Camping Kern River

[WhiteFoxGT]

Hello All,

I am planning a camping trip for a few my close friends. We would like to camp by Kern River. I was wondering if anyone had some nice spots that isn't very crowed. I am sure there are some secluded campsites, but I have been having a lot of trouble finding them online. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all in advance.

[Fjold]

Go up the canyon to Lake Isabella. Take the north side road toward Kernville. Pass Kernville and stay north going toward Johnsondale. From there, toward and above Johnsondale, there are camping spots all along the river that will be empty at this time of year.

There are campgrounds below Lake Isabella along the highway but they are right alongside the highway and there's a constant stream of traffic between Bakersfield and Lake Isabella all day and night.

[Bakersfield_Grizzly]

Go up the canyon to Lake Isabella. Take the north side road toward Kernville. Pass Kernville and stay north going toward Johnsondale. From there, toward and above Johnsondale, there are camping spots all along the river that will be empty at this time of year.

There are campgrounds below Lake Isabella along the highway but they are right alongside the highway and there's a constant stream of traffic between Bakersfield and Lake Isabella all day and night.

Great advice!! And if you get cold there are some nice hotels that are $60/night. Take your snowboards and the ski hill up above Wofford heights (www.Altasierra.com) should soon be open.

[WhiteFoxGT]

Go up the canyon to Lake Isabella. Take the north side road toward Kernville. Pass Kernville and stay north going toward Johnsondale. From there, toward and above Johnsondale, there are camping spots all along the river that will be empty at this time of year.

There are campgrounds below Lake Isabella along the highway but they are right alongside the highway and there's a constant stream of traffic between Bakersfield and Lake Isabella all day and night.

Thank you for the advice!!!

[madjack956]

Don't forget the steak dinner at McNally's if they are open.

[hk200085]

Fjold, pretty much nailed it. The upper Kern river is a bit more serene in my opinion. If you plan to fish check the regulation as they are different above Johnsondale Bridge, happy camping.

[nawaz]

this is very nice post

[ely]

Campground just above McNally's is USFS , although not secluded is a good one for families with kids. Nice man and horse bridge over the river.

[Iskra]

I worked as a raft guide on the Kern for many years, and Fjold is spot on. get above the Johnsondale Bridge - its good all the way up to the Golden Trout Wilderness.

Here's a nice resource with GPS waypoints: http://www.climber.org/driving/JerkeyMeadow.html

[WhiteFoxGT]

Thank you all for the great tips!!

[Alan Halcon]

Well, I consider Kern River my second home, so here is my two cents

Definitely Upper Kern (Above Kernville). I used to do Thunderbird Campground, but it has turned into group camping and requires reservations.... Not worth it at that level, IMHO.

Headquarters campground is very popular and if I recall correctly campground 23 is all under shade and right up next to the edge of the water. That said, it books waaaayyyy early, so you have to be on it. I prefer the back part, furthest from the camp host, because it is quiet.

Camp James is closer to the center of town and does have showers, but costs more.

Now, since it is National forest, you can camp just about anywhere, regardless if it is developed campground or not, but depending on time of year campfire restrictions may be in place.

Also, be mindful, beginning Memorial weekend it gets jam packed no matter where you go, but week days are always best. Also, the River, at that time of year is WAAAAAYYYYY too dangerous. The river begins to calm about July, but better August and is calmer in August

If you have it in you and the river isn't a big deal, I would drive up further to quaking aspen campground, maybe about 18 miles up from Upper Kern, where, if you like, you can stay in a yurt... The meadow there is spectacular and it is quiet

Do a google image search... you'll get it

[cjc16]

don't forget to stop in at the Kern River Brewing Company. The Winter Ale is excellent!

[Oneblood]

Go up the canyon to Lake Isabella. Take the north side road toward Kernville. Pass Kernville and stay north going toward Johnsondale. From there, toward and above Johnsondale, there are camping spots all along the river that will be empty at this time of year.

There are campgrounds below Lake Isabella along the highway but they are right alongside the highway and there's a constant stream of traffic between Bakersfield and Lake Isabella all day and night.

^ had a house on the south side. But frequently went up on the north side by the fish hatchery.
Look out for gang banger campers, it's why I left.

[light351]

Camping Kern River

We stayed along kern river this past September. It was a good time and nice shooting area across from our campground across the road.

[67Roadster]

great info. Tag