
Kern River County Park
Kern River County Park offers serene riverside camping, scenic trails, and abundant green spaces for outdoor recreation.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds

Kern River County Park
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kern River County Park offers serene riverside camping, scenic trails, and abundant green spaces for outdoor recreation.
"We absolutely love it here! Very spacious sites with some right on the river!"

🏕️ Book Riverside Campsites Early
Popular spots fill up fast, especially those with river access. Plan ahead!
🔦 Pack Extra Flashlights
The park gets very dark at night, essential for navigating campgrounds and restrooms.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kern River Parkway Bike Trail
Throughout the park
Scenic paved trail perfect for biking, walking, and enjoying riverside views.

Ming Lake
Within Kern River County Park
A tranquil lake ideal for fishing and a stone's throw from riverside campsites.

Riverside Camping
Various campgrounds
Pitch your tent or park your RV right by the soothing sounds of the Kern River.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors: Camping & Activities
Park Essentials: What to Know
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🏕️ Book Riverside Campsites Early
Popular spots fill up fast, especially those with river access. Plan ahead!
🔦 Pack Extra Flashlights
The park gets very dark at night, essential for navigating campgrounds and restrooms.
Safe spot for kids at Kern river.
💧 Life Vests for Kids
The water is fresh but can have currents; ensure children wear life vests for safety.
🛠️ Be Prepared for Maintenance
Early morning maintenance noise can occur; check for schedules if sensitive.
Favorite spots to hang out/swim on the Kern river?
Tips
from all over the internet
🏕️ Book Riverside Campsites Early
Popular spots fill up fast, especially those with river access. Plan ahead!
🔦 Pack Extra Flashlights
The park gets very dark at night, essential for navigating campgrounds and restrooms.
💧 Life Vests for Kids
The water is fresh but can have currents; ensure children wear life vests for safety.
🛠️ Be Prepared for Maintenance
Early morning maintenance noise can occur; check for schedules if sensitive.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Walks
Spacious and gorgeous grounds perfect for dog walks. Keep them leashed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors love Kern River County Park for its beautiful riverside camping, spacious grounds perfect for dog walks, and the peaceful ambiance created by the flowing river. The Ming Lake area is also a highlight for fishing. However, some guests have noted inconsistencies in restroom cleanliness and occasional disruptive early morning maintenance noise.
"Love coming to walk or even find a nice tree to lay and read a book. My dog loves going on walks here it’s very spacious and gorgeous"
Babii Nessa
"Beautiful park. Very dark at night; bring flashlights. Mature trees and green grass. Several spots right next to river. Lots of ducks, geese & tree squirrels. Close to Ming lake. Grounds are well taken care of and clean. Restrooms dirty but we brought our own. They advertised showers but they don't work. Broken sink in one restroom and the other restroom is closed for repairs."
rebecca barritt
"We absolutely love it here! Very spacious sites with some right on the river! Ming Lake is a rocks throw away for some fishing! Can't wait to go back! UPDATE!!! The second time we came back they had gardeners doing cleanup and maintenance at 7:30 in the morning they even had a tree Shredder making lots of noise it was a disaster this trip I don't know if they do that continually but it definitely made our trip very annoying"
Ralphie Gee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kern River County Park is easily accessible from Bakersfield, CA. Take the CA-178 E towards the mountains. The park is well-signed along this route. Many visitors use GPS coordinates for specific campgrounds like Kern River Campground Lake Ming Road.
Yes, Kern River County Park offers spacious sites suitable for RVs. Many campgrounds have hookups available, making it a great option for RV camping in Kern County.
The park is quite large, with multiple access points and campgrounds. The main entrances are typically off CA-178 E. Specific campgrounds like those near Lake Ming Road have their own distinct entrances.
For general exploration, the Kern River Parkway Bike Trail offers a great way to see different areas. For specific campgrounds, follow park signage or use GPS.
Public transportation options directly to Kern River County Park are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the park itself is generally free to enter for day use, camping requires a fee. Check the official Kern County Parks and Recreation website for current camping rates and any potential day-use fees.
Kern River County Park is typically open year-round. However, specific campground hours and access may vary. It's advisable to check the Kern County Parks and Recreation website for the most up-to-date information.
Campsites, especially those in Kern County campgrounds and Kern River campgrounds, can be booked through the Kern County Parks and Recreation system, often online or by phone. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Standard park rules apply, including leash laws for pets and regulations regarding campfires (check for burn bans). Specific areas might have seasonal access restrictions.
Information on park passes for Kern County Parks and Recreation facilities may be available through their official website. It's worth checking if they offer annual passes for frequent visitors.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy camping, fishing in Ming Lake or the Kern River, hiking, biking on the Kern River Parkway Bike Trail, picnicking, and simply relaxing by the water.
Restrooms are available, though their condition can vary. Some reviews mention new bathrooms and showers, while others note maintenance issues. It's wise to be prepared.
While the river looks calm in some areas, undercurrents can be a concern. Visitors recommend life vests for children if they enter the water. Boating on the lower river away from rapids is generally considered safer.
You'll likely see ducks, geese, and tree squirrels. The park's natural setting attracts various local wildlife.
Yes, it's a very spacious and gorgeous park that dogs love for walks. Remember to keep them on a leash.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the serene beauty of the Kern River, especially at sunrise or sunset. The mature trees and green grass offer lovely framing. Ming Lake provides picturesque reflections.
The riverside campsites offer a unique perspective, with the sound of the river adding to the ambiance. The Kern River Parkway Bike Trail also provides scenic vistas.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a golden hour glow.
Drone usage is subject to park regulations. It's essential to check with Kern County Parks and Recreation for any restrictions on drone operation within the park.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can capture wildlife. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards, and consider a tripod for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏕️ Campers
🐶 Pet Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Kern River County Park
When planning your camping trip, be aware that while some facilities are new and well-maintained, others might be undergoing repairs or require extra attention. Bringing your own supplies, like extra flashlights, is always a good idea. The park's mature trees offer ample shade, making it a comfortable spot even during warmer months. For those looking for a more rustic experience, dispersed camping options might be available, but always check with the Kern County Park Ranger or the Parks and Recreation department for specific regulations.
Exploring the Kern River Parkway
This pathway is not just for exercise; it's also a fantastic spot for wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for local birds, squirrels, and other small creatures that inhabit the area. The trail is generally well-maintained, though it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings. Cyclists and pedestrians share the path, so maintaining a safe speed and being courteous is key. Whether you're an avid cyclist or just looking for a pleasant stroll, the Kern River Parkway Bike Trail offers a wonderful way to experience the heart of Kern River County Park.
Water Activities and Safety
Ming Lake, located within the park, is another popular spot for water-related activities, particularly fishing. It offers a more controlled environment compared to the river. When planning any water activities, it's essential to check current river conditions and any posted advisories. The Kern County Parks and Recreation department may have specific guidelines or recommendations for water safety within the park.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit