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Sequoia/Headquarters
Overview
Sequoia/Headquarters provides a rustic camping experience along the banks of the Kern River within the Sequoia National Forest. This location serves as a primary gateway to the southern Sierra Nevada mountains for those traveling through central California. Travelers seeking an authentic escape will appreciate the unspoiled natural beauty and the constant sound of the rushing water nearby. It is a place where the focus remains entirely on the rugged landscape and outdoor recreation rather than modern resort luxuries.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just a few miles north of Kernville, CA, the park sits in a deep canyon surrounded by steep, granite mountain peaks. The Kern River is the primary feature of the area, flowing directly past the campsites and offering cool relief during the warm summer months. The high desert ecosystem meets the alpine forest here, creating a diverse ecological transition that is home to various wildlife species. Visitors can enjoy the cool river breeze during the day and exceptionally clear mountain skies for stargazing at night.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a traditional forest service style park, offering a primitive camping experience that prioritizes the natural environment and a quiet atmosphere. The spacious layout allows for a sense of privacy among the native brush and oak trees that characterize the riverbank scenery. Key features include:
- Heavy-duty picnic tables and fire rings at every site for outdoor cooking.
- Access to potable drinking water and vault toilets throughout the grounds.
- Direct paths leading to the edge of the Kern River for fishing or wading.
This setup encourages a slower pace of life where visitors can disconnect from technology and enjoy a simple outdoor lifestyle without the distractions of city life.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts are perfectly positioned for a wide range of mountain adventures. The area is packed with diverse activities for every type of traveler:
- Whitewater rafting and fly fishing on the world-famous Kern River.
- Hiking through the Trail of 100 Giants to see ancient sequoias just a short drive away.
- Boating and windsurfing at nearby Lake Isabella for a different water experience.
For those looking for a bit of local culture, the town of Kernville offers charming shops, local breweries, and history museums just minutes away from the park entrance.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for self-contained RVers who enjoy dry camping and want to be fully immersed in the sounds and sights of the forest. It is a top choice for active families who enjoy water-based activities and hikers looking for a convenient basecamp near the Southern Sierra Nevada trailheads. If you value a quiet, scenic atmosphere and direct river access over resort-style amenities like swimming pools or high-speed internet, this destination is a perfect fit for your travel style.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
John R
The restrooms here are vaulted toilets and you can imagine what that's like "Stinks!". Toilet paper was provided in the restroom but the restroom itself was dirty, especially the door handle, one of which didn't lock. The camp host "Randy" had minimal to no people skills. He was rude and even insulting. People like that do not need to be running a campground PERIOD. He insulted you if you had not seen the "Fire Ban" notice at the front gate. Yes, there was a fire ban so my group could not have a campfire for 2 days. That was a real real bummer especially because the weather was cold and rain. There must have been a motorcycle/bikers rally or something because for the entire weekend no matter where we went we heard motorcycles, all day til evening! I go camping to get away from the city and be in peaceful nature. Nope, not that weekend. I won't be going back to Kern River period!
Richfisherman Jimenez
Headquarters campground wasn't that nice.we had a little trash at our campsite when we got there. The bathrooms were duty. The Camp Host Randy was very rude. Like he hated tending to people by asking questions. Another camper told us that he was. Then we experienced it. Please get another camp host. He is not a people person and does not keep up on cleaning the bathrooms. I think he just there for the free stay.
Robert Lopez
Had a great weekday camping trip at this location. There's lots of different campsites to pick from, some are right up against the Kern river and some are close to the highway, I recommend scouting the area to see which campsite you prefer. I picked spot 35 since it had a lot of shade and a nearby artery of the main river. I was surprised that there were not a lot of bugs, flies, or mosquitoes during my trip. Lots of bats at night to eat the bugs and plenty of quail and other birds everywhere too. One thing that was unpleasant though were the restrooms, the heat of the day just stews everything and it's a terrible smell, I recommend bringing your own portable commode or toilet.
Jessy V
Went here for the first time 2 weeks ago and it was such a great time! I love camping and I went with 2 other families, which we got 2 spots next to each other and there was a trail that lead right down to the river! All camping neighbors were friendly, and the patrol person of the campgrounds was so nice and accommodating! We will definitely be back! We fished a little and got to enjoy the river and all! Definitely recommend!
C Marie
We stayed in one of the yurts. It was clean and appeared to be well kept. As was the camp ground as a whole. While vault toilets are not my favorite they were the cleanest and least smelling I’ve encountered. The host was kind and informative. The site was larger than I had expected.