Aholul Group Campground

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Bureau of Land Management, Bakersfield Field Office, 40060 Smalley Road, Auberry, CA 93602, USA

Quick Facts

Price

$10 - $175/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office site

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Quick Facts

Price

$10 - $175/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office site

Get Directions

Aholul Group Campground

$10.00 - $175.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The Group Campground fee is $175, and interpretive/educational programs cost $10. Additional Special Recreation Permits (SRP) may be required for...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$175.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Total Campsite Fees$175.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

661-391-6000BLM_CA_Web_BK@blm.gov

What Campers Say

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Fees & Passes at Aholul Group Campground

$10 - $175/night

Campsite fees

Group Site

For large groups

$175/night

Cancellation: Customers may cancel group facility reservations less than 14 days before arrival but will forfeit t...

Prices verified November 24, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office website.

Best Time to Camp at Aholul Group Campground

The San Joaquin River Gorge enjoys a remarkably pleasant climate that makes group camping comfortable year-round. With average temperatures hovering around a crisp 57°F during the day and cooling to a refreshing 38°F at night, the weather creates perfect conditions for campfire gatherings and stargazing. The region's characteristically dry conditions mean rain rarely interrupts outdoor plans, with weekly precipitation averaging just over half an inch. Gentle breezes whisper through the canyon rather than howl, creating an atmosphere of tranquility that enhances the group camping experience.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.

Planning Tips

About Aholul Group Campground

Perched within the dramatic San Joaquin River Gorge, Aholul Group Campground stands as a premier destination for large gatherings seeking an authentic outdoor experience. This expansive campground welcomes groups of up to 300 people across two thoughtfully designed walk-in tent sites, where the day's grand finale comes in the form of spectacular sunsets painting the canyon walls in brilliant hues. While the paved parking area easily accommodates trailers and motor homes, the real adventure begins as you follow the primitive paths that wind through the rugged landscape to your campsite. Fresh drinking water and waste facilities ensure comfort during your stay, though the absence of electricity invites groups to disconnect and embrace the natural rhythms of canyon life under star-filled skies.

Aholul Group Campground exclusively offers group camping with two walk-in tent sites designed for large groups.

Weather and SeasonsThe San Joaquin River Gorge enjoys a remarkably pleasant climate that makes group camping comfortable year-round. With average temperatures hovering around a crisp 57°F during the day and cooling to a refreshing 38°F at night, the weather creates perfect conditions for campfire gatherings and stargazing. The region's characteristically dry conditions mean rain rarely interrupts outdoor plans, with weekly precipitation averaging just over half an inch. Gentle breezes whisper through the canyon rather than howl, creating an atmosphere of tranquility that enhances the group camping experience.

ElevationElevation details are not specified.

Natural Features and SceneryThe San Joaquin River Gorge serves as nature's amphitheater, surrounding Aholul Group Campground with towering canyon walls and rugged beauty that takes your breath away. As golden hour approaches, the western sky transforms into a canvas of oranges, purples, and pinks that reflect off the ancient rock faces, creating a natural light show that becomes the highlight of any gathering. The primitive paths that connect the parking area to the campsites offer an immediate immersion into the wild character of the gorge, where each turn reveals new vistas and the untamed spirit of California's backcountry.

Geological RegionCarved over millennia by the persistent flow of the San Joaquin River, this magnificent gorge showcases the raw power of water against stone. The campground sits within this geological masterpiece, where layers of ancient rock tell stories spanning millions of years. The rugged terrain, characterized by steep canyon walls and weathered formations, creates a dramatic backdrop that makes every group gathering feel like an expedition into the heart of California's wild places. The primitive paths that traverse this landscape offer intimate encounters with the gorge's geological wonders, from smooth river-polished stones to jagged cliffsides that glow amber in the setting sun.

Campsite details

AccessibilityThe campsites are accessible via a primitive hardened path located near the paved parking area.

Sites SizeThe two walk-in tent sites are designed to accommodate up to 300 people collectively.

Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are not explicitly detailed in the source material.

Total Campsites2 campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

The two walk-in tent sites can accommodate up to 300 people.

Groups

The group site accommodates up to 300 people and is accessible via a primitive hardened path. There is a large paved parking lot that can support motor homes and large trailers.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of two walk-in tent sites near a paved parking lot and accessible via primitive paths.

Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are mandatory, and walk-up availability is not supported.

Cancellation PolicyCustomers may cancel group facility reservations less than 14 days before arrival but will forfeit the first night's fees along with a $10 cancellation fee.

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Potable water

Activities you can enjoy

The campground emphasizes educational and interpretive programs as an activity, but no other recreational opportunities are detailed in the source material.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Educational and interpretive programs are offered for $10, which may include additional organized group activities requiring a Special Recreation Permit.

Winter Activities

No information is provided about winter recreation opportunities.

Water Sports

No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned in the source material.

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed
Campfire policies are not mentioned, but visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles.

Hazards

General hazardsNo specific hazards are listed, but the area features primitive paths and rugged terrain that may pose challenges.

Weather at Aholul Group Campground

°F

Dec 7

Sunday

Mainly clear

Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 85%

High humidity, may feel muggy

Wind: 5.1 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Mainly clear

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

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Emergency Services

The closest emergency services are not explicitly mentioned, but the Bureau of Land Management's Bakersfield Field Office manages the area, and the visitor center is located nearby in Auberry.

Good to know

Trash and recyclingGarbage receptacles are available on-site; recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Campground Map

Bureau of Land Management, Bakersfield Field Office, 40060 Smalley Road, Auberry, CA 93602, USA

Driving directionsFrom Fresno, take CA-168 north. One mile after the town of Prather, turn left onto Auberry Road. Follow Auberry Road 2.9 miles through the town of Auberry and turn left at the Y onto Powerhouse Road. After 1.8 miles, turn left onto Smalley Road and follow it into the SRMA.

The campground is accessible via paved roads up to the parking lot, followed by a primitive hardened path to the campsites. Seasonal closures are not mentioned, and the area seems accessible year-round.

Nearby places

Auberry (5 miles northwest, approximately 10 minutes by car), Fresno (distance not explicitly mentioned, but accessible via CA-168 north).

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are likely in the town of Auberry, approximately 5 miles away. Specific locations for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are not detailed.

Reviews from booking and map sources

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Limited Reviews

Aholul Group Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

No user reviews were provided for analysis.

Review Summaries