How much does camping cost at Thunderbird Group Campground?

Camping fees at Thunderbird Group Campground range from $60-$139/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Thunderbird Group Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Thunderbird Group 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 Thunderbird Group Campground before I book?

Yes! Thunderbird Group 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 Thunderbird Group Campground?

Thunderbird Group Campground is open May 08 to September 11. 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 Thunderbird Group Campground?

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

How many campsites does Thunderbird Group Campground have?

Thunderbird Group Campground has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Thunderbird Group Campground?

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

Thunderbird Group Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Thunderbird Group Campground?

Fire policies at Thunderbird Group Campground: 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.

4.09

35 reviews

PO BOX 1640

Featured in:Fishing Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,200 ft

Price

$60 - $139/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,200 ft

Price

$60 - $139/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Thunderbird Group Campground

$60.00 - $139.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD AREA NONELECTRIC-GROUP1: $139.00; GROUP STANDARD AREA NONELECTRIC: $60.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online...

Group Site Fee$57.00

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Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-376-1815sschmidt@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO BOX 1640

Thunderbird Group Campground

PO BOX 1640

Nearby places

Kernville (6.5 miles, approx. 15 minutes), Bakersfield (approx. 1.5 hours)

Weather at Thunderbird Group Campground

Current alerts(5)

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 .
No hookups and no water
No off-road vehicle use allowed in the campground
Porta Potties only

Best Time to Camp at Thunderbird Group Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the clear high point for Thunderbird because the full suite of river and campground services are available (campground open May 16–Sep 13) and weather favors all-day water recreation. Expect warm daytime highs commonly in the 80s to low 90s°F and cool nights in the 50s–60s, ideal for rafting, boating, swimming, long day hikes, and group campfires. Note that weekends and holiday periods are busiest — reserve the group site well in advance and be prepared for fire restrictions during dry Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open mid-May to mid-Sept and popular in summer despite heat and limited shade.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 11. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open for reservations from May 16 to September 13 annually.

About Thunderbird Group Campground

Thunderbird Group Campground sits in the Sequoia National Forest foothills near Kernville, offering group-only sites with direct river access. Managed by Recreation.gov and open mid-May through mid-September, this primitive setup features fire rings and picnic tables but no drinking water or permanent restrooms. Groups come for rafting, swimming, and stargazing under dark skies, with rangers making regular rounds.

Thunderbird Group Campground caters exclusively to group camping, offering three large sites suitable for gatherings.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the clear high point for Thunderbird because the full suite of river and campground services are available (campground open May 16–Sep 13) and weather favors all-day water recreation. Expect warm daytime highs commonly in the 80s to low 90s°F and cool nights in the 50s–60s, ideal for rafting, boating, swimming, long day hikes, and group campfires. Note that weekends and holiday periods are busiest — reserve the group site well in advance and be prepared for fire restrictions during dry Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation3200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Kern River cuts through steep canyon walls below the campground, creating the signature feature here. Gray pines and scrub oaks hold to the slopes, adapted to the dry terrain and intense sun. Cottonwoods and willows cluster along the riverbanks where there's moisture. The campground itself offers limited shade, which matters in summer heat, but the open setting means unobstructed views of the canyon and clear stargazing after dark. Sandy soil dominates the campsites. The river runs cold and fast through most of summer, fed by Sierra snowmelt upstream.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or accommodations at Thunderbird Group Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights total at this campground within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each group site accommodates multiple guests.

Groups

The campground features three group sites with picnic tables and campfire rings. Specific capacity limits for people and vehicles are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, via app, or through the contact center.

Site SizeThe campground features three group sites, which are designed to accommodate larger groups.

PrivacyThe campground is described as peaceful and secluded, though some noise is expected due to the group camping setting.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 2 offers calmer waters for swimming a short walk away from the campsite. Consider bringing extra stakes for sandy ground.

Best CampsitesSite 2 gets mentioned for easier access to calmer stretches of the river and the day-use swimming areas. All three sites are group setups, so your choice depends more on group size and specific trip dates than site-specific features.

Need help booking Thunderbird Group Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Thunderbird Group Campground offers a limited yet functional set of amenities for group campers. The campground provides three group sites equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings. Portable toilets are available, but there are no flush toilets or drinking water on-site. Campers should plan to bring their own water supplies. "The campsite is basic but nice," noted one user, highlighting the clean portapotties and quiet atmosphere. Fire restrictions may be imposed due to weather conditions, so checking ahead is advised.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is ideally located for outdoor pursuits like hiking, fishing, and water-based activities including kayaking and rafting. The proximity to the Kern River and local trails makes it a hub for adventurers. "Fav camping spot in Kernville," wrote one user, appreciating the access to water and natural surroundings.

Winter Activities

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 Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; portable toilets are provided instead, and reviews praise them for being well-maintained.

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 and recycling services are not mentioned in available materials.

Cell CoverageCell phone service availability is not explicitly noted in the source materials.

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

4.1

35 reviews

Satisfactory

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

Overall, users find Thunderbird Group Campground to be a peaceful location with basic, well-maintained amenities. Many appreciate the picturesque surroundings and proximity to activities like hiking and water sports.

Review Summaries

Based on 35 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 35 reviews.

Site 3Loved
Site 3 was described as "Great place!!" by another reviewer.
Site 2Mentioned
Site 2 offers proximity to a calmer river offshoot for swimming, as noted by one user.

What Campers Love

Users praised the clean and well-stocked portable toilets, access to the river, and beautiful stargazing opportunities. One review noted, "Rangers came by the next morning and were very pleasant,"...

Based on 35 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include limited shade, sandy terrain that requires extra stakes for tents, and the absence of drinking water. One user found the campground "very primitive."

Based on 35 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water as none is available on-site. Extra tent stakes are recommended due to sandy ground conditions. Check fire restrictions before arrival.

Based on 35 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular during the summer, though it can get hot with limited shade. Winter visits are less frequent, likely due to colder temperatures.

Based on 35 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Camping here was fantastic. I was quite worried about the river being too high to safely swim, but there was an offshoot with calmer waters 5 minutes away from site 2," - Casey Hodgson. "The...

Based on 35 reviews