Fairview Campground
Kern River

Kern River, California
Kern River, California

Fairview Campground
Kern River


Fairview Campground

Fairview Campground is located along the North Fork of the Kern River in the Sequoia National Forest, 15 miles upstream from Kernville. The campground is 20 miles from Lake Isabella. Visitors to the campground enjoy fishing and hiking. Several popular trails lead out from the south end of the campground. Experienced kayakers and rafters take on the challenging rapids in the Kern River. Swimming in the river is dangerous because of strong currents. Nearby Lake Isabella has boating, waterskiing, windsurfing, and fishing. The Kern River canyon becomes quite hot in the summer.

Fairview Campground has 48 campsites in 3 loops near the river. Some sites have views of the river. Thirteen of the campsites are tent-only sites. One site can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. The other 34 campsites are designated for RVs or trailers. Rocks and boulders are scattered about the campground. Shade is limited.


Fairview Campground Basics
Fairview Campground Location: Sierra Way/Mountain 99, 15 miles north of Kernville
Elevation: 3,500 feet
Mileage from Gateway City: Bakersfield - 67 miles
Number of Sites: 48
Camping Season: Open May through November, weather permitting
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 ($7 per night fee for untowed 2nd vehicle)
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by: Sequoia Recreation, a division of California Land Management, for Sequoia National Forest
Campground Information: (760) 376-1815
Kern River Ranger District: (760) 379-5646

Reservations at Fairview Campground
Reservations available: Reservatioins are available for camping dates from late May through November.
Booking Window: Reservations can be made from 3 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Maximum RV/Trailer Length: 45 feet
Wheelchair Accessible Sites: None designated
Fees: $34 per night ($2 more over holidays)
Reservations: Fairview Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, check-out Noon

Fairview Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, tap water
Showers: No
Dump station: No
Campground Map: Fairview Campground Map
Attractions near Fairview Campground: Visit McNally's Fairview Lodge and Restaurant. Set out on 13-mile Whiskey Flat, 16-mile Flynn Canyon or 4-mile Tobies Trails. Enjoy the Kern River at Riverkern Beach Picnic Area. Head down to Lake Isabella for fishing and boating. Visit the North Fork Marina with store and boat rentals. Try mountain biking or hiking. Tour the Lake Isabella Visitor Center.





General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.


Kern River at Fairview Campground, CA

Kern River at Fairview Campground



Fairview Campground, Kern River, CA

Fairview Campground

Lake Isabella
Attractions and Activities

While Lake Isabella's broad waters attract many visitors, upstream of the lake the scenic Kern River has much to offer. Campers at Fairview Campground are along the Kern River 15 miles upstream from Kernville.

  • Sign up for a white-water rafting trip on the Kern River.
  • Try your luck fishing in the Kern River.
  • Down at Lake Isabella try waterskiing and wakeboarding.
  • You can rent a boat from one of the lake's two marinas, or launch your own.
  • Anglers at the lake fish for bass, rainbow and brown trout, crappie, kokanee salmon, and catfish.
  • Stop by the Kern Valley Museum.
  • Get in a round of golf at the Kern Valley Golf Course.
  • Explore Silver City Ghost Town.
  • Visit the Kern River Fish Hatchery.

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Key Fairview Campground Regulations

  1. Campfires must be at least 25 feet from the water's edge.
  2. No ATVs or OHVs are permitted anywhere around Lake Isabella or in Kern River campground.
  3. Camping is not allowed within 25 feet of the water's edge.
  4. Swimming in the river is dangerous due to strong currents and other hazards.
  5. Glass containers are prohibited around Lake Isabella and along the Kern River.

    Check Sequoia National Forest - Fairview Campground for any campground updates.