Lakeside camping near Bakersfield
Stop to check out the museums in this sunny gateway to the Sequoia National Forest.
97% (464 reviews)
- Bakersfield
97% (464 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Bakersfield
Community favorites near Bakersfield
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Public campgrounds near Bakersfield
Stories from the community
Fernanda
3 days ago
Tent
We loved to stay here! The place was peaceful and welcoming. Looking forward to stay there again (:
See more
Rachel
June 2025
Weekend Trip to Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
We rented the playhouse as part of our group camping at the entire site and I would highly recommend doing so if you’re planning on group camping here! It was nice to have the extra space/extra bathroom. The house itself was very cute, clean, and well maintained.
See more
Rachel
June 2025
Tent
Group trip
We rented out the whole site for a group camping trip and it was so magical! The creek was flowing and was so nice and refreshing to lounge in. We also really loved the communal campfire and kitchen/dining area. Everything was set up so nicely so we didn’t have to bring much outside of what we needed for food and tent set up. John was very helpful and easy to work with and has such a beautiful setup at Spirit Walk! We definitely want to come back!
See more
Maxmillion
June 2025
21 ft travel trailer
With pets
My wife and I had a very enjoyable stay at split mountain. Full RV hookups, a beautiful shaded area with Punic tables, Adirondack chairs, and fairy lights. Not to mention the gorgeous view of Lake Isabella when you wake up in the morning or during sunset. JD, the on site host was very friendly, informative and welcoming. He provided great recommendations and was very responsive when we had questions. He met us upon arrival despite having a later arrival time. I would highly recommend this Hipcamp!
See more
Brandi
June 2025
Tent
Great place to camp! Very close to town and also had everything you needed at the site, the outdoor shower was epic and soul refreshing! The communal fire pit was fun, there is a place to charge phones and fill up water bottles. Looking forward to coming again, thanks a lot!
See more
Lejla
June 2025
Tent
We came in with big plans to explore Wofford Heights and Kernville, but Spirit Walk had other ideas. Something about the creek, the stillness, the hush of the trees, time just stretched. The communal kitchen was super functional, the compost toilet was no big deal, and the vibe was calm, grounding, sacred. Perfect for resetting and retreating. We barely left camp, and honestly, that’s the best kind of trip. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to unplug and let nature do its thing.
See more
R
Rolando
June 2025
With pets
Had a great stay here! Except for the first night we had the place to ourselves. The site is close to many things and it’s nice a quiet there. A few things you need to know before booking:
1) We stayed in the sailboat that sleeps 2 (kind of). It was honestly pretty tight for my girlfriend and I as the very back narrows quite a bit. I would say it’s better for 1 person! Note: I’m only 5’8 155lbs and my girlfriend is smaller.
2) A lot of bugs! We expect that while we’re camping so we were fine but if you hate mosquitoes and spiders/webs maybe this place isn’t for you.
3) Pretty bare bones and not much shade coverage so be prepared! We planned on staying on the river most of the days anyway so that wasn’t an issue for us.
All that being said- It’s a really fun place to stay and I would recommend it!
See more
Isaac & Nichole
June 2025
Tent
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Absolutely loved our stay! The campsite was peaceful, clean, and exactly as described. Our host John was incredibly welcoming and provided everything we needed for a relaxing getaway. The views were stunning, and we loved sitting around the fire pit under the stars. It’s the perfect mix of nature and comfort. Can’t wait to come back!
See more
C
Corey
May 2025
20 ft campervan
Chris was incredibly welcoming as his very first HipCamp guest! I'll admit I was a bit skeptical initially about staying at a brand-new host's property, but those concerns vanished the moment Chris greeted me. His warm, friendly demeanor and genuine enthusiasm immediately put me at ease.
The location was ideal, easy to find and perfectly situated right across from the stunning Isabella Lake. I was looking for a peaceful place to recharge and take advantage of proper amenities, and this spot delivered exactly what I needed. Chris went above and beyond by giving me a thorough tour of everything and sharing thoughtful recommendations for local attractions. Even after I left, he continued to provide helpful suggestions for the area.
Don't miss out on Chris's homemade honey, it's absolutely incredible and a perfect local treat to take home. I would definitely stay here again and highly recommend Chris to anyone looking for a peaceful place with a host who truly cares about his guests' experience.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
See more
S
S.
May 2025
1 night at Underworld Farms
The property is beautiful and feeding the horses & goats was one of my favorite parts!
See more
Nathan
May 2025
Tent
An intentional, clean, natural, safe place. Everything is thought of and it’s a great fit for first time or experienced campers alike. There were a lot of cool amenities and thoughtful touches, and the land and the space are very peaceful. I highly recommend it for a getaway!
See more
Kait
May 2025
Tent
My wife and I loved our stay at Jaws campsite. The land is beautiful, we loved the communal fire and dining area, and John was a really kind and generous host. We felt very at peace, and will definitely be back! It’s an amazing location and the perfect balance of nature and really thoughtful camping accommodations.
See more
D
DeNiesha
May 2025
Tent
The stay was amazing and much needed. A true camping experience and unbothered. We did the tour and it was nice to see all the plants and animals… the definition of truly camping under the stars.
We will be back!
See more
Moumita
May 2025
Tent
Me and my husband went camping on John's property for the memorial weekend and had an absolutely amazing time! It was very peaceful and the perfect spot to detox and decompress, very much what we needed. John had made sure to provide everything that you might need for a relaxing stay. We were at the creekside campsite and the sound of the gushing water was a natural white noise. The kitchen provided the opportunity to cook and enjoy delicious meals throughout our stay. John also told us about the swimming holes and we had a lovely time exploring it. Overall it was a wonderful experience and would definitely recommend it.
See more
Jennifer
May 2025
Group trip
This property was pure peace & tranquility! The beds were so comfortable and the house had everything we could possibly need.
See more
W
Warren
May 2025
Weekend Trip to Kernville Ranch
We had such a great time and just what we needed for a relaxing art retreat. The scenery was lovely and we got to paint so much! After we finished our days out we were comfy cozy at night in the camper. Can’t wait to come back!
See more
Z
Zing
May 2025
Weekend Trip to Kernville Ranch
My partner and I had a wonderful long weekend on Kernville Ranch! A beautiful peaceful little bit of paradise, surrounded by fields of horses and a couple mule friends. The lodging in the Shiny Spartan is cozy and quaint, has all you need for a few nights' stay and then some, including fridge, shower and sinks with hot or cold potable water, AC/heaters, basic utensils/plates/bowls/glasses/cookware, and the griddle which was great to grill some sausages on for dinner!
Loved sitting out stargazing on the open patio, greeting the farm animals every morning, and the hot tub next to the creek was such a magical treat! Lots of wildlife including birdsong all day.
I recommend bringing some citronella candles as it gets buggy in the evenings!
Such a great time! Would love to come back with friends sometime soon. Thank you Amelia and co!
See more
Jazmin
May 2025
2 nights at Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
This place was amazing! my girlfriend and i were lucky enough to have had the entire place to ourselves the 2 nights we stayed at spirit walk. we loved that john was very intentional about leaving as little human trace as possible when designing this place with a compost toilet, biodegradable everything, outdoor kitchen, etc. i truly felt immersed in nature and left feeling much calmer. also kernville is such a california hidden gem! we’ll definitely be back
See more
Shanda
May 2025
Weekend Trip to Underworld Farms
My grandkids had a blast exploring the area. The boat was a bit noisy at night when the wind would blow through but the kids slept through. The solar powered lights were beautiful at night. There’s very little light pollution from city lights, so the stars were amazing!
See more
9 top lakeside campgrounds near Bakersfield
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Lakeside camping near Bakersfield guide
Overview
Welcome to Hipcamp, the ultimate destination for camping enthusiasts! If you're looking for a lakeside camping experience near Bakersfield, California, we've got you covered. With over 300 options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. Need some recommendations? Check out our top campsites: Twisselman Ranch (384 reviews), River Ridge Ranch - 722 acres (348 reviews), and Spirit Walk - Private Retreat (202 reviews). These sites offer everything from showers and potable water to fantastic fishing and swimming opportunities. Plus, with an average price per night of $60 and options as low as $20, you'll find something to fit any budget. So grab your gear and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors at one of our top lakeside camping destinations near Bakersfield, California!