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Kernville, CA

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KRS at Camp James

3.6 (286 reviews)
Closed • 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

KRS at Camp James Photos

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More trash spread in the mornings after the bears went through the campsite each night.
kirsten b.

We stayed at Camp James for 5 days at sites 71 and 69, and while there were definitely some positives, a few major issues prevent me from giving this campground more than 2 stars. I do think the camp host should let parents, parent... especially the adult children! The Negatives 1. Bears! Directly across from our site was an open trailer full of trash next to a public picnic area. What we were not told upon check-in is that a mama bear and her cub live in the tree above this dumpster and rummage in it daily. We saw them every day and, honestly, were scared. This is extremely dangerous for campers. When we asked the host about it, her casual response was, "No, we let them finish eating and go clean it up." Meanwhile, during check-in she called all six of our 15-20 year olds over to lecture them on rules, no underage drinking, no music after 10 pm, no walking around alone after 9:30 pm, but not once did she caution us about the bears she clearly knew were there. This is a huge safety oversight. The campground should invest in bear-proof dumpsters for the safety of both guests and the bears. 2. Dump Station Layout If you need to dump your trailer, there's a pile of sand in a very inconvenient spot that makes looping into the dump difficult. It doesn't appear to serve any purpose for water protection and just creates an unnecessary obstacle. 3. WiFi Limitations Each site only gets one WiFi password, good for one device. If you need more, you have to pay extra. Lose it, and they'll even charge you to replace it. 4. Rolling Blackouts Although not the campground's fault, Kernville does experience rolling blackouts. It happened 2 of the 5 days we were there. When it's over 100° in an RV or trailer and you don't have a generator, it's rough, and since generators aren't allowed after 10 pm, there's no relief at night. The Positives * The sites themselves are very clean and well maintained. * Quiet hours and rules are enforced, which keeps the campground orderly. One small drawback is that the office closes promptly at 5 pm. If you need quarters, ice, or firewood after that, you'll have to buy them at the overpriced gas station nearby. Final Thoughts Overall, our stay was fine, but I'd strongly challenge management to invest in bear-proof dumpsters and be a bit more welcoming. This would not only protect campers but also encourage the bears to seek food elsewhere instead of dumpster diving. Until then, it's hard to feel completely safe here, even though the campground itself is clean and otherwise enjoyable.

Sandra M.

This was the fourth time we've stayed at Camp James. The first time we stayed in a tent on the riverfront, and the last three times we stayed in the cabin. The cabins are much more comfortable! lol. The cabins come equipped with plates, utensils a large electric frying pan, electric skillet, crockpot, paper towels, dishwashing detergent, etc. Cabins have beautiful knotty pine throughout and I just love staying there. This last stay we were excited to see a small herd of deer come through and just graze while we watched. It was amazing! I recommend this place highly . The staff are very accommodating and very pleasant! I will be returning for a fifth time!

View from our campsite deck
Kerry F.

Great location right on Kern River. Sites are good size with choices of full hook ups (away from river), to E/W on and near the river. Hosts are friendly and helpful. Cable is pretty bad in the sites we've stayed in, but we don't go there to watch TV! WiFI is decent. Only real complaint is they require campers to wear orange wristbands...not even for free beer! We stayed in site 24 with full hook ups.

Camp site 71 with partial hook ups

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Camping next to the river is just beautiful . The river rafters and the wildlife is so fun to watch.

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3 months ago

The camp host "managers" of the place are very disrespectful rude I would not come here if u have dogs and kids won't be back thanks

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Camp J.

Awesome!! Thanks for the review!! See ya soon!!

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Great place to camp have family with you. Clean facility's friendly staff. It's been while since I've been back up time for trip

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Ask the Community - KRS at Camp James

Deposit in cashier's check/money order? Has anyone had any problems?

How can I reserve it

How crowded does Camp James get during mid-week November?

Probably not too crowded. Make your reservations as early as possible though bearing in mind people are getting out more now.

Is there a dog park on site?

Yes!!! It's great!!

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Review Highlights - KRS at Camp James

“We have never camped on the Kern River before but when I found Camp James online I could not wait to go.”

Mentioned in 25 reviews

Read more highlights

Kern River Vacation Rentals - Front of little blue

Kern River Vacation Rentals

4.0(5 reviews)
0.5 mi

Currently staying at Little Blue. First interesting there are two totally opposite reviews which…read morealways makes you wonder. Summary is this is not the Marriot! But there is no marriot unless you go to Bakersfield. Location can't be better as is a short walk even in summer heat. Would definitely return. Love that could bring out little chihuahua

Do Not rent this cabin. It is not what you would expect. People seemed to be friendly up until the…read moremoment we payed our deposit and rental . On Christmas Eve non the less. The place was disgusting and uninhabitable by humans. The restroom had a continual leak from the hand sink a small trash can overflowed into the Hall. Soaking the carpet. Wetting socks upon entry And departure. The couch was smelly with blood and urine stains. The window was broken. The curtain rods fell off in your hand. These people do not care about comfort or quality at all. It's a bad bad place to stay for comfort. It's cheap. It stinks. The people who rented it were rude. We had a problem with the weather. And got snowed in. They did not care at all. We did not receive our deposit back because of a single missing key. And a trash can with trash in it. Shame on you I'm reporting you to air b n b as well. Since you own corporate rentals and all the testimonies are fake. No one likes a leaking sink broken windows and not getting a deposit back I'm glad we left our mess you people deserved it And the neighbors were all rude mountain Stuck up and not helpful folk. Go here if you like to be treated like a number. Asked us to pay friends and family paypal so they keep the tax on it. I'm reporting you to the irs for tax evasion. A couple hundred times is a lot of tax money saved. I've been treated better that's for sure. I didn't expect the rude dishonest behavior from a vendor. Shame on you. I hope you get shut down for uninhabitable conditions. This place should be inspected before allowed to rent. Terrible terrible experience. Go somewhere ELSE ! YOU'VE BEEN WARNED! Little Red Nightmare more like. Little red lodge was just that a nightmare. Musicians stay away get a tent and your own set up. You will be better off.

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Kern River Vacation Rentals
Kern River Vacation Rentals - Front. Little Blue is in back behind garage

Front. Little Blue is in back behind garage

Kern River Vacation Rentals

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Kern River Vacation Trailers - Aljo Living room and kitchen

Kern River Vacation Trailers

4.4(27 reviews)
0.5 mi

Great experience will definitely book with them next year. This is the first time and Im very happy…read morewith my experience.

The process of booking a trailer with them was a nightmare. They don't have a website and getting a…read morecall back took days after leaving multiple messages. I finally booked a unit for Memorial Day Weekend sight unseen because their rep (Cheryl) told me their website was down. And because of the holiday, they charged a 3-day minimum - which was fine. Drop off Friday and pick-up Monday. That's what the contract stated and what we paid for. However, when we arrived at the campsite on Saturday - the trailer still was not delivered! We had to call them to make sure it was indeed coming. When they finally brought it, they "forgot" to bring the generator we also rented! And later on night 1, after using only about 3 gallons of water, the fresh water ran out! So they also did NOT DELIVER THE UNIT WITH A FULL TANK OF FRESH WATER. And it is highly unlikely they even emptied the grey water from the last rental since it was full when they came out to refill the water. Gross. In addition, the unit was very old and outdated. Pieces of brittle plastic would pop off when we tried to operate basic levers and knobs. When I shared my displeasure with Cheryl in paying for 3 days and only receiving 2, she reluctantly agreed to refund one day of the rental. As of the time of posting this review - she has not refunded any money to me or returned my messages (no surprise). AVOID THIS VENDOR! There are several other options in the Kernville area that provide far better service and will give you a vacation worth remembering. Our friends at the adjacent campsite used a different vendor and had a completely different (amazing) experience.

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Kern River Vacation Trailers - The aljo 5 wheel

The aljo 5 wheel

Kern River Vacation Trailers - Cedar creek trailer

Cedar creek trailer

Kern River Vacation Trailers - Cedar creek trailer

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Cedar creek trailer

Riverview Lodge - Comfy Double Queen

Riverview Lodge

3.2(57 reviews)
0.4 mi
•$$

Best Stay in years here. Great rooms with river access. Staff is soo sweet to supply coffee & ice…read moremachine. Can't get a better place in town.

We stayed for a motorcycle camping event (Frandy Campgrounds ) this time around…read more Although the reservation wasn't made by me- my friend noticed once the event dates were released, other properties were booked via their websites. As with Riverview Lodge. Then she snooped around Expedia and found some availability. Woo hoo! We've stayed in Kernville a few times already, and with the proximity to Frandy Campgrounds and places to eat and the grocery store, super duper close. We arrived the day before festivities began (Thursday) and got situated. It's a first come, first served parking situation. And if you got the rooms closer to the river, you can utilize the paved driveway and head on down. She booked a double queen room. Our bed was so comfy, it was easy to fall asleep. The AC blows so much cold air (don't mind the noise from it). But, since we picked the bed closest to the AC unit, I think hubby unplugged it the second night & we propped the window next to us for a fresh breeze. Since my friend checked us in, she told us coffee's available in the morning. I don't recall her telling me what times coffee is served. So, on the second day- I lazily walked into the coffee area at 6am and was disappointed there was nothing. Then, I walked into at 6:30am and the coffee pots with a variety of flavored creamers were available. When I went back for coffee around 10am- everything was put away. Womp womp womp. *Some friendly advice- perhaps staff can post a note in the coffee room what time coffee hours are. That way it gives customers a chance to plan ahead. It's a no frills property. You get a TV with cable (we watched MTV the entire time). Strong water pressure in the bathroom sink and shower. Toiletries you'd expect from Motel 6. So, if you're dead set on something specific, bring your own. There was a fake flower vase set on one of the tables in the room and a fake flower arrangement in the bathroom. Both have a thick blanket of dust on them, that if you knocked into it or slightly touched it- thick dust bunnies just cascade. At this point, just throw away the fake flowers. It would suck if a customer has allergies. I'm sure something can be found at the dollar store in Lake Isabella. Good sized mini fridge and microwave available. And the chairs placed outside your front door, are a great way to just chill in the shade and inhale that fresh air. Along the river, Riverview Lodge has an area with fire pits and logs you can burn. I saw corn hole boards propped up behind one of the cabins closest to the water.

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Riverview Lodge - Great water pressure in shower

Great water pressure in shower

Riverview Lodge - Toiletries

Toiletries

Riverview Lodge - Double Queen

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Double Queen

Rivernook Campground - Campfire at the river

Rivernook Campground

3.7(287 reviews)
0.1 mi

We love Rivernook! It's such a beautifully located campground right in the Kern River. We've been…read moretwo years in a row over mid-September. They have hot showers, a small store with firewood and water, and located a short drive from a great market. The downtown has a great vibe and great food at the various cafes and pubs. My only qualm would be that our site had a lot of fire ants, which bit us and our dog which hurts like a bugger. We will continue to visit the campground!

It was an amazing place to stay at Kern River was so awesome (check out Big Daddy, it's so…read morebeautiful). The customer service was okay. I personally felt that they were treating my group and I like we were stupid or something. We had a big wasp problem at our campsite and though they did help us by putting up a trap, they acted like it was completely up to us to fix their problem. That only happened one night but the wasps did resurface the next morning so we left as soon as possible. We also had a big skunk problem at our site. We couldn't relax at the campfire because the skunks would come up to us every couple of minutes and we would have to shoo them away. They would also rummage through our stuff which was covered and put away to our best extent. They thankfully didn't mess with the tent but they did spray a bit when we were trying to sleep. This was both nights. If you're someone who is willing to look past that and persevere definitely try this place it is so worth it. I would maybe come back, as long as I wouldn't have to deal with the wasps again lol. I will say the restrooms and showers were very clean so that does encourage me to not be shy on coming back.

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Rivernook Campground - The view of the lake

The view of the lake

Rivernook Campground - Big daddy rapid... I think

Big daddy rapid... I think

Rivernook Campground - Shore

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Shore

KRS at Camp James - campgrounds - Updated October 2026

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