Camping along the Kern River

Hey guys, just moved back to LA recently and I was hoping to do some camping along the Kern River before it gets too cold for winter. Does anyone have any campground recommendations or spots along the river where I would be able to have my Runner accessible?

I am still doing research on the campgrounds in the area but hoping for some great input from anyone who’s been there!

 

I drove by the river few times and noticed that they had few different campgrounds, but I never camped there myself... We usually go to mono village, set our base there, then take a day trip to the areas near by.
If you are interested in that, mono village is a little bit past bridgeport... Here is their https://www.monovillage.com/

Happy trails, happy camping!

 

Do you remember what road you took when driving by to the village? Just so I can research the campgrounds along the way? Appreciate the advice

 

Go up to Lake Isabella, the river runs parallel to the lake, quite a few campgrounds along the river. Not sure if that area was in a wildfire zone though, might want to check before traveling up there.

 

10-4 thank you

 

I'll have to ask my girlfriend and get back to you.

 

Its Twin Lakes Rd, off the 395. Close to Bridgeport, Ca

 

Okay, I was mistaken. The river we drive by was the Walker river I believe. But yes, we took the 395 all the way to bridgeport then made our way to twin lakes where the village is located.
We used to rent one of their rustic cabin that's right on the lake then venture out from there to different lakes, trails and places to visit in general. Including Yosemite of course.

 

I second the Lake Isabella route. There are some open national forest areas along the lake you can park and camp at for free. The area I've returned to a couple times is called "Hanning Flat Dispersed Area." It's not an established campground, so you just pull in to an area you like and set up shop. A lot of the land surrounding the lake and outward areas is Bureau of Land Management land, which you can also camp on. We went in July and it was HOT.