Buena Vista Aquatic Area - Bakersfield, California

SHAY R.

We stayed there in a tent and we were told that we were over our allowed days between there and Kern river campground.Emelda was so RUDE she told us the next day not only did we have to leave but they were going to keep the 119.00 we paid the day before and have only a few hours to leave! Needless to say, I immediately called the bank and thankfully they agreed that it was wrong to be charged for somewhere they are literally kicking you out of! We were quiet and kept to ourselves and any time we had a question and the same rude woman would snap at us for even asking or bothering her! She shouldn't work with the public and treat people so poorly! Horrible experience and 1st time there

Mark S.

We got a camping spot right on the lake which was really nice. The site (51) is one of the biggest sites we have had on our adventures. Plenty of room for our trailer and tow vehicle. It is also very conveniently located less than 5 miles off I-5 so it was a perfect spot to rest on the way to SoCal.

Knocking off one star because this is the only campground we have ever stayed at that did not have signs pointing the direction of the sites so we had to drive around the campground looking for our site. Of course we went the wrong way and had to loop around the campground and take a turn we missed. Also, there are tons of flies! The problem is made worse because every site has a large garbage can an about every 4th can has a broken lid. These cans are swarming with flies. We lit candles which seemed to help.

Beautiful location if you can get over the flies.

Rain Z. (.

| ★★★★☆ | Great campground. The only problems were that there were too many bugs and it's a little bit on the warm side. Other than that, it was perfect. Great location near the lake (We stayed in site 49). Was quiet and peaceful. Lots of trees for shade. Amazing view! 4 stars (1 star docked for the bugs) given. I highly recommend this place but if you hate bugs then it's not for you. We came on a Thursday. PS: You can't charge cars here, only RVs or trailers, bad luck for EV owners. PPS: There are squirrels/other small animals here so put your food in a box.

Mario G.

Was looking forward to a two night stay with my kids and grandkids this weekend. Unfortunately the water line at the park broke and they had to shut off the water to 27 camp sites on our first night there. We never got notified that the water was getting shut off. Had to cut our trip early. We left the following morning. Kern County park and recreation supervisor Diana was unable to give us a refund or credit.

Gabrielle G.

This campground is terrible. I even wonder why people go there. Maybe it's because there isn't much water around here? The animals that look like little miniature marmots are very cute but there were so many holes in our camp site that it was hard to know where to put our tent without getting stuck in the holes. The toilets and showers are really, really dirty. There are so many insects, it's rather unpleasant. There were so many groups of people who would have parties. The music came from all sides. Finally, maybe the locals enjoy this location for moments with friends near a lake, but for us who arrived with a family currently on the road trip, it was definitely not for us.

Emily E.

I would give this place zero stars if I could. We arrived at the park at 3pm, a whole hour after the stated check-in time. But there were still campers in our spot, although check-out is 11am. We were told at the gate when we arrived to come back if a camper was still in our spot, which indicates that they don't do anything to verify that the spots are clean and ready for the next camper. The campsite was filthy, trash cans were overflowing and trash plowed up on the ground all around them. There is definitely a fly infestation problem there, probably due to the lack of sanitation. The bathroom was horrible with trash everywhere on the floor, including used toilet paper with feces. The bathroom was soo nasty, we could not even use them without the urge to vomit, so we just ran out.
Many of the clientele, which seem to be locals, seem to be the ones contributing to the filthiness of the place by dropping trash just anyplace and not cleaning up after themselves.
There are holes in the ground everywhere from squirrels or other rodents, so you really have to watch where you walk, especially at night.
We only spent one night, as a stop of on our journey. I would recommend avoiding this place for anyone looking for a good camping experience. Horrible!!!!

ArtVilla S.

We stayed 3 days. It took us awhile driving around and looking for our lot as there are no signs. Bathrooms are horrible! Trash on the floor, toilets do not flush. I asked couple people who work there to see of they can clean and fix the bathrooms, everybody smiled and said yes we will. See pictures from our morning when we left.
Tons of squirrels, do not leave any food unattended. No fish. On a sunny day no shades. For $48 it's overrated.

Nicole H.

I'm not sure why this place gets such bad ratings. As an avid tent/car camper and festival goer I have seen my fair share of dirt and bad bathrooms. If you can handle the outdoors you'll love it here. I docked a star because of the bathrooms. If you have a trailer or RV this place is 5 stars. Camped at site #4 which has tons of shade but wasn't lakeside. Only a minute walk to the lake. We car camper and the bathroom wasn't filthy other than bugs. There are a lot of knats/no see ums/whatever you call them. Nothing that bit us just millions of teeny little bugs attracted to the lights. Personally never had an issue with them til we had to use the restroom at night and during the day I wish they'd have come in daily to sweep them up, clean up the spiderwebs. They build them fast as things we left over night had some already. But WE ARE GUESTS IN THESE SPACES...yes there's small gopher holes but watch your step and you're fine, don't leave food out just like you wouldn't in bear country. The lake is beautiful, wasn't cold. We had paddle boards so we used them in the small lake, Lake Evans. It was murky but tbh I'm Canadian and swam in much worse lol. Happy to spend some time in nature this weekend and I'll definitely be back.

Lots of families with their kids, people spend all day on their boats to get back at dusk and the campground can liven up however no one was obnoxiously loud the night we stayed. It's definitely not your lights out at 10 and no one is to be seen campground but I felt everyone was respectful and it was mostly families while I was there !