Headquarters Campground is located along the Kern River in the Sequoia National Forest, 4 miles upstream from Kernville. The campground is 7 miles from Lake Isabella. Visitors to the campground enjoy hiking, fishing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting 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 can be quite hot in the summer.
Headquarters Campground has 44 campsites. Some campsites overlook the Wild and Scenic Kern River and are in the shade of cottonwood, oak, and juniper trees. Campsites located farther from the river have little or no shade. A dozen of the campsites are designated for tents only. Another 21 campsites are designated for RVs or trailers only. Two campsites can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. The campground also has a Yurt available.
| Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Headquarters Campground Location: | Sierra Way/Mountain 99, 4 miles north of Kernville |
| Elevation: | 2,800 feet |
| Mileage from Gateway City: | Bakersfield - 54 miles |
| Number of Sites: | 44 |
| Open - Closed: | Open year-round |
| 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: | Headquarters Campground reservations are available for camping dates year-round. |
| Booking Window: | Reservations can be made from 3 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date. |
| Maximum RV/Trailer Length: | 27 feet |
| Wheelchair Accessible Sites: | Not designated, but there is one accessible campsite |
| Fees: | $34 per night at single campsite ($2 more over holidays)
$96 at triple campsite ($6 more over holidays) Yurt - $106 per night Plus $10 reservation fee |
| Reservations: | Headquarters Campground Reservations |
| Check-in, check-out: | Check-in: 2:00 PM Check-out: Noon |
| Headquarters Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups |
| Campground: | Vault toilets, tap water |
| Showers: | No |
| Dump station: | No |
| Campground Map: | Headquarters Campground Map |
| Attractions near Headquarters 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 |
Headquarters Campground Yurt
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.
Headquarters Campground
Lake Isabella draws people to its broad waters for fishing and boating. Upstream of the lake the Kern River provides good places to camp and fish. Visitors at Headquarters Campground have nice views of the river.
Check for any campground updates:
Sequoia National Forest - Headquarters Campground
Reviews from Previous Campers
2024