Kern River Ranger District
The Kern River Ranger District offers something for every recreationist. The district covers 663,000 acres and offers 25 campgrounds and 10 developed day-use areas. Over 578 miles of trails, including 68 miles through designated wilderness, span across forested mountains, high desert, and along rivers. Come out and explore!
Even though no giant sequoia groves are on the Kern River Ranger District, the Trail of 100 Giants is just up the road on the Western Divide Ranger District and offers a paved interpretive trail to view and learn about these majestic trees. Please note that this trail is only accessible seasonally, usually from May - November.
The Pacific Crest Trail crosses the district in two locations.
Kern River Ranger Station
Recreation Sites
Alta Sierra Ski Resort
Site Closed
Alta Sierra Ski Resort and Terrain Park is operated under a Special Use Permit administered by the USDA & the US Forest Service. Alta Sierra Ski Resort and Terrain Park is used primarily as a day…
Ant Canyon Dispersed Camping
Site Open
Just north of Goldledge Campground along the Upper Kern River. This is a dispersed camping site. No water is available. Portable toilets and trash bins available in the summer months.
Auxiliary Dam Campground
Site Open
Located on the southern end of Lake Isabella off Highway 178 near the town of Lake Isabella, this facility offers flush toilets, drinking water, trash service, a dump station and some campsites with…
Bald Mountain Lookout
Site Open
Bald Mountain Lookout is a manned lookout tower in the Domeland Wilderness on the Sequoia National Forest.
Black Gulch South Group Camping
Site Open
Located 3 miles southwest of Isabella Lake on the north side of state highway 178 across from Sandy Flats campground adjacent to the Lower Kern River in the Kern River Ranger District. There are 5…
Blackrock Trailhead
Site Open
The Blackrock Trailhead is a beautiful and easily accessible gateway into the Golden Trout Wilderness. This trailhead is used for camping, hiking, and staging for backpacking trips in the…
Blackrock Visitor Center
Site Closed
The Visitor's Center is currently closed until further notice. For more information, please call 760-376-3781.
Boulder Gulch Campground
Site Temporarily Closed
Amenities include 78 camping sites, potable water, flush toilets, a fish cleaning station and a playground. This is a popular fishing area. Maximum RV Length is 45 ft.Fish cleaning station.
Breckenridge Campground
Site Open
Breckenridge Campground is the only campground on Breckenridge Mountain that offers picnic tables and vault restrooms. This campground is unsuitable for trailers, but offers a rustic experience for…
Brush Creek Dispersed Camping
Site Open
Brush Creek is a dispersed camping or day use site open year-round. There are vault toilets available and trash bins available in the summer months. This is where the Brush Creek meets the Upper…