Halfway Group Campground
Open — Open year-round with reservations available through Recreation.gov. Fire restrictions are currently in effect prohibiting campfires; portable stoves with shut-off valves are allowed with a California Campfire permit. No drinking water available on-site.
Western Divide and Kern River Ranger Districts Winter Road Closures
To provide for public safety and protect natural resources, using any type of motorized wheeled vehicle on the National Forest System roads the Exhibit and attached map, except persons using a tracked over-the-snow vehicle when there is a minimum of twelve inches of snow on the road.
Hume Lake Ranger District Road Closure Except ATV/OHV and Tracked Vehicles - 2025
To provide public safety and protect natural resources, using any type of motorized wheeled vehicle on the National Forest System roads listed below and shown on the attached map (Exhibit A) is prohibited.
Hume Lake Ranger District Road Closure Except Tracked Vehicles - 2025
To provide public safety and protect natural resources, the following act is prohibited within the Hume Lake
Hume Lake Ranger District Winter Roads Closure - No Exceptions - 2025
To provide public safety and protect natural resources, using any type of motorized wheeled vehicle on the National Forest System roads listed below and shown on the attached map (Exhibit A) is prohibited.
Wildlife Alert - BEARS
Be Bear Aware During Your Visit.Are you prepared to store your food properly on your next camping or backpacking trip?Much of the Sequoia National Forest is American black bear habitat. They belong here.
Sequoia National Forest Camping and Parking Restrictions
The following acts are prohibited within the Sequoia National Forest. 1. Camping for more than 14 consecutive days within any 30-day period anywhere on National Forest System lands within the Sequoia National Forest. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(a).
Day Use Only Prohibition FOREST ORDER NO. 0513-25-04
The following is prohibited within the Sequoia National ForestBeing in an area designated as Day Use Only after sunset or before sunrise.
Kings River Scenic Byway Dispersed Camping Prohibition 2025
To protect natural resources, camping within 250 feet of the Kings River Scenic Byway (State Highway 180) from its intersection with Tenmile Road (Forest Road No. 13S09) and continuing east approximately 21.1 miles to the Sequoia National Forest boundary. See map.
Kern River Ranger District Glass Container Prohibition
The following act is Prohibited within the Kern River Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest: Possessing or storing food or beverages in glass containers in the Kern Canyon and Isabella Lake Glass Container Prohibition Areas, as described in Exhibit A, and shown on Exhibits B, C, and D.
North Fork Kern Wild and Scenic River Camping Prohibition
Camping is prohibited outside of the developed campgrounds and designated dispersed camping areas listed in the Exhibit and locations shown on the map.
Brush Creek Dispersed Camping Area Prohibition
Camping is prohibited within 50 feet of the Brush Creek water’s edge, between the intersection of Brush Creek with the Kern River and points 0.5 miles east of the Kern River along both branches of Brush Cree
Chico Flat Dispersed Camping Area Prohibition
Kern River Ranger DistrictChico Flat Dispersed Camping Area Prohibition
About
Halfway Group Campground is situated along the Kern Wild and Scenic River in Sequoia National Forest, 4.5 miles north of the town of Kernville. At 3,200 feet elevation, the campground occupies an open area with limited shade overlooking the river. Gray pine, scrub oak, grasses and shrubs cling to steep canyon walls, while cottonwoods and willows dot the riverbanks. The campground offers five group sites exclusively for tent camping. Each site includes picnic tables and campfire rings. Portable toilets are provided, but there is no drinking water available on-site. The tent-only restriction means no RVs are permitted. Due to the limited shade, bringing portable shade shelters is recommended. The Upper Kern River area is popular for hiking, fishing, kayaking, and rafting. The Cannell Meadow National Recreation Trail begins just north of Kernville and stretches 11.5 miles through mixed pine and fir forest to Cannell Meadow and a historic Forest Service cabin. Swimming in the river is not recommended due to strong currents. Fire restrictions are periodically in effect; portable stoves with shut-off valves using pressurized gas or propane are allowed with a valid California Campfire permit.
Directions
From Bakersfield, take Highway 178 east to Lake Isabella. From Lake Isabella, take Highway 155 around the west side of the lake to Kernville. From Kernville, go 4.5 miles north on Sierra Way (Mountain 99) to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $240 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| sschmidt@goexplorus.com | |
| Phone | +1 (760) 379-1815 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
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