John L. Whitehead Jr. Campground
4.6811 reviews4011 Grant Drive, Earlimart, CA 93219
John L. Whitehead Jr. Campground
$10.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$30.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees are $20 per night for standard campsites without RV hookups, $30 per night for sites with RV hookups. Discounts include $18 for seniors (62+) and $10 for disabled individuals displaying a State Parks Disabled Discount Pass.
About this campground
Discover a serene retreat at John L. Whitehead Jr. Campground, where modern comfort meets profound American history. Nestled within the inspiring Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, this thoughtfully designed campground welcomes both tent enthusiasts and RV adventurers with fully accessible facilities. Each site comes equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings under vast valley skies. Clean restrooms and refreshing showers ensure your comfort after days spent exploring this remarkable historic landmark, where the spirit of determination and dreams still whispers through the California breeze.
John L. Whitehead Jr. Campground accommodates tents, RVs, and accessible camping. It does not explicitly mention primitive camping or glamping.
Historical SignificanceStep into a living testament to the American Dream at this extraordinary site within Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. Here, the campground serves as your gateway to exploring the inspiring legacy of a town born from courage and vision in 1908. Founded by African Americans seeking to create their own destiny, Allensworth stood as a beacon of self-reliance, opportunity, and community strength. Today, visitors can walk the same grounds where pioneers built not just homes, but hope itself, creating a thriving community that challenged the limitations of their era.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal personality of California's heartland, where summer days blaze with intensity as temperatures soar past 100°F, creating shimmering heat waves across the golden landscape. As autumn arrives, the mercury drops and the first rains begin their gentle transformation of the valley floor. Winter brings a surprising gentleness, with mild days occasionally interrupted by crisp, freezing nights that dust the ground with frost. The rainy season, stretching from October through April, rejuvenates the land and fills the air with the sweet scent of rain on warm earth.
ElevationRest easy in the heart of California's Great Central Valley, where the campground's low elevation setting creates an accessible basecamp for explorers of all abilities. This valley floor location offers expansive views and easy terrain, making it perfect for leisurely walks and comfortable camping experiences.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the quintessential beauty of the San Joaquin Valley, where endless horizons meet dramatic skies in a landscape that captures the essence of California's agricultural heartland. The campground's position amid vast stretches of productive farmland offers unique opportunities to witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets painting the sky in brilliant hues. Keep your binoculars handy as this region serves as a vital corridor for migratory birds, while local wildlife adds constant interest to your camping experience. The flat, open terrain creates an almost prairie-like atmosphere where you can truly appreciate the scale and grandeur of California's great interior.
Geological RegionSet within the remarkable expanse of California's Great Central Valley, the campground occupies one of the world's most productive agricultural regions. This ancient seabed-turned-fertile-plain stretches as far as the eye can see, its rich soils telling a geological story millions of years in the making. The characteristic flat topography, punctuated by distant mountain ranges on the horizon, creates a unique camping environment where the drama lies not in rocky peaks but in the interplay of light, land, and sky. Summer's intense heat, often cresting 100°F, gives way to surprisingly varied winter weather, where mild days can suddenly turn frosty, reminding visitors of nature's constant presence even in this cultivated landscape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes ADA-accessible facilities, such as two designated accessible sites, accessible parking near the restroom, and generally accessible restrooms and showers.
Sites SizeThe size of the campsites accommodates RVs or tents, with standard dimensions mentioned, including pad lengths of 35 feet and site lengths of 40 feet.
Sites PrivacySites are described as open rather than secluded, with one user review mentioning, 'More for families. Very open.'
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor more privacy, shaded sites are preferable. Sites with RV hookups have additional amenities.
Best CampsitesSites #16 and #17 are noted for having RV hookups.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
No stated limit
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum 8 guests per site.
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes 15 sites, with a mix of tent and RV sites. Two sites (#16 and #17) provide RV hookups.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at ReserveCalifornia.com or via phone at 1-800-444-7275.
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are recommended but not necessary. Walk-up options are available.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be made online through Reserve California up to 48 hours before the intended stay. Cancellation policies depend on the platform.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is located within Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the historic African American town of Allensworth. Activities include guided tours, self-guided audio tours, and interactive augmented reality experiences. Wildlife viewing is noted by several reviewers.
Hiking
The park features hiking trails. However, specific details about difficulty levels or trail lengths are not provided.Biking
Bike trails are available within the park, supporting recreational biking activities.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a prominent feature, with user reviews highlighting the presence of birds, including Sandhill Cranes during winter migration. One user described it as a location with 'lots of wildlife.'Cultural and Educational Programs
The park offers extensive cultural and educational programs, including guided tours of historic structures and interactive augmented reality experiences. Visitors can engage with the history of Allensworth through interpretive panels and self-guided audio tours.Winter Activities
Wildlife viewing during winter migration is particularly highlighted, but specific winter sports or activities are not mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned in the source materials.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed in designated areas.
- Quiet hours are enforced during the night.
Hazards
General hazardsFreight trains pass nearby, which may disturb light sleepers. Mosquitos are reported as a nuisance in some reviews ('I was eaten alive by an invasion of mosquitos').
Active alertsNo active alerts reported as of the latest update.
Weather forecast
102
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 23%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are located in Delano, approximately 13 miles east of the park.
Good to know
Peak season datesSummer months may see higher visitor numbers due to events, but pricing remains consistent year-round.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are implied to be available, but specific details on recycling or pickup schedules are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresNo nearby lakes or rivers, but water for drinking and showers is available at the campground.
Common complaintsMosquitos and train noise are recurring issues mentioned in user reviews.
HostCamp hosts are on-site and noted as being very kind and helpful in user reviews.
Campground Map
4011 Grant Drive, Earlimart, CA 93219
Driving directionsFrom Hwy 99 near the town of Earlimart, take the Ave 56 Exit (Exit 65), then turn west toward Alpaugh and go 7.4 miles on County Rd J22 (W Sierra Av). At Hwy 43 (Central Valley Hwy) turn right (south) and proceed to the intersection of Palmer Av. Turn right and proceed to the Park entrance.
The park is accessible via paved roads but is located in a remote area approximately 30 miles north of Bakersfield. Roads are generally in good condition, but the campground is described as being in a relatively isolated and quiet area.Nearby places
Bakersfield (30 miles), Delano (approximately 13 miles east).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and firewood are available in Delano, approximately 13 miles east of the park.
Camper Reviews
4.7
11 reviews
John L. Whitehead Jr. Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the campground for its cleanliness, historical significance, and amenities like showers and flush toilets. Some reviewers highlighted the peaceful atmosphere, friendly staff, and wildlife viewing opportunities. However, trains nearby and mosquito issues were noted as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviews highlighted the campground's cleanliness ('Very clean and family-friendly'), its historical significance ('Located in an interesting historical site'), and the availability of clean showers...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include the presence of mosquitoes ('Worst campground ever. In the middle of nowhere I was eaten alive by an invasion of mosquitos'), and noise from nearby trains ('The only downside is...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Suggestions include bringing mosquito repellent due to reported mosquito invasions and selecting shady spots for comfort.
Based on 11 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter is noted as a good time for wildlife viewing, particularly for migratory birds like Sandhill Cranes. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F, suggesting visitors should come prepared with water,...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Pretty cheap for camping, $20.00 free bathrooms and showers and the spot I picked is shady.'
2. 'This campground is beautiful and we have stayed here dozens of times. Flush toilets, showers and a...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsites are not rated individually in user reviews.
Based on 11 reviewsAccessibility Features
Users noted the ADA-accessible facilities, with one describing the accessible parking and restrooms as convenient.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at the campground, but user reviews did not specifically address pet-related facilities or features.
Based on 11 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025