Halfway Group Campground

Star4.16
45 reviews
P.O. Box 1640, Kernville, California, 93238, United States

Quick Facts

3,200 ft

Price

$57 - $232/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open from January 1,...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Sequoia National Forest 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
Halfway Group Campground
$57.00 - $232.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group tent-only sites range from $57 to $232 per night depending on the season and site type. Group standard area rates are between $112 and $232.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$232.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
760-379-1815sschmidt@goexplorus.com
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What Campers Say

4.16

Satisfactory

Based on 45 reviews

30 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsspaciouswatersites

"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."

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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

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 4.5 miles north on Sierra Way (Mountain 99) to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but lacks detailed information on seasonal closures or particularly challenging terrain.
Nearby places
Kernville (4.5 miles, approximately 10 minutes)
Lake Isabella (approximately 20 miles, 25 minutes)
Bakersfield (approximately 60 miles, 1.5 hours).
Nearby supplies
Markets and gas stations are located about 2 miles away from the campground, providing essential groceries and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Halfway Group Campground

Summer transforms this riverside haven into a sun-drenched paradise where temperatures can soar to a toasty 97°F during peak season. Crystal-clear skies stretch endlessly overhead, painting perfect backdrops for outdoor adventures. As evening falls, the campground comes alive with nature's symphony – though visitors should come prepared for the local insect residents who are particularly active during warm days and balmy nights, adding to the authentic wilderness experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open and active in summer but very hot (up to 97°F), with bugs and intensified odor issues.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Likely pleasant for hiking and river access with milder temps; limited direct fall reviews.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring likely offers milder weather and scenic river conditions; limited direct data.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round but winter use and conditions are less documented in reviews.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 to December 31 (specified for 2025 and 2026).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions prohibit traditional campfires and charcoal fires due to dry weather conditions. Contact the Kern River Ranger District at (760) 376-3781 for the latest updates.

About Halfway Group Campground

Nestled 4.5 miles north of Kernville, Halfway Group Campground beckons groups seeking an authentic riverside camping experience along the legendary Kern River. This rustic retreat features five spacious group sites designed for tent camping enthusiasts who prefer nature's soundtrack over modern conveniences. While you won't find hookups or potable water here, you'll discover something far more valuable – genuine connection with the wilderness, complete with sturdy picnic tables for memorable meals, campfire rings for evening storytelling, and clean portable facilities.
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.
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Check-in
Check-in time is not officially stated.
Check-out
Check-out time is not officially stated.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

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!'
HikingThe campground's proximity to trails such as the Cannell Meadow National Recreation Trail offers opportunities for hiking in mixed pine and fir forests. Users also report enjoyable hiking experiences in surrounding areas.
FishingFishing is available along the Kern River. However, reviews do not elaborate on the types of fish or fishing conditions.
SwimmingWhile swimming is possible in the Kern River, it is not recommended due to strong currents. One reviewer noted, 'The river was very nice for swimming, but it was a little buggy.'
BoatingKayaking and rafting are popular activities along the Kern River, as highlighted by users: 'Great weekend of kayaking!'
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include strong river currents, periodic bee swarms, and encounters with wildlife such as skunks and snakes.
Active AlertsFire restrictions prohibit traditional campfires and charcoal fires due to dry weather conditions. Contact the Kern River Ranger District at (760) 376-3781 for the latest updates.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Halfway Group Campground

Reviews

4.2
45 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Halfway Group Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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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Last updated January 5, 2026
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