Goldledge Campground
4.0856 reviewsPO BOX 1640
Quick Facts
3,200 ftPrice
$34/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
36 campsites
Season
Open May 16 - Septem...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
3,200 ftPrice
$34/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
36 campsites
Season
Open May 16 - Septem...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsGoldledge Campground
$34.00 - $34.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric and Walk-To Tent sites are $34 per night during the peak season. An additional $2 is charged during holidays. Fees do not...
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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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$68.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider760-376-1815sschmidt@goexplorus.com
What Campers Say
4.08
Satisfactory
Based on 56 reviews
81 Google reviews
"User reviews for Goldledge Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment of 3.8 out of 5. Highlights include its scenic location by the Kern River and the variety of activities available. Recurring complaints focus on maintenance issues, including unclean restrooms and litter."
Fees & Passes at Goldledge Campground
$34/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum stay is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.
Cancellation: Reservations can be canceled before the scheduled arrival date with a $10 fee plus any reservation f...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Rocky Mountain Recreation Company website.
Best Time to Camp at Goldledge Campground
Summer transforms Goldledge into a sun-drenched basecamp where temperatures soar and the high desert shows its fierce side. During peak season, the mercury climbs relentlessly, making the minimal shade a precious commodity among campers. Yet this intensity is part of the appeal—the scorching days drive visitors to the river's edge, where crystal-clear waters offer instant relief and endless recreation. The extreme heat becomes an invitation to embrace the water-centric lifestyle that defines summer along the Kern.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 16 to September 13 for peak season pricing.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open May 16 - September 13 during peak season. Closed out-of-season.
- Current Alerts: User reviews mention occasional closures due to flood damage and road issues. Fire restrictions may apply.
About Goldledge Campground
Perched along the rushing waters of the Kern River, Goldledge Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic high desert camping experience just 10 miles north of Kernville. Here, the sound of rapids provides the soundtrack to days filled with world-class kayaking, fishing, and whitewater rafting. The campground's collection of single-family sites and secluded walk-to tent spots come equipped with the essentials—sturdy picnic tables, fire rings for evening gatherings, fresh drinking water, and clean vault toilets. While the sparse desert landscape offers little shade, the proximity to the river creates a natural oasis where campers can cool off after exploring the rugged terrain.
Goldledge Campground accommodates various types of camping, including tent and RV camping, with some sites specifically for walk-in tent camping.
Historical SignificanceGoldledge sits within the storied Sequoia National Forest, a landscape forever linked to the ancient giant sequoias that tower like nature's skyscrapers on the lower slopes. Adventure seekers can explore the nearby Cannell Meadow National Recreation Trail, winding through terrain that tells the story of California's natural heritage. History buffs will discover Forest Service cabins dating from 1904 to 1909, weathered structures that stand as monuments to the early conservationists who first recognized this land's irreplaceable value.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Goldledge into a sun-drenched basecamp where temperatures soar and the high desert shows its fierce side. During peak season, the mercury climbs relentlessly, making the minimal shade a precious commodity among campers. Yet this intensity is part of the appeal—the scorching days drive visitors to the river's edge, where crystal-clear waters offer instant relief and endless recreation. The extreme heat becomes an invitation to embrace the water-centric lifestyle that defines summer along the Kern.
ElevationAt 3,200 feet above sea level, Goldledge occupies a dramatic transition zone where mountain meets desert. This elevation creates a unique high desert ecosystem, where hardy vegetation clings to steep canyon walls and the air carries both the crispness of altitude and the warmth of the valley below. The sparse shade and open landscape offer unobstructed views of the surrounding wilderness, reminding visitors they've entered a realm where nature sets the terms.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Kern Wild and Scenic River serves as Goldledge's centerpiece, its turquoise waters carving through towering canyon walls adorned with gray pines and scrub oaks that seem to defy gravity. Along the riverbanks, cottonwoods and willows create ribbons of green against the golden hillsides, their leaves whispering secrets of the water below. Beyond the campground, Sequoia National Forest unfolds in a tapestry of dramatic vistas—from hidden waterfalls like the spectacular Salmon Creek Falls to ancient groves where giant sequoias have stood sentinel for millennia. This is a landscape that humbles and inspires, where every sunrise paints the canyon walls in new shades of gold and amber.
Geological RegionGoldledge Campground claims its place at the southern terminus of the mighty Sierra Nevada, where California's backbone meets the Sequoia National Forest in a collision of geological wonders. The Kern Wild and Scenic River has spent eons sculpting this landscape, creating steep-walled canyons that frame the camping experience in raw natural beauty. Gray pines and scrub oaks populate the slopes, their resilient forms adapted to this unique ecosystem where mountain grandeur meets desert tenacity. From cascading waterfalls to varied elevations that create distinct microclimates, this region showcases nature's artistry on a grand scale, offering campers a front-row seat to one of California's most diverse and dramatic landscapes.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were highlighted in the materials.
Sites SizeCampers reported small and compact sites, though some were described as spacious.
Sites PrivacyThe sites offer limited privacy, with some being close to others; walk-in sites are more secluded.
Total Campsites36 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring shade structures and bug spray. Avoid sites close to restrooms due to odor. Site #22 is ideal for its flat ground.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 11:00 am.
Check-out
Checkout is at 12:00 pm.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact number of guests per site is not provided. User reviews indicate guests with groups of up to 8 have camped successfully.
Groups
No details provided about group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutIncludes single-family sites and walk-to tent camping sites. Sites vary in proximity to the river and restrooms.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 16 - September 13 during peak season. Closed out-of-season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov. The booking window operates on a 6-month rolling basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityUser reviews suggest some walk-up availability, but sites fill up quickly during holidays and peak times.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled before the scheduled arrival date with a $10 fee plus any reservation fees. Late cancellations (after midnight 1 calendar day before check-in) incur additional penalties, including forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee. Modifications are allowed with a $10 change fee for new dates outside the original booking window.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Goldledge Campground is ideal for nature enthusiasts, offering activities like hiking, fishing, kayaking, rafting, and stargazing. Boating and wildlife viewing are also popular.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are abundant in the surrounding Sequoia National Forest and along the Kern River. Highlights include the Cannell Meadow National Recreation Trail, which offers scenic views of the Kern River Valley.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity along the Kern River, though specific fish species were not mentioned.Swimming
Swimming areas are available, but safety concerns were raised due to strong currents in the Kern River. A reviewer noted that 'swimming in the river is not recommended due to strong currents.'Boating
Kayaking and rafting are popular on the Kern River, though no specific facilities were mentioned.Wildlife viewing
Nature and wildlife can be observed along the riverbanks and in the surrounding forest.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and rafting are available.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire policies depend on fire restrictions, which vary due to weather. Restrictions may prohibit all fires during dry conditions.
- Quiet hours are No quiet hours are enforced, according to user reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsThe campground's proximity to the Kern River poses risks associated with its strong currents, known locally as the 'killer Kern.' Minimal shade and high summer temperatures are also a concern.
Active alertsUser reviews mention occasional closures due to flood damage and road issues. Fire restrictions may apply.
Weather at Goldledge Campground
49
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 1.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
No hospitals nearby, as mentioned in user reviews. For current fire conditions or weather closures, contact the Kern River Ranger District at (760) 376-3781.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16 to September 13 for peak season pricing.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but maintenance has been inconsistent. Overflows and litter were noted during some visits.
Proximity to water featuresDirect access to the Kern River is available, though user reviews warn of rocky terrain and no beach areas.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include lack of shade, rocky terrain, poor restroom maintenance, trash accumulation, and overcrowding during peak season.
HostThe camp host is generally described as friendly and helpful. Specific hosts mentioned include Mauricio, and user reviews highlight their efforts to maintain cleanliness and provide assistance.
Campground Map
PO BOX 1640
Driving directionsFrom Bakersfield, 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. From Kernville, go 10 miles north on Sierra Way (Mountain 99) to the campground.
The campground is accessible via Sierra Way (Mountain 99), which is a paved road. However, site length includes tow vehicles, and turnaround space is limited.Nearby places
Kernville (10 miles, approximately 15 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Approximately 15-minute drive to Kernville for groceries, camping supplies, and other essentials.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.1
56 reviews
Goldledge Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Goldledge Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment of 3.8 out of 5. Highlights include its scenic location by the Kern River and the variety of activities available. Recurring complaints focus on maintenance issues, including unclean restrooms and litter.
Review Summaries
Based on 56 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users appreciated the campground's proximity to the Kern River, describing it as 'beautiful' and ideal for activities like fishing, swimming, and stargazing. A reviewer said, 'the sound of the...
Based on 56 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints included unclean vault toilets, lack of shade, and poor maintenance of facilities. Noise and overcrowding, especially during peak seasons, were also issues.
Based on 56 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing canopies and sunblock due to limited shade. Caution is advised near the Kern River due to strong currents.
Based on 56 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Peak season visits often report overcrowding and noise, while off-season reviews highlight a quieter, more enjoyable experience. Summer visits noted extreme heat and the need for shade.
Based on 56 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Nice spot, not too much shade. Bring your canopies, lots of sunblock, and bug spray." - Sierra LindA; "We had a great time. The vault toilets were super clean, but the smell was awful." - Davion F.
Based on 56 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site 5 is near the restroom and can be smelly. Sites 7-8 are rocky with minimal shade. Sites 9-11 require walking over rocks. Site 36 is close to a garbage bin and unpleasantly smelly.
Based on 56 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews or features were noted.
Based on 56 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific pet-related reviews were provided.
Based on 56 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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