Breckenridge Campground
4.5012 reviews11380 Kernville Road, Kernville, CA 93238
Breckenridge Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Breckenridge Campground is free of charge. No fees are required for camping.
About this campground
Escape to Breckenridge Campground, where the simplicity of rustic camping meets the raw beauty of California's wilderness. This back-to-basics retreat strips away modern distractions, inviting you to reconnect with nature among wildflower meadows and towering forest groves. While trailers won't navigate these intimate forest roads and you'll need to bring your own water, the reward is an authentic camping experience where the soundtrack is birdsong and rustling leaves, not generators and traffic.
The campground provides primitive camping options with minimal facilities. It is not suitable for trailers and RVs due to its rugged and narrow access.
Historical SignificanceWhile Breckenridge Campground may not boast historic landmarks or ancient artifacts, its significance lies in preserving the timeless tradition of simple wilderness camping. Here, generations of families have created their own histories around campfires, teaching children to identify constellations and passing down stories of outdoor adventure.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Breckenridge with its own unique palette. Summer arrives with crisp, cool days under azure skies, offering relief from valley heat while keeping pesky bugs at bay. Spring's melting snow breathes life into babbling streams that dance through camp until their late August farewell. Autumn wraps the forest in a cooler embrace, perfect for cozy campfire evenings, while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland for the most adventurous souls.
ElevationPerched at 6,600 feet above sea level, Breckenridge Campground offers a natural air conditioning system that provides welcome relief from summer's heat. This mountain elevation creates a unique microclimate where afternoon temperatures stay refreshingly cool, morning mists dance through the trees, and the thin, clean air seems to make stars shine just a little bit brighter.
Natural Features and SceneryNature showcases her artistry throughout Breckenridge's landscape, where sun-dappled meadows bloom with seasonal wildflowers before giving way to cathedral-like forests. The star attraction emerges after snowmelt: a melodious creek that transforms the campground into a wildlife viewing paradise. Patient campers who sit quietly along its banks are often rewarded with glimpses of deer coming to drink, birds bathing in the shallows, and the occasional curious raccoon investigating the water's edge.
Geological RegionNestled within the majestic Sequoia National Forest, Breckenridge Campground sits in a geological wonderland carved by ancient glaciers and volcanic activity. At 6,600 feet, this mountain sanctuary showcases the Sierra Nevada's diverse ecosystems, from verdant meadows that capture snowmelt in natural bowls to dense coniferous forests that have stood sentinel for centuries. The seasonal streams carve gentle channels through granite bedrock, creating a living testament to the powerful forces that shaped this dramatic landscape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific details about accessibility features were provided.
Sites SizeCampsites are spacious enough for tents and possibly small camp trailers, as noted by reviews.
Sites PrivacySites are described as quiet and secluded in user reviews, adding to the rustic charm of the campground.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest camping near the creek for a more serene experience and opportunities to observe wildlife.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites are highlighted as best in the provided information.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Not specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not specified.
Groups
No group camping sites or details provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are dispersed and rustic. Specific layouts or loop details are not mentioned.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May to November.
Reservation PlatformsNot reservable. First-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground operates free of charge, and campsites are not reservable.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Breckenridge Campground offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking and hunting. Its remote location enhances opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Hiking
There are plenty of trails for day hikes and exploration. User reviews highlight the beautiful scenery and the chance to explore the forested surroundings.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife, such as foxes and other forest creatures, can be observed. A creek provides a drinking spot for animals, enhancing the viewing experience. User reviews strongly emphasize this aspect.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, but access is likely limited in winter months due to seasonal closures.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports activities, such as kayaking or paddleboarding, are available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires, barbecues, and camp stoves require a permit, which can be obtained from local ranger stations or online.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsCampers should prepare for wildlife encounters. Kimberly Dobbs mentioned critters, such as raccoons and foxes, attempting to access food supplies. Bears may also be present. Lack of potable water necessitates bringing or filtering water.
Active alertsNo active alerts or warnings are mentioned in the source materials.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
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
Kern River Ranger District - Kernville Office at 11380 Kernville Road, Kernville, CA 93238. Phone: 760-376-3781. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (closed on federal holidays).
Good to know
Peak season datesNot specified.
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are available. Visitors must pack out all trash they generate.
Proximity to water featuresThe area includes a seasonal creek that flows after snowmelt, drying up by mid to late August. The creek is a primary water source for local wildlife.
Common complaintsComplaints include noise from large groups and lack of potable water. Lindsay Gutierrez provided a negative review about noisy campers using karaoke until 3 AM.
HostNo campground host information is provided.
Campground Map
11380 Kernville Road, Kernville, CA 93238
Driving directionsFrom Bakersfield, go 30 miles east on Breckenridge Road (Country Road 218/ Forest Road 28S06). Breckenridge road is paved all the way across Breckenridge mountain, but is narrow in most areas. Roads that fork off of Breckenridge road are dirt forest roads, such as the road that takes you to Breckenridge campground.
Breckenridge Road is paved but narrow in most areas. Roads branching off, including the one to the campground, are unpaved dirt forest roads. Not suitable for trailers.Nearby places
Kernville (approximately 30 miles, 40-minute drive), Bakersfield (30 miles, 40-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Supplies for groceries, camping gear, and fuel are available in Kernville, approximately 30 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.5
12 reviews
Breckenridge Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users generally praise the campground for its natural beauty, seclusion, and rustic charm. Common critiques include the lack of water and occasional disturbances from other visitors.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include beautiful scenery, seclusion, clean air, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The presence of fire pits, picnic tables, and clean vault toilets is appreciated.
Based on 12 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of water, occasional noisy groups, and wildlife disturbances, such as a fox rummaging through belongings.
Based on 12 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing sufficient water, packing out all trash, and securing belongings to avoid wildlife interference. They also suggest visiting during the snowmelt season for the best creek...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is most enjoyed during spring and summer when the creek runs and the weather is favorable. From mid-August to late October, the area becomes popular with hunters, which may affect the...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The stars are amazing at night!" "Very beautiful place with a lot to offer!" "Not the place to go if you wanna be around water on a summer camping trip." "Plenty of trails to hike and exploring to...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
User reviews do not provide specific site numbers but describe all sites as clean and spacious, with some large enough for small trailers.
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be on a 6-foot leash. No specific reviews from pet owners are provided.
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025