How much does camping cost at Headquarters?

Camping fees at Headquarters range from $36-$114/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Headquarters first-come first-served or reservation?

Headquarters 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 Headquarters before I book?

Yes! Headquarters has 8 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 Headquarters?

Headquarters 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 Headquarters?

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

How many campsites does Headquarters have?

Headquarters has 43 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Headquarters?

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

What amenities are available at Headquarters?

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

What activities can I do at Headquarters?

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

Headquarters

Q: Can I have a campfire at Headquarters?

Fire policies at Headquarters: 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.

4.14

267 reviews

PO BOX 1640

Top 11% in CAFall

Stargazing

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,800 ft

Price

$36 - $114/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

43 campsites

Season

Open January 1 throu...

Cell

No Service

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

2,800 ft

Price

$36 - $114/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

43 campsites

Season

Open January 1 throu...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

Headquarters

$36.00 - $114.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV NONELECTRIC: $36.00 (+$2.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $36.00 (+$2.00 holiday); TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC-TRIPLE: $108.00 (+$6.00 holiday); TENT...

No paid fee categories listed.

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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

Headquarters

PO BOX 1640

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)

Weather at Headquarters

Current alerts(7)

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.
Extra vehicle fee of $8.00 per night of stay 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 to the first vehicle by a hitch and towed onto the site.
No hookups or showers available
No off-road vehicle use allowed in the campground

Best Time to Camp at Headquarters

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the best combination of mild daytime temperatures, stable weather, and dramatic seasonal color along the Kern River—expect daytime highs commonly in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s°F. Water levels are typically lower and clearer than spring, which improves fishing and makes riverside hiking and wildlife viewing especially pleasant, while crowds drop after Labor Day. Trails are comfortable for full-day hikes and campsites are easier to reserve, making autumns Peak months: October, September, November

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in CA

Fall described as most balanced: comfortable days, cool nights and fewer visitors.

Planning Tips

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

About Headquarters

Headquarters sits in the Sequoia National Forest foothills near Kernville, operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company. The campground offers tent and RV sites, primitive options, and yurts along the Kern River corridor. Visitors come for boating access, stargazing, and fall color when water levels drop and riverside wildlife viewing improves.

Headquarters Campground accommodates various camping preferences, including tent camping, RV sites, and yurt lodging, offering flexibility for different campers.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the best combination of mild daytime temperatures, stable weather, and dramatic seasonal color along the Kern River—expect daytime highs commonly in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s°F. Water levels are typically lower and clearer than spring, which improves fishing and makes riverside hiking and wildlife viewing especially pleasant, while crowds drop after Labor Day. Trails are comfortable for full-day hikes and campsites are easier to reserve, making autumns Peak months: October, September, November

Elevation2800 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Kern River runs directly alongside the campground, flowing over granite boulders and creating the constant sound of moving water. Oak woodlands, juniper groves, and riparian cottonwood galleries provide varied vegetation, though shade coverage differs significantly by site. The campground sits at 2,800 feet elevation, where ancient granite formations meet river-carved canyons. Exposed rock faces and river-polished stones mark the landscape. Fall brings seasonal color along the river corridor, and stargazing gets frequent mention in reviews due to low light pollution.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground features two yurts, described in reviews as having "a bunk bed and a futon, sleeps 6 people." Users appreciated this unique option, though they noted that "There is no electricity at both yurts."

Programs & ActivitiesNo information on such programs was found.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights max during stay.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Six guests are allowed per site including children.

Groups

No explicit information was provided on group camping accommodations.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available at Recreation.gov and through their mobile app.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the sources, though some reviews mention challenges like "Bear box was too hard for me to open – I am 69 and my hands didn't have the strength to pull the lever," suggesting room for improvement.

Site SizeCampsites are described as varying in size, with some being "huge sites," while others are "small and crowded." Specific complaints include limited space for larger RVs and trailers.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary depending on the site. Some riverfront sites offer more seclusion, while other areas are "compact and close together." A recurring issue is non-residents walking through campsites to access the river.

Total Campsites43 campsites

Recommended SitesSites adjacent to the river are recommended for privacy and views, while shaded sites are preferred in hot seasons.

Best CampsitesSites #23, #25, and #29 get recommended for river proximity. Riverfront sites generally provide better privacy and views compared to interior sites. Some sites are described as huge, while others feel small and crowded. Space for larger RVs and trailers is limited at certain sites. The yurts receive consistently positive reviews for cleanliness.

Need help booking Headquarters?

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

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Only vault toilets are mentioned, and reviews about their cleanliness vary widely.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof storage lockers are available at sites. Some reviews mention difficulty in operating the latches.

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 facilities are available, but some users found them hard to use, such as a "huge trash container that we couldn't figure out how to open more than about 4 inches."

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

267 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 267 reviews.

Site 29Loved
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 18Issues noted
Site-specific issues include noise (e.g., Site 18) and proximity to restrooms (e.g., Site 6).

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want Kern River access with lodging variety and don't mind seasonal crowds or vault facilities.

Skip if

You need abundant shade, flush toilets, or guaranteed solitude during peak summer weekends.

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4.0

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Halfway Group Campground

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

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.