South Fork Kern River

CA
Directions to Honey Bee Trail
35.984°N 118.156°W

Photo: Chris M Morris · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Rentals, stays & trips for South Fork Kern RiverPartner links · same price for you
Campsites near South Fork Kern RiverPrivate sites when the public ones are fullHipcamp Stay near South Fork Kern RiverLake cabins, vacation homes and hotelsExpedia · Vrbo Rent an RVCampervans delivered to campOutdoorsy Gear for the dayKayaks, PFDs and shadeREI

Heads up: Weekends near the water fill first. Book the campsite before the gear.

Campsites near South Fork Kern RiverHipcamp · partner link→
Gear up for South Fork Kern River
Folding kayaksOru Kayak Tents, coolers & camp gearREI Sun and rain layersPatagonia Paddle and outdoor gearBackcountry
Partner links
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenFreeMap · USGS 3DHP and National Atlas (via Esri)
South Fork Kern River (9387820293).jpg
Chris M Morris · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
South Fork Kern River (9390594538).jpg
Chris M Morris · CC BY 2.0
South Fork Kern River in Templeton Meadows (43866393654).jpg
David Bakken · CC BY-SA 2.0
Western pearlshell mussel (Margaritifera falcata) shell from the South Fork Kern River (44536580002).jpg
David Bakken · CC BY-SA 2.0

Quick facts

Type
River
State
California
Length
About 89.3 miles
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.
No boat rentals here

Bring the boat on wheels

Rent a campervan and paddle from shore, or gear up for a day at the water.

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 South Fork 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

Honey Bee Trail

· 0.5 mi from the water
Directions
© OpenStreetMap contributors

Ramshaw Meadow Trail

· 1.1 mi from the water
Directions
© OpenStreetMap contributors

Trail Pass Trail

· 1.4 mi from the water
Directions
© OpenStreetMap contributors

Deer Mountain Trail

· 1.4 mi from the water
Directions
© OpenStreetMap contributors

Bakeoven Trail

· 1.5 mi from the water
Directions
© OpenStreetMap contributors

Wildrose Trail

· 1.5 mi from the water
Directions
© OpenStreetMap contributors

Long Canyon Trail

· 2.1 mi from the water
Directions
© OpenStreetMap contributors

Haiwee Trail

· 2.6 mi from the water
Directions
© OpenStreetMap contributors

Domeland Trail

· 3.0 mi from the water
Directions
© 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

Bait and tackle

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

Groceries and ice

  • Mt. Mesa Food Mart 12400 Mountain Mesa Road, Mountain Mesa
    1.6 miDirections
  • Grocery OutletIce 6415 Lake Isabella Boulevard · Mo-Su 06:00-22:00
    2.6 miDirections
  • VonsIce 5610 Lake Isabella Boulevard, Lake Isabella · Mo-Su 06:00-23:00
    3.3 miCallDirections
  • Shell
    3.4 miDirections

RV dump and fresh water

Ranger stations

Hospitals and urgent care

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

How many days
Who's coming
Main thing

Packing list

Don't forget

Good to know

South Fork Kern River FAQ

Is there gas near South Fork Kern River?

The closest listed fuel is Shell, about 1.6 miles from the water.

Where can I buy bait near South Fork Kern River?

Bait and tackle nearby: Triple Crown Outfitters (2.6 mi). Hours change, so call ahead.

Keep exploring

Nearby water

Kern River19 miIsabella Lake26 mi · 25% fullGolden Trout Creek28 miRancheria Creek80 mi

Sources: USGS 3DHP and National Atlas (rivers via Esri Living Atlas), 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.