Airstreams near Kernville with fishing
Kernville is the perfect basecamp for Southern Sierra peaks, pines, and plunges.
- Kernville
Popular camping styles for Kernville
Airstreams near Kernville with fishing guide
Overview
A peaceful town outside Bakersfield, Kernville provides a rich Sierra Nevada experience (think granite peaks, sequoia trees, and swimming holes) without the crowds of Sierra hot spots like Lake Tahoe and Yosemite further north. The town is set on the banks of the Kern River, right before it feeds into Lake Isabella, where rafting, boating, fishing, and swimming are all popular, especially during the hot summer months. Visitors won’t have to stray far for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, peak bagging, hot springs, and skiing, either. Kernville is also just a few hours from Sequoia National Park and Whitney Portal.
Where to go
Kern River and Lake Isabella
The Kern River and Lake Isabell are two destination-worthy attractions right at Kernville’s doorstep. The river is popular with tubers, rafters, and fly fishers. There are natural hot springs (Miracle and Remington) on the Kern River just 17 miles from Kernville. Lake Isabella has boulder-strewn beaches, boat launches, and watercraft rental facilities.
Local Mountains
Kernville is nestled below a variety of Southern Sierra parks and peaks with mountain biking and hiking trails. At 6,000 feet, Greenhorn Mountain Park is a great local spot to fill the lungs with mountain air. Come winter, the Alta Sierra Ski Resort has downhill runs just 30 minutes from Kernville.
Sequoia National Forest
Kernville is situated on the southern boundary of the Sequoia National Forest, a 1.2-million-acre swath of the Sierra Nevada range. Highlights here include the granite towers of the Needles rock climbing crag and Long Meadow Grove, an old-growth sequoia forest with ancient, colossal trees. This area can serve as a great alternative to Grant’s Grove of the Sequoia National Park further north.
Mojave Desert and the Eastern Sierra
For a major change of scenery, drive east from Kernville and watch the landscape and flora transform as you descend into the Mojave Desert. From here, Route 395 will take you north into Owen’s Valley, where Lone Pine and the Whitney Portal offer spectacular views of the Eastern Sierra.
When to go
Due to its southern location and relatively low elevation of 2,667 feet, Kernville is a great year-round destination. Winter visitors should prepare for snow and below freezing temperatures. Spring and fall tend to be mild and dependable times to visit Kernville. Summer travelers may want to track the weather and avoid heat waves. Late summer and fall visitors should also monitor air quality if there are wildfires in the region.
