Kern River County Park Campground

Kern River County Park Campground sits along the Kern River 10 miles northeast of Bakersfield. The 1,012-acre park includes Hart Memorial Park, group picnic areas, and 2 campgrounds. Nearby is 104-acre Lake Ming. The lake features boat launch ramps, picnic tables and barbecue grills, a playground, restrooms, and drinking fountains. Boating and water skiing are popular on the lake, but there is no swimming. Jet skis are not allowed. Fishing is only permitted from the shore.

Kern River County Park Campground is divided into 2 loops along the shore of the Kern River. Each sections has 25 campsites, none with hook-ups. Reservations are available any time up to one year in advance of arrival date. First-come, first-served sites may be available. No cash is accepted as payment; use credit cards or debt cards.

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Kern River Campground Basics
Kern River Campground Location:	13375 Lake Ming Rd., Bakersfield.
Elevation:	505 feet
Mileage from gateway city:	Bakersfield - 10 miles Porterville - 59 miles Visalia - 87 miles
Number of Sites:	50
Camping Season:	Open year-round
Max. People per Site:	8 (including children)
Vehicles:	2nd vehicle - $7 per night, $12 during peak season
Pets:	On leash, always attended, limit 2 per campsite, $5 each dog per night
Operated by	Kern County Parks and Recreation
Kern Co. Parks and Recreation Information:	(661) 868-7000

Reservations for Kern River Campground
Reservations available	year-round
Booking Window:	Reservations can be made from 24 hours to a year prior to arrival date.
Maximum combined vehicle length available:	50 feet (check reservation website to be sure your vehicles will fit)
Wheelchair accessible sites:	None designated, but some facilities may be accessible
Camping Fees:	$24 per night (Plus $8 reservation fee)
Campground Map:	Kern River Campground Map
Reservations:	Kern River Campground Reservations or call (661) 868-7000
Check-in, check-out:	Check-in: 2:00 PM Check-out: 12 Noon

Kern River Campground Amenities
Campsites:	Picnic table, fire ring
Campground:	Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water
Showers:	Yes
Dump station:	Yes
Attractions near Kern River Campground:	Boat, water ski, and fish at adjacent Lake Ming. Visit adjoining Hart Memorial Park with its lakes, fishing, and disc golf. Walk over to California Living Museum featuring a zoo, a train, reptile room, and children's park. Play 18 holes at nearby Kern River Golf Course. Take to the river with rentals from Claggs Kayak Rentals Shop Amazon: Trout Fishing Best Sellers

Import Things to Know about Kern River County Park

The two sections of the campground receive irrigation in alternate 7-day cycles; therefore it may be necessary to reassign some campers to another campsite.
Kern County officials caution, "The Kern River's currents sweep both adults and children to their deaths every year. Children even momentarily unattended are at great risk."
Lake Ming is closed to the public periodically for special organized boating events. See Calendar of Sepcial Events at Lake Ming.
Read more about Lake Ming Boating, Water Skiing, and Fishing

Crane Prairie Lake

Lake Ming

Kern River County Park
Nearby Attractions and Activities

While there is plenty to do in the area immediately around Kern River County Park, other attractions are only a short drive away.

Visit Lake Isabella for boating and fishing.
Check out Rivers End Rafting.
Viait the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument along Highway 58.
Tour Minter Field Air Museum, off Highway 99.
Test your skills at an escape room: Puzzle Effect or Real Escape in Bakersfield.
Fun for the whole family at Camelot Park: Kiddie Rides, miniature golf, bumper boats, batting cages, and more.

Key Kern River Campground Regulations

Generators are permitted in the campground.
Quiet Hours are from 10 PM to 7 AM.
Dogs must be leashed and attended. Dogs must be confined to a vehicle or tent at night.
Campfires are only allowed in the designated fireplaces. Campers should bring their own fuel.

Check Kern Co. Parks and Recreation - Kern River County Park Campground for any campground updates.

Kern River County Park Campground

Bakersfield

Kern River County Park Campground

Bakersfield