How much does camping cost at Goldledge Campground?

Camping fees at Goldledge Campground range from $36-$38/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Goldledge Campground 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 Goldledge Campground before I book?

Yes! Goldledge Campground has 5 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 Goldledge Campground?

Goldledge Campground is open May 08 to September 11. 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 Goldledge Campground?

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

How many campsites does Goldledge Campground have?

Goldledge Campground has 36 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Goldledge Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Goldledge Campground?

Goldledge Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Goldledge Campground?

Popular activities at Goldledge Campground include Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Goldledge Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Goldledge Campground?

Fire policies at Goldledge Campground: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Kern River Ranger District (760) 376-3781.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.94

148 reviews

PO BOX 1640

Featured in:Fall Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,200 ft

Price

$36 - $38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

36 campsites

Season

Open May 16 - Septem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,200 ft

Price

$36 - $38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

36 campsites

Season

Open May 16 - Septem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

Goldledge Campground

$36.00 - $38.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $36.00 (+$2.00 holiday); WALK TO: $36.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$34.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-376-1815sschmidt@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO BOX 1640

Goldledge Campground

PO BOX 1640

Nearby places

Kernville (10 miles, approximately 15 minutes drive)

Weather at Goldledge Campground

Current alerts(8)

Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Glass containers are prohibited in Kern Canyon and Isabella Lake Glass Container Prohibition Area
In accordance with standard industry practices, ExplorUS will be assessing an additional vehicle fee of $8.00 per night on the second vehicle in each single family campsite, and on the third and fourth vehicle in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined…
Limited turn around

Best Time to Camp at Goldledge Campground

Best season: spring. Late spring (mid-May through June) delivers the best balance of comfortable temperatures and high river flows: daytime highs typically range from the mid-60s to mid-80s°F with nights in the 40s–50s. Snowmelt boosts the Kern River, making rafting, kayaking and spring-surge fishing prime, while canyon slopes green up and wildflowers appear. Crowds are moderate compared with July/August and the campground is open starting May 16, so you get excellent river-based recreation without the worst heat. Peak months: May, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Late spring (mid-May–June) cited as best—snowmelt boosts rafting, fishing and flows.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 11. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 16 - September 13 during peak season. Closed out-of-season.

About Goldledge Campground

Goldledge Campground sits along the Kern River in Sequoia National Forest's foothills, a few miles from Kernville. Operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company, this mid-sized campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers use the river for boating, fishing, and swimming, and the sound of moving water carries through camp at night.

Goldledge Campground accommodates various types of camping, including tent and RV camping, with some sites specifically for walk-in tent camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Late spring (mid-May through June) delivers the best balance of comfortable temperatures and high river flows: daytime highs typically range from the mid-60s to mid-80s°F with nights in the 40s–50s. Snowmelt boosts the Kern River, making rafting, kayaking and spring-surge fishing prime, while canyon slopes green up and wildflowers appear. Crowds are moderate compared with July/August and the campground is open starting May 16, so you get excellent river-based recreation without the worst heat. Peak months: May, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation3200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Kern Wild and Scenic River cuts through steep canyon walls here at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada. Gray pines and scrub oaks grip the slopes, with cottonwoods and willows clustered near the water. The landscape is more high desert than forest, golden hillsides rising above the river corridor. Salmon Creek Falls is reachable nearby. Shade is sparse; most vegetation hugs the riverbanks, leaving campsites exposed to sun.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs were highlighted.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov. The booking window operates on a 6-month rolling basis.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were highlighted in the materials.

Site SizeCampers reported small and compact sites, though some were described as spacious.

PrivacyThe sites offer limited privacy, with some being close to others; walk-in sites are more secluded.

Total Campsites36 campsites

Recommended SitesBring shade structures and bug spray. Avoid sites close to restrooms due to odor. Site #22 is ideal for its flat ground.

Best CampsitesSite #22 gets mentions for flat terrain and river proximity. Sites #9 through #11 sit farther from parking and are rockier. Walk-in tent sites offer more seclusion than the main loop, though most sites are close together with limited privacy.

Need help booking Goldledge Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No hookups or showers available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Boating

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not provided; vault toilets serve as the primary restroom facility.

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.

Fire PolicyFire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Kern River Ranger District (760) 376-3781.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but maintenance has been inconsistent. Overflows and litter were noted during some visits.

Cell Coverage"No reception for cell phones" was reported by a user, emphasizing the remote and disconnected nature of the campground.

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

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From Booking Sources

3.9

148 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Goldledge Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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 148 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 148 reviews.

Site 5Mentioned
Site 5 is near the restroom and can be smelly.
Site 36Mentioned
Site 36 is close to a garbage bin and unpleasantly smelly.

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 148 reviews

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 148 reviews

Pro 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 148 reviews

Seasonal 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 148 reviews

Camper 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 148 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want riverside camping with boating and fishing access during high-water season.

Skip if

You need shaded sites or pristine restroom facilities during busy summer weekends.

Nearby Campgrounds

3.9

(68)

Old Goldledge Campground

Sequoia National Forest

Old Goldledge Campground sits in the foothills of Sequoia National Forest along the Kern River, offering primitive tent camping with vault toilets. The campground is known for excellent fishing access and a scenic, tranquil riverside setting. Spring brings wildflower displays and strong trout activity as snowmelt feeds the clear waters.