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BLM Camping

KCL Campground

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

The KCL Campground is in the Carrizo Plain National Monument outside Bakersfield, California. The monument provides incredible views and is extremely popular during the spring months when wildflowers bloom. In addition, there are many options for nearby hiking and mountain biking. The campground, once owned by the Kern County Land Company and still retaining that name, offers some of the only space with shade trees in the area. In addition, there are nearby corrals for horseback riders.

The Bureau of Land Management manages public lands to protect the health and diversity of wild areas. These areas also allow visitors to explore nature on their own terms and escape more urban areas. To find BLM sites with camping options and various amenities, search for "BLM camping near me."

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Selby Campground Loop Trail

This trail in the Carrizo Plain National Monument is excellent for hiking, taking in the area's beautiful landscapes, or bird-watching.

Length: 4.3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Wallace Creek San Andreas Fault Line Trail

This trail passes through some of the area's most fascinating geological formations and landscapes, and its remote location makes it great for spotting wildlife.

Length: 1.7 miles

Intensity: Easy

Manzana Trail Loop

Located in the nearby Los Padres National Forest, the Manzana Trail Loop winds through meadows, forested areas, and along a river.

Length: 18.2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Soda Lake Overlook and Boardwalk Trail

The well-maintained Soda Lake Overlook and Boardwalk Trail is one of the most popular in the Carrizo Plain National Monument, but it's usually quiet and private.

Length: 1.3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Painted Rock Trail

This trail offers dramatic views of the landscape and the area's incredible rock formations. It's also great for spotting wildlife.

Length: 2.5 miles

Intensity: Easy

Climbing

Rock climbing options near the KCL Campground and the Carrizo Plain National Monument are limited, despite the number of rock formations. The choices are limited because the rock can be loose and ill-suited to climbing. However, climbing enthusiasts can head to one of the 60 sport climbing routes at Silly Rock off Highway 166.

Wildlife Viewing

The KCL Campground and the Carrizo Plain National Monument are ideal for spotting wildlife such as opossums, jackrabbits, ground squirrels, pronghorn antelope, wild boars, bats, black bears, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, and bobcats. Visitors can also head to the nearby Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge for more wild animal viewing and photography opportunities.

Picnicking

The Carrizo Plain National Monument offers several covered picnic areas with tables. The Catway Day Use Area is another excellent picnicking option, and the site provides tables and access to nearby hiking trails. The Lower Oso Picnic Area also offers shady picnic tables and clean restrooms.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is available at the Aliso Park Campground in the Los Padres National Forest. The park does not accept reservations but can accommodate RVs up to 28 feet. All visitors will need an adventure pass to camp overnight. Cuyama Oaks Ranch offers upscale camping and provides a range of amenities, including spacious camping sites and a small petting zoo. Camping is also available at Lake Cuyamaca where there are 17 RV sites with water and electric hookups. Each site includes a picnic table and a grill and is a short walk from the campground's restrooms and showers. Camping rates start at $39 per night.

Free Camping

The Bureau of Land Management free camping options are available at the KCL Campground. There are 12 sites, each with a fire pit and picnic table. Unfortunately, the campsites have no hookups, trash, or drinking water available. Each site is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations are unavailable. Dispersed camping is also available at the nearby Docs Springs Campgrounds.

RV Rentals Near KCL Campground Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your KCL Campground BLM trip

The KCL Campground area is remote, so pack plenty of water, food, and first-aid supplies in preparation for an emergency. Check the weather before you leave as roads can become treacherous in inclement weather. Remember that temperatures in the area can drop swiftly at night, and chilly nighttime temperatures can follow even the warmest summer days. Dress in layers if you plan to camp, mainly if you stay in the area during the winter, spring, or fall.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Treating all Bureau of Land Management campgrounds with respect and care is essential, and using "Leave No Trace" practices can help guide your actions. For example, these policies encourage packing out all your trash and disposing of it properly. You can also help protect the campground by picking up any litter you see. In addition, remember to share communal areas and trails with other campers and keep noise to a minimum whenever possible. Finally, be cautious when starting campfires, and only make fires in designated areas such as fire rings or pits.

KCL Campground Location

Head to the Carrizo Plain National Monument from Bakersfield, and then continue to Soda Lake Road. Turn at the sign for the KCL Campground onto KCL Campground Road. The campground is about 0.5 miles ahead.

Ready to visit KCL Campground? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day of exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.