1-Night Camping Trip on the Kern River was Magical
I don’t know what it is about summer, but it immediately ignites my want to swim in a river. Maybe it’s because I’ve been patient all winter long.
In utter spontaneity, and realizing we had a weekend free in June, I asked my fiancé, Matt, if he’d be interested (and crazy enough) to want to go camping on the Kern River for only 1-night, just to swim and relax in the river, even though it’s a 4-hour drive. He was easy to convince. I think he’s the one ;)
Booking a Last Minute Campsite
With only about 2 weeks to plan, summer about to begin, and no available campsites at my favorite campground along the Kern River (and near the Trail of 100 Giants/Sequoias), I decided to setup an alert on my new favorite outdoorsy online tool: Hipcamp. You can set a cancelation alerts for campgrounds. They notify you pretty quickly by email, allowing time to actually book it—but with really popular campgrounds I’ve noticed sites are booked in minutes, so you do have to act fast.
It only took 2 days for me to get an email regarding a cancelation at Fairview Campground and I booked the spot immediately, even though it wasn’t river front. With the trip being being so soon, I knew I couldn’t be choosy. I was just grateful to actually get a spot.
Hipcamp is my newest, and biggest protip for anyone looking to snag a last-minute campsite! (I was even able to snag a campsite in Yosemite for August using this tool!).
The best part about this story is: I checked every morning for any additional campsite cancelations and I noticed about 5 days before the trip that someone had canceled a riverfront spot! I assumed it was because there was a heat advisory going into effect that weekend, and even with the river, some people just don’t want to be out in hundred degree heat (except psychos like me). I freaked out and quickly modified my reservation online to snag this prime spot —now we were really excited. Even for just one night, we already knew it was going to be amazing.
Heading Out
Time to start the 4-hour drive. To make the most of the trip we headed out at about 6AM on Saturday from Orange County. We charged my electric car in Inyokern before trekking that last hour past Lake Isabella and into the valley where the campground was.
Last year when we were here, there was so much rain that season the river was too full to be remotely swimmable. So admittedly, I was a bit nervous as we drove in. I told myself that regardless of what the river flow was like, we’d make the best of it. You can imagine my relief when I laid eyes on the most perfect water levels for tubing. To say I was ecstatic would be an understatement.
Campground Check-In
Getting to the campground a little after noon, we pulled into site 16 and couldn’t believe how perfect the spot was. It was complete with our very own beach.
With a the one night trip, it was our day to make the most of it. We quickly set up camp and it was HOT —but also the perfect temp to get into the cool river water.
By 2PM our tube was inflated, tied to a rock and we were floating on the river in pure bliss. There’s always this sense of utter accomplishment when we make these mini-dream trips happen. It was exactly what my soul needed.
Matt and I basked in the sun, ate some snacks, and chatted and giggled the day away on the river. Our slice of heaven, and so wonderfully romantic when surrounded by such stunning views. It’s moments like this with him that I pine for and I just feel so lucky to be with someone who enjoys hours on the river, laughing, surrounded by nature. I can’t wait to marry that boy.
Dinner Time
After floating for nearly 4 hours, and fearing sunburn, we forced ourselves to shore to start making dinner. Big plans! We set up my stove, pulled out the fresh carne asada I got at the market, and started our taco night! I bought fresh toppings including guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa, sour cream and cheese—we weren’t messing about.
With the sun setting, we started a campfire and assembled our tacos. How amazing is it to eat your meal with a glowing view of the river, ambience from the campfire, and munching next to your favorite person? Immaculate vibes.
For such a quick trip, it felt so utterly perfect. Our little escape. It had been a bit since just me and Matt ran away to the woods. We love getting away with friends, but sometimes you just need some alone time. I couldn’t believe that earlier that morning we were back at home with our 2 cats, and now nearing 8PM we were in the Sequoias eating tacos by the river.
Goodnight
Not gonna lie, there was no tent sleeping for us this trip. We chose car camping for this quick adventure, which made camp setup so much easier. Also, it' doesn’t hurt that with my electric car I can set the ambient temp to something cool while the night temps were still in the 70’s and 80’s.
Our sleep setup is simple: an inflatable car mattress, our double sleeping bag, and a couple pillows is all we need. We went to sleep feeling slightly crispy from the sun, belly’s full of tacos, but so, so content.
Good Morning
We woke up with the sun because your girl doesn’t have window covers for her car camping adventures yet and this trip had me realizing I need to get those asap, lol.
There is something so satisfying when you open the trunk of your car on a crisp camping morning to the serene views of a river.
We had plans to make eggs for breakfast, but we decided we didn’t want to clean more dishes. We settled for some fresh coffee and slowly packed up. We took our mugs back down to the water, enjoying our last hours on the river, so happy we made the journey out even though it was such a whirlwind, but somehow so relaxing.
It truly was the trip we needed.
Heading Home
By 10AM, it was getting HOT, and we were ready to hit the road. A literal 24-hour trip at its best! And just as I expected, I wished I had just one more night to enjoy the river and this great campsite. I was tempted to call out sick the next day but saw that the site was booked anyway. Guess it was time to get on the road to get ready for the work week. Adulthood beckons.
And just like that, by 4PM we were back home with our fur children feeling rejuvenated for the week. It might sound like a crazy weekend for most, with the 4-hour drive home for just one night, but it was well-worth the trip. Sometimes, you just have to take the leap. Remember… no risk, no magic.
Weekend Warriors for the Win!
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Thanks for being here! <3
Also, if you’d like to learn more about this spot, campground, the surrounding area of Kernville, and details about planning a trip here you can check out my:
