Is Selby Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Selby Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Selby Campground?

Selby Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Selby Campground have?

Selby Campground has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Selby Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Selby Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Selby Campground?

Selby Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Selby Campground?

Popular activities at Selby Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Selby Campground

4.37

70 reviews

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

Top 3% in CASpring

CReport Card

Featured in:Spring Camping California

Quick Facts

2,533 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,533 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

Selby Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

661-391-6000BLM_CA_Web_BK@blm.gov

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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

Nearby places

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

Weather at Selby Campground

Best Time to Camp at Selby Campground

Best season: spring. Spring brings the campground's marquee attraction: vast wildflower displays and mild, comfortable weather ideal for hiking, photography, horseback rides, and wildlife viewing. Daytime temperatures are typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s F (13–24°C) with cool nights (35–50°F / 2–10°C), so layered clothing works best. Expect the busiest weekends in March–April when bloom reports draw day visitors, but the primitive 13-site campground still offers solitude compared with more developed parks. Peak months: March, April, May Avoid: July, August

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Top 3% in CA

Spring wildflower displays are the marquee attraction; reviewers call it the best season.

Planning Tips

About Selby Campground

Selby Campground sits in the foothills near Bakersfield, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Spring wildflower displays draw visitors for hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing across open terrain with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. The campground accommodates tent, RV, and primitive camping with scenic views and reliable solitude.

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

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring brings the campground's marquee attraction: vast wildflower displays and mild, comfortable weather ideal for hiking, photography, horseback rides, and wildlife viewing. Daytime temperatures are typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s F (13–24°C) with cool nights (35–50°F / 2–10°C), so layered clothing works best. Expect the busiest weekends in March–April when bloom reports draw day visitors, but the primitive 13-site campground still offers solitude compared with more developed parks. Peak months: March, April, May Avoid: July, August

Elevation2533 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits in a basin enclosed by the Temblor and Caliente ranges, part of the San Andreas Fault zone. Open terrain with minimal shade. Spring transforms the plains into wildflower fields: lupines, poppies, goldfields stretching across acres of native grassland. This Wilderness Study Area supports endemic species in specialized habitats. Views reach the surrounding mountain ranges, which shift color from purple to gold as the sun moves. It's one of California's last intact native grasslands, often called the state's Serengeti for its ecological density.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style or luxury accommodations are available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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

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

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

Selby Campground offers a basic, secluded camping experience with 13 campsites. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, horse corrals, and a wheelchair-accessible vault toilet. However, electricity, drinking water, and garbage service are not provided, and campers are urged to pack out their trash. The campground is described as being 'steps away from unlimited hiking in the Wilderness Study Area.'

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Selby Campground

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

Hiking4.0/5

Adjacent to a Wilderness Study Area; trails (to Caliente) and extensive wildflower hikes.

Wildlife viewing3.5/5

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote, quiet basin with open terrain and solitude conducive to dark-sky viewing.

Photography4.0/5Wildflower fields and wide vistas make it a spring photography destination.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not present. Vault toilets are the only available restroom option.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Selby Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.4

70 reviews

Recommended

Selby Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 70 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 70 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 70 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Users note that the sites are 'a bit close together,' which impacts privacy. No specific site numbers were singled out.

Based on 70 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 70 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 70 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 70 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground's wheelchair-accessible vault toilet is highlighted as a positive feature for accessibility.

Based on 70 reviews

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Selby Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

661-391-6000BLM_CA_Web_BK@blm.gov

Go if

You want spring wildflower access, scenic foothill views, and quiet camping without crowds.

Skip if

You need shade or plan to visit during hot summer months.

Nearby Campgrounds

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

KCL Campground sits in the Bakersfield foothills on Bureau of Land Management land known for spring wildflower displays and tule elk sightings. This small campground offers primitive tent and RV sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for hiking, wildlife viewing, and dark-sky stargazing in a quiet foothill setting.

Selby Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Selby Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Selby Campground

Best Time to Camp at Selby Campground

Planning Tips

About Selby Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Selby Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

How campers graded it

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Ask Camp Sage about Selby Campground

Best Time to Camp at Selby Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Selby Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews