Camp 3 Campground

Kern River

Kern River, California
Kern River, California

Camp 3 Campground

Kern River


Camp 3 Campground

Camp 3 Campground is located along the Kern River in the Sequoia National Forest, 4½ miles upstream from Kernville. The campground is 9 miles from Lake Isabella. Visitors to the campground enjoy fishing and experienced rafters enjoy 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.

Camp 3 Campground has 52 campsites. One campsite is a walk-in tent site. The remainder can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Campsites have some shade. Boulders of various sizes are spread about the campground. Many campsites are close to the river. Camp 3 Campground also has a Group Campsite.

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Campground Basics
Camp 3 Campground Location: Sierra Way/Mountain 99, 4½ miles north of Kernville
Elevation: 2,800 feet
Mileage from Gateway City: Bakersfield - 55 miles
Number of Sites: 52
Camping Season: May - September, weather permitting
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 ($7 per night fee for untowed 2nd vehicle)
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by: Sequoia Recreation, a division of California Land Management, for Sequoia National Forest
Campground Information: (760) 376-1815
Kern River Ranger District: (760) 379-5646

Reservations
Reservations available: Camp 3 Campground reservations are available for camping dates from 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: Camp 3 Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: Check-in: 2:00 PM
Check-out: Noon

Camp 3 Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, tap water
Showers: No
Campground Map: Camp 3 Campground Map
Dump station: No
Attractions near Camp 3 Campground: Head out from Cannell Meadow National Recreation Trailhead. Enjoy the Kern River at Riverkern Beach Picnic Area. Head down to Lake Isabella for fishing and boating. Visit the North Fork Marina with store and boat rentals. Try mountain biking or hiking. Tour the Lake Isabella Visitor Center. Drive north to the Trail of 100 Giants, an accessible walk through Long Meadow Grove of Giant Sequoias.

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Updates Last Updated February 2025





Camp 3 Group Campground, Kern River, CA

Camp 3 Group Campsite #3

Camp 3 Group Campsites

Camp 3 Campground has 3 group campsites which can accommodate up to 30 people and 5 vehicles. (The reservatiion website only shows 1 group campsite, so it may be worth a call to be sure you get the site you want. Kern River Ranger District: (760) 379-5646)) The campsites have picnic tables, a fire ring, vault toilets, and piped water. Shade is limited. Campsite #3, shown above, has new tables and fire rings, but is next to the highway. The other two sites are closer to the river. The group sites are open mid-May through mid-September. Reservations can be made from 3 days up to 12 months in advance of arrival date.
Fees: $147 per night
Reservations: Camp 3 Group Campsite Reservations




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Camp 3 Campground, Kern River, CA

Camp 3 Campground

Reviews from Previous Campers

2021 - 2024

  • Right beside the river.
  • Friendly camp host.
  • Some sites not level and very difficult for tents.
  • Some sites tight for larger rigs.
  • Beautiful surroundings.

Lake Isabella
Attractions and Activities

While Lake Isabella attracts visitors from far and wide, upstream of the lake the Kern River flows through a winding canyon. Visitors at Camp 3 Campground are along the Kern River not far from Kernville.

  • Enjoy fishing in the Kern River.
  • At Lake Isabella try waterskiing and wakeboarding.
  • You can rent a boat from one of the lake's two marinas, or launch your own.
  • Anglers at the lake fish for bass, rainbow and brown trout, crappie, kokanee salmon, and catfish.
  • Stop by the Kern Valley Museum.
  • Sign up for a white-water rafting trip on the Kern River.
  • Get in a round of golf at the Kern Valley Golf Course.
  • Explore Silver City Ghost Town.
  • Visit the Kern River Fish Hatchery.


Key Camp 3 Campground Regulations

  1. Glass containers are prohibited around Lake Isabella and along the Kern River.
  2. No ATVs or OHVs are permitted anywhere around Lake Isabella or in Kern River campground.
  3. Swimming in the river is dangerous due to strong currents and other hazards.
  4. Campfires must be at least 25 feet from the water's edge.

    Check Sequoia National Forest - Camp 3 Campground for any campground updates.

Nearby Campgrounds

North Fork Kern River Campgrounds


Lake Isabella Campgrounds


Sequoia National Forest Campgrounds


Foothills - Sequoia National Park


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General Camping Information

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.