Kern River

CA

Steep Sierra whitewater above Lake Isabella, and trout below the dam.

35.750°N 118.450°W4,464 ft
CampingFishingPaddling
Today79°FSlight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms · low 52°F
Wind15 mphSE · NWS

Photo: Qwert üpoiuz · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Rentals, stays & trips for Kern RiverPartner links · same price for you
Guided trip on Kern RiverRafting, kayak and fishing trips with a guideViator Stay near Kern RiverLake cabins, vacation homes and hotelsExpedia · Vrbo Folding kayaksPacks into a car trunk, sets up in minutesOru Kayak Riverside campsitePrivate sites near the waterHipcamp

Heads up: Cooler months are quiet on the river. Check flows before you go.

Guided trip on Kern RiverViator · partner link→
Guides for Kern RiverRiver trips →Camping →
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenFreeMap · USGS 3DHP

Quick facts

Type
River
State
California
Elevation
4,464 ft
Boat ramps
None listed
Campgrounds
None listed
Fish species
None recorded

Get on the water

Ramps & rentals

Boat ramps and marinasNone listed yet in Recreation.gov or OpenStreetMap for this water.
River trips

Float Kern River with a guide

Guided rafting, kayak and fishing trips. Or bring your own boat and gear.

Affiliate links

Where to stay

Camp near the water

CampgroundsNone listed yet in Recreation.gov or OpenStreetMap for this water.
Public sites full?

Private sites nearby

Ranch, desert and waterfront sites hosted by landowners.

Affiliate link
Rather sleep indoors?

Cabins and hotels near Kern River

Lake houses, cabins and hotels close to the water, with free cancellation on many stays.

Affiliate link
No rig? No problem

RV delivered to camp

Some owners will drop a trailer at the campground and pick it up when you leave.

Affiliate links

Off the water

Nearby trails

Cannell Trailhead

· 1.9 mi from the water
© OpenStreetMap contributors

Trailheads from OpenStreetMap and hand-checked notes. Open the trailhead in your hiking app for full route details.

Before you launch

Gas, bait & supplies nearby

Gas and fuel docks

  • Shell
    1.4 mi
  • Mobil 24/7
    1.8 mi
  • Fastrip
    1.8 mi
  • Chevron
    2.9 mi

Bait and tackle

  • Triple Crown Outfitters 98953 Sacatar Ranch Road, Inyokern · Mo-Su 09:00-15:00
    25.6 miCall

Groceries and ice

  • Riverside One Stop 10800, Kernville
    1.4 mi
  • Primo's
    1.8 mi
  • Sierra Gateway MarketIce Mo-Su,PH 04:00-19:00
    1.8 mi

RV dump and fresh water

  • RV dump stationDump station
    6.9 mi

Ranger stations

  • Frog Meadow Guard Station
    11.2 mi
  • Hot Springs Ranger Station
    14.5 mi
  • Curliss Meadows Guard Station
    19.7 mi

Hospitals and urgent care

  • Kern Valley HospitalEmergency 6412 Laurel Avenue, Mountain Mesa · 24/7
    8.3 miCall
  • Tule River Indian Health Center
    27.4 mi

Distances are straight-line from the water. Listings © OpenStreetMap contributors; hours change, so call ahead. In an emergency, call 911.

Trip planner

Build your weekend

Saturday74°FSunnyWind 5 to 10 mph SSE
Sunday76°FSunnyWind 5 mph SSE

National Weather Service forecast. Afternoon wind builds on big lakes; plan crossings for the morning.

How many days
Who's coming
Main thing

Packing list

Don't forget

Good to know

Kern River FAQ

Is there gas near Kern River?

The closest listed fuel is Shell, about 1.4 miles from the water.

Where can I buy bait near Kern River?

Bait and tackle nearby: Triple Crown Outfitters (25.6 mi). Hours change, so call ahead.

Keep exploring

Nearby water

Lake Isabella7 mi · 25% fullCastaic Lake85 mi · 90% fullLake Cachuma117 mi · 84% fullBig Bear Lake136 mi

Sources: USGS 3DHP, Recreation.gov RIDB, OpenStreetMap contributors, CDFW and AZGFD, GBIF, NWS. Photo credits are listed on the photo credits page. All outbound links are affiliate links.