12 Best Private Campsites Near Kernville, CA, US 2026

Looking to experience the great outdoors near Kernville, California? Hipcamp has over 160 private campsite options available in this stunning location. Whether you're a boating enthusiast, a wind sports lover, or simply enjoy wildlife watching, there's a campsite perfect for you. Some of the top campsites include Cuyama Badlands (1681 reviews), River Ridge Ranch -722 acres (348 reviews), and Campsite 3 & 4 (80 reviews). With amenities like cooking equipment, potable water, and the ability to have campfires, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable camping experience. And with an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $20, you can enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank.

99% (75)

Top-rated campgrounds near Kernville

Looking to experience the great outdoors near Kernville, California? Hipcamp has over 160 private campsite options available in this stunning location. Whether you're a boating enthusiast, a wind sports lover, or simply enjoy wildlife watching, there's a campsite perfect for you. Some of the top campsites include Cuyama Badlands (1681 reviews), River Ridge Ranch -722 acres (348 reviews), and Campsite 3 & 4 (80 reviews). With amenities like cooking equipment, potable water, and the ability to have campfires, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable camping experience. And with an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $20, you can enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank.

99% (75)

Top-rated campgrounds near Kernville

1. 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.

2. Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents

98%

(604)

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

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.

3. Zen Camp/Bamboo Retreat

100%

(9)

38mi from Kernville · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging

The calm and quiet of a Bamboo Grove. The perfect spot to unwind and relax. The beautiful Tule (two-lee) river can be heard at night! Day use area on the river only a 10-minute drive away! Short day trips to Sequoia National Park and Yosemite! Great couples getaway! Also a perfect location for Yoga groups or other groups up to 8 people! Group pricing for 7 is only $30/per person per night! ($60/couple + $30/person for up to 5 others! (Couple or max. of 3 sleeping together on King size mattress for 8x10 cabin is $50/night.) Come as a couple or get a group together! One night, OK. Singles or couples will always be alone and not sharing the camp area, and you'll have your pick of any of the three tents or one 8'x10' cabin with indoor toilet/sink King size air mattress ($50/night charge for cabin). Tents are provided and set up, each with fat comfortable air mattresses! Look at the photos! Contact me for more info and to book your stay! (No bedding or utensils provided. Propane bar-b-que. Fire pit and limited firewood provided. No electricity, no running water. Outdoor shower and simple outdoor restroom with foot pump sink. Ice chest available, ice provided in ice chest for those staying 2 nights or more.)

4. "paradise is within you"

100%

(16)

46mi from Kernville · 3 sites · Lodging

Sequoia forest secret, Paradise Ranch inn is Glamping Bell tents on wooden decks just 100 feet from river with spectacular mountain views all tents include queen beds and sheets bathhouse with showers and toilets. full bar outdoor kitchen with burners water and utensils. all you need to bring is your bag of ICE. This romantic and secluded property has trail and a plenty of private swim holes. Soft opening for summer 2022. with the Sequoia national forest in the backyard and 5min drive down the road to ladybug trail and other park trails .

5. Antelope Canyon Ranch

98%

(61)

48mi from Kernville · 17 sites · Tents, RVs

The Ranch has many varied sites to explore from oak woodlands to pine covered woods. The ownership of the land has been held since 1883 by the Summit Lime Company and was until the 1930's the site of several lime quarries one of which was used to supply material for the Owens valley to Los Angeles aquaduct. Current utilization is for recreation, private hunting club, timber production, and cattle grazing. The campground was built in 1967 to provide a location for church, non-profit, and youth groups to enjoy a private, and safe location for outdoor recreation activities. Camping is restricted to family and group activities. The campground has 17 sites a comfort station, water hook-ups, fire ring, and 4X8 foot stone BAR-B-Que. In order to provide a private experience no two groups are scheduled at the same time. An ideal group size is 15 to 150 persons.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

K

3 weeks ago

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!

Sandy

3 weeks ago

1 night at Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents

My girlfriend and I really enjoyed staying at the Cottonwood cabin! It was a nice cozy space and the scenery was sooo beautiful! I got to enjoy my breakfast on a big rock by the river and it was the perfect way to start my day. The restrooms were really nice and well kept! Overall it was a super comfortable lodging experience.

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.

D

Daniel

November 2025

1 night at Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents

It was a great experience coming here! A lot to do around and a good price for what you get. While the two story cabin was just two beds, the best part was the grounds that you get.

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!

J

Jennifer

November 2025

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

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.

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!

P

Paul

October 2025

18 ft travel trailer

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

This was a wonderful stay. Beautiful site. Hot outdoor showers for a small fee (what a treat in that setting!) clean toilets plus hot and cold running water close by. A nice little walking trail (about a mile) right there. And John was a great host, very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend this site!

E

Elizabeth

October 2025

3 nights at "paradise is within you"

This place is special! It is glamping at its finest. The setting by the river is beautiful, the outdoor kitchen makes cooking fun and easy and the yurts v comfortable. There is so much to do on this property from exploring the river and swimming holes to reading and napping in one of the many nooks by the river. Just spectacular. Kenneth has really made this a retreat.

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.

Nickie

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

John was such a lovely host! He responded to my message late at night after we got stranded due to flash floods on the 14. He was very accommodating, showed us around the property even though it was late, and made sure we knew where we could find cell service on the property. The next morning, he even came by our site after he checked the road conditions for our intended trip. Felt super safe, would stay again!

Tracie

September 2025

16 ft car

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

Lovely property. Host was very kind and available. Oasis after driving for hours through the desert

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 !

A

Alexis

September 2025

Tent

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

John’s property was beautiful! He went above and beyond to be hospitable

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!