Fairview Campground

Star4.15
310 reviews
PO BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, CA, 93238, USA

Quick Facts

3,500 ft

Price

$34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

54 campsites

Season

Open April 3 - Novem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation Company (RMRC), a division of ExplorUS site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Fairview Campground
$34.00 - $34.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly rate for all site types is $34 during the peak season (April 3 - November 22). Holiday rates include an additional $2 per night. Fees do not...
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Standard Site Fee$34.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
760-376-1269sschmidt@goexplorus.com
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What Campers Say

4.15

Satisfactory

Based on 310 reviews

100 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouswatersites

"Fairview Campground is praised for its proximity to the river, clean facilities, and friendly camp hosts. Common complaints include noise during busy weekends, limited shade, and variable site quality. Some reviewers also highlight the convenience of nearby amenities like Johnny McNally’s restaurant and general store."

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Campground Map

PO BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, CA, 93238, USA

Fairview Campground

PO BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, CA, 93238, USA

Driving directionsOff 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.
The campground is accessible via paved roads and is located directly off Sierra Way/Mountain 99. However, user reviews mention potholes at the entrance and within the campground that could pose challenges for larger vehicles.
Nearby places
Kernville (13 miles, approximately 20 minutes by car), Bakersfield (approximately 85 miles, 1.5 hours by car)
Nearby supplies
McNally’s Lodge next to the campground offers a general store, restaurant, and burger stand. The Giant Sequoia Mercantile in Kernville offers camping supplies, books, maps, and local art merchandise.

Best Time to Camp at Fairview Campground

Fairview's Mediterranean-like climate creates an outdoor paradise where azure skies dominate and rain rarely interrupts your adventure. Summer days sizzle with warmth, inviting river play and lazy afternoons, before cooling into perfect evenings around the campfire. Savvy campers know the secret: arrive in early April when wildflowers paint the hillsides, or wait for late summer when the heat mellows into golden days ideal for trail exploration and casting lines into pristine waters.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season: river play and fishing popular, though summer can be very hot so river activities are key.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall visits favored for cooler temperatures and continued access to trails and river activities.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring popular for fishing and moderate weather; many positive seasonal reviews noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Nov 22–Apr 3; winter season not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 3, 2025 - November 22, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open April 3 - November 22, 2025. Reservations can be made on a rolling 6-month basis.
  • Current Alerts: No current warnings or advisories mentioned.

About Fairview Campground

Nestled along the rushing waters of the Upper Kern River, Fairview Campground beckons adventurers with 54 thoughtfully designed campsites spread across three distinct loops. Here, in the heart of Sequoia National Forest, you'll wake to the sound of the river and fall asleep under a canopy of stars. Whether you choose a riverside site with direct water access or a perch with sweeping forest views, each paved campsite offers its own slice of wilderness charm. Modern conveniences blend seamlessly with nature—vault toilets and fresh drinking water are readily available, while nearby McNally's Lodge serves as your gateway to local flavors and forgotten essentials.
Fairview Campground offers various camping accommodations, including tent sites, RV sites, and standard non-electric sites. Group sites and luxury options like glamping are not available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is officially listed as 11:00 AM local time.
Check-out
Check-out time is officially listed as 12:00 PM local time.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Camp Store

Activities you can enjoy

Fairview Campground offers a diverse array of outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, and fishing. Its proximity to the Upper Kern River allows for water-based recreation, while nearby trails such as Whiskey Flat and Flynn Canyon are popular among hikers and mountain bikers.
HikingDirect access to hiking trails like the 13-mile Whiskey Flat Trail, the 16-mile Flynn Canyon Trail, and the 4-mile Tobies Trail. The nearby Pack Saddle Trail is especially recommended.
FishingFishing opportunities are abundant, with trout being a commonly caught species. Some reviewers highlight the campground as a favorite fishing spot.
SwimmingSwimming is possible in the Upper Kern River, but strong currents make it unsafe in some areas. Campers are advised to exercise caution.
BikingMountain biking is supported, with nearby trails accessible directly from the campground.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe Upper Kern River has strong currents, making swimming dangerous. Wildlife such as bears may be present. Summer heat waves can make camping uncomfortable without shade.
Active AlertsNo current warnings or advisories mentioned.

Weather at Fairview Campground

Reviews

4.2
310 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Fairview Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Fairview Campground is praised for its proximity to the river, clean facilities, and friendly camp hosts. Common complaints include noise during busy weekends, limited shade, and variable site quality. Some reviewers also highlight the convenience of nearby amenities like Johnny McNally’s restaurant and general store.
Review Summaries
Based on 310 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and spacious sites, easy access to the river, helpful camp hosts, and excellent opportunities for water activities and fishing.
Based on 310 reviews

Common Concerns

Limited shade, occasional cleanliness issues with vault toilets, noise from other campers, and mismatched site descriptions from online reservations.
Based on 310 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own shade equipment, avoid peak weekends for a quieter experience, and come prepared with extra toilet paper and trash bags. Some users recommend specific sites like #16 and #22 for their...
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Based on 310 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and early summer are particularly popular for fishing and moderate weather. Summer can be very hot, making river activities essential. Fall visits are favored for cooler temperatures.
Based on 310 reviews

Camper Quotes

“#22 has the most trees and shade and is also close to the river.” – Jon Sitlington. “The tent sites were smaller, not the site for a huge 8-person tent, but it worked great for the two of us.” –...
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Based on 310 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #22 is noted for its shade and proximity to the river. Site #14 lacks shade but is secluded with a good view. Some sites, like #13, have difficult layouts for larger RVs due to large boulders.
Based on 310 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews were provided, though paved sites suggest some accessibility accommodations.
Based on 310 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews addressing pet policies or pet-friendly features were included.
Based on 310 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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