
55
Total Campsites
Campground
54
Reservable Sites
Mixed (reservable + first-come)
2
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About FAIRVIEW CAMPGROUND
Overview Fairview Campground sits in an area dotted with oak and gray pine along the Upper Kern River, a designated Wild and Scenic River, at an elevation of 3,500 feet. Recreation Whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Upper Kern River are popular activities. Visitors also enjoy plenty of hiking opportunities. There is direct access from the south end of the campground to several foot and mountain bike trails, including the 13-mile Whiskey Flat, 16-mile Flynn Canyon and 4-mile Tobies Trails. To learn more about the Upper Kern River, including safety and permitting requirements and a listing of local outfitters, visit the National Forest Service's overview of the area. Facilities Whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Upper Kern River are popular activities. Visitors also enjoy plenty of hiking opportunities. There is direct access from the south end of the campground to several foot and mountain bike trails, including the 13-mile Whiskey Flat, 16-mile Flynn Canyon and 4-mile Tobies Trails. To learn more about the Upper Kern River, including safety and permitting requirements and a listing of local outfitters, visit the National Forest Service's overview of the area. Natural Features The Sequoia National Forest, located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada in central California, takes its name from the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree, which grows in more than 30 groves on the Forest's lower slopes. The Forest comprises about 1.1 million acres, and elevations range from about 1,000 to 12,000 feet creating precipitous canyons and mountain streams with spectacular waterfalls such as Salmon Creek Falls and Grizzly Falls. At various points along the river, gray pines, scrub oaks, grass and dry climate shrubs cling to steep canyon walls, while cottonwoods and willows line the water's edge. contact_info For facility specific information, please call (760) 376-1269. Nearby Attractions The campground provides a good base for day trips to the Sequoia National Park, Trail of 100 Giants, and numerous Sequoia groves in the Giant Sequoia National Monument. The Giant Sequoia Mercantile offers a wide variety of books, maps, gifts, local art, camping supplies and other merchandise.
- 55 total campsites listed.
- 54 reservable sites plus first-come options.
- 2 accessible campsites listed.
- Most common site type: rv nonelectric (35).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes FAIRVIEW CAMPGROUND special
Fairview Campground stretches along the upper Kern River, a federally designated Wild and Scenic waterway, at a comfortable 3,500 feet of elevation in the southern Sierra Nevada. Interior live oak and gray pine provide welcome shade without blocking the wide canyon views that make this stretch of the Kern so visually striking. The river here is a living thing -- calm and inviting in late summer, powerful and thundering during spring snowmelt -- and it defines the rhythm of the campground. Sites are arranged close to the water, giving most campers direct access to fishing, wading, and simply watching the current roll by. Trout fishing is a primary draw, and the upper Kern is known for producing healthy rainbow and brown trout for those who work the deeper pools. Kayaking and rafting are popular as well, particularly in spring and early summer when flows are at their peak. The campground is located along the Kern River Highway north of Kernville, a small but well-supplied mountain town with restaurants, outfitters, and grocery stores. The season generally runs from April through November, with late spring and early fall offering the most pleasant temperatures. Summer days can be warm at this elevation, making the river an essential part of the experience. Sites are moderately spaced and can accommodate tents and smaller RVs. Reservations are recommended for weekends, especially during the busy summer months.
Campsite Inventory
55 sites to choose from
RV NONELECTRIC
35
Reservable
1
Accessible
TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC
13
Reservable
0
Accessible
STANDARD NONELECTRIC
5
Reservable
0
Accessible
MANAGEMENT
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
STANDARD ELECTRIC
1
Reservable
1
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Accessibility
Yes
Campfire Allowed
No
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
2:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Double Driveway
Yes
Driveway entry
Back-In, Pull-Through
Driveway length (ft)
20, 30, 40
Driveway surface
Gravel, Paved
Fire Pit
Yes
Max guests
6
Max vehicle length (ft)
20, 25, 28, 30
Minimum guests
Yes
Pets allowed
Yes
Picnic Table
Yes
Proximity to Water
Riverfront
Shade
Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
760-376-1815
sschmidt@goexplorus.com
Getting There
Off of Highway 99 in Bakersfield, California, take Highway 178 east to Lake Isabella. From Lake Isabella take Highway 155 around the west side of the lake to the town of Kernville. From Kernville go north on Sierra Way/Mountain 99 for 16 miles to the campground.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to FAIRVIEW CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for FAIRVIEW CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for FAIRVIEW CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at FAIRVIEW CAMPGROUND?
FAIRVIEW CAMPGROUND currently lists RV NONELECTRIC (35), TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC (13), STANDARD NONELECTRIC (5), MANAGEMENT (1).
Where is FAIRVIEW CAMPGROUND located?
FAIRVIEW CAMPGROUND is in California near KERNVILLE. Coordinates: 35.9286, -118.4908.
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