Thunderbird Group Campground
Thunderbird Group Campground is situated along the Kern River, 6.5 miles north of the town of Kernville. Hiking, fishing, kayaking and rafting are popular activities.
The campground offers three group sites. Picnic tables and campfire rings are provided, as are portable toilets. There is no drinking water available at this facility.
Notifications and Alerts
Sequioa National Forest Christmas Tree Permits (exchanged for pre-cut trees) available starting November 14th, 2024 at the Hume Lake Ranger District Office - call (559) 338-2251 for more information.
Sequioa National Forest Christmas Tree Cutting Permits available starting November 25th, 2024, 9am PST on recreation.gov for the Kern River Ranger District - call (760) 376-3781 for more information.
Sequioa National Forest Christmas Tree Permits (exchanged for pre-cut trees) available starting December 2nd, 2024 at the Western Divide Ranger District Office - call (559) 539-2607 for more information.
Need to Know
No hookups and no water
- Porta Potties only
- Swimming in the river is not recommended due to strong currents
- No off-road vehicle use allowed in the campground
- Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Kern River Ranger District (760) 376-3781.
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Natural Features
The campground sits within Sequoia National Forest at an elevation of 3,200 feet in an open area with limited shade, overlooking the Kern Wild and Scenic River. Gray pine, scrub oak, grasses and shrubs cling to steep, canyon walls along the river, and cottonwoods and willows dot the riverbanks.
Sequoia National Forest, located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada in central California, is named for 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. 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.
Nearby Attractions
The Cannell Meadow National Recreation Trail begins just north of Kernville. The trail stretches 11.5 miles as it climbs through mixed pine and fir forest to Cannell Meadow and a historic Forest Service cabin built between 1904 and 1909. Hikers are awarded beautiful views of the Kern River Valley along the trip.
Recreation
Hiking, fishing, kayaking and rafting are popular activities in the Upper Kern River area.Click here to learn more about the area, including safety and permitting requirements and a listing of local outfitters.
Contact Information
Mailing
PO BOX 1640 KERNVILLE California 93238
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 760-376-1815
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Bakersfield, 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 6.5 miles north on Sierra Way (Mountain 99) to the campground.
Available Campsites
- Site Group 2, Loop THUNDERBIRD GROUP CAMPGROUND, Type Group Standard Area Nonelectric
- Site Group 3, Loop THUNDERBIRD GROUP CAMPGROUND, Type Group Standard Area Nonelectric
- Site Group 1, Loop THUNDERBIRD GROUP CAMPGROUND, Type Group Standard Area Nonelectric
