Goldledge Campground
Kern River

Kern River, California
Kern River, California

Goldledge Campground
Kern River


Goldledge Campground

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. Visitors to the campground enjoy fishing and hiking. 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. 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.

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Goldledge 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: 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 at Goldledge Campground
Reservations available: Reservations are available for camping dates whenever the campground is open.
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: 2:00 PM, check-out Noon

Goldledge Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, tap water
Showers: No
Dump station: No
Campground Map: Goldledge Campground Map
Attractions near Goldledge Campground: Stop by McNally's Fairview Lodge and Restaurant. Slip on your daypack and 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. Drive 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.




Goldledge Campground, Kern River, CA

Goldledge Campground



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.



Goldledge Campground, Kern River, CA

Goldledge Campground

Lake Isabella
Attractions and Activities

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.

  • Sign up for a white-water rafting trip with an established company on the Kern River.
  • Try your luck fishing in the Kern River.
  • At Lake Isabella have fun waterskiing and wakeboarding.
  • Rent a boat from one of the lake's two marinas, or launch your own.
  • At Lake Isabella fish for bass, rainbow and brown trout, crappie, kokanee salmon, and catfish.
  • Tour the Kern Valley Museum.
  • Get in a round of golf at the Kern Valley Golf Course.
  • Explore Silver City Ghost Town.
  • Visit the Kern River Fish Hatchery.

Key Goldledge Campground Regulations

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

    Check Sequoia National Forest - Goldledge Campground for any campground updates.