Is Old Goldledge Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Old Goldledge Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Old Goldledge Campground before I book?

Yes! Old Goldledge Campground has 1 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 Old Goldledge Campground?

Old Goldledge Campground is open Open all year around.. 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 Old Goldledge Campground?

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

Are dogs allowed at Old Goldledge Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Old Goldledge Campground?

Old Goldledge Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Old Goldledge Campground

3.90

68 reviews

Top 10% in CASpring

Fishing

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

3,212 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Open all year around...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

3,212 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Open all year around...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Old Goldledge Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Old Goldledge Campground

35.8739, -118.4566

Weather at Old Goldledge Campground

Current alert: Campfires are allowed within 25 feet of the water’s edge.

Best Time to Camp at Old Goldledge Campground

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild weather, wildflower displays, and excellent fishing — daytime highs typically in the 50s–70s°F (10–24°C) with chilly nights around freezing to the mid-30s°F (0–3°C). Snowmelt feeds the clear waters and stimulates trout and other game fish activity, while trails and geological outcrops are lush and easy to explore before summer heat and fire restrictions set in. Crowds are moderate: popular weekends fill, but weekdays remain peaceful, making spring ideal for Peak months: May, June, October, September Avoid: December, January

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 10% in CA

Described as best season: spring wildflowers, peak snowmelt and activated trout fishing.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open all year around.

About Old Goldledge Campground

Old Goldledge Campground sits in the foothills of Sequoia National Forest along the Kern River, offering primitive tent camping with vault toilets. The campground is known for excellent fishing access and a scenic, tranquil riverside setting. Spring brings wildflower displays and strong trout activity as snowmelt feeds the clear waters.

Old Goldledge Campground is a dispersed camping area that operates year-round. It is not suitable for RVs or trailers due to the lack of established infrastructure and hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild weather, wildflower displays, and excellent fishing — daytime highs typically in the 50s–70s°F (10–24°C) with chilly nights around freezing to the mid-30s°F (0–3°C). Snowmelt feeds the clear waters and stimulates trout and other game fish activity, while trails and geological outcrops are lush and easy to explore before summer heat and fire restrictions set in. Crowds are moderate: popular weekends fill, but weekdays remain peaceful, making spring ideal for Peak months: May, June, October, September Avoid: December, January

Elevation3212 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies ancient bedrock along the Kern River, where exposed rock formations reveal layers of volcanic and glacial history. Mineral deposits streak the cliff faces with color, and unique soil compositions support rare plant communities specific to this area. The river runs clear and cold, fed by snowmelt through spring and early summer. This is less a forest cathedral and more an outdoor geology classroom with a fishing hole.

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Amenities available

Old Goldledge Campground is a dispersed camping or day-use site open year-round along the Upper Kern Wild and Scenic River. The site includes vault toilets and seasonal trash bins, and it is particularly suitable for fishing enthusiasts. Though there are no established facilities such as potable water, the campground does provide parking in the dispersed area. Restrictions are in place prohibiting camping or campfires within 25 feet of the water's edge. Additionally, during high-use holiday weekends, a free permit is required as part of a pilot program initiated to manage visitor and vehicle capacities. The permit must be requested in advance, with specific application windows defined for Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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 Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.9

68 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

The reviews of Old Goldledge Campground highlight its suitability for fishing but point out its minimal amenities. Visitors appreciate the scenic location along the Wild and Scenic Kern River but emphasize the need to bring all necessary supplies due to the lack of potable water and other facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 68 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors have praised the campground for its excellent fishing opportunities and its scenic, tranquil setting along the Kern River. The campground host was described as helpful during holiday permits.

Based on 68 reviews

Common Concerns

Visitors have frequently noted the absence of potable water and a lack of structured campsites. Some have also indicated that the vault toilets could be better maintained.

Based on 68 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring their own water supply and ensure they adhere to the 25-foot restriction from the water's edge when camping or lighting campfires.

Based on 68 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day) when a permit is required. Visitors during these periods should plan ahead to secure their permit.

Based on 68 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Fishing here is great; the river has plenty of spots to cast your line!" "The lack of water and basic facilities means you have to be fully self-sufficient." "The permit system during holiday...

Based on 68 reviews

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Go if

You want riverside access for fishing and don't need developed amenities beyond vault toilets.

Skip if

You need hookups, flush restrooms, or prefer campgrounds with more developed facilities.

Nearby Campgrounds

Goldledge Campground sits along the Kern River in Sequoia National Forest's foothills, a few miles from Kernville. Operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company, this mid-sized campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers use the river for boating, fishing, and swimming, and the sound of moving water carries through camp at night.