How much does camping cost at Halfway Group Campground?

Camping fees at Halfway Group Campground are $60 - $240/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Halfway Group Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Halfway Group 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.

What is the best time to visit Halfway Group Campground?

Halfway Group Campground is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Halfway Group Campground?

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

How many campsites does Halfway Group Campground have?

Halfway Group Campground has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Halfway Group Campground?

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

Halfway Group Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Halfway Group Campground?

Fire policies at Halfway Group Campground: Fire restrictions are currently in effect that prohibit building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire. Persons with a valid California Campfire permit may use portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves, using pressurized gas, liquid fuel or propane.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.96

45 reviews

P.O. Box 1640, Kernville, California, 93238, United States

Quick Facts

3,200 ft

Price

$60 - $240/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open from January 1,...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Sequoia National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,200 ft

Price

$60 - $240/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open from January 1,...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Sequoia National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Halfway Group Campground

$60.00 - $240.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD AREA NONELECTRIC: $118.00; GROUP STANDARD AREA NONELECTRIC: $240.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC-GRP 1: $60.00; GROUP TENT ONLY...

Group Site Fee$232.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-379-1815sschmidt@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

P.O. Box 1640, Kernville, California, 93238, United States

Halfway Group Campground

P.O. Box 1640, Kernville, California, 93238, United States

Nearby places

Kernville (4.5 miles, approximately 10 minutes)

Lake Isabella (approximately 20 miles, 25 minutes)

Bakersfield (approximately 60 miles, 1.5 hours).

Weather at Halfway Group Campground

Current alerts(8)

Bringing shade shelters is a good idea
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 .
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.
No hookups and no water

Best Time to Camp at Halfway Group Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of mild daytime temperatures (typically mid-60s to low-80s°F) and cooler nights (40s–50s°F), lower crowds, and stable river conditions that make hiking, fishing, and scenic riverside camping most enjoyable. Cottonwoods and willows along the Kern riverbank show warm color and the heat of summer has eased, so group sites are more comfortable and more available. Fishing and mellow boating are at their best as water temperatures drop and anglers find trout more active. Peak months: October, September, May, April

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall cited as best season: mild temps, autumn color, fewer crowds and stable river conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026.

About Halfway Group Campground

Halfway Group Campground sits in the Kern River foothills of Sequoia National Forest near Kernville, operated by the Forest Service. This very small group campground offers primitive sites with fire rings and picnic tables, drawing paddlers and anglers to its riverside location. Fall brings mild temperatures, autumn color along the cottonwoods, and fewer crowds than the busy summer rafting season.

Halfway Group Campground exclusively offers group tent camping sites. It does not accommodate RVs, individual tent sites, or other lodging options like cabins or yurts.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of mild daytime temperatures (typically mid-60s to low-80s°F) and cooler nights (40s–50s°F), lower crowds, and stable river conditions that make hiking, fishing, and scenic riverside camping most enjoyable. Cottonwoods and willows along the Kern riverbank show warm color and the heat of summer has eased, so group sites are more comfortable and more available. Fishing and mellow boating are at their best as water temperatures drop and anglers find trout more active. Peak months: October, September, May, April

Elevation3200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a stretch of riverbank at 3,200 feet elevation, where the Kern River cuts through southern Sierra Nevada terrain. Gray pine and scrub oak cover the drier slopes above camp. Cottonwoods and willows cluster along the water's edge, providing pockets of shade. The surrounding landscape shows the characteristic canyon walls and elevation changes of Sequoia National Forest. Sites have direct access to the river for swimming and boating.

Lodging & AccommodationsOnly group tent camping sites are available. No cabins or other lodging accommodations are provided.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limits are not detailed, but user reviews suggest significant group capacity.

Groups

The campground provides five group sites for tent camping. Each group site allows space for multiple tents, as noted by reviewers. However, there were complaints about unmarked sites causing conflicts between campers.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

Site SizeGroup tent sites are described as spacious by some users. For instance, 'We had campsite 1 and it was pretty spacious.

PrivacySome users expressed concerns about privacy due to issues with other campers occupying incorrect sites. One reviewer stated, 'Other parties that arrived before us took our campsite, so we had to expand farther away.' Another noted, 'There aren't any markers telling you where your campsite is.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesGroups should bring shade shelters due to limited natural shade. Sites closer to the river offer easier access to water activities.

Best CampsitesCampsite 1 gets mentioned as spacious in reviews. Sites closer to the river and any available shade are worth requesting, though site markers are unclear or absent, leading to confusion during check-in.

Need help booking Halfway Group 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

There is no drinking water available at this facility. The campground offers five group sites available for tent camping. Picnic tables and campfire rings are provided, as are portable toilets.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at Halfway Group Campground

The campground is located along the Kern River, making it a hub for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, rafting, kayaking, and swimming. However, swimming is not recommended due to strong currents. Specific user experiences include positive mentions of hiking and rafting opportunities, such as 'Great campground up the Kern River valley. Enjoyed the great weekend of kayaking!'

Boating4.0/5

River access used for rafting/kayaking; users highlight boating activities.

Water Sports4.0/5

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at the campground. Portable toilets are provided, but multiple reviewers reported issues with their cleanliness, maintenance, and availability.

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 are currently in effect that prohibit building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire. Persons with a valid California Campfire permit may use portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves, using pressurized gas, liquid fuel or propane.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal is facilitated by a dumpster located next to the portable toilets. However, some reviewers criticized the maintenance schedule, stating that trash was only picked up once during their stay.

Cell CoverageUser reviews do not discuss cell phone service, and there is no official data provided.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

45 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Halfway Group Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Halfway Group Campground highlight its scenic location and access to recreational activities but show strong concerns over maintenance issues and campground organization. Positive sentiments focus on the spaciousness of sites and proximity to the river for activities like rafting and swimming, while negative sentiments emphasize issues with cleanliness, lack of clear site markers, and conflicts between campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 45 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews praise the campground's scenic beauty, spacious group sites, and proximity to water activities like rafting and kayaking. For example, reviewers stated, 'Enjoyed the great weekend of...

Based on 45 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poor maintenance of the portable toilets, unclear site markers leading to conflicts, and issues with staff responsiveness to disputes. Examples include: 'The porta potties...

Based on 45 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews show a mix of opinions: Group Site 1 is described as spacious, while Group Sites 2 and 3 had issues with unmarked boundaries and conflicts with other groups. For example, 'Group...

Based on 45 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers recommend bringing shade shelters due to limited natural shade and stocking up on insect repellant for nighttime bugs. One user advised, 'Stock up on insect repellant.' Another suggested,...

Based on 45 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews frequently mention issues with heat, bugs, and intensified odors from portable toilets. Winter experiences were less documented, but campers should be mindful of seasonal fire...

Based on 45 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We had campsite 1 and it was pretty spacious. Watch out for skunks and snakes.' 2. 'Great campground up the Kern River valley. Enjoyed the great weekend of kayaking!' 3. 'The porta potties were...

Based on 45 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities.

Based on 45 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

One reviewer mentioned issues with pets: 'The same group also had two dogs running around the campground, pooping, and nobody ever picked up after them.'

Based on 45 reviews

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Halfway Group Campground

$60.00 - $240.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD AREA NONELECTRIC: $118.00; GROUP STANDARD AREA NONELECTRIC: $240.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC-GRP 1: $60.00; GROUP TENT ONLY...

Group Site Fee$232.00