Camp 3 Campground

Area Status: Closed

Camp Three Campground is set amidst oak and locust trees at an elevation of 2,800 feet on the Upper Kern River, offering countless recreational opportunities for visitors.

Natural Features: The Sequoia National Forest, located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada in central California, takes its name from the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree, which grows in more than 30 groves on the Forest's lower slopes. 

The Forest comprises about 1.1 million acres, and elevations range from about 1,000 to 12,000 feet, creating precipitous canyons and mountain streams with spectacular waterfalls, such as Salmon Creek Falls near Fairview and Grizzly Falls on the Kings River. 

Gray pines, scrub oaks, grass and dry climate shrubs cling to steep, canyon walls while cottonwoods and willows line the river's edge.

Recreation: Hiking, fishing, kayaking and rafting are popular activities in the Upper Kern River area.

Facilities: The campground consists of 52 paved sites and a group camp that accommodates up to 30 people for friends or family gatherings. 

Drinking water, vault toilets, and campfire rings are all provided.

ExplorUS
All developed campground areas on the Forest operate under a concessionaire permit with ExplorUS. For additional information, please visit About Explorus - Hospitality Management (goexplorus.com), or call their home office at (661) 702-1420, or their Lake Isabella office at 760-376-1269.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Maximum trailer length 30’. For Kern River Ranger District recreation information, please call (760) 376-3781
Operational Hours: May 10 – September 13
Reservations: Reservations can be made by visiting Camp Three Campground, Sequoia National Forest - Recreation.gov.  Reservations must be made 3 days ahead of arrival.  Group site reservations may be made up to 12 months in advance.  Standard site reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance.
Fees: For standard campsites: $34 per night; $8 for additional vehicles. For group campsite: $147 per night. Maximum trailer length 30’               
Open Season: May - September
Usage: Medium
Restrictions: No camping or campfires outside designated campsites. Campfire permits are required for campfires, barbeques, and camp stoves. Permits are available at your local Ranger Station or online at preventwildfireca.org
Closest Towns: Kernville and Riverkern, CA
Water: Drinking Water
Restroom: Vault Toilet
Operated By: Concessionaire
Information Center: Kernville Ranger Station

General Information

Directions:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
35.80667, -118.45278
35°48'24"N, 118°27'10"W

From Highway 99 in Bakersfield, California, take Highway 178 east to Lake Isabella. From Lake Isabella take Highway 155 around the west side of the lake to the town of Kernville. Turn north on Sierra Way/Mountain 99 and continue 5 miles to the campground.


General Notes:

Six people per site including children

There are no electric hookups

Swimming in the river is dangerous due to strong currents and other hazards.

In accordance with standard industry practices, Sequoia Recreation will be assessing a $7 additional vehicle fee per night on the second vehicle in each single family campsite, and on the third and fourth vehicle in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to the first vehicle by a hitch and towed onto the site. In the case of motorcycles, the first two are considered to be one vehicle and the third and fourth are also considered to be one vehicle. No additional vehicle fees are collected for bicycles.

Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Kern River Ranger District (760) 376-3781.

Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

Group Camping

River and Stream Fishing

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
35.80667

  Longitude : 
-118.45278

  Elevation : 
2800