River, stream, or creek camping near Bakersfield

Stop to check out the museums in this sunny gateway to the Sequoia National Forest.

96% (478 reviews)
96% (478 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Bakersfield

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Bakersfield

87%
(23)

Bare All Retreat

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents138 acres · Caliente, CA
Welcome to our 138-acre ranch and farm, nestled amidst the stunning natural beauty of our mountainous landscape. With a creek running through the front and steep mountains in the rear, our property offers a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Explore the many old gold miners trails that crisscross our land, now perfect for horseback riding and OHV adventures. Our working ranch and farm provide a glimpse into traditional agricultural practices, with opportunities to observe and participate in farm activities. Keep an eye out for free-range cattle roaming the area, adding to the rustic charm of our mountainous terrain. Discover hidden valleys with seasonal waterfalls and year-round springs, offering peaceful retreats and refreshing natural beauty. Whether you're seeking adventure on the trails, relaxation by the creek, or a glimpse into rural life on the farm, our 138-acre property has something for everyone to enjoy amidst the serene beauty of nature.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$8
 / night
100%
(35)

Wandering Star Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent15 acres · Weldon, CA
Learn more about this land: A large private dispersed group camp- Entire property (all sites) included in rental. 7 night maximum.  Longer possible with discussion. 15 acres yours to enjoy. Take your jeep or ATVs through our gates straight into the BrightStar BLM Wilderness which abuts the property on two sides.  Beginners can ride the extensive trails on the property itself. Play your music, dance naked, let your dogs run free... Enjoy the fantastic star gazing. Visit the primitive firing range a two minute walk away or by jeep, or plink varmints on site. Hiking, Biking.  Nearby fishing, swimming, boating in the Kern River or Lake . The Brightstar wilderness extends to Jawbone canyon. Situated on the back side of the lake, this site provides more sunlight time than many other sites around the lake.  In some cases close to 2 hours. Close to the lake at Mt. Mesa, boat launch, South fork Audubon nature preserve, restaurants, and scenic back road to Kernville. Verizon has good service  Gas/Diesel and Market with Deli 5 minutes away. (Ice, wood, adult beverages, fishing tackle, full grocery)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$75
 / night
83%
(20)

Underworld Farms

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Kernville, CA
Underworld Farms is a small goat ranch in the Kern River Valley. Surrounded by forestry land, on the Kern River, and on top of what used to be the old town of Whiskey Flat (Later re-named Kernville). There is no end to the beauty, history and adventure all around the property. Life took us to the Kern River Valley after moving out of Los Angeles. We enjoy living in the Southern Sierras immersed in all its natural beauty. The small but magnificent town of Kernville is approximately two and a half miles north of us. Our livestock includes horses, dairy goats, sheep, and rabbits: Most of which are raised and bred as our son's 4H or FFA projects. You may be wondering why our farm is called "Underworld Farms". In a nutshell, since our ranch is on the footprint of the historic town of Whiskey Flat, we just happen to be south of the old Whiskey Flat "Boot Hill" Cemetery. Our "driveway" is the road that led from the old town of Kernville to the cemetery. We hope that you consider parking your RV, van conversion, or trailer on one of our customized spots on the property. Or drive your vehicle and pitch a tent on one of our tent friendly sports. Or enjoy a stay in one of our small cabins. Regardless of what you stay in, you will definitely have a memorable time. The campground is VERY barebones and rural. Critters, bugs, and sometimes fellow Hipcampers can be sparce or prevalent pretty randomly. Because Underworld Farms is a working ranch, you will probably hear livestock noises like horses neighing, sheep and goats calling, and our protector dogs barking from time to time. We encourage you to walk over to the horses and goats and meet them. They especially like when you bring them carrots or apple pieces. The ranch has a double outhouse with a hand washing station sandwiched in between, it is rustic and bare bones. We check it to see if it has paper products, soap, water, and plenty of room in the trash bins. During the hotter months, the "daddy longleg" spiders enjoy infiltrating the outhouses and seem to spin new webs overnight. But they and their webs are harmless and easy to brush off. We ask for your assistance if there is something missing, or the trash needs taking out, or if the spiders have taken over again by getting ahold of us through the Hipcamp App and letting us know. With all that being said, there is an ambient beauty here that is unbelievable and memorable. This beauty and draw is so powerful that it causes the many people who come visit to make arrangements to live in our little valley. There is much to do in and around our valley that you couldn't do it all in a lifetime. We hope that you come and stay at the ranch while enjoying our valley. May you have a great time. *** THE PIN MAP ON HIPCAMP IS NOT 100% ACCURATE. PLEASE REFFER TO THE MAP OF THE PROPERTY IN THE PHOTOS
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$24
 / night
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

River, stream, or creek camping near Bakersfield guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a riverside camping experience near Bakersfield, California, you're in luck. We have over 530 options available just for you. Whether you prefer pitching your tent by the river or parking your RV with a stunning river view, we've got you covered. Our top campsites in the area include River Ridge Ranch (348 reviews), Frog Hollow Homestead (239 reviews), and Spirit Walk - Private Retreat (202 reviews). With amenities like trash disposal, showers, and toilets, you can enjoy your camping trip with convenience. And if you're in the mood for some outdoor activities, you can go biking, try wind sports, or even catch some waves while surfing. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience near Bakersfield, California.

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