Thunderbird Group Campground
Open for the season from May through September. Reservations available via Recreation.gov. No potable water available; campers must bring their own. Campfire permits required. Swimming not recommended due to strong currents.
Lake Wind Advisory issued June 30 at 5:17PM PDT until June 30 at 10:00PM PDT by NWS Hanford CA
* WHAT...West winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * WHERE...Kern River Valley, including Lake Isabella. * WHEN...Until 10 PM PDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Strong winds and rough waves on area lakes will create hazardous conditions for small craft.
National Forest System Roads
Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
About
Thunderbird Group Campground is located along the Upper Kern Wild and Scenic River in Sequoia National Forest, approximately 6.5 miles north of Kernville. At 3,200 feet elevation, the campground occupies an open area with limited shade, surrounded by gray pine, scrub oak, and canyon walls, with cottonwoods and willows along the riverbanks. The campground offers three group sites: Group Site 1 accommodates up to 30 people at $139/night, while Group Sites 2 and 3 each hold up to 12 people at $60/night. All sites are tent-only with no RVs permitted. Maximum vehicle length is 20 feet with up to 5 vehicles allowed per site. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Porta potties are provided but no potable water is available. The Upper Kern River is renowned for whitewater rafting and kayaking. Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents. The Cannell Meadow National Recreation Trail begins nearby, stretching 11.5 miles to Cannell Meadow and a historic Forest Service cabin. Campfire permits are required and fires must be at least 25 feet from the water's edge.
Directions
From Bakersfield, take Highway 178 east to Lake Isabella. From Lake Isabella, take Highway 155 around the west side of the lake to the town of Kernville. From Kernville, go 6.5 miles north on Sierra Way (Mountain 99) to the campground.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $60 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (760) 376-3781 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
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