The best family-friendly glamping near Kernville, California

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.

92% (655)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

92% (655)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents

98%

(602)

36mi from Kernville · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Springville, CA

Swimming in North Fork Tule River, miles of hiking trails on ranch. River Ridge Ranch 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. We occasionally host small, thoughtful, low impact weddings. Please inquire. 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.

2. A Unique Mountain Retreat

99%

(287)

47mi from Kernville · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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.

3. Bare All Retreat

88%

(43)

31mi from Kernville · 31 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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.

4. SoCal Camping

87%

(102)

7.2mi from Kernville · 39 sites · Lodging · 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

Stories from the community

L

Lauren

1 week ago

With kids

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

My two boys and I stayed in the studio cabin. We had to rearrange our travel dates due to the weather. John couldn’t have been more flexible and accommodating in making sure our trip could still happen a few days later. The site had a beautiful view, a little kitchenette, shower and wood stove that kept us warm. We had great stargazing and the gas burning stove was perfect for chilly nights. John was the most welcoming host and made us feel very comfortable. We also enjoyed the nature trail on the site! Overall, a lovely place I would recommend if you want to slow down and enjoy some peace and quiet.

selby

1 week ago

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

Magic, authentic, star-filled. What a magnificent spot! Wish we could have stayed longer. Be sure to bring blankets-and maybe an extra foam topper. Truly memorable!

J

Jennifer

2 weeks ago

Group trip

1 night at Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents

Very beautiful land and so thankful for the kitchen only advice is to drive before dark to ensure you don’t get lost but instructions are clear

N

Nikhil

November 2025

Weekend Trip to A Unique Mountain Retreat

We had a wonderful short stay at John’s cabin. He has made everything so thoughtfully and we felt very comfortable. The location was easy to find and the views are unbeatable! We will surely be back. John has a huge property and a trail along the boundary. Also, the silence at the place was exactly what we were looking for.

J

Jose

October 2025

2 nights at Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents

Beautiful place I will come back again I recommend this place

B

Blaine

October 2025

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

Greta place! What the owner has done with the entire project is quaint, romantic, and unique- all making for an amazing stay. Look no farther than here and you won’t regret it!

M

Mauricio

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Bare All Retreat

What stood out is not only the beautiful views but the water stream that goes through the property. Very peaceful & Cory & his wife are very welcoming and helpful!

S

StacyAndCedar

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to SoCal Camping

Great place to stay along the Kern River. Clean bathrooms and very comfortable beds. I especially appreciated the heavy duty wagons to cart gear to the tent from the parking area. Loved not having cars in the campsites since we were camping with our kids. There is also a well maintained path to access the river side.

J

Jennifer

October 2025

Weekend Trip to SoCal Camping

Cool spot and would come again. I've visited at end of the season and found it to be peaceful. It's across the street from the Corral Creek Resort and best to use for your GPS directions.

S

Sean

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents

Beautiful location. Incredible natural beauty from the river to the hills. Only area for improvement is some clean-up of the site—just needs some care, but overall great.

j

juan

September 2025

Weekend Trip to A Unique Mountain Retreat

Incredible place to space out and live off the grid for a moment. Not to mention the welcoming energy John brings to the place. Just wonderful.

I

Iris

September 2025

With kids

2 nights at Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents

Gary literally has everything u may need for a great glamping experience! My little family and I had a very relaxing two days . Plan to return !

P

Patrick

September 2025

Weekend Trip to SoCal Camping

Great spot by the river with nice setups! Bathrooms are better that most campground bathrooms I’ve seen. Beware of fire ants

A

Alex

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to SoCal Camping

Location was great, the tents, bathrooms, and showers were all very clean. The camp host and others were all very helpful and friendly. We loved the close proximity to the river.

D

Diptee

August 2025

Weekend Trip to A Unique Mountain Retreat

This was the perfect little romantic getaway! My partner and I had the best time, and I can also see how wonderful it would be for some peaceful solo time. It’s private, quiet, calm, and incredibly relaxing. The stargazing was exceptional. John’s off-the-grid home is truly beautiful, and it’s amazing to see the love and care he put into building his cabin. You can really feel his positive energy in the space, and his lifestyle is so inspiring. The paved pathway was well maintained, and we felt comfortable driving up in a sedan. Check-in was smooth, and John went above and beyond with a thoughtful, thorough walkthrough of the property. He’s thought of all the little details to make sure guests have the best possible experience! This place exceeded our expectations — we’ll definitely be back!

J

Joohee

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to A Unique Mountain Retreat

John is such a great host! Also, the cabin is super cute and the environment is stunning! We took our 3 year old toddler, and he loved it! We would definitely want to revisit!

L

Leslie

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at A Unique Mountain Retreat

Very cozy cabin with beautiful views and walking paths. The drive into John's land is part of the whole experience too - really makes you feel like you're entering a different world and getting away from the hustle of the city. The cabin is small (ideal for 2 people) but we were able to fit in a pack-n-play for our infant too, who slept like a dream thanks to the peaceful quiet and the breezy weather at night. My husband & I enjoyed sitting by the fire pit to decompress, but also loved keeping things dark to soak in the incredible stargazing views.

N

N.

July 2025

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

Everything that has been said before about John and his Hipcamp are true 10xs over. He's kind,, thorough, informative, has thought of everything a camper might need. He has an eye for your arrival and is very welcoming. He is also making improvements to the site. I have a feeling he never stops looking to keep up the site. Stayed at the cabin. The front picnic area now is paved, has pavers to retain the sand and there are two benches for extra seating. He is also in the midst of putting in an outside sink next to the privy. Very hospitable. You'll enjoy your stay.

Richie

June 2025

Weekend Trip to A Unique Mountain Retreat

Discovering this place was an absolute win for my girlfriend and I who was looking for a place to getaway from for the weekend! We stayed in this very charming wooden cabin that was equipped with a pull out bed, fridge and a small sink. There are free showers available at the entrance of the property also equipped with deep sinks for dishwashing, basically you have everything you need to be comfortable. The place was so well kept and cleaned and the best part about this place was honest the host John! This sweet human being welcomed us when we arrived late into the night, showed us around the cabin and it’s features and than later he showed us the additional buildings around his property. We then found out that everything on this establishment was built be John himself, all the buildings, all the mechanics to keeping the place running was all done by him! John, if you’re reading this, we would love to come back again for a visit! We had such a lovely time, thank you so very much for accommodating us! - Richie and Annie

It cooled off in the evening making it perfect for a fire. Photo by Lisse Lundin.

D

Dan

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents

This was our group's 6th stay at Gary's ranch. It has always been a great place to stay, but Gary manages to improve it every year. Highly recommended.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best family-friendly glamping near Kernville guide

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.