Headquarters

Star4.17
267 reviews
PO BOX 1640
Stargazing

Quick Facts

2,800 ft

Price

$34 - $106/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

43 campsites

Season

Open January 1 throu...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation Company site

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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
Headquarters
$34.00 - $106.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range based on site type: standard nonelectric and tent sites are $34/night, RV sites are $34/night, and yurts are $106/night. Additional...
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Standard Site Fee$34.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$96.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
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

4.17

Satisfactory

Based on 267 reviews

154 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanfriendly

"User reviews highlight diverse experiences, with praise for the natural beauty, river proximity, and helpful camp hosts. Criticisms focus on crowded conditions, poor maintenance of facilities, and noisy campers."

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Campground Map

PO BOX 1640

Headquarters

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 4 miles north on Sierra Way (Mountain 99) to the campground.
Access is via paved roads, but some turns are narrow, posing challenges for larger vehicles.
Nearby places
Kernville (6 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Bakersfield (approx. 60 miles, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes), Lake Isabella (approx. 15 miles, approximately 25 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fishing gear are available in Kernville, located approximately 6 miles south of the campground. Larger stores are available in Lake Isabella.

Best Time to Camp at Headquarters

Summer transforms this mountain sanctuary into a sun-drenched paradise, with daytime temperatures climbing to a toasty 94°F before cooling to a comfortable 40°F under star-filled skies. The peak season brings endless blue skies and dry conditions perfect for river adventures and trail exploration. As autumn arrives, crowds thin and temperatures moderate, creating an intimate camping experience. Winter unveils a quieter, more contemplative side of the campground, with crisp air and peaceful solitude rewarding those hardy enough to embrace the cold.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer is hot (to ~94°F), crowded with mosquitos noted; peak season sees high use.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers moderate weather and fewer visitors according to seasonal notes and reviews.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring noted for moderate weather and fewer visitors, making it favorable seasonally.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 23% in CA

Winter is quieter and scenic per reviews; snow can limit some activities but it's open year-round.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open January 1 through December 31.
  • Current Alerts: High river levels have damaged some campsites (June 2023). Fire restrictions may apply.

About Headquarters

Nestled alongside the rushing waters of the Kern River, Headquarters Campground serves as your gateway to adventure in the heart of Sequoia National Forest. This riverside retreat draws outdoor enthusiasts from across California, offering the perfect basecamp for those seeking to cast a line in pristine waters, navigate thrilling rapids, or explore scenic mountain trails. Just minutes from the charming town of Kernville, you'll find yourself immersed in nature while staying connected to local amenities and supplies.
Headquarters Campground accommodates various camping preferences, including tent camping, RV sites, and yurt lodging, offering flexibility for different campers.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is flexible, often handled by campground hosts during their rounds.
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights max during stay.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Headquarters Campground offers opportunities for a range of natural and recreational activities, such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, and rafting. The Kern River's proximity is a highlight, providing opportunities for water-based activities, though its strong currents make swimming risky. Wildlife viewing and stargazing are also popular pastimes.
HikingHiking opportunities are abundant in the area, with nearby trails like the Cannell Meadow National Recreation Trail offering expansive views. One review recommended the "Riverside Trail and the Packsaddle Trail," highlighting diverse options for exploration.
FishingFishing is a popular activity, with one user sharing, "I caught a couple of trout just a few yards from the campsite." However, others noted challenges due to low water levels from droughts.
BoatingBoating activities such as kayaking and rafting are explicitly mentioned in the authoritative source as popular in the area.
Wildlife viewingWildlife observation is highlighted by user reviews, including sightings of a "blue heron across the river" and vibrant bird life. Frogs croaking at night were also noted.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include strong river currents, wildlife like bears and skunks, and high temperatures in summer. Vault toilets may emit strong odors.
Active AlertsHigh river levels have damaged some campsites (June 2023). Fire restrictions may apply.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof storage lockers are available at sites. Some reviews mention difficulty in operating the latches.

Weather at Headquarters

Reviews

4.2
267 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Headquarters is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight diverse experiences, with praise for the natural beauty, river proximity, and helpful camp hosts. Criticisms focus on crowded conditions, poor maintenance of facilities, and noisy campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 267 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews emphasize the peaceful setting, "tucked away" feel, and friendly camp hosts. Yurts are described as "amazing and so clean," and stargazing is often mentioned as a highlight.
Based on 267 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include dirty vault toilets, crowded sites, and intrusive noise from other campers. Some sites are too close to the road, with traffic noise being a downside.
Based on 267 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include choosing riverfront sites for privacy and better views, bringing earplugs for noise, and preparing for mosquitos at twilight. Several users advised bringing water due to...
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Based on 267 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight high temperatures, crowds, and mosquitos, while winter reviews praise the quiet and scenic beauty. Spring and fall are noted for moderate weather and fewer visitors.
Based on 267 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Headquarters is just out of town enough to feel remote but close for convenience." - Gary Harris. "Vault toilets were very clean and smelled good." - Forest Ferkin. "The blue heron across the river...
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Based on 267 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 29 is described as "having a slope but plenty of room," while sites 23, 24, and 25 are praised for great beach areas. Site-specific issues include noise (e.g., Site 18) and proximity to...
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Based on 267 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility concerns include the strength required to open bear box latches and the lack of detailed information about accessible features.
Based on 267 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific information about pet policies or experiences was found.
Based on 267 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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