Camp Three Campground

For California residents seeking a quintessential outdoor escape, Camp Three Campground in Kernville offers an idyllic setting along the scenic Kern River. This well-regarded campground provides a harmonious blend of natural beauty, thoughtful amenities, and easy access to a wealth of recreational activities, making it a perfect destination for families, groups, and solo adventurers alike. Nestled within the vast and beautiful Sequoia National Forest, Camp Three provides that much-needed respite from daily life, allowing you to immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of the river and the refreshing embrace of the wilderness.

The allure of Camp Three lies not just in its stunning riverside location but also in its commitment to providing a clean and enjoyable camping experience. It’s a place where memories are made around a campfire (when regulations permit), under a canopy of stars, and with the gentle murmur of the Kern River as your constant companion. Whether you’re an experienced camper with all the gear or looking for a comfortable entry into the world of outdoor recreation, Camp Three Campground is designed to cater to your needs, ensuring a relaxing and memorable stay in the heart of California’s outdoor paradise.

Camp Three Campground is strategically located at 99 Mountain Hwy 99, Kernville, CA 93238, USA. This puts it directly along the famed Kern River, a mere stone's throw from the charming and popular town of Kernville. The ease of access is a significant advantage for California locals. For those traveling from Southern California, reaching Kernville typically involves a scenic drive through the high desert and into the southern Sierra Nevada mountains. Major routes like Highway 178 lead to Lake Isabella, from where Highway 155 or Mountain Highway 99 will guide you directly to Kernville and then to the campground.

The road to Camp Three Campground is paved and well-maintained, ensuring a smooth journey for all types of vehicles, including RVs and those towing trailers. Its proximity to Kernville means that while you feel enveloped by nature, you’re never truly isolated. Essential services like grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and outdoor gear shops are just a short drive away, providing convenience without detracting from the rustic camping experience. This blend of accessibility and natural immersion makes Camp Three an ideal choice for a spontaneous weekend trip or a longer, more planned vacation, offering a perfect balance for California adventurers.

• Spacious Campsites: Camp Three offers a variety of generously sized campsites suitable for both tent camping and accommodating RVs and trailers. These sites provide ample space for setting up, parking, and enjoying your outdoor surroundings.
• Group Lots: Specific large group sites are available, perfect for family reunions, scout troops, or friends camping together, offering plenty of room for multiple tents, vehicles, and shared communal areas for grilling and socializing.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a sturdy picnic table, providing a convenient and clean surface for preparing and enjoying your meals al fresco.
• Campfire Rings/Pits: Multiple fire pits are available, particularly in the group lots, allowing for traditional campfires. However, campers should be aware that fire restrictions are common in California, especially during dry seasons, and often only propane fires are permitted. It is crucial to check current regulations upon arrival or before your trip.
• Clean Portable Toilets (Porta Potties): Customer reviews consistently highlight the exceptional cleanliness of the porta potties at Camp Three. This commitment to hygiene, even with portable facilities, significantly enhances the camping experience.
• Firewood for Purchase: The convenience of purchasing firewood directly from the camp host on-site is a valuable service, saving campers the hassle of bringing their own or sourcing it elsewhere.
• On-site Camp Host: A dedicated and attentive camp host is available to assist campers, provide information, address concerns (such as the reported issue with fire ants), and ensure the smooth operation and cleanliness of the campground.

• Riverside Location: One of the most prominent features of Camp Three Campground is its direct adjacency to the Kern River. This provides campers with beautiful river views and the constant, soothing sound of flowing water, which many find incredibly relaxing.
• Abundant Water Activities: The Kern River offers a plethora of recreational opportunities right at your doorstep. Depending on water levels and conditions, campers can enjoy swimming, inner tubing, kayaking, and even whitewater rafting in designated areas. It’s an ideal spot for cooling off during warm California summers.
• Stargazing Opportunities: Away from major city lights, Camp Three provides excellent conditions for stargazing. Reviewers mention seeing the moon and stars bright in the sky, offering a truly breathtaking celestial display.
• Well-Kept Grounds: Visitors frequently praise the campground for being well-maintained and clean, reflecting the dedication of the staff and camp hosts to providing a pleasant environment.
• Spacious Layout: Both individual and group sites are noted for their generous size, offering campers enough room to spread out, set up their equipment comfortably, and enjoy a degree of privacy.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The amenities and setting make it an excellent choice for families with children, providing ample space for play and exploration in a safe environment.
• Direct River Access: Easy access to the Kern River means less travel time and more time enjoying the water, whether it's for fishing (with a valid CA license), wading, or simply enjoying the riverside ambiance.
• Proximity to Kernville: The short distance to Kernville means easy access to shops, restaurants, and other services, offering a convenient balance between wilderness immersion and modern amenities.
• Wildlife and Nature Immersion: Being within the Sequoia National Forest, campers are surrounded by diverse flora and fauna, providing opportunities for nature observation and photography.

Address: 99 Mountain Hwy 99, Kernville, CA 93238, USA

As Camp Three Campground is part of the Sequoia National Forest, specific phone numbers for the campground itself are not typically provided directly. For reservations and the most up-to-date information on operating seasons, fire restrictions, and availability, it is highly recommended to visit the Recreation.gov website or contact the Kern River Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest directly.

Kern River Ranger District - Kernville Office:

Address: 11380 Kernville Road, Kernville, CA 93238

Phone: (760) 376-3781 (for recreation information)

Reservations are often required, especially for group sites and during peak seasons, and can typically be made online through the Recreation.gov platform.

For California residents, Camp Three Campground represents an outstanding opportunity to experience the unparalleled beauty and recreational richness of the Kern River Valley right in their own backyard. Its prime location on Mountain Highway 99, just minutes from Kernville, makes it incredibly accessible for a quick weekend getaway or a more extended vacation without the need for extensive travel planning. This convenience is a significant advantage, allowing more time for actual enjoyment and less time on the road.

The campground’s standout features—its direct river access, spacious sites (including excellent group options), and remarkably clean facilities—address common concerns for campers. The ability to pitch tents with ample room, gather around a fire pit (or propane grill during fire bans), and hear the soothing sounds of the Kern River at night creates an authentic and highly desirable camping atmosphere. The presence of an attentive camp host, as highlighted in reviews, ensures that any minor issues, such as fire ants, are quickly addressed, adding to the peace of mind for visitors.

Beyond the campground's immediate offerings, the surrounding Sequoia National Forest provides a vast playground for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and exploring. The Kern River itself is a constant source of recreation, from leisurely floats to more adventurous whitewater experiences. For Californians seeking a refreshing escape that combines natural beauty with practical amenities and easy access to local services, Camp Three Campground offers an exceptional and memorable outdoor adventure. It’s a place that consistently delivers on the promise of a beautiful, well-kept, and fun camping experience, inviting locals to return again and again to their cherished Kern River retreat.

Camp Three Campground

99 Mountain Hwy 99, Kernville, CA 93238, USA