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Established Camping

Fairview Campground

Fairview Campground, near Kernville, California, is a great choice for those looking to enjoy the beauty of Sequoia National Forest. With its prime location right next to the Kern River, you can expect a mix of relaxation and adventure, whether you’re fishing, hiking, or just soaking up the sun by the water.

The campground offers basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, making it easy to settle in for a cozy evening. Visitors have noted that the bathrooms are clean and well-maintained, which is always a plus when you’re out in the wild. As one camper mentioned, “The camp host was great too,” adding to the friendly atmosphere you’ll find here.

If you’re up for some exploration, you’re in luck. Fairview Campground is conveniently located near a general store and a restaurant, so you won’t have to venture far for supplies or a hearty meal after a day of floating down the river. Just keep in mind that it can get crowded during peak summer months, so planning your visit for early spring or fall might offer a more serene experience.

With the river flowing nearby and the stars shining bright at night, Fairview Campground is a fantastic spot for families and anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors.

Description

National Forest

Sequoia National Forest

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.

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.

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Location

Fairview Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

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.

Address

PO BOX 1640
Kernville, CA 93238

Coordinates

35.928642 N
118.490765 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 15, 2024

Great location

If you can, get a spot that is next to the river. We had a great time lounging by the river, fishing, and just hanging around. The bathrooms were clean, and the camp host was great too. I would definitely come back in Spring and Fall. Summer might be a little too warm, but if the fish are biting - they're the boss.

Site16
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Fairview Campground by Nicholas G., April 15, 2024
Reviewed Jun. 25, 2023

Nice when not crowded

The campground is on the upper Kern river in Sequoia National Park and easy to reach for fishing hiking and rafting. It's next to a general store, hamburger stand and restaurant. The sites are spaced out well with some right on the river. It can get crowded in the summer with weekenders that have no regard for other people. Best times are early spring and fall.

Reviewed Apr. 29, 2022

Faithful Standby

When fishing, hiking, exploring the Southern Sierra area I always find this a reliable spot . . . EXCEPT DURING HIGH USE TIMES.  During those times it is overrun with people, noise and litter.  During the off season it's less crowded and generally quite nice.   It's close to a little restaurant and market and a few spots offer some cover and seclusion.  All in all, it is recommended for active families and, during the off season, for folks like me who want a central point from which to venture out.

Site29
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Sep. 10, 2021

Simple, Convenient & Serene

I've been camping at Fairview Campground on the Kern for over 15 years and look forward to it every year.   The prices are fair, it's right on the river and is the perfect starting point for floating.  It is also directly next to McNally's restaurant, which has been such a blessing after some long days of floating when you just don't feel like cooking at the campsite.  No cell reception, sounds of the river flowing and stars for miles...can't wait to be there in a few weeks!

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Fairview Campground by Kristian H., September 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Fairview Campground by Kristian H., September 10, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2021

Basic camping with close supplies

Overall, love the campiste and yes its true there isnt much in regards to having trees or a scenic view. However, we were able to camp so close to the river and wasn't bad in regards to pulling you in or anything. Must admit i loved it and so did my fiance. We wanted the camping 🏕 experience but without being to far for supplies. It was hot and love that the river was so close for use. We saw a lot of families coming down the river. We especially love the fact that we can see the beautiful stars ✨ at night.

Site12
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Fairview Campground by Rutilo C., August 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Fairview Campground by Rutilo C., August 20, 2021
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Reviewed Jul. 27, 2016

Flowing River and Flowing people

Fairview is a great site if you just want a place to put your tent for when you are heading out for the day. There is little shade and the water is moving too fast to take a dip in the water. The trailer park next door frequently lets their dogs out of the yard and they roam around the sites covered in fleas. The camp hosts are very friendly and the bathrooms are kept up pretty well. The campground leads right into packsaddle trail which is cool for a nice challenging hike to a pretty awesome cave.

  • Review photo of Fairview Campground by Hayley K., July 27, 2016
  • Review photo of Fairview Campground by Hayley K., July 27, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Fairview Campground?

    Camping at Fairview Campground can cost between $34.00 and $36.00 depending on the site.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Fairview Campground?

    Fairview Campground allows vehicles up to 40 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Fairview Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Fairview Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Fairview Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Fairview Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Fairview Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is unknown.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Fairview Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Fairview Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Fairview Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Fairview Campground?

    There are 55 campsites at Fairview Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts