Goldledge Campground

Star3.97
148 reviews
PO BOX 1640

Quick Facts

3,200 ft

Price

$34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

36 campsites

Season

Open May 16 - Septem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation Company site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Goldledge 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

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

3.97

Mixed Reviews

Based on 148 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."

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Campground Map

PO BOX 1640

Goldledge Campground

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.

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open in peak summer with many activities, but extreme heat, overcrowding and noise are common.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into early fall (until Sept 13); off-peak visits are quieter but season is short.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens mid-May; spring offers fewer crowds and good access but variable flows and temps.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed out-of-season; open May 16–Sept 13, so winter use not supported.

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.
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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.

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.
HikingHiking 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.
FishingFishing is a popular activity along the Kern River, though specific fish species were not mentioned.
SwimmingSwimming 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.'
BoatingKayaking and rafting are popular on the Kern River, though no specific facilities were mentioned.
Wildlife viewingNature and wildlife can be observed along the riverbanks and in the surrounding forest.
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe 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

Reviews

4.0
148 reviews
Mixed 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

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...
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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

Site-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 148 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews or features were noted.
Based on 148 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific pet-related reviews were provided.
Based on 148 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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