The best great views campgrounds 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.

95% (388) • 44 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Kernville

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.

95% (388) • 44 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Kernville

1. Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

95%

(225)

44mi from Kernville · 24 sites · Tents, RVs

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.

2. Underworld Farms

86%

(43)

2.6mi from Kernville · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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

3. A Unique Mountain Retreat

99%

(289)

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

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.

4. Diamond Acres Camp 🏕

96%

(26)

10mi from Kernville · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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!

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

C

Chris

1 week ago

24 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

We stayed at olancha over christmas weekend we arrived late however our spot was waiting for us when we arrived hook up were well marked and easily accessible. Camp ground was clean lake was clean and nacho was great at maintaining bathrooms and roads during the heavy rain. Views were simply amazing and nights so quiet

A

Angelica

December 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

The lake view was amazing. Nacho responds fast to messages and makes sure everything it’s okay. Thank you so much. It was my first time camping and it went smoothly.

skanda

December 2025

16 ft car

2 nights at Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

Amazing views, Nacho was very helpful and let us change sites at the last minute. Restroom and shower clean and well maintained!

K

December 2025

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

This cabin, location & host, John, all were truly such a treat! John is an absolutely wonderful human. He went above and beyond as a host to ensure we got in, settled and enjoyed ourselves. It’s clear the love and care he’s put into this property and for his guests. The cabin was comfortable, beautifully designed & the morning views were stunning. Thank you for having us!

T

Taelor

December 2025

Tent

1 night at Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

This was mine and my husband’s first time camping at Lake Olancha and we will definitely be back! The host Nacho was very good at communicating and making us feel welcome and comfortable. We camped at tent site #2 and it had a great view of the lake and mountains along with a picnic table, fire pit and electrical stations on for sides of the tent for charging. It was practically snowing late at night but we were able to plug in our heater so our tent was nice and cozy when we were in there. It was so enjoyable in fact, we originally only booked 2 nights but ended up staying a 3rd night bc we didn’t want to leave lol there is only one public restroom but to our surprise we never had to wait to use it. The water for the shower was hot there was a heater and the toilet paper was always stocked. For the price you really cannot beat the experience and I would definitely recommend to stay here if you’re considering it!

T

Taelor

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

This was mine and my husband’s first time camping at Lake Olancha and we will definitely be back! The host Nacho was extremely good at communicating and making us feel welcome and comfortable. We camped at tent site #2 which has a lake/Mountain View, picnic table, fire pit and two electric stations for charging on both sides of the tent. Even though it was borderline snowing late at night, we were able to use our heater so our tent was very warm and cozy the whole trip. So much so, we originally only booked two nights but ended up booking a 3rd night bc we didn’t want to leave lol there is only one shared restroom but surprisingly we never had an issue with having to wait to use it. The water for the shower was hot and the toilet paper was always stocked. This was a great experience and I would definitely recommend it if you’re considering staying here!

N

Nikki

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Diamond Acres Camp 🏕

Loved loved loved my stay here! I would call it gamping - not quite luxury glamping but definitely above camping. There are basic amenities provided though bringing your own gear might be helpful. Definitely coming back with my friends!

A

Adam

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

Great location with easy access to Death Valley and Mt Whitney! Beautiful in the morning. Limited restrooms (only 1) and tent sites are a bit small but otherwise great place to crash for a couple nights. Firewood for $10/bundle cash only but there’s a gas station 2 mins away with firewood + bathroom if needed.

E

Edgar

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

1 night at Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

Really enjoyed our stay at this campsite. It was our first camping trip ever so we only stayed the one night but definitely going back. Clean area, organized sites, clean bathroom, great views, and very easy to get to.

Prajwal

November 2025

1 night at Diamond Acres Camp 🏕

Diamond Acre Camp is one of those rare places that feels calm the moment you arrive. The site is spacious, clean, and perfectly positioned for wide-open night skies. The star-gazing here is unreal — the kind of view that makes you forget about everything else. The atmosphere is quiet, peaceful, and beautifully raw. My tent lit up under the stars felt straight out of a movie.

G

Grace

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

We loved it here! There was a bathroom with running water a short walk away and the views with the lake and mountains were beautiful.

L

Lily

November 2025

Tent

3 nights at Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

I loved camping at Nacho's land. Very welcoming host, gorgeous views, and great location. The pond had fun activities to do when we returned to the campground!

L

Lauren

November 2025

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

November 2025

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!

Will

November 2025

With kids

1 night at Diamond Acres Camp 🏕

Absolutely loved Diamond Acres, in particular the Stargazing Tent. The views were gorgeous (we saw the Milky Way!) and the site itself was set up great. Even though it was 38 degrees F overnight, we were cozy. Just wonderful.

This is Pull Through encampment 4 where you can see the private firepit you will be able to use when camping here.

Chris

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Underworld Farms

Easy to find and a great host. Would definitely use again.

V

Valerie

November 2025

15 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

This was such a great spot for us to find when we changed our route last minute! It was a bit wet/chilly out so we didn’t use many of the amenities but the views were GREAT. We met Nacho on the way in and he even let us switch sites so we weren’t right next to anyone. I highly recommend this easy site!

J

Jonathan

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

Super chilll spot to tent camp. Lots of nice amenities! Would definitely come back 👍🏼

Chris

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Underworld Farms

Easy directions and a great spot close to Kernville.

Heidi

November 2025

Tent

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

We loved tent camping on John’s property. It was beautiful and peaceful. We look forward to staying again.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best great views camping 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.