 Giants Sequoia grove. The cabanita is also 3 miles from the town of Pine Flat which hosts seven oaks market and grill. Note* This is a drug-free, no smoking property
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Trash
from 
$75
 / night
Booked 5 times

🌲The Prophecy Sequoia Crest🌲

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Sequoia Crest, CA
🌲The Prophecy Sequoia Crest - Wilderness Retreat 🌲 Escape to the breathtaking beauty of Sequoia Crest, where nature's grandeur meets modern comfort. Our secluded camping spot offers a unique and rejuvenating experience nestled in the heart of the majestic Sequoia National Forest. Campsite Features: 🏕️ Private & Secluded: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature with our exclusive camping spot, providing privacy and solitude for the perfect getaway. 🌲 Surrounded by Giant Sequoias: Camp under the towering giants, as ancient as time itself, and wake up to the symphony of wind rustling through their massive branches. 🔥 Campfire Bliss: Enjoy cozy evenings around a crackling campfire, sharing stories and creating memories with your loved ones. Activities: 🌄 Scenic Hiking Trails: Explore the nearby trails that lead to panoramic vistas, revealing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. 🚴 Mountain Biking Adventures: For the adventurous souls, embark on thrilling mountain biking trails amidst the stunning landscape. 📸 Photography Paradise: Capture the beauty of nature with incredible photo opportunities at every turn. Local Attractions: 🏞️ Sequoia National Park: A short drive away, immerse yourself in the wonders of Sequoia National Park, home to iconic attractions like General Sherman Tree and Moro Rock. 🛶 Kings Canyon: Discover the beauty of Kings Canyon with its majestic canyons, waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems. Booking Information: ⛺ Accommodation Type: Tent camping 🚗 Accessibility: Accessible by car, with designated parking areas 📅 Availability: Check our calendar for open dates and plan your unforgettable Sequoia Crest adventure! Experience the magic of Sequoia Crest Wilderness Retreat and create memories that will last a lifetime. Book your stay now for a truly immersive nature escape!
Pets
Campfires
from 
$23
 / night

Available this weekend

Under $50

Value Prop
Value Prop

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.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Hipcamp is the most comprehensive resource for beautiful private campsites.

Discover and reserve tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping.

Download the Hipcamp App

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.