SoCal Camping & Rafting Introduce
SoCal Camping & Rafting, nestled at Mountain Hwy 99 box 90, Kernville, CA 93238, USA, presents a distinctive and highly-rated outdoor experience for those seeking adventure and relaxation in the heart of California's natural beauty. For individuals or groups searching for "Camping Near Me," SoCal Camping & Rafting stands out by offering more than just a typical campsite; it provides a unique blend of comfort, thrilling activities, and a welcoming atmosphere, as evidenced by glowing customer reviews. You can reach them at (760) 440-7722 or +1 760-440-7722 for inquiries and bookings.
SoCal Camping & Rafting boasts an exceptional location on the world-famous Kern River, positioned between Ewings Rapid and Kernville Bridge. This prime spot offers over 1,000 feet of private beach, providing direct access to the river for swimming, relaxing, and fishing. The environment is truly spectacular, situated in the majestic Sequoia National Forest, with 360-degree views of sky-scraping mountains, and even glimpses of Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States.
Kernville itself is a hidden gem in Southern California, a charming town that maintains a small-town feel while serving as a hub for outdoor adventure. The campground is conveniently located just a few steps from the heart of Kernville. This pedestrian-friendly proximity allows guests easy access to the quaint town's offerings, including casual restaurants, fine dining options, coffee shops, ice cream parlors, antique stores, parks, rodeo grounds, and various rafting companies. The natural surroundings are a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with the Kern River being renowned for fishing, tubing, kayaking, and white-water rafting. Beyond the river, the area is a short drive away from numerous hiking trails, some leading to natural granite water slides, natural pools, and waterfalls. Biking trails, high-country fishing, hot springs, and the magnificent Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Forest are also within easy reach, offering diverse opportunities for exploration and enjoyment. For those interested in lake sports, Lake Isabella, just a few miles down the road, provides options for boating, jet skiing, windsurfing, and lake fishing.
SoCal Camping & Rafting distinguishes itself by bridging the gap between the ruggedness of the outdoors and the comforts of home, often described as a "glamping" experience. The accommodations primarily consist of cabins and tents, which are consistently praised by guests for being "very clean and spacious." Reviews highlight that the "tents are clean and they provide everything that you need to feel comfortable enough." This focus on comfort means guests can expect furnished spaces with comfy mattresses, fresh linens, and towels, minimizing the need to pack extensive camping gear.
Key services and features available at SoCal Camping & Rafting include:
- Accommodations: Well-maintained and comfortable cabins and tents, some offering mountain views and private decks.
- Utilities: Every site is equipped with water and electric services, and many include sewer hookups, eliminating the need for generators.
- Sanitation Facilities: Guests consistently laud the cleanliness and quality of the restrooms and showers. They are described as "very clean and spacious" with "hot showers," some even featuring unique "rock ground" designs. Shared bathrooms are available, with some being detached.
- Connectivity: Free WiFi is available in both public areas and rooms (with a speed of 25+ Mbps), allowing guests to stay connected if needed.
- Private Beach Access: A significant feature is the private beach area along the Kern River, providing an exclusive space for swimming, relaxing, and fishing directly from the property.
- Community Amenities: The property offers various common areas, including a terrace or balcony for relaxation, a picnic area, BBQ/grill facilities, and outdoor furniture. There is also an air compressor station and a dump station for RV users.
- Hospitality and Staff: Customer reviews frequently praise the staff as "very hospitable," "caring, helpful, super friendly," and "very accommodating and kind." This level of personal service significantly enhances the guest experience.
- Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed on request and stay free, making it a welcoming destination for travelers with furry companions.
- Additional Conveniences: The camp provides a laundry room, beach showers, tour/ticket assistance, and a 24-hour front desk. Contactless check-in and check-out are also available.
As the name suggests, SoCal Camping & Rafting is a hub for outdoor adventure. Rafting on the Kern River is a primary draw, with various companies offering trips from mild Class II to thrilling Class IV and V rapids, suitable for all experience levels. The proximity to these rafting opportunities makes SoCal Camping an ideal base.
Beyond rafting, guests can engage in a wide array of activities directly on-site or nearby:
- Water Activities: Swimming and fishing on the private beach, tubing, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the Kern River.
- Hiking and Biking: On-site hiking/biking trails are available, with numerous scenic trails in the surrounding Sequoia National Forest, including routes to natural granite water slides and waterfalls. Bicycle rentals are also available on-site.
- Climbing: Rock climbing is available on-site.
- Winter Sports: The area is close to skiing, with cross-country skiing nearby.
- Other Recreation: Horse riding nearby, archery, and walking tours. The Kern River Valley also offers opportunities for high-country fishing and exploring hot springs.
The property prides itself on providing a family-friendly, clean, and fun stay, with year-round events such as "Halloweekend," "Spring Camp," and "Fall Fun" event weekends, which are kid-friendly and interactive. This emphasis on creating a lively and engaging atmosphere contributes to the "fun vibe" noted by guests.
SoCal Camping & Rafting promotes itself as a unique outdoor experience that blends the best of camping with the comforts of modern amenities. The recurring theme in reviews is the "unique, outdoor experience" and the desire to "repeat this amazing experience."
Key promotional messages include:
- "Upscale Outdoor Accommodations": Highlighting the comfort of furnished cabins and tents with clean linens and mattresses, making it accessible even for those new to camping or "glamping."
- Prime Riverfront Location: Emphasizing the private beach access and direct connection to the Kern River for various water sports.
- Abundance of Activities: Promoting the wide range of on-site and nearby outdoor adventures, from white-water rafting to hiking, fishing, and rock climbing.
- Exceptional Hospitality: Showcasing the friendly, accommodating, and caring staff who go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay.
- Family-Friendly Environment: Regular themed events and a welcoming atmosphere cater to families looking for memorable getaways.
- Convenience: The proximity to downtown Kernville allows guests to easily explore local dining and shopping without needing to drive extensively.
While specific pricing details may vary by season and accommodation type, the general appeal lies in offering a premium outdoor experience that combines adventure with comfort. For those searching for "Camping Near Me," SoCal Camping & Rafting offers a compelling option that goes beyond traditional tent camping, providing a more curated and comfortable outdoor adventure that appeals to a broad range of travelers from across the country, as evidenced by guests traveling "all the way from Florida."
To experience this highly-rated campground and all the adventures Kernville has to offer, prospective visitors are encouraged to contact SoCal Camping & Rafting directly at (760) 440-7722 or +1 760-440-7722 for reservations and more information on their unique offerings and seasonal events.
SoCal Camping & Rafting Photos










SoCal Camping & Rafting Location
SoCal Camping & Rafting
Mountain Hwy 99 box 90, Kernville, CA 93238, USA
SoCal Camping & RaftingMountain Hwy 99 box 90
Corral Creek CampgroundMountain Hwy 99
Lower Springhill CampgroundKernville
Upper Springhill CampgroundKernville
Gold Ledge CampgroundKernville
Ant Canyon CampgroundKern River Hwy
Hospital Flat CampgroundMountain Hwy 99
Chico Flat CampgroundMountain Hwy 99
Thunderbird Group CampgroundKernville
Camp Three Campground99 Mountain Hwy 99
Halfway CampgroundKernville
Chamise Flat CampgroundKernville
Headquarters CampgroundCalifornia 93238
SoCal Camping & Rafting Reviews
We traveled to SoCal Camp all the way from Florida. We loved the property and the staff was very hospitable. The vibe was so fun and made for such a unique experience. The cabins were very clean and spacious. The manager was very accommodating and kind. If you are looking for a unique, outdoor experience this is it!
Jan 09, 2025 · Paul WattThe most pleasant experience. My Wife and I went during fall transitioning to winter from oct 27 to oct 30. Staff is caring helpful super friendly. Tents are clean and they provide everything that you need to feel comfortable enough. We would definitely want to repeat this amazing experience next year.
Jan 09, 2025 · Jake SullivanCarrie was wonderful! She was kind and welcoming from the moment we arrived. She and Michelle were also quick to respond to our requests and help us with items we forgot to bring. An additional sweet moment was when Carrie gave my 3 year old a handmade bracelet made with her favorite color, purple. This was a special place that helped create some beautiful memories for our family.
May 30, 2024 · Jessica Taylor DiazI booked the private family campsite months in advance for June 2024 and paid full price of almost $1200 online at the time of reservation. When we arrive to check in we are asked by strangers at the campsite why we are there and they tell us they rented the entire campsite out for a wedding. We are completely shocked and show them the email confirmation with the reservation details and then go to find the managers office to try and get answers. I was told that they double booked the campsite, our name was showing in their system however they did not save any cabins for us. Carrie then told us the bride was upset and there was nothing she could do for us. She stated in person we would be refunded our money for their mistake. Later we get a call back from Ben saying they were able to talk to the bride and can move people around to find us tents and we can come back. We let them know we were already on the way back home and didn’t feel comfortable going back after the events that happened to please just continue with the refund. It has been almost 2 months and the company will not reply to calls / emails / or text messages, we still have not received a refund or any communication back.Do not bother with this shady company.I would not wish this type of stress and frustrations on anyone in the whole world.They stole $1200 from my family without providing any service.
Aug 01, 2024 · Allyson AndradeWe had such an incredible experience with this rafting company!! They are very great about taking secure, safety measures and ensuring that everyone has a good time! Our guide was Slim, and he was fantastic! We felt safe the entire time and truly enjoyed our two trips down the river! Slim was engaging, helpful, and just an overall great guy!! We were so pleased with our visit to Kern Valley, and this rafting expedition took it to the next level! If you are looking for a great rafting experience when you visit the area, this is the place you will want to go!!
Aug 22, 2019 · Krystal Strunc
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