Goldledge sits 10 miles north of Kernville along the Kern Wild and Scenic River at 3,200 feet elevation. The open setting provides direct river access for paddling and fishing, though limited shade means hot afternoons in warmer months. Best for groups prioritizing water activities over campsite comfort.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Developed
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 37
- 💵Fee per Night
- $36
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 📍GPS
- 35.87390, -118.45650
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- spring, fall
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
- 📞Phone
- 760-376-1815
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
The 37 sites spread across an open area overlooking the Kern River, with some designated as walk-to tent camping only. Limited shade comes from scattered gray pine and scrub oak clinging to the canyon walls, while cottonwoods and willows line the riverbanks below. Each site includes a picnic table and campfire ring.
The exposed setting means full sun most of the day — a blessing for river views, less so during summer heat. The campground's position along the Wild and Scenic River corridor puts you right where the action is for water sports, but expect minimal privacy between sites.
What to Know
Reservations are required for the $36 nightly fee. The open season runs spring through fall, though the exposed location makes shoulder seasons more comfortable than peak summer. Vault toilets and drinking water handle the basics.
The Kern River here draws serious whitewater enthusiasts — kayaking and rafting outfitters operate in the area, and the Forest Service provides safety and permitting information for those running their own trips. Fishing pressure stays steady throughout the season.
Nearby
The Cannell Meadow National Recreation Trail starts just north of Kernville, climbing 11.5 miles through mixed pine and fir forest to reach a historic Forest Service cabin built between 1904 and 1909. The trail rewards hikers with views back down into the Kern River Valley.
Day trips to Sequoia National Park and Giant Sequoia National Monument put you within reach of the big trees, though expect a drive. The immediate area keeps most visitors busy with river activities and the steep canyon terrain that defines this section of the southern Sierra Nevada.