Camp Three Campground

Star4.02
223 reviews
PO BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, CA, 93238, USA

Quick Facts

2,800 ft

Price

$34 - $147/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

52 campsites

Season

Open May 9 to Septem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation Company site

Official Website
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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
Camp Three Campground
$34.00 - $147.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard non-electric sites cost $34 per night during peak season, with a $2 surcharge for holidays. Group standard non-electric sites are $147 per...
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Standard Site Fee$34.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$34.00
Group Site Fee$147.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
760-376-1815sschmidt@goexplorus.com
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What Campers Say

4.02

Satisfactory

Based on 223 reviews

81 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwater

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Camp Three Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment rating of approximately 4.02. Positive feedback highlights the campground's location by the Kern River and its natural beauty, while negative feedback often points to issues with maintenance, lack of shade, and intrusive noise from other campers."

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Campground Map

PO BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, CA, 93238, USA

Camp Three Campground

PO BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, CA, 93238, USA

Driving directionsFrom Highway 99 in Bakersfield, California, take Highway 178 east to Lake Isabella. From Lake Isabella take Highway 155 around the west side of the lake to the town of Kernville. Turn north on Sierra Way/Mountain 99 and continue 5 miles to the campground.
The road access to Camp Three Campground is paved and accessible year-round. Fire restrictions and natural hazards may impact accessibility during hot, dry weather conditions.
Nearby places
Kernville (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes)
Bakersfield (approximately 60 miles, 1.5 hours)
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available in Kernville, including groceries, fuel, and camping equipment. The Giant Sequoia Mercantile offers maps, gifts, and camping supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Camp Three Campground

The canyon transforms with each season, offering distinct adventures throughout the year. Summer brings intense heat that can soar above 100°F, turning the crystal-clear pools of the Kern River into natural swimming holes where campers find sweet relief from the sun's embrace. Spring paints the hillsides with wildflowers while fall wraps the oaks in golden hues, both seasons offering perfect temperatures for hiking and exploration. Winter unveils a quieter side of the canyon, with crisp air and dramatic temperature drops that transform morning dew into frost-kissed landscapes.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Peak season May 9–Sep 13: excellent water activities but extreme heat (>100°F), crowds, and noise reported.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into early fall (through Sept 13); cooler temps and scenery likely good but site closes mid-fall.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open beginning May 9 so late spring visits offer mild weather and river scenery; limited season window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside the May 9–Sept 13 season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season runs from May 9 to September 13.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 9 to September 13 during the peak season.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may be in place during the summer months. Contact the Kern River Ranger District for current updates.

About Camp Three Campground

Nestled beneath a canopy of ancient oaks and honey locusts, Camp Three Campground beckons adventurers to experience the raw beauty of the Upper Kern River canyon. This riverside sanctuary features 52 thoughtfully designed paved sites, each offering a perfect balance of shade and sunshine. For larger gatherings, a spacious group site welcomes up to 30 people, making it an ideal basecamp for family reunions or outdoor celebrations. Perched at 2,800 feet, the campground serves as your gateway to one of California's most dramatic river corridors.
Camp Three Campground is suitable for tent and RV camping and includes group camping facilities. The campground features 52 paved sites and a group site for up to 30 people. There are no cabin or glamping accommodations.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 consecutive nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Camp Three Campground offers a range of outdoor activities centered around its location by the Upper Kern River, including hiking, fishing, kayaking, and rafting. Wildlife viewing and relaxing by the river are also popular among campers. However, swimming can be hazardous due to strong currents.
HikingHiking opportunities are available around the Upper Kern River area. While no specific trails within the campground are detailed, nearby attractions like the Cannell Meadow National Recreation Trailhead provide options for exploring.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Camp Three Campground. A user noted, "If you like to fish, I'd recommend walking south along the main road...you'll have better luck catching a fish than by the campground."
SwimmingSwimming in the Kern River is possible but comes with strong warnings about safety. Current hazards include strong currents and submerged rocks. A user wrote, "Swimming in the river is dangerous due to strong currents and other hazards."
BoatingBoating activities, including kayaking and rafting, are popular at the Upper Kern River. The river is suitable for adventurous water sports, although its rapid currents require caution.
Wildlife viewingCampers have reported seeing local wildlife such as skunks and coyotes. A user noted, "The skunk population has exploded in the past 3 years, and they're more annoying than dangerous." The night sky also offers excellent opportunities for stargazing.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards include strong river currents, rattlesnakes, and wildlife like skunks and raccoons. Boulders and rocks in campsites may pose tripping risks.
Active AlertsFire restrictions may be in place during the summer months. Contact the Kern River Ranger District for current updates.
Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are provided at each site and are recommended for storing food to prevent raccoon and skunk disturbances.

Weather at Camp Three Campground

Reviews

4.0
223 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Camp Three Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Camp Three Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment rating of approximately 4.02. Positive feedback highlights the campground's location by the Kern River and its natural beauty, while negative feedback often points to issues with maintenance, lack of shade, and intrusive noise from other campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 223 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects frequently mentioned include the proximity to the Kern River, opportunities for water-based recreation, and the friendliness of the camp hosts. One user wrote, "The river is about 50...
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Based on 223 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include a lack of shade, rocky terrain, and maintenance issues such as unclean restrooms and insufficient waste management. Noise from inconsiderate campers and nearby jets breaking...
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Based on 223 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Many campers recommend bringing additional shade structures and being cautious about campsite selection due to varying levels of shade and proximity to the river. A user advised, "Bring a shade tent;...
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Based on 223 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that summer can be particularly challenging due to high temperatures and crowds. Noise disturbances and maintenance issues are more frequently reported during peak seasons. Fall and...
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Based on 223 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground doesn't have showers but no boo hoo." - AlfRed R. "The stars at night were amazing." - Jaime Johnson. "The campground was well kept and clean." - Shannon Newmyer. "Bring tubes, the...
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Based on 223 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Certain campsites, such as #25, are highlighted as favorites due to their size, shade, and access to the river. Conversely, sites like #51 and #52 are criticized for being rocky and small, with...
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Based on 223 reviews

Accessibility Features

Mixed reviews on accessibility features. While some guests appreciated paved sites and accessible picnic areas, others found the terrain challenging due to rocks and boulders that could obstruct...
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Based on 223 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and many campers bring dogs. However, users caution against letting pets swim in the river due to strong currents and advise keeping them leashed.
Based on 223 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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