Stine Cove Fishing Site

Star4.12
51 reviews
11380 Kernville Road, Kernville, CA 93238
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,730 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Kern River Ranger District site

Official Website
Get Directions
Stine Cove Fishing Site
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground is free to use. No fees are required.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
760-376-3781SM.FS.SequoiaNF@usda.gov
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.12

Satisfactory

Based on 51 reviews

38 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietwaterlake

"User reviews emphasize the site's serene lakeside location and free camping, balanced by limited amenities and environmental challenges like wind and blue-green algae."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

11380 Kernville Road, Kernville, CA 93238

Stine Cove Fishing Site

11380 Kernville Road, Kernville, CA 93238

Driving directionsStine Cove is located on Lake Isabella. The Kern River Ranger District office is in Kernville, CA. From Kernville, follow signs to Lake Isabella on CA-155. Ensure you check road conditions before departure.
Road access may be challenging due to rocks and mud near the water. User reviews suggest that low clearance vehicles and trailers may face difficulties. Roads may appear dry but can be problematic.
Nearby places
Kernville (approximately 5 miles, 10 minutes), Lake Isabella (approximately 10 miles, 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and essentials can be obtained in Kernville or Lake Isabella, both within a short driving distance.

Best Time to Camp at Stine Cove Fishing Site

Stine Cove's dramatic seasonal shifts create year-round adventures for hardy campers. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched paradise where temperatures soar above 90°F, perfect for early morning fishing and afternoon lake swims. Winter brings crisp nights that dip to around 37°F, ideal for cozy campfires and clear mountain air. The constant companion throughout every season is the wind that sweeps across Lake Isabella, adding nature's soundtrack to your camping experience and reminding visitors to secure their gear.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Warm water and swimming but very hot days (90+°), windy, and weekend crowding reported.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall: quieter with fewer campers, though areas near waterline can get muddy.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring noted with seasonal changes and muddy shoreline risk; milder conditions for visiting.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year‑round but likely colder, with no winter amenities mentioned; suitability limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not explicitly defined.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: Potential seasonal fire restrictions and algae warnings. Check official sources before visiting.

About Stine Cove Fishing Site

Escape to Stine Cove, where the untamed shores of Lake Isabella beckon adventurous souls seeking authentic wilderness camping. This free dispersed camping area strips away modern conveniences to deliver an unfiltered outdoor experience. With no designated sites, hookups, or running water, you'll find yourself immersed in nature's raw beauty. A single primitive restroom stands as the only nod to civilization, making this the perfect destination for self-sufficient campers who measure luxury in star-filled skies and lakeside sunrises.
Stine Cove supports dispersed camping, allowing RVs, tents, and other setups without formal site designations or reservations.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Open year-round with no specified limit.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The site offers a limited range of recreational activities, including fishing, non-motorized boating, swimming, and general picnicking. Hunting and shooting activities are also allowed.
FishingFishing opportunities include lake and pond fishing. One user review states, 'A whole family fishing...they were getting some good bites.'
SwimmingSwimming is mentioned in user reviews as an activity, with one noting 'the water was warm and perfect for swimming.' Potential hazards like blue-green algae are highlighted in a review: 'Many people have lost their dogs to [blue-green algae], so check it out first!'
BoatingNon-motorized boating is permitted. User reviews note lakeside camping and a boat launch.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRisk of muddy terrain, especially near the waterline. Users have reported vehicles and trailers sinking. Blue-green algae in the lake can be dangerous to pets.
Active AlertsPotential seasonal fire restrictions and algae warnings. Check official sources before visiting.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Stine Cove Fishing Site

Reviews

4.1
51 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Stine Cove Fishing Site is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the site's serene lakeside location and free camping, balanced by limited amenities and environmental challenges like wind and blue-green algae.
Review Summaries
Based on 51 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the 'great view of the lake,' 'relaxing hearing mini lake waves,' 'big and quiet open space,' and 'warm and perfect swimming water.'
Based on 51 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include 'slanted sites,' 'no shrubbery or amenities,' 'filthy vault toilet,' 'windy and hot conditions,' and 'blue-green algae problems.'
Based on 51 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend checking for blue-green algae before swimming or allowing pets near the water, bringing shade due to lack of trees, and avoiding muddy terrain near the waterline.
Based on 51 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer: Refreshing nights but very hot days ('roasting by 9am'), potential crowding on weekends due to demand. Fall: Quiet with fewer campers but risks of muddy terrain near the waterline. Spring and...
Show more
Based on 51 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Great view of lake. You can camp as close as you want to lake.' 'Low clearance vehicles and trailers be aware of rocks.' 'No electricity or water or hookups.' 'Bathroom freshly painted, cleaned...
Show more
Based on 51 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers are mentioned, but users indicate a lack of designated sites and variable terrain (e.g., slanted and muddy areas).
Based on 51 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility concerns are not explicitly addressed in user reviews.
Based on 51 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed with a leash requirement. One user review warns of blue-green algae in the lake, which has caused fatalities in dogs.
Based on 51 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Stine Cove Fishing Site? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 5, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Campgrounds
Stine Cove Fishing Site