How much does camping cost at Fairview Campground?

Camping fees at Fairview Campground range from $36-$38/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Fairview Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Fairview Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Fairview Campground before I book?

Yes! Fairview Campground has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Fairview Campground?

Fairview Campground is open March 27 to November 20. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Fairview Campground?

Fairview Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Fairview Campground have?

Fairview Campground has 54 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Fairview Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Fairview Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Fairview Campground?

Fairview Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Fairview Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Fairview Campground?

Fire policies at Fairview 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.13

310 reviews

PO BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, CA, 93238, USA

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,500 ft

Price

$36 - $38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

54 campsites

Season

Open April 3 - Novem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Company (RMRC), a division of ExplorUS Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,500 ft

Price

$36 - $38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

54 campsites

Season

Open April 3 - Novem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Company (RMRC), a division of ExplorUS Official Website

Get Directions

Fairview Campground

$36.00 - $38.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV NONELECTRIC: $36.00 (+$2.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $36.00 (+$2.00 holiday); TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $36.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-376-1815sschmidt@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, CA, 93238, USA

Fairview Campground

PO BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, CA, 93238, USA

Nearby places

Kernville (13 miles, approximately 20 minutes by car), Bakersfield (approximately 85 miles, 1.5 hours by car)

Weather at Fairview Campground

Current alerts(9)

Camping is not allowed within 25 feet from the waters edge
Click here for more info about the Sequoia National Forest
Electric hookups and showers are not available
Glass containers are prohibited in Kern Canyon and Isabella Lake Glass Container Prohibition Area

Best Time to Camp at Fairview Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and the best balance of river access, fishing, and quiet trails — daytime highs typically run from the mid-60s to mid-70s°F in September–October with cool nights in the 30s–40s°F. River flows have dropped from spring snowmelt, improving fishing and swimming conditions, and the oak- and pine-studded canyon takes on warm, golden tones while crowds thin after the summer peak. Weekdays are particularly peaceful, making fall ideal for hiking, biking, and easy, Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring and early summer popular for fishing and moderate weather; flows higher after snowmelt.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 27 to November 20. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 3 - November 22, 2025. Reservations can be made on a rolling 6-month basis.

About Fairview Campground

Fairview Campground sits in the oak-and-pine foothills of Sequoia National Forest near Kernville, operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company. The mid-sized campground offers tent and RV sites with river access, vault toilets, potable water, and a camp store. Reviewers praise spacious sites and strong fishing opportunities, though weekend noise and restroom maintenance draw complaints.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and the best balance of river access, fishing, and quiet trails — daytime highs typically run from the mid-60s to mid-70s°F in September–October with cool nights in the 30s–40s°F. River flows have dropped from spring snowmelt, improving fishing and swimming conditions, and the oak- and pine-studded canyon takes on warm, golden tones while crowds thin after the summer peak. Weekdays are particularly peaceful, making fall ideal for hiking, biking, and easy, Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation3500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Wild and Scenic Kern River cuts through steep granite walls here at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada, creating canyon country where oak-studded foothills transition into pine-covered slopes. Gray pines and scrub oaks dominate the campground itself, with cottonwoods and willows clustering along the riverbank. Mountain streams tumble down from higher elevations to join the Kern's main flow. Shade varies significantly by site. Some spots offer decent cover while others sit exposed.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging facilities are available, though there is a restaurant next to the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Six people per site including children.

Groups

Group sites are not available at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov and its associated platforms (website, app, and contact center).

AccessibilityThe campground offers paved sites, but detailed accessibility features for campers with disabilities are not explicitly documented.

Site SizeCampgrounds include a mix of sizes, including smaller tent sites and larger RV sites. Some sites can accommodate a 30-foot trailer, though maneuverability might be difficult due to site design.

PrivacySite privacy varies. Some sites are described as secluded while others lack shade or are closely spaced. Shade is limited in some areas.

Total Campsites54 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose riverside sites (e.g., #22 or #13) for better views and water access. Bring shade structures for non-shaded sites and consider weekdays for quieter stays.

Best CampsitesSites #16 and #22 get frequent mentions for riverfront access and shade. Site #13 offers seclusion near the water. Riverside spots book early and are the most desirable, but they also catch the most weekend noise.

Need help booking Fairview Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Fairview Campground offers a variety of essential amenities, with 54 paved sites spread across three loops, some of which have direct access or views of the Upper Kern River. Amenities include picnic areas, vault toilets, drinking water, and proximity to a restaurant and general store. Campers appreciate the clean vault toilets and accessible water spigots, although some reviews mention issues like outdated pit toilets and early morning trash collection noise.

Potable water

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Camp Store

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are provided and are generally clean but have occasionally been criticized for outdated conditions.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon'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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are available and conveniently located, but no recycling facilities are explicitly mentioned. Campers have noted occasional issues with trash collection schedules.

Cell CoverageCell phone service appears limited or absent based on user reviews.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

310 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 310 reviews.

Site #22Loved
Site #22 is noted for its shade and proximity to the river.
Site #14Mentioned
Site #14 lacks shade but is secluded with a good view.

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...

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.” –...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want river access and fishing in the Sierra foothills with helpful hosts and a camp store on-site.

Skip if

You need quiet weekends or consistently maintained restrooms with reliable supplies.

Nearby Campgrounds

4.4

(31)

Chamise Flat Dispersed Campground

Sequoia National Forest

Chamise Flat sits on a bluff above the North Fork of the Kern River, 12 miles north of Kernville. This free dispersed camping area runs on a bring-your-own-everything model: water, firewood, toilet paper. During summer, the Forest Service adds portable toilets and trash bins, but the rest of the year you're on your own.

PO BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, California, 93238

Limestone Campground sits along the Kern River in Sequoia National Forest, a few miles from Kernville in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Rocky Mountain Recreation Company operates this small, seasonal campground where visitors fish, raft, and swim from a small beach near Crocodile Rock. Sites accommodate tents and primitive camping among granite canyon walls and scrub oaks.