- Waterside Camping
The best waterside camping near Bakersfield
95% (619) • 24 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Bakersfield
The River Haven House
1. The River Haven House
100%
(5)
11mi from Bakersfield · 1 site
The River Haven House, nestled on a unique 2.5-acre property on Kern River with private river access, perfect for couples or small families. A beautifully updated Spanish-style home welcomes you with a fully stocked kitchen, wood-burning fireplace, and a cozy yet spacious patio area for barbecue & entertaining.
Perfect for nature lovers!
A true oasis awaits! Surrounded by mature trees, green lawns, fruit & nut trees within a privately gated space, this property is all about the outdoors! You are sure to realize that once you arrive.
Upon entering through the private gate, you are greeted by a large, welcoming driveway with the main home and garage to your right. Slow down time as you walk around the property and take it all in. Enjoy the well-maintained landscaping, lush gardens and the private river access.
The beautiful Spanish-style home includes a full kitchen, living room, dining room and main bedroom. The bedroom is furnished with a King size bed and includes a walk-in closet & full bathroom.
Just outside the main home is the attached, extra-large garage where you will find the second bedroom. This bedroom also houses a King size bed, but also includes a comfortably sized bunk bed with two full mattresses and a single trundle pullout. This space also has a full bathroom and laundry room.
The large garage makes for a great hang out area where you will find comfy sofas, a wood-burning fireplace, kids play area, TV and games.
The main home exits to the patio area where you will find multiple cooking options: a propane Weber grill, a Big Green Egg grill & smoker, a pizza oven, a and charcoal grill and to toast your hands & feet, a built-in outdoor fireplace.
Enjoy the night sky as you sit out under the stars with romantic string lights draped overhead and enjoy the fresh air while the fireplace or fire pit keep you warm.
The property has direct and exclusive access to the Kern River where you can swim, tube, sunbathe and fish. You are welcome to pitch a tent by the river; however, we ask that you please notify us as the lawn irrigation is fully sprinkler operated.
Just on the other side of the river you will find the California Living Museum (local zoo), Lake Ming, Kern River Golf Course, multiple riverfront picnic spots, Miracle Hot Springs up the mountain, hiking trails, nature walks. and more! Less than an hour up the road are wilderness camp sites and Lake Isabella. Continuing onward is the Sequoia National Forest where you can visit for the day knowing a comfortable & safe home will be welcoming your return.
*No parties or events allowed (Please, no music or loud noises allowed outside of the home). This is a extremely quiet neighbrohood and noise travels fast & easily. Quiet hours are 10pm-8am. The property is equiped with noise monitoring devices and occupancy count devices, we will be notified if noise levels exceed a certain level. Additionally we will be notified if occupancy count exceeds the number of guests booked on site.
*Smoking allowed outdoors only.
*Shoes off inside the house.
*Children MUST be supervised and monitored at all times.
*No surprise guests, only those accounted for and registered can enter the property.
*No firearms
*Please do not put grease or solid food down the kitchen sink. Septik tank is sensitive
*Please do no flush wipes, paper or feminine products down the toilet as the septik tank is sensitive.
*This is a rural property and as such, there is wildlife which includes: rabbits, squirrels, rats, mice, coyotes,
snakes, lizards, birds, bugs, and spiders, to name a few.
*Please keep the doors closed to prevent the above wildlife from joining you in the home during your stay.
*There are five secuirty cameras on the property for safety reasons. One at the main gate, one at the main home,
one at the corner of the garage, one at the carport and one by the river. NONE in the house.
*The canvas bell tent can also be booked for camping by the river, which could sleep 3-6 people, inquire within.
*Pets are allowed on the property (fee's apply), however must be monitored at all times and not left alone. Pets must be kept close to owners at all times to avoid issues with wildlife, no pets on the furniture and beds. A fine will be applied if pets have been lounging on bedding and furniture.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$440
/ night
Rivergate Cabin
2. Rivergate Cabin
45mi from Bakersfield · 1 site
Nestled in Sequoia National Forest, this custom cabin boasts unbeatable views with BACKYARD ACCESS to the Kern River and PRIVATE BEACH! It is a Kernville gem, blending modern/tribal themes with a vaulted wood ceiling, real River Rock fireplace, open living area, rec/game room, secluded deck, modern chef's kitchen, multiple picnic areas and the Kern River flowing through the BACKYARD! Rivergate offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$360
/ night
Los Padres National Forest
3. Los Padres National Forest
95%
(452)
National forest 61mi from Bakersfield · 762 sites
From beach to mountain, California's second largest forest offers recreation in diverse ecosystems.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Angeles National Forest
4. Angeles National Forest
92%
(228)
National forest 84mi from Bakersfield · 791 sites
Experience the beauty of nature without having to stray far from Los Angeles.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
95% (619) • 24 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Bakersfield
The River Haven House
1. The River Haven House
100%
(5)
11mi from Bakersfield · 1 site
The River Haven House, nestled on a unique 2.5-acre property on Kern River with private river access, perfect for couples or small families. A beautifully updated Spanish-style home welcomes you with a fully stocked kitchen, wood-burning fireplace, and a cozy yet spacious patio area for barbecue & entertaining.
Perfect for nature lovers!
A true oasis awaits! Surrounded by mature trees, green lawns, fruit & nut trees within a privately gated space, this property is all about the outdoors! You are sure to realize that once you arrive.
Upon entering through the private gate, you are greeted by a large, welcoming driveway with the main home and garage to your right. Slow down time as you walk around the property and take it all in. Enjoy the well-maintained landscaping, lush gardens and the private river access.
The beautiful Spanish-style home includes a full kitchen, living room, dining room and main bedroom. The bedroom is furnished with a King size bed and includes a walk-in closet & full bathroom.
Just outside the main home is the attached, extra-large garage where you will find the second bedroom. This bedroom also houses a King size bed, but also includes a comfortably sized bunk bed with two full mattresses and a single trundle pullout. This space also has a full bathroom and laundry room.
The large garage makes for a great hang out area where you will find comfy sofas, a wood-burning fireplace, kids play area, TV and games.
The main home exits to the patio area where you will find multiple cooking options: a propane Weber grill, a Big Green Egg grill & smoker, a pizza oven, a and charcoal grill and to toast your hands & feet, a built-in outdoor fireplace.
Enjoy the night sky as you sit out under the stars with romantic string lights draped overhead and enjoy the fresh air while the fireplace or fire pit keep you warm.
The property has direct and exclusive access to the Kern River where you can swim, tube, sunbathe and fish. You are welcome to pitch a tent by the river; however, we ask that you please notify us as the lawn irrigation is fully sprinkler operated.
Just on the other side of the river you will find the California Living Museum (local zoo), Lake Ming, Kern River Golf Course, multiple riverfront picnic spots, Miracle Hot Springs up the mountain, hiking trails, nature walks. and more! Less than an hour up the road are wilderness camp sites and Lake Isabella. Continuing onward is the Sequoia National Forest where you can visit for the day knowing a comfortable & safe home will be welcoming your return.
*No parties or events allowed (Please, no music or loud noises allowed outside of the home). This is a extremely quiet neighbrohood and noise travels fast & easily. Quiet hours are 10pm-8am. The property is equiped with noise monitoring devices and occupancy count devices, we will be notified if noise levels exceed a certain level. Additionally we will be notified if occupancy count exceeds the number of guests booked on site.
*Smoking allowed outdoors only.
*Shoes off inside the house.
*Children MUST be supervised and monitored at all times.
*No surprise guests, only those accounted for and registered can enter the property.
*No firearms
*Please do not put grease or solid food down the kitchen sink. Septik tank is sensitive
*Please do no flush wipes, paper or feminine products down the toilet as the septik tank is sensitive.
*This is a rural property and as such, there is wildlife which includes: rabbits, squirrels, rats, mice, coyotes,
snakes, lizards, birds, bugs, and spiders, to name a few.
*Please keep the doors closed to prevent the above wildlife from joining you in the home during your stay.
*There are five secuirty cameras on the property for safety reasons. One at the main gate, one at the main home,
one at the corner of the garage, one at the carport and one by the river. NONE in the house.
*The canvas bell tent can also be booked for camping by the river, which could sleep 3-6 people, inquire within.
*Pets are allowed on the property (fee's apply), however must be monitored at all times and not left alone. Pets must be kept close to owners at all times to avoid issues with wildlife, no pets on the furniture and beds. A fine will be applied if pets have been lounging on bedding and furniture.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$440
/ night
Rivergate Cabin
2. Rivergate Cabin
45mi from Bakersfield · 1 site
Nestled in Sequoia National Forest, this custom cabin boasts unbeatable views with BACKYARD ACCESS to the Kern River and PRIVATE BEACH! It is a Kernville gem, blending modern/tribal themes with a vaulted wood ceiling, real River Rock fireplace, open living area, rec/game room, secluded deck, modern chef's kitchen, multiple picnic areas and the Kern River flowing through the BACKYARD! Rivergate offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$360
/ night
Los Padres National Forest
3. Los Padres National Forest
95%
(452)
National forest 61mi from Bakersfield · 762 sites
From beach to mountain, California's second largest forest offers recreation in diverse ecosystems.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Angeles National Forest
4. Angeles National Forest
92%
(228)
National forest 84mi from Bakersfield · 791 sites
Experience the beauty of nature without having to stray far from Los Angeles.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
The best waterside camping near Bakersfield guide
Where to go
The Mojave Desert
If you like the hot, dry climate of Bakersfield, you'll love the Mojave Desert, with its wide-open sandy expanses interrupted by canyons and rock formations. The region's star attraction, Death Valley National Park, is a great place for winter camping and dark-sky stargazing.
California's Central Coast
Some of California’s prettiest stretches of coastline can be found in the Central Coast region, from the famous Big Sur to the palm-flanked Refugio State Beach. This region also has plenty of cities worth checking out, from stylish Santa Barbara to enchanting Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Sequoia National Forest and the Inyo Mountains
Not to be confused with Sequoia National Park, the Sequoia National Forest and the Inyo Mountains Wilderness just beyond it has dozens of developed and backcountry campgrounds and over a thousand miles of trails, plus ample opportunities to swim, boat, or mountain bike amongst towering old-growth trees.
When to go
The temperatures in Bakersfield generally range from pleasantly cool (in the dead of winter) to sunny and scorching. Summers are dry and often see highs in the 100s, and while winters are cool, Bakersfield rarely gets freezing temperatures. October and April are ideal if you plan to camp in the area, with warm (but not overly hot) temperatures and not nearly the number of crowds found in the summer.