Campground: KRS Camp James
Reviewed By: Shelley
Location: Kernville, CA
Campfire Critiques has no affiliation to this campground.
Amenities
This is a quiet, no-frills campground with nice sites available right on the Kern River. There are bathroom/shower facilities on-site and a small camp store. There is a mix of full hookup, partial hookup, and dry camping sites. The riverfront sites are primarily 30amp, water and cable with no sewer but the campsite does offer a dump station as well as a “honey wagon” service that will come empty your black & gray water tanks for a $35 fee. This service is offered about 3 times a week. We have a 30’ rig and our friends have a 34’ trailer and the sites accommodate them and a tow vehicle with no problem. There is a parking area for additional vehicles near the front office.
Access
This is in the mountains so there is either a winding canyon drive or a little bit of a steep mountain drive depending on which direction you come from. The roads inside are all dirt, as are the campsites. A few of the full hookup sites have a concrete area for the table and barbecue. The sites are fairly level with a little bit of a slope on some of the riverfront sites but not bad at all. The campground is gated once you get past the office so you have to have a code to drive on the property.
Atmosphere
My favorite site is #73. It is a waterfront, on the end with only one neighbor and easy access to the water. During the summer months, it can be very busy but otherwise, it is a very quiet campground. There are a handful of full-timers on site but they keep to themselves. There are a mix of fences and a few trees between some of the sites but each site is fairly roomy with decent space between you and your neighbor.
Environment
This is a good place for families. There is a dog area for pets to run and play. There is a picnic area nestled among some trees. There is no playground area.
Surrounding area
The area is known for fishing and whitewater rafting. Lake Isabella is just a few minutes away for boating and there is a fishing derby at least once a year. Kern River Brewing is nearby as are other small restaurants and shops. This is a group of small mountain communities (Lake Isabella, Kernville, Wofford Heights, Bodfish) that host a few big events every year.
Favorite Things
The trees, river, and generally secluded feel are favorites. You’re only about an hour or so from Bakersfield, CA but it feels a world away.
If I could change one thing…
I would like it if they could keep the maintained equipment and materials a little more hidden.
One more thing…
They are strict about quiet time at 10:00 pm so this is definitely not the place to go if you’re looking to party all night! During the summer there are a lot of people walking through the campground to get to some fishing areas and I’ve heard you sometimes need to make sure things are put away but I’ve never experienced a problem.
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