$34
Headquarters
Total sites: 42
Available Today: 30 FF*
Available this Weekend: 25
Booking Window: 6 months
Available Today: 30 FF*
Available this Weekend: 25
Booking Window: 6 months
2,780 ft
80°F
58°F
58°F
no signal
Sequoia National Forest › Kern River Ranger District › California
› Kern County
› Kernville
› Headquarters Campground
Headquarters Campground, CA - Latest Reviews, Photos & Campground Map
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.
Campground Capacity (Next 30 Days)
Campsite Reviews (274)
4.2 out of 5
| 5 star | 54% | |
| 4 star | 22% | |
| 3 star | 11% | |
| 2 star | 6% | |
| 1 star | 5% |
@ShelbyW4223D68 · Camped on Feb 14, 2026 at Campsite #7
I love the ease of access of this campground and camping right next to the Kern River. I camped at site 007 in February and despite the cold weather, the smell from the bathroom next to the site was still pretty strong. It wasnt a big problem since I was away from the site during the day - I imagine the smell would be worse in the warmer months. The site will be fine, just find things to do elsewhere during the day.
Major Issues
@WesleyJ4139938 · Camped on Feb 13, 2026 at Campsite #17
Love going to Headquarters Campground, had a beautiful time, hosts are great
@MichaelC616917 · Camped on Feb 12, 2026 at Campsite #15
This area is Wonderful, very peaceful right on the river
@MichaelM541440 · Camped on Feb 9, 2026 at Campsite #3
The hosts were friendly and helpful, the campsites were clean and not on top of one another. The fishing was also good.Cel phone service was nonexistent. Flush toilets would be nice.
No Service
@FatherSF6A881A · Camped on Feb 9, 2026 at Campsite #21
We have been camping at Headquarters many years, both summer and winter months. Friendly camp host/hostess this February trip. Out-houses could stand to be upgraded.
@AdrianW45B589A · Camped on Jan 23, 2026 at Campsite #44
Clean, hosts were friendly. Site was spacious
No Service
@ArminA3897160 · Camped on Jan 8, 2026 at Campsite #20
fantastic clean and the host was a such a great man
@WilliamP724185 · Camped on Nov 25, 2025 at Campsite #20
Great campground. The grounds were in excellent shape and campground hosts were really great. See you next year!
No Service
@RobertR8191303 · Camped on Nov 24, 2025 at Campsite #12
Clean pit toilets and ample water spigots. No trash cans around that I could see, though I was told that guests could dump their trash at the large dumpster at the entrance. Unfortunately, and maybe due to lack of trash cans, their was 'some' unsightly litter scattered through the campground. (I picked up my share of litter, but again there was no trash can to put it in.) And no showers either. Still, you can be right next to the river and with my Lifetime Senior pass I get 50% off reservations.
No Service
@JuanC4542179 · Camped on Nov 21, 2025 at Campsite #35
Great central location and cute babbling brook next to campsite. No service, but great being off the grid. Recommend this campground!
Major Issues
@ShileneND6A42D · Camped on Nov 7, 2025 at Campsite #14
Scenic off-season campground right on the river! Hosts are helpful & friendly.
@MilesC5559097 · Camped on Oct 24, 2025 at Campsite #36
Camp host, Randy, was friendly and took great care of the campground. I had a really nice site with plenty of space. It was quiet too.
Some Coverage
@DonN5971265675 · Camped on Oct 17, 2025 at Campsite #15
Nice campground, great camp site (right on the river).You should know that it is really hot there for months. And there's no fires allowed for months.
@BradleyCB8A6F8 · Camped on Oct 10, 2025 at Campsite #31
Beautiful campsite, relatively easy access to the river and not too far from town for any forgotten supplies. Great spot for kids and older adults to camp.
No Service
@JoyA98EF6A67C2 · Camped on Oct 8, 2025 at Campsite #16
Pretty place. The trees need to be trimmed. Even on the main/only road through the campground they scratches my van.
@Elizabeth39763 · Camped on Oct 3, 2025 at Campsite #44
It was beautiful bathrooms were clean and we had a great time only thing I would say is the map of the campground itself is a little off we went with a group and thought we got sites right together but in reality they were across the way not a huge deal just a psa.
Some Coverage
@MatthewG245698 · Camped on Sep 28, 2025 at Campsite #23
Host was a gem. Chatted with us about some good sightseeing and fishing. Friendly camping neighbors and clean facilities. Potable water onsite, river front camp and lots of shade made it perfect.
Excellent
@SueM2034977 · Camped on Sep 19, 2025 at Campsite #7
The camp host was great kept the flies away and smell in the toilets GOOD JOB!!!! I love going every year and have been going since 85. See ya next year
@SueM2034977 · Camped on Sep 17, 2025 at Campsite #7
I love Headquarters Campground and have been going since the 80's. It would be great to see flush toilets installed. Or seal up the very old toilets and make new ones.The camp host is FANTASTIC, keeps up with the toilets.
@ChrisH3497025 · Camped on Aug 30, 2025 at Campsite #42
Nice little campground in Kern Valley. The Host was very helpful. The facilities were decent for pit toilets, with toilet paper and clean. Plenty of water stations. The campsites along the river looked great, and many had shade. Ours was very open, close to the road and no shade, but we had the last pick. I would say campsites 42 and 43 would be the worst to choose.
No Service
@PatrickP990407 · Camped on Aug 23, 2025 at Campsite #13
Great campground. Not far from town
Some Coverage
@ShaunaL1D73F92 · Camped on Jul 11, 2025 at Campsite #17
Campground was clean as always. My only complaint was that for the past 7 years that I have been camping at Headquarters it has never been an issue to pull into the campsite an hour or two early as long as nobody was camped there and I had the reservation for that night. This time, however I pulled in and parked two hours early and was then charged for an entire extra day. I was told that if I want to show up early, I have to reserve the site for the night prior to my arrival. The problem is that I am not able to reserve the night before and then not actually be in the site that night or else they will give away my reservation for the entire weekend.the website says the site has to be occupied within the first 24 hours of the reservation or the reservation will be cancelled and the site will be opened to walk-ins. Its just a little frustrating to have to spend an additional $40 to arrive at 12 rather than 2 oclock. I get that I cant show up early if someone is there but I feel like there needs to be something that can be done like a slightly discounted rate if I show up just a little early and the site is empty. Otherwise the campground was fine. The river was great as always and we had a very nice time.
@SandraL2332707 · Camped on Jul 6, 2025 at Campsite #33
Space #33 was great, easy access, clean, had lots of Sunny and shady areas, kid friendly, Randy the host is attentive and active!
Some Coverage
@AndyL5725873 · Camped on Jun 27, 2025 at Campsite #20
Really enjoyed our time at Headquarters campground. The host was friendly and knowledgeable of the area. The river was clean and not to strong at the time so we were able to swing and relax in the water. Most of the bathrooms were clean but there were a few that were not so clean. One important thing to note is the main dumpster for the trash is by the front entrance, it took a while for me to find it at night since i did not notice it on the drive in. There are a ton of gnats at night that are attracted to light so a screened canopy is highly recommended if you want to eat in peace lol. Would def stay here again.
Major Issues
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