John L. Whitehead Jr. Campground

Open — Open year-round for camping. Reservations available through ReserveCalifornia at least 48 hours in advance, or first-come, first-served. Showers operate 6:30am-4:30pm daily.

About

John L. Whitehead Jr. Campground is situated within Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, the only California town to be founded, financed and governed by African Americans. The small campground offers 15 year-round campsites that accommodate both tents and RVs, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Two additional sites (16 and 17) feature full RV hookups. The campground provides flush toilets, showers, and a dump station. The park preserves the historic town of Allensworth, founded in 1908 by Lieutenant Colonel Allen Allensworth and Professor William Payne as an independent, self-sufficient African American colony. Visitors can explore restored and reconstructed buildings including the Allensworth School, First Baptist Church, Mary Dickinson Memorial Library, and historic homes. The visitor center offers exhibits, self-guided tours, and augmented reality experiences. The park hosts annual events including Black History Month, Juneteenth, and the October Rededication celebration. Located about 30 miles north of Bakersfield in the southern San Joaquin Valley, the area experiences hot summers regularly exceeding 100°F and mild winters.

Directions

From Highway 99 near Earlimart, take the Avenue 56 Exit (Exit 65), turn west toward Alpaugh and go 7.4 miles on County Road J22. At Highway 43 turn right and proceed to Palmer Avenue. Turn right and proceed to the park entrance.

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