Fairview Campground

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.

Facilities

The campground, located 13 miles north of Kernville, has 54 paved sites configured around three loops. Some sites have views of or direct access to the river. Picnic areas, vault toilets and drinking water are provided. There is a restaurant next to the campground.

This facility is operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company (RMRC), a division of ExplorUS and comments are welcome; comment forms are available from campground hosts or directly at Rocky Mountain Recreation Company.

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.

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.

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.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (760) 376-1269.

Important Notices

Six people per site including children
Site length includes tow vehicle
Swimming in the river is not recommended due to strong currents
Camping is not allowed within 25 feet from the waters edge
Glass containers are prohibited in Kern Canyon and Isabella Lake Glass Container Prohibition Area
Off-road vehicles are not permitted in the campground
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
There will be an additional vehicle fee of $8.00 per night on the second vehicle in each single family campsite, and on the third and fourth vehicle in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to the first vehicle by a hitch and towed onto the site. In the case of motorcycles, the first two are considered to be one vehicle and the third and fourth are also considered to be one vehicle. No additional vehicle fees are collected for bicycles.
Click here for more info about the Sequoia National Forest
Electric hookups and showers are not available

Notifications and Alerts

Fire Restrictions
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), and to protect natural resources and provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Sequoia National Forest. This Order is effective from August 11, 2026, through November 30, 2026.
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, except in the designated Campfire Areas listed in Exhibits A or B. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building or within the areas listed in Exhibits A or B. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).
3. Operating an internal combustion engine, except on a designated National Forest System road, trail, or within the areas listed in Exhibits A or B. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(g).
4. Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame, except within the areas listed in Exhibits A or B. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(h).
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
2. Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit are not exempt from the prohibitions listed above. However, persons with a valid California Campfire Permit may use a stove or lantern that uses gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel and has a shut-off valve, or a propane-fueled campfire pit with an on/off switch (wood-burning campfire pits are prohibited) in an area at least five feet from any flammable materials.
3. Persons with a valid 2026 Forest Products Removal Permit (fuelwood permit) from the United States Forest Service are not exempt from the prohibitions listed above, but may operate an internal combustion engine off National Forest System roads and trails only to the extent necessary to cut fuelwood, provided the cutting of fuelwood is done in compliance with the terms of the fuelwood permit.
4. Persons with a Forest Service non-special use written authorization to conduct non-recreational activities, such as harvesting timber or forest products, or grazing livestock, are exempt from Prohibition Nos. 3 and 4, to the extent allowed by the written authorization.
These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions contained in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.
A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
This Forest Order supersedes Forest Order 0513-26-05, signed on June 9, 2026.

Available Activities

CAMPING - Camping

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.

Contact Information

Phone: 760-376-1815

PO BOX 1640
KERNVILLE, CA 93238

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

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