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California
66

California State Parks

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USA Parks
California
Central Coast & Central Valley Region
Kern River State Park
Kern River State Park Mallard Duck © Michael R Duncan
The male Mallard Duck in flight. Photography by Michael R Duncan
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KERN RIVER STATE PARK
KERN RIVER STATE PARK
The beautiful scenery of Kern County and the water flowing gracefully down Kern River attract people from near and far. The average whitewater rafting or kayaking river tends to be a bit harder to master in this state than those in other states, so better not forget that many runs in this state are not easy. This section is long enough to enjoy a good non stop paddle, you can easily run it on an afternoon. Getting your paddling muscles activated and a chance to spend some time outdoors will make you glad you came. This stretch of Kern River in Kern County is 7 miles long and is according to American Whitewater a class II-III section of whitewater. The Lake Isabella to Sandy Flat section is one of many paddling sections in this river system. Whitewater paddling here in the Southern Sierra Nevada is a great experience. Thestarting point is not too far from Bakersfield, if you're not familiar with the area there's a road map further down the page. The campgrounds here at Kern River are pretty good. There aren?t any hotels right nearby but if you're willing to drive a short distance then no problem but if you don?t have reservations you might end up sleeping in your car. Some people prefer whitewater rafting and some kayaking, either way around here you'll find a large number of good places.
History of the Area
The park is known for its scenic beauty and recreational activities. It was established around 1965. The area features Kern River which has been a significant water source since prehistoric times.

The river played an important role during the Gold Rush era of mid-19th century when gold was discovered there. In later years, it became popular among outdoor enthusiasts due to various adventure sports like white-water rafting and fishing.

In recent decades, efforts have been made towards conservation with focus on protecting local wildlife species such as mule deer and golden eagles.

Camping
- Kern River Campground: Offers RV and tent camping with picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, showers.

- Goldledge Campground: Provides riverfront sites for tents or small trailers.

- Fairview Campground: Features 48 campsites suitable for both tents and RVs along the Lower Kern River.

- Headquarters Campgrounds: Located near Lake Isabella; offers full hookups for campers as well as a dump station.

- Hobo campground: Has 35 single-family campsites located on the banks of scenic Upper Kern River.

- Limestone campground: A first-come-first-served basis site offering primitive camping spots in a forested setting by the river.


Location
Kern River State Park is located near Bakersfield, Lamont and Mc Farland

Trails
- Kern River Trail: A 7-mile trail following the river, offering views of wildlife and wildflowers; moderate difficulty.

- Whiskey Flat Trail: An easy to moderately difficult hike spanning approximately 15 miles along the scenic Kern River.

- Mill Creek Trail: This is a short but steep one mile loop that offers panoramic views over Lake Isabella and surrounding mountains.

- Remington Hot Springs Hike: Approximately two miles round trip with access to natural hot springs at its end point; rated as an easy-to-moderate level hike.

- Cannell Meadow National Recreation Trails System (NRTS): Features multiple trails totaling around thirty-five miles in length, ranging from moderate to strenuous levels of hiking experience required.

- Badger Gap Loop via Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) : Roughly six-and-a-half-mile long trek through forested areas with stunning vistas overlooking valleys below; considered challenging due to elevation changes.

- Rincon Shortcut Road To Pyle's Campground Via PCT And Sherman Pass Road Route : About twenty-one mile journey featuring diverse landscapes including meadows, forests and rocky terrains ; requires advanced hiking skills due high altitude variations .

-Packsaddle Cave Hike : Five mile out-and-back route leading up into hills where you can explore large cave formations ; intermediate skill level recommended .

-Lake Isabella Pathway Walks - These are several shorter walks varying between half a mile up until three or four miles each , circling parts of lake providing beautiful water-side scenery suitable for all ages .

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Area Campgrounds
Bakersfield Palms RV Resort
250 Fairfax Road
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield RV Resort
5025 Wible Road
Bakersfield, CA
661-833-9998
Bakersfield RV Travel Park
8633 East Brundage Lane
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield River Run RV Park
3715 Burr Street
Bakersfield, CA
661-303-4417
Smoke Tree RV Park
4435 Hughes Lane
Bakersfield, CA
661-832-0433
Suncrest Village RV Park
2555 Jewetta Avenue #40
Bakersfield, CA
661-589-2438
A Country RV Park
622 South Fairfax Road
Bakersfield, CA
Nearby Hotels
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Directions
Directions from Los Angeles, California:

- Begin on US-101 N.
- Take exit 19B to merge onto I-5 N toward Sacramento.
- Continue for approximately 75 miles.

From Bakersfield, California:

- Start by heading east on CA178 E/Rosedale Hwy towards Buck Owens Blvd.
- Follow CA178 E and Kern Canyon Rd to your destination in Riverkern.

If you're coming from San Francisco:

- Get started going southbound on the US - 101 S
- Merge with I -580E/I-80E towards downtown Oakland/Stockton/Hayward
(Continue until reaching signs directing you further)

For those traveling from Las Vegas:

- Head out of town westwards via W Charleston Boulevard which turns into NV-159W/NV160-W Blue Diamond Road,
continue straight ahead

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California
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California State Parks

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