Kcl Campground

Star4.49
55 reviews
Bureau of Land Management, Bakersfield Field Office, 3801 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93308, USA
Stargazing

Quick Facts

2,287 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Kcl Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping at KCL Campground is free of charge. Visitors must pack out all garbage as there is no trash service, and no additional fees are required.
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
661-391-6000BLM_CA_Web_BK@blm.gov
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What Campers Say

4.49

Recommended

Based on 55 reviews

52 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanhiking

Some mention

noise

"KCL Campground is highly appreciated for its rustic charm, natural beauty, and low cost (free). Visitors frequently praise the cleanliness of the vault toilets and the campground's peaceful atmosphere. Some common criticisms include the lack of privacy between campsites and the absence of potable water and garbage services."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Bureau of Land Management, Bakersfield Field Office, 3801 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93308, USA

Kcl Campground

Bureau of Land Management, Bakersfield Field Office, 3801 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93308, USA

Driving directionsOnce on Carrizo Plain National Monument, continue on Soda Lake Road until you arrive at sign for KCL Campground. Turn onto KCL Campground Road and travel 1/2 mile to campground.
Access is via dirt, gravel, and country-paved roads. Roads are passable but may require caution.
Nearby places
Bakersfield (approx. 60 miles)
Nearby supplies
Visitors are advised to bring all necessary supplies, including water, as no amenities are provided at or near the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Kcl Campground

Experience nature's perfect balance in this land of endless blue skies and gentle breezes. The campground basks in delightfully dry conditions year-round, with comfortable temperatures and refreshingly low humidity that make every outdoor activity a pleasure. Winter brings crisp, invigorating mornings perfect for wildlife watching, while summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched haven—though savvy campers know to seek shade during peak afternoon hours when the mercury climbs.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

Summers are less favorable due to high heat; users note hot conditions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall is suggested as a peak season with pleasant weather and good conditions.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 7% in CA

Spring peak with blooming wildflowers and moderate temperatures per reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 23% in CA

Campground is open year-round and described as pleasant/popular in winter months.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Spring and fall months are suggested as peak seasons based on weather conditions and user reviews.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts are noted in the provided information.

About Kcl Campground

Escape to the untamed beauty of KCL Campground, where 12 intimate campsites await those seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This first-come, first-serve gem offers a true back-to-basics adventure, complete with crackling fire pits, sturdy picnic tables, and convenient horse corrals for equestrian explorers. Two thoughtfully designed ADA-compliant sites ensure everyone can experience this rustic paradise. While you'll find well-maintained vault toilets, the absence of electricity and running water creates the perfect digital detox environment. Remember to bring your own water and embrace the leave-no-trace ethos by packing out everything you bring in—it's all part of preserving this pristine landscape for future adventurers.
KCL Campground caters to first-come, first-serve camping with a focus on primitive and tent camping. RV campers can also utilize the site, though there are no hookups or amenities specifically for RVs.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Not specified
  • first-come, first-serve.
Check-out
  • Not specified
  • first-come, first-serve.
Stay Limit
The stated stay limit is unclear from the authoritative source. Users should inquire directly at the site.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

KCL Campground provides opportunities for hiking, stargazing, wildlife viewing, and exploring the Carrizo Plain National Monument. It is a suitable base for exploring nearby trails and the area's natural beauty.
HikingSeveral trails are accessible from the campground, including one leading to Caliente Mountain. Hiking opportunities provide scenic views and a chance to explore the Carrizo Plain National Monument.
Wildlife viewingVisitors have reported sightings of great horned owls, pronghorns, tule elk, and various birds and small mammals. Campers are also advised to watch for snakes during warmer months.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include snakes in warm weather and uneven ground. No potable water or trash services are available.
Active AlertsNo current alerts are noted in the provided information.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Kcl Campground

Reviews

4.5
55 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Kcl Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
KCL Campground is highly appreciated for its rustic charm, natural beauty, and low cost (free). Visitors frequently praise the cleanliness of the vault toilets and the campground's peaceful atmosphere. Some common criticisms include the lack of privacy between campsites and the absence of potable water and garbage services.
Review Summaries
Based on 55 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean vault toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, scenic views, peaceful ambiance, proximity to hiking trails, and opportunities for stargazing and wildlife viewing.
Based on 55 reviews

Common Concerns

Close proximity of campsites limiting privacy, small campsite sizes, lack of potable water, absence of garbage service, and occasional noise from generators.
Based on 55 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own potable water and garbage bags. Leveling equipment is recommended for RVs. Visit during cooler months for a better experience, as summer temperatures can be extreme.
Based on 55 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular and pleasant during the winter and spring, with blooming wildflowers and moderate temperatures. Summers are less favorable due to high heat.
Based on 55 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Surprisingly nice campground at the base of the hills & edge of a large valley.' - Jack Rondini 2. 'Bring your own supplies including water.' - Dave Belcher 3. 'Beautiful, simple, quite...
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Based on 55 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campsites are described as small and closely spaced, limiting privacy. Elevated ADA-compliant sites are available.
Based on 55 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground features two elevated ADA-compliant campsites and accessible vault toilets, providing decent accessibility for campers with disabilities.
Based on 55 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and some trails are suitable for dogs.
Based on 55 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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