Limestone Campground
Limestone Campground sits in an area dotted with oak and gray pine along the Upper Kern River, a designated Wild and Scenic River, at an elevation of 3,500 feet.
The campground, located 16 miles north of Kernville, has 19 paved sites. Picnic areas, vault toilets are provided.
This facility is operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company, a division of ExplorUS and comments are welcome; comment forms are available from campground hosts.
Need to Know
- Swimming in the river is not recommended due to strong currents
- Campground is small, not suitable for trailers and motorhomes
- Must camp in defined camping area
- Electric hookups and water not available
- Off-road vehicles are not permitted in the campground
- Click here for more info about the Sequoia National Forest
- 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.
There is an extra vehicle fee of $8.00/night on the 2nd vehicle in each single campsite and on the 3rd & 4th vehicle in any double campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to the 1st vehicle by a hitch and towed onto the site. In the case of motorcycles, the 1st and 2nd are considered to be one vehicle and the 3rd and 4th are also considered to be one vehicle. So the fee would be a single $8.00/night of stay for the 3rd/4th motorcycle.
Natural Features
The Sequoia National Forest, located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada in central California, takes its name from 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, and 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.
At various points along the river, gray pines, scrub oaks, grass and dry climate shrubs cling to steep canyon walls, while cottonwoods and willows line the water's edge.
Nearby Attractions
The campground provides a good base for day trips to the Sequoia National Park Trail of 100 Giants.
The Giant Sequoia Mercantile offers a wide variety of books, maps, gifts, local art, camping supplies and other merchandise.
Recreation
Whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Upper Kern River are popular activities.
To learn more about the Upper Kern River, including safety and permitting requirements and a listing of local outfitters, visit the Sequoia National Forest’s overview of the area.
Contact Information
Mailing
PO BOX 1640 KERNVILLEя 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
Off of Highway 99 in Bakersfield, California, 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 north on Sierra Way/Mountain 99 for 16 miles to the campground.
Available Campsites
- Site 005, Loop LIMESTONE CAMPGROUND, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop LIMESTONE CAMPGROUND, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop LIMESTONE CAMPGROUND, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 016, Loop LIMESTONE CAMPGROUND, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop LIMESTONE CAMPGROUND, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop LIMESTONE CAMPGROUND, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop LIMESTONE CAMPGROUND, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop LIMESTONE CAMPGROUND, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 019, Loop LIMESTONE CAMPGROUND, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 018, Loop LIMESTONE CAMPGROUND, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop LIMESTONE CAMPGROUND, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 017, Loop LIMESTONE CAMPGROUND, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop LIMESTONE CAMPGROUND, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop LIMESTONE CAMPGROUND, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop LIMESTONE CAMPGROUND, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop LIMESTONE CAMPGROUND, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop LIMESTONE CAMPGROUND, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop LIMESTONE CAMPGROUND, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop LIMESTONE CAMPGROUND, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
