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.
Trout Fishing Best Sellers |
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
Fairview Campground
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.
Check Sequoia National Forest - Fairview Campground for any campground updates.
