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Sequoia/Camp 3
Overview
Camp 3 is a quintessential riverside destination located within the Sequoia National Forest. It sits at an elevation of approximately 2,800 feet, offering a rugged escape for travelers who want to be close to the water. This is a seasonal Forest Service campground known for its primitive charm and direct access to the Upper Kern River. It provides a classic camping experience where the sound of the rushing river serves as the primary soundtrack for your stay.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just north of the town of Kernville, California, Camp 3 is nestled between the highway and the Upper Kern River. The landscape is characterized by high desert terrain, granite outcroppings, and scattered trees that provide intermittent shade. Its position along the Mountain 99 corridor makes it a gateway to the southern Sierra Nevada mountains. The surrounding scenery is dominated by steep canyon walls and the vibrant, flowing waters of the Kern.
Amenities & Park Features
As a Forest Service site, the amenities are focused on the essentials for dry camping. The park features paved parking spurs that can accommodate smaller to medium-sized RVs and trailers. Guests will find standard federal campground facilities including vault toilets and seasonal potable water spigots. Each site is equipped with a heavy-duty picnic table and a steel fire ring, allowing for traditional campfire evenings under the stars in a rustic setting without hookups.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw is the river, which is famous for whitewater rafting and kayaking during the spring and summer. Anglers frequently visit to test their luck with trout fishing along the banks. A short drive away, the Trail of 100 Giants offers an incredible opportunity to walk among ancient Giant Sequoias. For those looking for local culture, the town of Kernville provides charming shops, local breweries, and the Kern Valley Museum just a few miles south.
Who This Park Is Best For
Camp 3 is ideal for self-contained RVers who prioritize scenery and water access over modern luxury. If you enjoy dry camping and want to be steps away from world-class river recreation, this is your spot. It is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who use their RV as a basecamp for adventure rather than a resort destination. Travelers who appreciate the simplicity of the Sequoia National Forest will find this location most rewarding.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Marie Takano
It was beautiful camp, but due to regulation we were not be able to make fire so no camp fire no charcoal fire ( only propane avail ) Was pretty sad it’s not their fault. Also it was very windy so it was just rough time for us
Michael Johnson
Clean pit toilets, there are nearby water spigots. Not all sites have their own access to the river. Most spots have no shade so bring a pop up. No cell service for t mobile. Kernville has all you need 5 minutes away. If you like gold panning this is a good location.
anthony lim
I had a great time in the group site. It was nicely secluded, lovely river white noise, new fire pits, restrooms were clean...and the hosts were fantastic! Will come again!
Jamie Johnson
Had a blast my first time camping here. The grounds were well kept, and there was lots of space for us to pitch our tents. The porta potties were extremely clean. I was very pleased. The only issue we had while we were there were fire ants and the camp host came by and handled that for us. Firewood was available for purchase by the camp host. We stayed on the group lot and there was plenty of space for us to sit and grill, multiple fire pits. You could hear the river at night and see the moon and stars bright in the sky. It was really beautiful and I wouldn’t mind camping there again.
Isabelle Toulis
Great location by the river, very nice in the summertime to stay cool. Next time we will bring or rent some rafts to float on the river! They have pit toilets, no real restrooms or sinks/ running water aside from the outdoor spigots scattered around the sites. People here don't really seem to understand campsite etiquette unfortunately. They played music past 10 pm and we woke up to pitbull playing at 7 am...would have been nice to listen to the river instead. It had stormed a couple days before we went so the water was all mixed up and very brown, I think normally it's a bit clearer. Many campers brought dogs, just be careful in the river.
gerardo diaz
Very nice place to camp.
Linda Muesse
Love caml 3
Guy Treves
Water faucets and pit toilets. Sites are separated out. Can fit 4 passenger cars in most parking slots
Deziree Pinzon
Stayed june 2020. No campfires allowed so bring a stove and propane. Definitely bring a easy up. No shade anywhere. Its desert hot. Access to river in the front and thru out many campsites. A lot of boulders and rocks in the sites-made it hard to find a good spot for the tent. Vault toilets thru out with big rooms and doors. Water spigots thru out. 1 big trash in the front next to camp host who kept to herself. Would definitely go back just not in the middle of summer. Also heard about 4-6 jets a day that would break the sound barrier that would scare my 6 year old. They flew right over the campsite daily.
Jessie Rand
Just got back from a 2 night stay at this campground. I highly recommend this place! It’s well kept and the rangers are SUPER nice. The river is about 50 feet from the site. Sequoia trees are just an hours drive from there as well. Tip: some spots don’t have shade so you should bring some cover because it does get warm. I’ll definitely be going back again!