How much does camping cost at Kern River County Park?

Camping fees at Kern River County Park range from $25-$35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Kern River County Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Kern River County Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Kern River County Park before I book?

Yes! Kern River County Park has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Kern River County Park?

Kern River County Park is open April 1 - September 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Kern River County Park?

Yes, Kern River County Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Kern River County Park have?

Kern River County Park has 50 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Kern River County Park?

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

What amenities are available at Kern River County Park?

Kern River County Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Kern River County Park?

Popular activities at Kern River County Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Kern River County Park

4.64

28 reviews

1 Lake Ming Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93306

Top 9% in CAWinter

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

180 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Full HookupsShowers

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

180 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Full HookupsShowers

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Kern River County Park

$25.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard sites $25/night, hookup sites $35/night.

Standard Site Fee$25.00

Hookup Site Fee$35.00

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Kern County Parks

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Campground Map

1 Lake Ming Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93306

Kern River County Park

1 Lake Ming Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93306

Weather at Kern River County Park

Best Time to Camp at Kern River County Park

Summer heat is intense at this low elevation. Reviewers recommend visiting early in the day or choosing spring and fall to avoid extreme temperatures. Summer afternoons push campers toward shaded sites and the river. The park operates year-round, but comfort peaks outside the summer months.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 9% in CA

Mild winters at low elevation and park operates year-round; reviewers visit outside peak heat.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 1 - September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Year-round

About Kern River County Park

Kern River County Park sits along the Kern River 18 minutes northeast of Bakersfield, offering 50 drive-in sites across two 25-site loops at 180 feet elevation. The 1,012-acre park includes Lake Ming access and charges $25-$35 per night with no hookups. Campers book up to a year in advance, and checkout is strictly enforced at noon with fines for overstays.

Weather and SeasonsSummer heat is intense at this low elevation. Reviewers recommend visiting early in the day or choosing spring and fall to avoid extreme temperatures. Summer afternoons push campers toward shaded sites and the river. The park operates year-round, but comfort peaks outside the summer months.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a riverine corridor along the Kern River, with the 104-acre Lake Ming bordering the property. Trees shade much of the park, creating cooler pockets during hot months. The terrain is flat high desert, typical of the area northeast of Bakersfield, with vegetation concentrated along the river channel and around campsites. Riverside sites in both loops offer direct views of the current. The park's size (1,012 acres) provides space for soccer fields, large gatherings, and walking dogs without feeling crowded.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation Platforms["kerncountyparks.org"]

Total Campsites50 campsites

Best CampsitesRiverside sites in the two 25-site loops put you closest to the Kern River with direct water views. These spots also access easier fishing and relaxing by the current. Shaded sites under trees become the priority during warmer visits.

Need help booking Kern River County Park?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Electric hookups74 of 220 sites (34%)

Water hookups74 of 220 sites (34%)

Sewer hookups74 of 220 sites (34%)

74 full hookup sites

Activities you can enjoy

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

From Booking Sources

4.6

28 reviews

Top-Rated

Kern River County Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers consistently praise Kern River County Park as a scenic, family-friendly spot with clean facilities and a relaxing vibe. Guests highlight good service, plentiful space for activities (including soccer and large gatherings), and overall enjoyable visits.

Review Summaries

Based on 28 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors repeatedly mention the park's beautiful scenery, clean water and bathrooms, roomy picnic/BBQ areas, and well-maintained sports fields. People appreciate that it accommodates families and...

Based on 28 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Park sits right next to Lake Ming and offers picnic/BBQ areas and shady tree spots suitable for boondocking. Reviewers call out excellent soccer facilities—well organized, well maintained, and...

Based on 28 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Go earlier in the day or season to avoid extreme heat. Bring BBQ/picnic gear for family gatherings and plan ahead for busy weekends (soccer tournaments can pack the place). If you have a dog, the...

Based on 28 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviewers note visits earlier in the year or earlier in the day to avoid extreme heat. Several comments imply weekends (especially during soccer events) can be very busy, while 'quiet days' are noted...

Based on 28 reviews

Camper Quotes

Camping gem in Bakersfield. Boondocking w trees. "Excellent...the water is very clean...!!!" "I personally love it because it takes away all my stress and I come back happy 🤣😍"

Based on 28 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Several reviewers mention bringing dogs for walks and enjoying the park's spaciousness and shaded areas; one reviewer specifically says their dog loves walking here.

Based on 28 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Families who want clean flush toilets, strong cell signal on any carrier, and room to spread out near Lake Ming will find this fits. Fall through spring weekends are the sweet spot before afternoon temperatures climb.

Skip if

No pets allowed, and despite the operator copy, hookup sites may not be available, confirm before booking if you're towing. Soccer tournament weekends pack the park hard, so check the county calendar first.

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