Camp Three Campground

Always a great getaway

5 stars for the site. 2 stars for Camp 3 in General.

Site 25 is probably best on the ground. There was enough space in the shaded area for at least 2 tents. Shade is critical and though it was >95° it was very pleasant in the tent. Second, you have the closest access possible to the beach area at the top of the river. Just walk out and you'll see. Now along with that you WILL have people going through your site and the grounds. That's certainly a downside but it is a great sandy spot and perfect entry point if tubing down the river. Lastly you are fairly close to bathroom and water.

For just the first two points above I dont think the site can beat, especially if the water level is up. Makes it a very fun trip down to the rock island.

Camp 3 grounds in general.... Never saw the host once, had wrong name on site, other idiot guests had glass beer bottles at the river, fires during burn restriction, trash everywhere, loud music and lights playing til 2:30 am (we were far enough away to not be bother but still very noticeable). Quite unfortunate but thats what you get with some of these "guests".

Though campfires are not allowed this summer, and the heat is nearly unbearable, the camper numbers are very low. The Kern river is just a few yards away, and comfortable enough to stay in until the sun goes down.
Had 3 great days of solitude in our inner tubes in the nice cool river

Very nice experience my granddaughter enjoyed the river I would recommend campground 3 my peaceful and happy place🥰

Stayed at campsites #51and #52mid July 2022.
Positive- the river is beautiful. The stars at night amazing. Water source right next to campsite is convenient. Gas station, grocery store, and supplies just a short drive away.
Cons- The campsite is small; not suitable for 4 tents. Limited flat floor area to setup the tents. Not recommended for bigger tents. The surface and surroundings have MANY boulders. Be prepared to constantly trip with these and walk around these. The campsite is also next to the huge common use trash bin. The smell of rotten trash is unbearable. There are rattlesnakes very close to the campsites. You can hear them day and night. Skunks visited our campsite looking for food at night. Bees- were more than 50 bees at our campsite every morning. Our first night we were advised that there was a bear in the vicinity, but did not visit the campgrounds.
The temperature was extremely hot, 103, 104. No other place to be, but in the water all day. Campsite setup at 2PM check in time with these temperatures was horrible. Absolutely NO trees or shade at #50 and #51. We had a dog with us who struggled with the heat. Had to keep wet, hydrated, and in a cold pad.
Restrooms- vault, somewhat distant from the campsite. No showers as stated.
Access to river- must go through other campsites to access as 50 and 51 are not towards the river.
Do not underestimate the amount and size of boulders. They dominate the landscape.
Host- Present, kept to himself. No interaction needed or expected. Took care of controlling any loud noises after 10PM.
Going back? -A group of seven and we all agree we would not reserve 51/52 again.

Been coming to this campground for 5 years now. Wish the campground host would actually check people in and out of their reservations. Past couple years had people in my campsites that don’t have reservations. Don’t like waiting for a site I paid for. Hit or miss with controlling loud music past 10pm. Campsites clean when arriving. Definitely need more trees for shade on most.

There’s skunk, bears and bathroom not clean.

The Convenience of the river being the campground.

Sorry but get rid of your host I don’t think you’ve met him

Fantastic campground. River access and spaciousness of the sites make is really special. River is mellow from site 38 down. Camp host neglected to put tags on campsite to show they were taken, and they were not around when we arrived, so we had to negotiate to get someone out of our site when we arrived. Thankfully they just had to re-park a Sprinter van. Other than that, it’s a great spot.