State Parks Near Bakersfield, California

5 state park units lie within 50 miles of Bakersfield. The closest is Tule Elk State Natural Reserve, about 18 mi west of town. 1 park is within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.

Closest park
Tule Elk State Natural Reserve18 mi west
Within 25 miles
1of 5 within 50 mi
With camping
2parks list campsites
Dog-friendly
1pets allowed

State parks near Bakersfield, nearest first

Straight-line distance from central Bakersfield; driving distance is usually longer.

  1. Tule Elk State Natural Reserve

    18 miles west · Buttonwillow, California · State Natural Reserve

    Visitors come for historic sites, ranger programs, wildlife watching, geocaching, and picnicking.

    Dogs allowed$8 per day

    Hours, fees and rules for Tule Elk State Natural Reserve →
  2. Fort Tejon State Historic Park

    34 miles south · Lebec, California · State Historic Park

    Things to do include historic sites, ranger programs, wildlife watching, geocaching, and picnicking. For overnight stays there are campsites (RV sites and group camping).

    Camping$6 per day

    Hours, fees and rules for Fort Tejon State Historic Park →
  3. Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park

    37 miles southeast · Tehachapi, California · State Historic Park

    The park supports historic sites, ranger programs, wildlife watching, and hiking.

    Hiking

    Hours, fees and rules for Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park →
  4. Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area

    40 miles south · Lebec, California · State Vehicular Recreation Area

    The official site lists about 130 miles of trails.

    1 alert

    Hours, fees and rules for Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area →
  5. Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park

    41 miles northwest · Earlimart, California · State Historic Park

    Popular activities here are historic sites, ranger programs, wildlife watching, geocaching, and biking. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites, tent sites, and showers.

    CampingHiking

    Hours, fees and rules for Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park →

Best picks by activity

Camping near Bakersfield

  1. Fort Tejon State Historic Park 34 mi south · Campground listed
  2. Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park 41 mi northwest · Campground listed

Dog-friendly state parks near Bakersfield

  1. Tule Elk State Natural Reserve 18 mi west · Pets allowed under park rules

Hiking near Bakersfield

  1. Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park 37 mi southeast · Hiking trails listed
  2. Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park 41 mi northwest · Hiking trails listed

Questions about state parks near Bakersfield

What is the closest state park to Bakersfield?

Tule Elk State Natural Reserve is the closest, about 18 miles west of Bakersfield in a straight line. Next are Fort Tejon State Historic Park and Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park.

How many state parks are near Bakersfield?

5 state park units are within 50 miles, and 1 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.

Which state parks near Bakersfield have camping?

2 parks list camping, the nearest being Fort Tejon State Historic Park and Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.

Are dogs allowed at state parks near Bakersfield?

Yes, at 1 park, including Tule Elk State Natural Reserve. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.

Are there free state parks near Bakersfield?

None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.

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Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.