1.34

River Mileage

L

River Left

About Headquarters Campground

Headquarters Campground is approximately 4 miles north of Kernville. Being only a 7 minute drive from Kernville, Headquarters Campground is an easy commute to the grocery store, gas stations, restaurants and rafting outfitters. Site types at this campground include RV nonelectric, tent sites and yurt sites.

Some of the sites overlook the Kern River and are shaded by oak and juniper trees. You can even watch boats pass by on the water. Other campsites in this campground have less shade but more space. Headquarters Campground is open year round. At this campground, picnic tables and campfire rings are provided as well as drinking water and vault toilets. Sites at this campground are nonelectric and do not offer showers.

Swimming is not recommended at this campground as the water current can be very strong.

Headquarters Campground for rafting

From the flooding in March, 2023, some campsites had enhanced river access, meaning if you were to book them you would have good access for launching or taking out directly from your campsite. These included sites number 20, 23 and 25. This location puts you below Tombstone Rapid and above Buzzards.