Established Camping
Limestone Campground
About
National Forest
Sequoia National Forest
Overview
Limestone Campground sits in an area dotted with oak and gray pine along the Upper Kern River, a designated Wild and Scenic River, at an elevation of 3,500 feet.
Recreation
Whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Upper Kern River are popular activities. To learn more about the Upper Kern River, including safety and permitting requirements and a listing of local outfitters, visit the Sequoia National Forest___s overview of the area.
Facilities
The campground, located 16 miles north of Kernville, has 19 paved sites. Picnic areas, vault toilets are provided. This facility is operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company, a division of ExplorUS and comments are welcome; comment forms are available from campground hosts.
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 and Grizzly Falls. At various points along the river, gray pines, scrub oaks, grass and dry climate shrubs cling to steep canyon walls, while cottonwoods and willows line the water's edge.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (760) 376-1269.
Nearby Attractions
The campground provides a good base for day trips to the Sequoia National Park Trail of 100 Giants. The Giant Sequoia Mercantile offers a wide variety of books, maps, gifts, local art, camping supplies and other merchandise.
Location
Limestone Campground is located in California
Directions
Off of 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. From Kernville go north on Sierra Way/Mountain 99 for 16 miles to the campground.
Coordinates
35.962831 N
118.477293 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Spectacular location, few amenities
Campsites are above the river in a pretty narrow canyon. A short hike to the water. Spacious sites. Most sites have trees for shade. We were in one (12) that didn’t, but we moved our chairs to a shaded space between sites. The paved pad is above the area with the table and fire ring.
We were there in 2023 when the river was high due to a record snowpack. There was a relatively calm pool near our site and some small beach areas to enjoy the (cold!) water.
Toilets are in permanent buildings but are not flush. No water or electricity anywhere in the campground. No cell service, but there is Wifi at the market 3mioes away.
- (7) View All
1 night
Beautiful spot, but Bears visit at night . Keep food packed and ice chests put in vehicle.
We love it
nice n quite after 10pm lots of stars and morning airshow if you’re lucky
- (20) View All
Next to the river
Great place to stay. Most sites have some shade. It is always great to reserve before because it does get crowded in the weekends, holidays and summer. Bathrooms are clean and well maintained.
- (14) View All
Gator rock!
Get your reservation in early. One of my favorite spots to camp. All the spots are great. Bathrooms are clean. Sites are well maintained
Kernville River Camp
Easily accessed campground located right on the Kern River in the lower Sequoia Forest. No service, running water, or electricity, but there is vault toilets and dogs are allowed. Pretty hefty on the fee almost $30 a night, But trust me this place is worth it. Lots of trees to make shady spots. The lower camp spots are located at the bottom of the hill (easier access to the river, safer for children). The higher spots are up the hill with a magnificent few of the raging Kern River. There is a few private "beach" spots you can enjoy the river without the intimidating rapids (videos below). It is about 30 minutes from any store or cell service, so make sure you come prepared. Probably one of the best campgrounds in Kernville! Check out a deal for white water rafting before you plan your trip. One of the most fun I've ever had in my life!
Great wilderness camping near the Kern River
Beautiful campground for $24/night. It is popular during the summer months, so if you want to reserve a site for the weekend, make sure to reserve online well in advance. Sites are pretty nicely spaced out and almost all sites have shade. The lsites are not as close to the river as Brush Creek campground, but still closer than Fairview, which is down the road.
Facilities. There are vault toilets. Both trash and recycling collection bins are available (not the case for nearby day use areas or dispersed camping). Each site has its own campfire ring and picnic table.
Dogs allowed throughout the forest as long as they are on leash.
Activities in the area:
- hike the 7 teacups trail or go canyoneering
- Swimming
- Fishing
- White water tubing/rafting/kayaking
- (7) View All
By the river- just beautiful
Campsites are a decent space apart and shaded. Located by the Kern River.
Unamed Campsite by Bone Creek CA
To be honest, we were about 10 miles up the mountain from Limestone campground off of a stream instead of the raging Kern River. Limestone is great, but the place we found up the mountain by a creek called Bone Creek was amazing. Beautiful air scenery water and fish. Great hiking, swimming, fishing, and site seeing. Loved it and I will be back over and over again.
Best campground in the area!
On the Kern River. Some spots with great views of the river. Some spacious and wooded. Right off Highway so can be noisy at night.