Question 1

Do I need a camping reservation?

Accepted Answer

Make reservations early in the year because sites fill up fast more than six months in advance. It is best to make reservations as early as possible. We've made online reservations very easy, simply click on the size camp site you are interested in and our reservation system will walk you through it!

Read about the best season to camp and fun things to do while visiting Kern River.

Not sure how to make an online camping reservation with Kern River's Edge Campground Retreat?  Click here for our step-by-step instructions.

For more information about our local area and current things to do for each season, be sure to check out our Blog page.

Question 2

How do I make a reservation and what is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We've made online reservations very easy, with our Book Now button, simply click on the size camp site you are interested in, dates and number of people, and our reservation system will walk you through it.  It’s easy!  Standard sites fit six or less campers including children/visitors; and Double sites fit twelve or less campers including children/visitors.

Not sure how to make an online camping reservation with Kern River's Edge Campground Retreat?  Click here for our step-by-step instructions.

Cancellation Policy – Camping Reservations
All camping reservations are considered final. Camping reservations require payment in full now. Payment of your reservation establishes your acceptance of our cancellation policy.

If you cancel your camping reservation — Credits are not available if you choose not to fulfill your agreement, are asked to leave, show up on the wrong date, do not make proper notification, or fail to show up. We regret we cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including foul weather, poor air quality, wildfire activity, personal emergencies or pandemics.
In the case of an accidental overbooking, if we cannot offer you a comparable site, we will provide a full camping refund, or, a gift card in the amount you paid. We strongly recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan for all reservations.

For more information about our local area and current things to do for each season, be sure to check out our Blog page.

Question 3

Do I need to check in or out at a certain time?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Check-in time is between 2pm-9pm.  Campers who arrive to camp after 9:00pm will  dim lights, and observe quiet hours protocols.  Our dark skies are amazing so be sure to dim your campsite lights and look up!

Check out time is by 12:00 noon.

Sometimes we are able to offer an early check-in or late check-out depending on availability.  The fee for early check-in or late check-out ranges, depending on size of campsite.  This will need to be reserved and paid for in advance.

See all of our camping etiquette policies.

Question 4

How many vehicles can I park at my campsite?

Accepted Answer

You may park a maximum of two vehicles at our Standard, Lofty Oak or Double sites.  Your RV or trailer does count as one of your vehicles.

You may park a maximum of four vehicles at Boulder Beach or High Tower group sites.  Your RV or trailer does count as one of your vehicles.

Vehicles may not encroach into the roadway.   Extra vehicles may drive to site, quickly unload, and then park in free, Guest Parking lot.  Our Guest Parking lot is about a 1-2 minute walk from most of our camp sites.

Complimentary parking for extra vehicles is available in our Guest Parking lot (view campground map).  Once you've unloaded at your reserved site, please be sure to have your vehicle Parking Pass hanging from your rear view mirror and park additional vehicles in our Guest Parking lot.

Any extra vehicles parked in your site will be charged an additional $40 fee.  Please park extra vehicles in our complimentary Guest Parking lot for FREE.  This protective measure is in place to insure that during a medical response or emergency, that first responders are able to quickly get to those in need of help.

All vehicles parked on park property must display a Kern River's Edge Campground Retreat parking pass on your rear view mirror or in an easily visible location on your vehicle's dashboard.

Camping Etiquette Policies
Campground Map

For more information about our local area and current things to do for each season, be sure to check out our Blog page.

Question 5

Are the campground showers coin operated?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  It is our mission to conserve water and do our part for water conservation in California.  If we aren't in a drought this year, we are likely to be next year.

Our showers are coin-operated and take quarters. There is a change machine, that changes dollars into quarters, located at the north restroom entrance for both the main restroom and our secondary Shower House.  Please remember to bring a few dollar bills for the change machine!  We do not have an ATM on property.

The shower takes 5 quarters for approximately 4 minutes.  Need more minutes, just add additional quarters.

Consider assembling a hand wash station for your campsite to make cleanliness a priority.  Read our camping tips blog post to find out how.

For more information about our local area and current things to do for each season, be sure to check out our Blog page.

Question 6

Are campfires allowed @ KRE campsites?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  Kern River's Edge Campground Retreat is a privately owned campground and not subject to campfire bans initiated in the Sequoia National Forest.  We are very diligent about maintaining fire clearances around our park.  Additionally our park borders the Kern River giving us a natural fire break!

We offer fire pits in each campsite along with a picnic table.  Please enjoy campfires responsibly.  See our Camp Host to purchase campfire wood on-site when you arrive.   Please familiarize yourself with our Camp Map to learn where convenient drinking water spigots are located throughout our park.

We also sell 8lb bags of ice that can be delivered to your site as well.

Read our pro-tips for camping on the Kern River.

For more information about our local area and current things to do for each season, be sure to check out our Blog page.

Question 7

Is KRE a pet-friendly park?

Accepted Answer

Our pet-friendly park allows one large breed per campsite or two small dogs;  leashed (6'  maximum leash length please); droppings are picked up quickly; pets are  always attended;  pets are not allowed to poo on grass.

Unsocialized,  aggressive or noisy pets will be asked to find accommodations  elsewhere.  All pets must be registered at Camp Store and we charge a $10/day/pet fee.

Our Camp Store carries pet-treats if you forgot yours!

For more information about our local area and current things to do for each season, be sure to check out our Blog page.

Question 8

Can I bring my own BBQ?  Can I use charcoal?

Accepted Answer

Propane and charcoal grills are allowed in our park.  We also have some for rent in the park, so you don't have to travel with a grill.  Portable  stoves must be gas powered, have a fuel shutoff and be 5 feet away from flammable materials.  Charcoal grills can be placed inside the provided fire ring or on a debris-free area on the ground.

We sell firewood right here in the park, and our Camp Host can deliver it to your site.  We also offer charcoal and lighter fuel for sale in our Camp Store.

For more information about our local area and current things to do for each season, be sure to check out our Blog page.

Question 9

Where can I get firewood and ice for my campsite?

Accepted Answer

Our Camp Host has bags of ice and bundles of firewood for sale.  No need to leave camp!

No outside firewood or bulk deliveries to the park please.  We offer locally sourced firewood from a trusted source to prevent spread of disease to KRE trees.  Remember to buy it where you burn it please!

Camp Host sells firewood ($8-$10) and ice ($8) at the Camp Host site.  Groups please call to pre-arrange for bulk firewood purchase.

For more information about our local area and current things to do for each season, be sure to check out our Blog page.

Question 10

Can I bring my own firewood?

Accepted Answer

Firewood from outside our community can negatively affect and infect our trees.  Please, do not bring outside firewood or order bulk deliveries to our park.

KRE offers locally sourced firewood from a trusted source right here in our park. Our Camp Host sells firewood at his site, or can deliver firewood directly to you at your campsite.

Groups please call to arrange for bulk firewood purchases.

For more information about our local area and current things to do for each season, be sure to check out our Blog page.

Question 11

Can I purchase beer, wine and food at KRE's Camp Store?

Accepted Answer

We offer a variety of snacks and beverage items in our Camp Store.  Please stop by!

Need our local craft beer fix?  We offer several craft beer selections highlighting our local brew pub Kern River Brewing Company as well as wine coolers, sodas, bubbly water and more.  Need a snack?  We've got you covered from spicy nuts, lots of candy choices, ice cream and 8lb bags of ice.

During our high season we are open:
Monday 10-4
Wednesday 10-4
Thursday 10-4
Friday 11-7pm
Saturday 10-6pm
Sunday 9-3

We also offer souvenir items like hats, tee’s, stickers, magnets, plushies and more...

For more information about our local area and current things to do for each season, be sure to check out our Blog page.

Question 12

Can we fish at Kern River’s Edge Campground?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  If you are a guest of Kern River’s Edge Campground Retreat and you have a fishing permit, we encourage you to fish from the banks of the Kern River at our campground.  You can also walk about 50 yards upriver from camp to The Curve where the river bends and makes a great fishing spot.  Read our  blog post guide "how to fish the Kern River".

For more information about our local area and current things to do for each season, be sure to check out our Blog page.

Question 13

Is there a Kern River dump station for my RV?

Accepted Answer

RV Dump Station
The closest and easiest to access RV Dump Station to Kern River's Edge Campground Retreat is located just under five miles south of Kernville, on Sierra Way.  Right up the street from our camp!  This facility is called "Camp 9" campground and is a primitive, Forest Service campground located at 8547 Sierra Way, Kernville CA 93238.

Drive down the long driveway into Camp 9, towards Lake Isabella, and the dump station is immediately on the left, across from the Camp Host site.  Use your credit card, dump and go.  It's easy!

Access to the Camp 9 facility is available daily, and year-round.

Mobile RV Dump Station
If you are looking for a mobile service such as a honey-wagon for RV pumping, call Rob @ General Plumbing.  Rob's phone number is 760-549-9890.  General Plumbing requires a 1-day notice to get you on their schedule and the fee is $50 per RV.   Please call during 9am-5pm business hours.

For more information about our local area and current things to do for each season, be sure to check out our Blog page.

Question 14

Is there an RV or Trailer repair business located nearby?

Accepted Answer

Bluebird RV, located in Lake Isabella can be reached by calling (760) 379-4754.
Bakersfield RV Center.

For more information about our local area and current things to do for each season, be sure to check out our Blog page.

Question 15

Fun things to do while camping at Kern River’s Edge Campground!

Accepted Answer

Beyond roasting s’mores and relaxing under the stars, our campground also has lots of fun activities.  Available at no extra cost, we have a volley ball court, shuffle board, frisbee golf pins, horseshoes, cornhole, and giant connect 4!  Simply provide your photo ID and ask our Camp Host when they are available for check out.

Browse our souvenir shop for a cool Kern River hat, t-shirt, magnet, sticker, drink or snack!

If you want something a little more adventurous, we can direct you to rafting, biking, climbing, lake kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and boat rentals for Lake Isabella.

Check out our pro-tips on other fun stuff to do in Kern River.

For more information about our local area and current things to do for each season, be sure to check out our Blog page.

Question 16

Is there a place to swim near Kern River’s Edge Campground?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  During low water season (after rafting season is over) at the North end of our campground, there is a secret trail leading to a swimming hole at Riverkern Beach called The Curve. Enjoy the sandy bank, beautiful wildlife, and brisk cool water!

We recommend that everyone, especially children, wear life jackets while swimming in the Kern.  Life jackets save lives!

The Curve swimming area is recommended for use only during low water season!

Stop by our Camp General Store for all last-minute river essentials like sunscreen, life jackets, towels or beverages and snacks.

For more information about our local area and current things to do for each season, be sure to check out our Blog page.

Question 17

Can I rent a trailer and have it delivered to your campground?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  If you prefer the convenience of having a Trailer or RV set up for you and waiting at your campsite, there are three local trailer rental businesses in our community to serve you.   Be sure to mention that KRE is a generator-friendly, dry camp.

Camping on the Kern  https://www.campingonthekern.com/

Kern River Vacation Trailers

Tim’s Trailers

What's the process when I rent a trailer and have it delivered to my camp site @ Kern River's Edge?

For more information about our local area and current things to do for each season, be sure to check out our Blog page.

Question 18

What fun things are there to do at Kern River?

Accepted Answer

We have compiled a list of super fun things for family and friends to do while camping at Kern River's Edge Campground Retreat in our blog post "11 really fun things to do at Kern River".

Check out our Blog resource page for seasonal Kern River Camping information.

Question 19

Where can I find WiFi at Kern River?

Accepted Answer

Some of our guests really appreciate unplugging and taking a mind and mental health break from work while vacationing.  Others require access to high-speed internet as an essential part of every day life, and we appreciate this.

Because of our campground's unique location in relation to towers, and trenching through granite boulders, we do not currently offer wifi for camping guests!  There are several Kernville options which allow you to be connected to work, family, and projects while camping with us.

1)  Kernville Co-Work:  Visitor membership required.  Use coupon code: kernriversedge to receive a special rate!

2)  Big Blue Bear:  Spend $5 in their coffee house and ask for the WiFi passcode.

3)  Something Sweeter:  Purchase a beverage or something yummy and they are happy to share their WiFi passcode with you.  Something Sweeter is located at 11117 Kernville Road, at the corner of Sirretta Street.

For more information about our local area and current things to do for each season, be sure to check out our Blog page.

Question 20

Does KRE allow tents on RV sites?

Accepted Answer

We do allow tents on our RV sites.  Our park has power and water sites only, no septic, and so we are able to allow tents on RV sites.

We also do not regulate how many tents, however at no time should your person count be greater than what is allowed in the site you reserved.  Our Standard sites allow up to six camping guests, while our Double sites accommodate up to twelve camping guests.

For more information about our local area and current things to do for each season, be sure to check out our Blog page.

Question 21

What amenities does Kern River's Edge offer camping guests?

Accepted Answer

Kern River’s Edge Campground Retreat has all your favorite camping amenities.  Our spacious, sparkling, quaint, privately owned park is situated along the banks of the Kern River, allowing you immediate river access for camping, RV'ing, fishing or whitewater rafting.  We are a high-desert park, located at about 2,700' elevation, with riverfront RV and tent camping options.

Site amenities include a limited number of RV power and water hook-ups,  campfire rings with cook-top grill lids, picnic tables, potable water spigots located throughout the park, and a nice shady pet run.

We are a pet-friendly park.

Park guests have use of on-site horseshoes, shuffleboard, volleyball and frisbee golf, plus giant Jenga and Connect 4, or you can simply relax in our shady Grove for a great day of relaxation or adventure on the Kern River.

We are known for our clean park and sparkling restrooms!  Thank you for being one of our Campers-who-Care and agreeing to use our park respectfully, picking up after yourself and your group, even the tiny bits of trash called micro-trash and always remembering to Leave No Trace, or Leave it Better than you Found it!

KRE is known for our top-rated concierge customer service which includes firewood and ice deliveries if requested, and  knowledgeable, helpful, friendly camp staff.

For more information about our local area and current things to do for each season, be sure to check out our Blog page.

TALK TO AN EXPERT: 760-376-6553

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need a camping reservation?

How do I make a reservation and what is your cancellation policy?

Do I need to check in or out at a certain time?

How many vehicles can I park at my campsite?

Are the campground showers coin operated?

Are campfires allowed @ KRE campsites?

Is KRE a pet-friendly park?

Can I bring my own BBQ? Can I use charcoal?

Where can I get firewood and ice for my campsite?

Can I bring my own firewood?

Can I purchase beer, wine and food at KRE's Camp Store?

Can we fish at Kern River’s Edge Campground?

Is there a Kern River dump station for my RV?

Is there an RV or Trailer repair business located nearby?

Fun things to do while camping at Kern River’s Edge Campground!

Is there a place to swim near Kern River’s Edge Campground?

Can I rent a trailer and have it delivered to your campground?

What fun things are there to do at Kern River?

Where can I find WiFi at Kern River?

Does KRE allow tents on RV sites?

What amenities does Kern River's Edge offer camping guests?

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