Goldledge Campground is located along the North Fork of the Kern River in the Sequoia National Forest, 10 miles upstream from Kernville. The campground is 15 miles from Lake Isabella. Campground visitors find good fishing and scenic hiking trails. Experienced kayakers and rafters take on the challenging rapids in the Kern River. Swimming in the river is very dangerous because of strong currents. Nearby Lake Isabella has boating, waterskiing, windsurfing, and fishing. The Kern River canyon becomes quite hot in the summer.
Goldledge Campground has 33 campsites. Cottonwoods and willows dot the river bank, but shade is limited. Nine of the campsites are walk-in, tent-only sites. The remainder can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Rocks and boulders are scattered about the campground. Even though swimming is strongly discouraged, there is a nice sandy beach along the river by Goldledge Campground where visitors can relax, fish and enjoy the view of the water.
| Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Goldledge Campground Location: | Sierra Way/Mountain 99, 10 miles north of Kernville |
| Elevation: | 3,200 feet |
| Mileage from Gateway City: | Bakersfield - 67 miles |
| Number of Sites: | 33 |
| Camping Season: | Open late May through mid-September, weather permitting |
| Max. People per Site: | 6 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 2 ($7 per night fee for 2nd vehicle) |
| Pets: | On leash, always attended |
| Operated by: | ExplorUS for Sequoia National Forest |
| Campground Information: | (760) 376-1815 |
| Kern River Ranger District: | (760) 379-5646 |
| Reservations | |
|---|---|
| Reservations available: | Goldledge Campground reservations are available for camping dates whenever the campground is open, usually late May through mid-September. |
| Booking Window: | Reservations can be made from 3 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date. |
| Maximum RV/Trailer Length: | 30 feet |
| Wheelchair Accessible Sites: | None designated |
| Fees: | $34 per night ($2 more over holidays) |
| Reservations: | Goldledge Campground Reservations |
| Check-in, check-out: | Check-in: 2:00 PM Check-out: Noon |
| Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups |
| Campground: | Vault toilets, tap water |
| Showers: | No |
| Dump station: | No |
| Campground Map: | GGoldledge Campground Map |
| Attractions near Goldledge Campground: | Visit McNally's Fairview Lodge and Restaurant. Set out on 13-mile Whiskey Flat, 16-mile Flynn Canyon or 4-mile Tobies Trails. Enjoy the Kern River at Riverkern Beach Picnic Area. Head down to Lake Isabella for fishing and boating. Head over to the French Gulch Marina for boat rentals. Try mountain biking or hiking. Tour the Lake Isabella Visitor Center.
Trout Fishing Best Sellers |
| Updates | Last Updated September 2025 |
Goldledge Campground
Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.
In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.
Goldledge Campground
Lake Isabella attracts visitors from far and wide. Upstream of the lake the Kern River flows through a winding canyon. Visitors at Goldledge Campground are along the Kern River 10 miles from Kernville.
Check for any campground updates:
Sequoia National Forest - Goldledge Campground
Reviews from Previous Campers
2021 - 2024