How much does camping cost at Limestone Campground?

Camping fees at Limestone Campground range from $36-$38/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Limestone Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Limestone 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Limestone Campground before I book?

Yes! Limestone Campground has 2 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 Limestone Campground?

Limestone Campground is open March 27 to October 23. 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 Limestone Campground?

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

How many campsites does Limestone Campground have?

Limestone Campground has 19 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Limestone Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Limestone Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Limestone Campground?

Limestone Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Limestone Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Limestone Campground?

Fire policies at Limestone Campground: 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 .. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.04

146 reviews

PO BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, California, 93238

Top 21% in CALIFORNIAFall

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,500 ft

Price

$36 - $38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Company, a division of ExplorUS Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,500 ft

Price

$36 - $38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Company, a division of ExplorUS Official Website

Get Directions

Limestone Campground

$36.00 - $38.00 / night

Campsite Fees

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $36.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

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, KERNVILLE, California, 93238

Limestone Campground

PO BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, California, 93238

Nearby places

Kernville (16 miles, approximately 30 minutes)

Weather at Limestone Campground

Current alerts(7)

Campground is small, not suitable for trailers and motorhomes
Click here for more info about the Sequoia National Forest
Electric hookups and water not available
Must camp in defined camping area

Best Time to Camp at Limestone Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable temperatures, low crowds, and excellent hiking and fishing—mornings are crisp (around 40–50°F) and afternoons warm to the mid-60s (60–70°F), making days perfect for exploring the canyon. River flows have usually dropped from spring peaks, improving fishing and safer swimming/boating, while the canyon’s scrub oaks and granite walls take on warm autumn tones. Expect far fewer visitors than mid-summer and a quieter, more solitary wilderness experience Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 21% in California

Overview: fall delivers best conditions (cool mornings, warm afternoons), calmer river flows for rec.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 27 to October 23. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season runs from March 28th to October 25th (peak season). Closed for reservations between October 25th and June 5th.

About Limestone Campground

Limestone Campground sits along the Kern River in Sequoia National Forest, a few miles from Kernville in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Rocky Mountain Recreation Company operates this small, seasonal campground where visitors fish, raft, and swim from a small beach near Crocodile Rock. Sites accommodate tents and primitive camping among granite canyon walls and scrub oaks.

Limestone Campground primarily caters to tent camping and offers a rustic camping experience without modern amenities. It is a small facility with 19 paved sites, making it a quieter alternative to larger campgrounds in the area.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable temperatures, low crowds, and excellent hiking and fishing—mornings are crisp (around 40–50°F) and afternoons warm to the mid-60s (60–70°F), making days perfect for exploring the canyon. River flows have usually dropped from spring peaks, improving fishing and safer swimming/boating, while the canyon’s scrub oaks and granite walls take on warm autumn tones. Expect far fewer visitors than mid-summer and a quieter, more solitary wilderness experience Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation3500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a narrow canyon carved by the Upper Kern River, which earned Wild and Scenic designation for its clear, rushing water and dramatic setting. Steep canyon walls rise on both sides, creating a contained, sheltered feeling. Gray pines and scrub oaks provide scattered shade, with cottonwoods and willows clustering near the water. Ancient limestone deposits visible in the rock layers tell the story of prehistoric seas, while granite outcrops reflect the Sierra Nevada's volcanic origins. A small beach near Crocodile Rock offers a spot to cool off. The canyon's scrub oaks shift to warmer tones in fall, contrasting with the gray-white granite.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no formal lodging accommodations such as cabins or lodges available at Limestone Campground. It caters strictly to tent camping.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum of 14 nights per stay.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact number unspecified
sites vary in size.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are available on Recreation.gov and via the contact center.

AccessibilityInformation on accessibility features is not available. Some sites are described as being on sloping terrain, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.

Site SizeThe campground features 19 paved sites, which vary significantly in size. Some, like site 18, are described as spacious with ample room for multiple tents, while others, like site 1, are very small and poorly situated.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary between campsites. Some sites, particularly those near the river or at the end of the campground, offer more seclusion, while others are closely packed and lack privacy. Reviewers have noted that sites 18 and 19 are "roomy with plenty of privacy.

Total Campsites19 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites #1, #9, #10, and #12 due to limited shade and proximity to restrooms or trash bins. Site #8 offers river views but is steeply sloped. Site #17 is spacious and shaded.

Best CampsitesSites 18 and 19 get consistent praise for space and privacy, with room for multiple tents. Site 8 is also recommended. These sites sit farther from the road and offer better river proximity. Site 1 is notably small and poorly positioned. Some sites near the trash bins lack privacy and appeal.

Need help booking Limestone 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

Electric hookups and water not available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Limestone Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, leveraging its natural riverside setting and proximity to other attractions within the Sequoia National Forest. Popular activities include whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing, and hiking. The Kern River, which flows near the campground, is a focal point for water-based activities. There are also opportunities for wildlife viewing and visiting nearby attractions such as the Trail of 100 Giants.

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our 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 Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

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 PolicyDon'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 .

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are present but have been criticized for being poorly secured, attracting wildlife such as raccoons. Campers are advised to dispose of trash responsibly and to be mindful of leaving food out.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

146 reviews

Satisfactory

Limestone Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground receives mixed reviews, with an average sentiment of 3.84. Positive aspects include its peaceful setting, proximity to the Kern River, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Negative feedback often centers on the lack of amenities, poor maintenance of vault toilets, and limited privacy at some sites.

Review Summaries

Based on 146 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 146 reviews.

Site 8Mentioned
Site 8 is highly recommended for its proximity to the river.
Site 1Issues noted
Site 1 is criticized for its poor location near dumpsters and vault toilets.

What Campers Love

Visitors frequently praise the tranquil environment and natural beauty, including the close proximity to the Kern River and the small beach by Crocodile Rock. The campsite is also appreciated for its...

Based on 146 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the absence of potable water, poorly maintained vault toilets, and inconsistent site quality. Some campers noted the presence of trash and unkempt conditions, while others...

Based on 146 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water, as there is no potable water available. Campers are advised to bring insect repellent and shade canopies due to high temperatures and bugs during the summer. Several reviewers...

Based on 146 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, but it can be very hot, and the Kern River's current may be strong. Spring and early fall offer more moderate weather conditions, making them ideal for camping....

Based on 146 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms were filthy, with no toilet paper.' 2. 'Great fishing if you like stream fishing.' 3. 'It was hot!!! Even at 4,000 feet of elevation.' 4. 'The river is less than 100 feet away and over...

Based on 146 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility information is limited, but the sloping terrain of many campsites may present challenges for campers with mobility issues.

Based on 146 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly, which is a major draw for many visitors. One reviewer mentioned, 'Bonus points: the campsite is dog-friendly, which is a must for us and our puppy!'

Based on 146 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want riverside tent camping near Kernville with fishing and rafting access in a quiet, pet-friendly setting.

Skip if

You need running water, well-maintained facilities, or larger campsites away from shared amenities.

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4.4

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Brush Creek Dispersed Camping

11380 Kernville Road Kernville, CA 93238

Brush Creek Dispersed Camping sits at 3,858 feet where Brush Creek meets the Upper Kern River in Sequoia National Forest, about 20 miles north of Kernville. The area offers free dispersed camping with vault toilets, attracting a mix of river enthusiasts and solitude-seekers. Reviews are mixed: visitors praise the river access and natural beauty but frequently mention trash problems, loud music on weekends, and unsanitary bathroom conditions.