Headquarters Campground

We reserved a Yurt. It was fabulous not having to set up our tents. It had 3 beds in it. If you want a fire you need a fire permit. Fortunately it was too hot for a fire. It was very sandy due to the river flooding sometime back. There's a nearby beach that you can walk to. However it was hot.

We had site 7. At first, I was very worried because the site looked small and right next to the restrooms. Aft3r reading past reviews, some reported odor coming from the restrooms and how it gets loud. We did not experience such a thing. We have seen the camp host replace and take care of the restrooms multiple times. Some said the site was small. We had two tents. One 10 person and another 3 person tent. They both fit under shade. Very spacious site although it's quite right next to site 8. And lucky us, they had a toddler who cried at night time and adults who got there quite late after quiet time. Set up, late dinner and late chat that didn't end until past 12! We heard their every convo so we're pretty sure they also heard us. Since we're not riverfront, we decided to just go find another spot down river. It wasn't busy this weekend so finding one wasn't an issue at all.

Headquarters is where our friends come to camp and have fun before and after river rafting. We have many a story about this great locale. Some can be told and others..."What Happens at the River, Stays at the River!".i'm sure that we coined the phrase before Vegas did. (wink wink)The river was icy cold yet spectacular. I was mesmerized by the sound of the river surging. If we would have put in our raft at Headquarters, we would have hit tequila Chute. We only wanted to do that if another raft was around.We drove down a bit and hit Kernville/Powerhouse Run (Class II-III): The Powerhouse run is the classic beginner run on the Upper Kern. Ewings, Powerhouse, and Big Daddy Rapids will either be a fun challenge or put the fear of God into beginner paddlers. Boaters often choose to run this short 2 mile section several times in a day. The water was icy cold. There are stores nearby if your husband forgot the rum and if you run out of ice. We had 3 sites together. I was in site 21 across from the river. Near river, bear boxes, restrooms and trees are aplenty. The fire-pits all still have their grates. Headquarters is our place. We love it.(http://www.californiawhitewater.com/rivers/upper-kern/whitewater/)

I've stayed at a ton of sites and campgrounds up and down the Kern. All of them were operated by the US Forest Service. They're all no frills, super basic sites with pit toilets. If you want amenities go stay at one of the privately operated campgrounds in Kernville for three times the price.I'm giving this site 4 stars because although it's super basic, it's right next to the Kern which is majestic and worth 3 stars alone.

This place is so beautiful, no signal which is awesome for the kids to get away from all the technology and enjoy the outdoors. The river is amazing depending what month you go. During the month of July its the best for the river the downside of it who hate the heat thats when its the most hot.

Had a great weekend with the kids at this campground. We were able to score a site on a first come first serve basis.. We stayed on site 32 , our site was right beside a stream/kern river and we enjoyed our experience very much. The host, Ken was very friendly. Overall a wonderful experience, would love to come back again!

Ken Wadkins. (10 Stars)You are the man!!!I believe this man only gets 2.hours of sleep a day he's here early in the morning late at night driving around making sure everyone is safe letting us know what's going on he's never too busy to answer any questions or inquiries my wife's family's been coming here for over 30 years and I can see why.Beautiful landscape, river, clean atmosphere including the handicap bathroom.Great time with family and friends we'll see you next year.Fisher & Martinez Families.

Stayed this recently for two nights and three days. The lady that drives around on her cart and or walks around with her dog ruined our families first camping trip. She comes to complain about a bathroom that is used by many people way too early in the morning.Very dissatisfied with her hospitality and will not be camping here again, nor recommending this place to any one.

One of the best coronations that we've had not clean a very friendly accommodating you just have to be patient because there are a lot of people but when they get to you, they ask you all the correct questions regarding children my children accommodations thank you

There's no showers; and the toilets were disgusting. There was sh!t on the walls. There was zero blue liquid in the pits. They clearly weren't being maintained. I've always believed in supporting the parks. We buy the inter-agency pass every year. The least they could do is keep a clean toilet. I think we'll try the private campgrounds next time.