Headquarters Campground: A Hidden Gem on the Kern River

Headquarters Campground: A Hidden Gem on the Kern River

Underpine Outdoors Field Report

Overview

Tucked into the southern edge of Sequoia National Forest, right on the banks of the Kern River, lies a small and often overlooked treasure: Headquarters Campground. With its mix of rustic riverside charm, proximity to great food and hikes, and unbeatable access to the cool, clear Kern River—this place might just be our favorite summer escape in the Sierra foothills.

Whether you're seeking lazy days in the river, morning hikes through giant sequoias, or post-swim burgers and beers, Headquarters Campground delivers the perfect basecamp.

Where Is Headquarters Campground?

Headquarters Campground sits just off Mountain Highway 99 in the southern section of Sequoia National Forest, about 15 minutes north of Kernville, CA. It's about a 3.5-hour drive from Los Angeles or 5.5 hours from San Diego, making it a great weekend getaway from Southern California.

This campground is perched right on the Upper Kern River, a wide and clean stretch of flowing water bordered by boulders, cottonwoods, and perfect sandy spots for sunbathing or dipping your toes.

How to Book (and Why Site #23 is the Best)

Booking is handled through Recreation.gov. Just search for "Headquarters Campground – Sequoia National Forest". This is a popular site in high season (June–August), so be sure to book 1–2 months in advance.

Pro Tip: Book Site #23 if you can.
It’s the crown jewel of the campground. Located right on the river with no neighbors behind you, Site 23 has a private sandy riverbank—perfect for lounging, tubing, and even swimming. It's shaded, secluded, and comes with that hard-to-find riverside tranquility that makes it feel like your own secret spot.

What Makes Headquarters So Special?

River Life All Day

In June, the Kern is at its peak. Warm days and snowmelt-fed flows make the river absolutely perfect. Here's how to spend your day:

  • Early morning: Hike (beat the heat!)
  • Late morning to sunset: Swimsuits on, tubes in the water, a cold drink in hand
    • Bring inflatable tubes and ropes to tie off to trees. The current is gentle and swimmable right in front of Site 23.

And somehow… it’s never crowded. Even on weekends, you’ll find solitude and space.

Nearby Towns, Food & Drinks

Just south on Highway 99, about 10–15 minutes away, you’ll find a charming, low-key mountain town with plenty of post-hike or post-swim treats:

  • Walkable from camp:
    • A deli and general store (snacks, drinks, ice, basics)
  • About 20 minutes up the road:
    • McNally’s Burger Stand – Classic riverside grub
    • Cafe at McNally’s – Coffee and breakfast
  • In Kernville (~15 min south):
    • Kern River Brewing Company – Excellent beer and hearty food
    • A few local restaurants and bars with mountain vibes

This combo of easy camping + great eats makes Headquarters the kind of place where you don’t need to overpack or overplan.

Day Trips & Hikes Nearby

You're also perfectly positioned for some great Sierra exploring. Here’s what’s nearby:

Must-See: Trail of 100 Giants

  • Distance: ~1 hour north
  • Highlights: A stunning loop through a grove of massive sequoias, many over 1,500 years old. Fully accessible and easy to walk.

Local Hikes (All Within 30–60 Minutes):

  • Peppermint Falls – A short hike to a unique granite waterslide and pool
  • The Cave Trail – A lesser-known, short but steep hike to a granite cave overlook
  • Freeman Creek Trail – Longer and quieter, winds through giant sequoias and high country terrain
  • Dry Meadow Creek Waterfall – A scenic spot with granite slabs and flowing cascades

These trails offer variety—waterfalls, caves, forests, and river views—perfect for breaking up your river days with some adventure.

Bonus Spot: [Coming Soon – Expandable Section]

About 20–30 minutes north of Headquarters Campground is a peaceful stretch of Highway 99 with pull-off river access, picnic areas, and more hidden trails. This area is less trafficked and perfect for an afternoon exploration or riverside lunch. (Let me know if you'd like to expand this section later!)

Final Thoughts

Headquarters Campground is everything we look for in a summer camping trip—seclusion, swimmable river access, adventure nearby, and a few creature comforts just down the road. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, soak up the scenery, and leave your phone in the car.

Book early, pack your tubes, and claim Site 23 if you can.
Because once you experience the magic of the Kern River here, you’ll want to come back every summer.

Underpine Outdoors – Field-tested, dirt-earned, always real.

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