$34
Headquarters
Total sites: 42
Available Today: 32 FF*
Available this Weekend: 13 FF*
Booking Window: 6 months
Available Today: 32 FF*
Available this Weekend: 13 FF*
Booking Window: 6 months
2,780 ft
69°F
49°F
49°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 (281)
4.2 out of 5
| 5 star | 54% | |
| 4 star | 22% | |
| 3 star | 11% | |
| 2 star | 6% | |
| 1 star | 5% |
@RonaldR1708663 · Camped on Apr 7, 2026 at Campsite #8
The camp hosts were great! Sight unseen, I had reserved a campsite which turned out to be right next to the highway. No problem, they let me walk the campground and choose any alternative site that didn't have a reserved sign on it. Everything was clean, the toilets had plenty of t.p., and I highly recommend this campground , as long as you don't have to pitch your tent right next to the highway.
@CecyUC642B88F1 · Camped on Apr 4, 2026 at Campsite #8
First time camping and the site was great! Close the river and close to bathroom. Area was clean. Other campers where nice and respectful. Ranger on duty was great!
@MarcosHD144AA7 · Camped on Mar 27, 2026 at Campsite #9
Very clean campsites. Clean bathroom. Beautiful view of surrounding mountains.
Some Coverage
@SergehT91C0ECA · Camped on Mar 27, 2026 at Campsite #20
Camp site # 20 needs new table. If you try both side seats, you will feel the difference and issues.
@KellyS8987536 · Camped on Mar 26, 2026 at Campsite #32
Great hosts, beautiful scenery. Literally only complaint was the amount of foxtails. Everything else was fantastic.
Major Issues
@DavidG5648223 · Camped on Mar 13, 2026 at Campsite #27
It was magical. The hosts were amazing and informative...they were two hosts. I think it was candice and some other guy. I think that was her name. Anyhow, we will go back. My family and I all enjoyed and we caught fish. It was a clean and friendly camp site.
No Service
@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
@AnnetteC752790 · Camped on Dec 20, 2025 at Campsite #24
the campsite is relatively small so the sites are pretty close to each other. site 24 was flat, decently sized and close to the bathrooms. across the opposing sites is the river which is soooo beautiful. you can hear the water running at night which is nice. the camp host is also super friendly and helpful!
@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
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