Explore Free Camping Options in Kern River Ranger District: Top Spots and Tips
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Kern River Ranger District in Sequoia National Forest, where outdoor enthusiasts can immerse themselves in an array of camping experiences. Spanning over 600,000 acres, this stunning district offers over 300 miles of hiking trails, pristine rivers, and towering sequoias, making it a perfect playground for nature lovers. Popular campgrounds like Camp Nelson, the charming Hobo Campground, and the scenic'avis Riverside Campground provide convenient amenities while maintaining a rustic atmosphere. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, don’t miss the free camping options available along the Kern River and in dispersed sites throughout the district. With its diverse wildlife and exceptional fishing opportunities, visit the Kern River Ranger District to create lasting memories beneath the stars. Whether you are a seasoned backpacker or a family looking for a weekend getaway, this enchanting destination promises an unforgettable outdoor adventure!
Boulder Gulch Campground is located in the Kern River Ranger District, Sequoia National Forest (1 hr 31 min northeast of Bakersfield, CA) with an elevation of 2,601 feet. There are a total of 60 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid April to the end of September. 2 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 30 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $32.00 per night. Some amenities include flush toilets. Activities include hiking trails.
Camp Three Campground is located in the Kern River Ranger District, Sequoia National Forest (1 hr 53 min southeast of Porterville, CA) with an elevation of 2,830 feet. There are a total of 50 campsites including 1 tent-only site. The campground is normally open from mid May to mid September. 49 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Fees range from $32.00 to $122.00. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Fairview Campground is located in the Kern River Ranger District, Sequoia National Forest (1 hr 48 min east of Porterville, CA) with an elevation of 3,542 feet. There are a total of 48 campsites including 14 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of April to mid November. 34 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $32.00 per night.
Goldledge Campground is located in the Kern River Ranger District, Sequoia National Forest (1 hr 53 min east of Porterville, CA) with an elevation of 3,221 feet. There are a total of 36 campsites including 9 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from mid May to mid September. 27 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 30 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $32.00 per night. Activities include boating, fishing, floating sports.
Halfway Group Campground is located in the Kern River Ranger District, Sequoia National Forest (1 hr 53 min southeast of Porterville, CA) with an elevation of 2,816 feet. There are a total of 5 campsites. The campground is open all year. Max equipment length is 20 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Fees range from $48.00 to $200.00.
Headquarters Campground is located in the Kern River Ranger District, Sequoia National Forest (1 hr 52 min southeast of Porterville, CA) with an elevation of 2,780 feet. There are a total of 42 campsites including 13 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 27 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 30 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $32.00 to $100.00. Activities include boating, fishing, floating sports.
Hospital Flat Campground is located in the Kern River Ranger District, Sequoia National Forest (1 hr 56 min east of Porterville, CA) with an elevation of 2,972 feet. There are a total of 36 campsites including 4 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from mid May to mid September. 32 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Fees range from $32.00 to $126.00. Some amenities include swimming. Activities include boating, fishing, floating sports.
Hungry Gulch Campground is located in the Kern River Ranger District, Sequoia National Forest (1 hr 31 min northeast of Bakersfield, CA) with an elevation of 2,667 feet. There are a total of 76 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to the beginning of September. 2 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 30 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $32.00 per night. Some amenities include flush toilets.
Limestone Campground is located in the Kern River Ranger District, Sequoia National Forest (1 hr 41 min east of Porterville, CA) with an elevation of 3,749 feet. There are a total of 19 campsites which are all tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the end of March to the end of October. Max equipment length is 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $32.00 per night.
Paradise Cove Campground is located in the Kern River Ranger District, Sequoia National Forest (1 hr 30 min northeast of Bakersfield, CA) with an elevation of 2,639 feet. There are a total of 51 campsites. The campground is open all year. 1 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $32.00 per night. Some amenities include dump station, flush toilets. Activities include boating, fishing, floating sports.
Sandy Flat Campground is located in the Kern River Ranger District, Sequoia National Forest (1 hr 28 min northeast of Bakersfield, CA) with an elevation of 2,383 feet. There are a total of 27 campsites including 3 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 24 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 50 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $32.00 to $120.00. Activities include fishing.
Thunderbird Group Campground is located in the Kern River Ranger District, Sequoia National Forest (1 hr 54 min southeast of Porterville, CA) with an elevation of 2,869 feet. There are a total of 3 campsites which are all tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from mid May to mid September. Max equipment length is 20 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $48.00 to $120.00.
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