Selby Campground

4.53

47 reviews

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

Featured in:Spring Camping California

Quick Facts

2,533 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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

Quick Facts

2,533 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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

Selby Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground is completely free to use. User reviews note 'no res, no fee campground' and emphasize the affordability of the experience.

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

4.53

Top-Rated

Based on 47 reviews

48 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsclean

"Selby Campground receives positive reviews for its remote location, cleanliness, and free access. However, some users note the lack of shade and water as drawbacks."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Selby 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 Selby Campground. Turn onto Selby Road and travel 4.5 miles to campground.

The campground is accessible via a 5-mile dirt road (Selby Road). Road conditions may vary depending on the season; some user reviews note it as fun to drive but emphasize it is remote.

Nearby places

Bakersfield: Approximately 67 miles (around 1 hour and 30 minutes by car)

Nearby supplies

Nearest town for supplies, including groceries and camping necessities, is Bakersfield (approximately 67 miles away). No onsite facilities for food or fuel are available.

Best Time to Camp at Selby Campground

Selby's weather paints a dramatic canvas across the seasons. Spring arrives as the campground's showtime, when gentle temperatures coax carpets of wildflowers from the earth, transforming the plains into nature's own impressionist masterpiece. Summer shifts the landscape into a sun-baked wilderness where shade becomes precious currency—early risers and sunset seekers find the most comfortable hours. Throughout the year, the wide-open terrain channels powerful winds that can test your tent stakes, while occasional rain showers remind visitors of nature's unpredictable moods. Come prepared for the elements, and they'll reward you with unforgettable experiences.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.5 / 5

Summer is hot with sparse shade; reviewers note heat as a drawback.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fall likely pleasant and less extreme than summer; no strong negative mentions.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 7% in CA

Spring noted as 'showtime' with wildflowers and gentle temps—peak visiting season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round but reviewers mention high winds in winter; accessible but blustery.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No specific peak season dates provided, but user reviews suggest increased visitation during wildflower bloom seasons (spring).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Year-round access; user reviews and official sources do not mention seasonal closures.

About Selby Campground

Escape to the untamed beauty of Selby Campground, where 13 primitive campsites await those seeking solitude beneath endless skies. This hidden gem within Carrizo Plain National Monument offers the essentials for authentic wilderness camping—sturdy picnic tables, fire pits for evening gatherings, and convenient horse corrals for equestrian adventurers. While you won't find modern amenities like electricity or running water here, you'll discover something far more valuable: direct access to miles of untouched wilderness trails right from your tent flap. A wheelchair-accessible vault toilet ensures basic comfort for all visitors. Remember to pack in your water and pack out your trash—this pristine landscape depends on conscientious campers like you.

Selby Campground supports primitive and tent camping, with facilities for small RVs. It is suitable for campers seeking a remote and natural experience.

Historical SignificanceSelby Campground serves as your basecamp within the remarkable Carrizo Plain National Monument, often called California's Serengeti. This protected landscape harbors an extraordinary collection of rare and endangered species found nowhere else, making every visit a privilege. The monument preserves not just scenic beauty but critical ecological systems that have shaped this region for millennia. Here, conservation meets recreation, offering visitors a chance to witness one of California's last intact native grassland ecosystems.

Weather and SeasonsSelby's weather paints a dramatic canvas across the seasons. Spring arrives as the campground's showtime, when gentle temperatures coax carpets of wildflowers from the earth, transforming the plains into nature's own impressionist masterpiece. Summer shifts the landscape into a sun-baked wilderness where shade becomes precious currency—early risers and sunset seekers find the most comfortable hours. Throughout the year, the wide-open terrain channels powerful winds that can test your tent stakes, while occasional rain showers remind visitors of nature's unpredictable moods. Come prepared for the elements, and they'll reward you with unforgettable experiences.

ElevationPerched on the expansive Carrizo Plain, Selby Campground offers commanding 360-degree views across seemingly endless grasslands. The relatively flat terrain creates an amphitheater effect, where distant mountain ranges frame the horizon like ancient sentinels. This gentle topography makes the campground accessible to visitors of all abilities while providing unobstructed sightlines perfect for sunset watching and stargazing.

Natural Features and SceneryRemote and magnificent, Selby Campground places you at the heart of one of California's most dramatic landscapes. From your campsite, watch as morning light illuminates the surrounding mountain ranges, their profiles shifting from purple shadows to golden peaks. The true magic happens in spring when the plains explode with wildflowers—lupines, poppies, and goldfields create a living kaleidoscope that stretches to the horizon. This designated Wilderness Study Area remains wonderfully undeveloped, offering visitors a rare glimpse of California as it existed centuries ago.

Geological RegionSelby Campground sits within the geological wonder of Carrizo Plain National Monument, where ancient tectonic forces have sculpted a landscape unlike anywhere else in California. This enclosed basin, surrounded by the Temblor and Caliente mountain ranges, showcases the raw power of the San Andreas Fault system. The plain's unique geography creates specialized habitats supporting endemic species and produces the perfect conditions for spectacular wildflower displays. As a Wilderness Study Area, this pristine ecosystem offers visitors an authentic encounter with California's natural heritage, where every ridge and valley tells a story millions of years in the making.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Groups

Group camping is not explicitly mentioned, and no information regarding group site capacity is provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground features 13 graded campsites that are relatively close together. Nearby areas allow for dispersed camping.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up, first-come-first-serve. User reviews note 'first come basis' and describe high demand during spring wildflower season.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable, as reservations are not required for this campground.

AccessibilityThe campground features a wheelchair-accessible vault toilet, making it partially accessible for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeStandard-sized sites suitable for tents and small RVs.

PrivacySome reviews mention that sites are 'a bit close together,' suggesting limited privacy.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesSites close to the vault toilet may be more convenient for families or those requiring accessibility.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Selby Campground primarily offers hiking opportunities. Campers can also enjoy wildlife viewing and the remote, natural setting.

HikingThe campground is located adjacent to a Wilderness Study Area, offering extensive hiking opportunities. One user noted a trail leading up to Caliente Mtn Rd.

Wildlife viewingCampers have mentioned seeing 'creatures out at night' and are advised to secure their food and trash to avoid attracting animals.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife activity at night; locking up food is recommended. Sparse shade and high temperatures during summer.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyFires are permitted only in designated fire pits.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are likely in Bakersfield, approximately 67 miles away. No specific information on local emergency services is available.

Trash & RecyclingNo garbage service is provided, and campers are required to pack out their trash.

Water FeaturesA water spigot is available near the restroom, but reviews indicate it may be turned off at times. No natural water features are nearby.

Weather at Selby Campground

Reviews

4.5

47 reviews

Top-Rated

Selby Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Selby Campground receives positive reviews for its remote location, cleanliness, and free access. However, some users note the lack of shade and water as drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 47 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praise the campground's scenic views, clean vault toilets, and the opportunity for solitude. 'Beautiful site!' 'Clean pit toilets' and 'Great views!' are commonly mentioned.

Based on 47 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticisms include the lack of potable water ('Wasps own the water spigot'), limited privacy due to closely spaced sites, and challenging weather conditions such as high winds.

Based on 47 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing sufficient water and being prepared for high winds. Securing food and trash is also emphasized to avoid attracting wildlife.

Based on 47 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring is highlighted as a particularly pleasant time to visit, with wildflowers in bloom. Summer reviews note the heat and sparse shade as drawbacks, while winter reviews mention high winds.

Based on 47 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Basic campsites with a table and fire rings. Two pit toilet bathrooms that were very clean.' - Doreen O'Donovan 2. 'Free site and worth every penny.' - Trey Duffy 3. 'Primitive but clean pit...

Based on 47 reviews