Kern River County Park

This was an overnight stop for one night so we didn't want to spend a lot of money and didn't need hookups. Our problem started when Google Maps put us on the north side of the Kern River and had us entering the Park from Round Mountain Road. There is NOT an entrance here. You can see the park but you are on the wrong side of the river and have to detour 25 - 30 miles to enter off of Albert Harrell Hwy. This is not a park issue or ding against them but it was not easy to find. All 50 spots are pull throughs and were nicely level and had trees/shrubs for privacy. You can hear the Kern River from your RV which is also nice. The camp host who is now on site year round because of "issues" warned us to make sure our generators were securely buttoned up as there had been problems in the park. Loud music started at 10:30 pm and went on for some time. Since it seemed to come from the day use area next to the campground we didn't think the site host would be able to do much about it and since we were already in bed we didn't go ask. Will most likely check out other places in the area if coming back through Bakersfield.

Looking for a half way point from San Francisco to Joshua we came across Kern River Campground. Close to the highway and Bakersfield. I had called in advance and told the woman on the phone that I was traveling with my husband and 1 dog, she confirmed the $12 off season rate (in- season is $24/night). I told her we were not sure of our arrival date and asked if I needed a reservation or if I could just show up. She assured me there would be plenty of spaces and suggested I arrive before 8pm.

When we arrived at around 4pm there were plenty of spaces. All of the River Front spots were taken so we settled in for a mountain view and space to throw balls for our dog. The camp host greeted us and said someone would be back later to take care of us.

About an hour later the camp host stopped by to collect our $12 fee and surprised us with a $5 per day per pet charge. I asked why the pet charge was so high, nearly half the price of the campground. He said they provide lots of wear and tear. I was sure to point out the doggie do all around our site, and asked if the fee included someone else picking up after the dogs for the fee. He assured me that was my responsibility. Thought I would let that sit with him for a while.

No hookups. Saw water faucets around and read about an onsite dump station. The bathrooms are in very rough shape. I was grateful we are self contained. Still $17 for one night is not bad, but I could of had full hookups through Passport America for the same price.-written by Amy

Very nice setting. We camped mid week and there was only 5 other campers. Apparently this place gets packed on weekends and the summer. Bathroom was dirty and run down.

We were here on one of the last days of the winter rates. This is a self register campground, at least when we were there, and is one of the most unique systems we've seen. The friendly camp host directed us to a little green building that had a touch screen display that we used to register and pay (credit card only) for our site. Kind of strange but it worked just fine.
Half the campground was closed for the winter but the other half was only about 1/3 occupied so it wasn't a problem. The campground is right on the little river and is quite picturesque. All the sites are pull through but I had to drive a bit on the grass (don't tell anyone) to get into the spot. There is a fair amount of shrubbery and trees that I needed to avoid.
All in all a good stop at a very reasonably price.

We drove past the first sign that said “full” and into the campground where we self registered at the touch screen.

$12 per night but $8 registration fee, so heads up.

I selected a spot by the river and it was beautiful, quiet, and we could hear the river as we fell asleep. Paved roads to the campsites.

The bathrooms weren’t dirty, but they were wet. Sinks and toilets only, no mirrors or soap. My partner said the men’s was not pleasant.

Dec. 3, 2018 It was after dark when we arrived, quiet night. We woke up to a green lush park like setting, no doubt the fall colors are gorgeous in here if you time it just right. Every site was paved, flat and pull thru. Only half of the sites were available, others were blocked off...not sure why. Great walking path over to lake ming, I believe we got a couple mile walk in around the lake and back. No doubt a bird watchers paradise(hawks, Grebes, Blue Herons, Egrets, ducks, coot and many more). Sorry didn’t check out the bathrooms, but they were cleaning them this morning. We would definitely stay here again. $12.00 Site fee $8.00 rec fee $5.00 per dog for all other fees see picture of receipt I posted. Kiosk was a little weird but fairly easy to navigate.

Overnighted. Clean well maintained. Curved pull throughs that are tight. Because of a huge shrub on the passenger side I had to unhitch my toad to be able to position myself so I could put out my rear slide and open my front door. Congenial, attentive camp host offered help registering at vending machine.

Dry camp. 1/2 campsite closed due to watering. Not sure how the rotation goes but it’s necessary to maintain green grass. Camp host super nice and helpful.
Super noisy because most camp in tents. And lots of children.
Good shade on most sites.

The price isn’ t appropiate with the quality of campsite, the restrooms are in a bad conditions and the ground is dirty.

This is a nice park, lots of shade and large, pull thru sites. It does need some sprucing up, tho. We were in one section and had to walk to the other section to use the rest room as the one in our section was closed. The restroom was dark and dingy, I decided not to use the shower due to the messiness of the place. We were in a tent, $12 a night plus $5 for our dog and an $8 reservation fee was a bit much for this place. The picnic table was filthy and the seats sticky.