John L. Whitehead Jr. Campground

4.57

56 reviews

4011 Grant Drive, Earlimart, CA 93219

Quick Facts

197 ft

Price

$10 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

197 ft

Price

$10 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

John L. Whitehead Jr. Campground

$10.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees are $20 per night for standard campsites without RV hookups, $30 per night for sites with RV hookups. Discounts include $18 for seniors...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$30.00

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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Reserve California

Provider

(661) 849-3433Allensworth@parks.ca.gov

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What Campers Say

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 56 reviews

25 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowersfriendly

Some mention

noisetrain

"User reviews generally praise the campground for its cleanliness, historical significance, and amenities like showers and flush toilets. Some reviewers highlighted the peaceful atmosphere, friendly staff, and wildlife viewing opportunities. However, trains nearby and mosquito issues were noted as drawbacks."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

4011 Grant Drive, Earlimart, CA 93219

John L. Whitehead Jr. Campground

4011 Grant Drive, Earlimart, CA 93219

Driving directionsFrom Hwy 99 near the town of Earlimart, take the Ave 56 Exit (Exit 65), then turn west toward Alpaugh and go 7.4 miles on County Rd J22 (W Sierra Av). At Hwy 43 (Central Valley Hwy) turn right (south) and proceed to the intersection of Palmer Av. Turn right and proceed to the Park entrance.

The park is accessible via paved roads but is located in a remote area approximately 30 miles north of Bakersfield. Roads are generally in good condition, but the campground is described as being in a relatively isolated and quiet area.

Nearby places

Bakersfield (30 miles), Delano (approximately 13 miles east).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and firewood are available in Delano, approximately 13 miles east of the park.

Best Time to Camp at John L. Whitehead Jr. Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal personality of California's heartland, where summer days blaze with intensity as temperatures soar past 100°F, creating shimmering heat waves across the golden landscape. As autumn arrives, the mercury drops and the first rains begin their gentle transformation of the valley floor. Winter brings a surprising gentleness, with mild days occasionally interrupted by crisp, freezing nights that dust the ground with frost. The rainy season, stretching from October through April, rejuvenates the land and fills the air with the sweet scent of rain on warm earth.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Summer temps often exceed 100°F and mosquito reports make summer challenging.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fall likely pleasant with milder temps; few specifics provided.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring weather likely pleasant but not specifically described.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 12% in CA

Winter good for migratory bird viewing (Sandhill Cranes); campground open year-round.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer months may see higher visitor numbers due to events, but pricing remains consistent year-round.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open year-round.
Current Alerts: No active alerts reported as of the latest update.

About John L. Whitehead Jr. Campground

Discover a serene retreat at John L. Whitehead Jr. Campground, where modern comfort meets profound American history. Nestled within the inspiring Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, this thoughtfully designed campground welcomes both tent enthusiasts and RV adventurers with fully accessible facilities. Each site comes equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings under vast valley skies. Clean restrooms and refreshing showers ensure your comfort after days spent exploring this remarkable historic landmark, where the spirit of determination and dreams still whispers through the California breeze.

John L. Whitehead Jr. Campground accommodates tents, RVs, and accessible camping. It does not explicitly mention primitive camping or glamping.

Historical Significance

Black History

Step into a living testament to the American Dream at this extraordinary site within Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. Here, the campground serves as your gateway to exploring the inspiring legacy of a town born from courage and vision in 1908. Founded by African Americans seeking to create their own destiny, Allensworth stood as a beacon of self-reliance, opportunity, and community strength. Today, visitors can walk the same grounds where pioneers built not just homes, but hope itself, creating a thriving community that challenged the limitations of their era.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal personality of California's heartland, where summer days blaze with intensity as temperatures soar past 100°F, creating shimmering heat waves across the golden landscape. As autumn arrives, the mercury drops and the first rains begin their gentle transformation of the valley floor. Winter brings a surprising gentleness, with mild days occasionally interrupted by crisp, freezing nights that dust the ground with frost. The rainy season, stretching from October through April, rejuvenates the land and fills the air with the sweet scent of rain on warm earth.

ElevationRest easy in the heart of California's Great Central Valley, where the campground's low elevation setting creates an accessible basecamp for explorers of all abilities. This valley floor location offers expansive views and easy terrain, making it perfect for leisurely walks and comfortable camping experiences.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the quintessential beauty of the San Joaquin Valley, where endless horizons meet dramatic skies in a landscape that captures the essence of California's agricultural heartland. The campground's position amid vast stretches of productive farmland offers unique opportunities to witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets painting the sky in brilliant hues. Keep your binoculars handy as this region serves as a vital corridor for migratory birds, while local wildlife adds constant interest to your camping experience. The flat, open terrain creates an almost prairie-like atmosphere where you can truly appreciate the scale and grandeur of California's great interior.

Geological RegionSet within the remarkable expanse of California's Great Central Valley, the campground occupies one of the world's most productive agricultural regions. This ancient seabed-turned-fertile-plain stretches as far as the eye can see, its rich soils telling a geological story millions of years in the making. The characteristic flat topography, punctuated by distant mountain ranges on the horizon, creates a unique camping environment where the drama lies not in rocky peaks but in the interplay of light, land, and sky. Summer's intense heat, often cresting 100°F, gives way to surprisingly varied winter weather, where mild days can suddenly turn frosty, reminding visitors of nature's constant presence even in this cultivated landscape.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum 8 guests per site.

Groups

Group camping is not explicitly mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground includes 15 sites, with a mix of tent and RV sites. Two sites (#16 and #17) provide RV hookups.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at ReserveCalifornia.com or via phone at 1-800-444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are recommended but not necessary. Walk-up options are available.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be made online through Reserve California up to 48 hours before the intended stay. Cancellation policies depend on the platform.

AccessibilityThe campground includes ADA-accessible facilities, such as two designated accessible sites, accessible parking near the restroom, and generally accessible restrooms and showers.

Site SizeThe size of the campsites accommodates RVs or tents, with standard dimensions mentioned, including pad lengths of 35 feet and site lengths of 40 feet.

PrivacySites are described as open rather than secluded, with one user review mentioning, 'More for families. Very open.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesFor more privacy, shaded sites are preferable. Sites with RV hookups have additional amenities.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is located within Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the historic African American town of Allensworth. Activities include guided tours, self-guided audio tours, and interactive augmented reality experiences. Wildlife viewing is noted by several reviewers.

HikingThe park features hiking trails. However, specific details about difficulty levels or trail lengths are not provided.

BikingBike trails are available within the park, supporting recreational biking activities.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a prominent feature, with user reviews highlighting the presence of birds, including Sandhill Cranes during winter migration. One user described it as a location with 'lots of wildlife.'

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe park offers extensive cultural and educational programs, including guided tours of historic structures and interactive augmented reality experiences. Visitors can engage with the history of Allensworth through interpretive panels and self-guided audio tours.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFreight trains pass nearby, which may disturb light sleepers. Mosquitos are reported as a nuisance in some reviews ('I was eaten alive by an invasion of mosquitos').

Active AlertsNo active alerts reported as of the latest update.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed in designated areas.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced during the night.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are located in Delano, approximately 13 miles east of the park.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are implied to be available, but specific details on recycling or pickup schedules are not provided.

Water FeaturesNo nearby lakes or rivers, but water for drinking and showers is available at the campground.

Camp HostCamp hosts are on-site and noted as being very kind and helpful in user reviews.

Weather at John L. Whitehead Jr. Campground

Reviews

4.6

56 reviews

Top-Rated

John L. Whitehead Jr. Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally praise the campground for its cleanliness, historical significance, and amenities like showers and flush toilets. Some reviewers highlighted the peaceful atmosphere, friendly staff, and wildlife viewing opportunities. However, trains nearby and mosquito issues were noted as drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 56 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews highlighted the campground's cleanliness ('Very clean and family-friendly'), its historical significance ('Located in an interesting historical site'), and the availability of clean showers...

Based on 56 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the presence of mosquitoes ('Worst campground ever. In the middle of nowhere I was eaten alive by an invasion of mosquitos'), and noise from nearby trains ('The only downside is...

Based on 56 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Suggestions include bringing mosquito repellent due to reported mosquito invasions and selecting shady spots for comfort.

Based on 56 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter is noted as a good time for wildlife viewing, particularly for migratory birds like Sandhill Cranes. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F, suggesting visitors should come prepared with water,...

Based on 56 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Pretty cheap for camping, $20.00 free bathrooms and showers and the spot I picked is shady.' 2. 'This campground is beautiful and we have stayed here dozens of times. Flush toilets, showers and a...

Based on 56 reviews