37
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
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Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About GOLDLEDGE CAMPGROUND
Overview Goldledge Campground is situated along the Kern River, 10 miles north of the town of Kernville. Hiking, fishing, kayaking and rafting are popular activities. Recreation Hiking, fishing, kayaking and rafting are popular activities in the Upper Kern River area. Click here to learn more about the area, including safety and permitting requirements and a listing of local outfitters. Facilities Hiking, fishing, kayaking and rafting are popular activities in the Upper Kern River area. Click here to learn more about the area, including safety and permitting requirements and a listing of local outfitters. Natural Features The campground sits within Sequoia National Forest at an elevation of 3,200 feet in an open area with limited shade, overlooking the Kern Wild and Scenic River. Gray pine, scrub oak, grasses and shrubs cling to steep, canyon walls along the river, and cottonwoods and willows dot the riverbanks. Sequoia National Forest, located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada in central California, is named for the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree, which grows in more than 30 groves on the forest's lower slopes. The forest comprises about 1.1 million acres. Elevations range from about 1,000 to 12,000 feet, creating precipitous canyons and mountain streams with spectacular waterfalls such as Salmon Creek Falls and Grizzly Falls. contact_info For facility specific information, please call (760) 376-1269. Nearby Attractions The Cannell Meadow National Recreation Trail begins just north of Kernville. The trail stretches 11.5 miles as it climbs through mixed pine and fir forest to Cannell Meadow and a historic Forest Service cabin built between 1904 and 1909. Hikers are awarded beautiful views of the Kern River Valley along the trip. Visitors enjoy making day trips to Sequoia National Park and Giant Sequoia National Monument.
- 37 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (37).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes GOLDLEDGE CAMPGROUND special
Goldledge Campground lines the banks of the Kern River roughly ten miles north of Kernville, placing campers squarely in the heart of one of California's finest river corridors. The sites sit beneath a mixed canopy of oak and conifer, close enough to the water that you fall asleep to the sound of the current and wake to morning light glinting off the surface. It is the kind of place where the river becomes the center of everything. Fishing is outstanding here, with opportunities for both bait and fly anglers targeting rainbow and brown trout in pools, riffles, and deep runs. When the water warms and flows mellow in midsummer, swimming holes become irresistible. For those seeking more adventure, the upper Kern offers excellent kayaking and rafting -- outfitters in Kernville can arrange guided trips for all skill levels. Hiking trails fan out from the river canyon into the surrounding Sequoia National Forest, leading to ridgeline views and quiet backcountry. The campground operates roughly from spring through late fall, with summer weekends being the busiest period. Reserving a site in advance is wise from June through August. The small mountain town of Kernville, a short drive south, provides everything from groceries and gear to casual dining and local breweries. Evenings at Goldledge are best spent around the fire pit, swapping stories with fellow campers while the river murmurs its endless conversation just beyond the ring of firelight.
Campsite Inventory
37 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Campfire Allowed
No
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
2:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Driveway entry
Back-In
Driveway length (ft)
Yes
Driveway surface
Gravel, Paved
Fire Pit
Yes
Max guests
6
Max vehicle length (ft)
10, 20, 30
Minimum guests
Yes
Pets allowed
Yes
Picnic Table
Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
760-376-1815
sschmidt@goexplorus.com
Getting There
From Bakersfield, take Highway 178 east to Lake Isabella. From Lake Isabella, take Highway 155 around the west side of the lake to the town of Kernville. From Kernville, go 10 miles north on Sierra Way (Mountain 99) to the campground.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to GOLDLEDGE CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for GOLDLEDGE CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for GOLDLEDGE CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at GOLDLEDGE CAMPGROUND?
GOLDLEDGE CAMPGROUND currently lists Unknown (37).
Where is GOLDLEDGE CAMPGROUND located?
GOLDLEDGE CAMPGROUND is in California near KERNVILLE. Coordinates: 35.8739, -118.4565.
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