Fairview Campground
4.18130 reviewsPO BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, CA, 93238, USA
Quick Facts
3,500 ftPrice
$34/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
54 campsites
Season
Open April 3 - Novem...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
3,500 ftPrice
$34/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
54 campsites
Season
Open April 3 - Novem...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsFairview 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
Total Campsite Fees$34.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider760-376-1269sschmidt@goexplorus.com
What Campers Say
4.18
Satisfactory
Based on 130 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."
Fees & Passes at Fairview Campground
$34/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Cancellation: Cancellations are subject to a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's use fee if made after mi...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Rocky Mountain Recreation Company (RMRC), a division of ExplorUS website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape where history runs as deep as the roots of ancient trees. Fairview Campground sits within the legendary Sequoia National Forest, guardian of the awe-inspiring Trail of 100 Giants where centuries-old sequoias tell silent stories of time. Just down the road, Kernville whispers tales of fortune seekers and Gold Rush dreams, its streets once bustling with prospectors who panned these very waters in search of glittering treasure.
Weather and SeasonsFairview'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.
ElevationPerched at 3,500 feet above sea level, Fairview offers a sweet spot where mountain air meets accessibility. This goldilocks elevation delivers natural air conditioning during scorching summer months—while valley floors bake, you'll enjoy temperatures that are just right, with crisp mornings perfect for coffee and cool evenings made for stargazing.
Natural Features and SceneryA tapestry of California's diverse ecosystems unfolds around Fairview, where gray pines stretch skyward alongside gnarled scrub oaks, creating a rugged beauty unique to this transition zone. Along the riverbank, cottonwoods and willows form a green ribbon of life, their leaves dancing in the breeze and providing shade for afternoon respites. Beyond your campsite, the greater Sequoia National Forest reveals its treasures: thundering waterfalls carved into steep granite canyons, hidden groves where giant sequoias stand as living monuments, and vistas that stretch from river valley to mountain peak.
Geological RegionFairview Campground claims its place at the dramatic southern terminus of the Sierra Nevada, where California's backbone meets the sky in central California. This is canyon country at its finest—where the Wild and Scenic Kern River has carved its masterpiece through steep granite walls over millennia. The landscape tells a story written in stone and water, with oak-studded foothills giving way to pine-covered slopes, all while precipitous mountain streams tumble down from hidden heights to join the Kern's eternal journey to the valley below.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers paved sites, but detailed accessibility features for campers with disabilities are not explicitly documented.
Sites 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.
Sites 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 CampsitesChoose 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.
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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.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into three loops with paved sites. Riverfront sites are highly desirable but tend to book early.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 3 - November 22, 2025. Reservations can be made on a rolling 6-month basis.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov and its associated platforms (website, app, and contact center).
Walk-in AvailabilityMany reviews mention sites available for walk-up on weekends, though riverfront sites often fill via reservations. Late Friday and early Saturday arrivals may encounter noise or trash left by previous occupants.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are subject to a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's use fee if made after midnight 1 day before check-in. Changes carry a $10 fee only if stay dates are completely changed. Late cancellations and no-shows may incur additional penalties.
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.
Hiking
Direct 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.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are abundant, with trout being a commonly caught species. Some reviewers highlight the campground as a favorite fishing spot.Swimming
Swimming is possible in the Upper Kern River, but strong currents make it unsafe in some areas. Campers are advised to exercise caution.Biking
Mountain biking is supported, with nearby trails accessible directly from the campground.Winter Activities
Winter recreation is not explicitly mentioned, though seasonal variations could impact usability.Water Sports
Rafting and kayaking are popular water sports facilitated by the Upper Kern River.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire restrictions may be imposed during dry seasons. Campfires are only allowed in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are not strictly enforced according to user reviews, with some noise continuing past 10 PM on weekends.
Hazards
General hazardsThe 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
48
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 1.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest hospital and emergency medical services are in Kernville, 13 miles away. Police and additional services likely based in Kernville as well.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 3, 2025 - November 22, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are available and conveniently located, but no recycling facilities are explicitly mentioned. Campers have noted occasional issues with trash collection schedules.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located along the Upper Kern River, with several sites offering direct river access.
Common complaintsFrequent mentions of noisy neighbors during weekends, poorly maintained restrooms (lack of toilet paper, broken locks), and potholes near the entrance.
HostCamp hosts are frequently described as helpful and accommodating. Specific names mentioned include Amber, Amanda, and Gerry, who maintain well-stocked restrooms and assist with campsite issues.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.2
130 reviews
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 130 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 130 reviewsCommon Concerns
Limited shade, occasional cleanliness issues with vault toilets, noise from other campers, and mismatched site descriptions from online reservations.
Based on 130 reviewsPro 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 130 reviewsShow more
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 130 reviewsCamper 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 130 reviewsShow more
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 130 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews were provided, though paved sites suggest some accessibility accommodations.
Based on 130 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews addressing pet policies or pet-friendly features were included.
Based on 130 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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