Kern River Ranger District

Area Status: Open

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!

Gateway to the Giant Sequoias

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 (click here to go to www.pcta.org, official site for the Pacific Crest Trail Association)

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	For Kern River Ranger District recreation information, please call (760) 549-9533 or check the National Weather Service for extended forecasts.
Operational Hours:	Kern River Ranger District In-person and Virtual Services Available Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm 11380 Kernville Road, Kernville, CA 93238 Ranger Station (760) 376-3781 Virtual Services (760) 549-9533 By email at SM.FS.SequoiaNF@usda.gov
Reservations:	Most campgrounds accept reservations at Recreation.gov, or call 877-444-6777.
Restrictions:	Kern River Ranger District Restrictions: Forest Order 0513-20-15 Fire Use Restrictions (No fires outside developed campground sites or below 5000 ft elevation.) Campground Occupancy Use Forest Order 0513-19-09 (14 day stay limit) Kern River Developed Recreation Site Closures Forest order 0513-20-18 North Fork Kern River Setback Camping Prohibition Forest Order 0513-20-13 Kern Floodplain Site Area Closure Forest Order 0513-20-04 Old Goldledge Dispersed Camping Area Closure Forest Order 0513-20-01 Kern Canyon Isabella Lake Glass Container Prohibition Forest Order 0513-19-05 Forest Order 0513-19-08 Lower Kern Camping Prohibition Forest Order 0513-19-08

General Information

General Notes:

Unique Recreation Opportunities on the Kern River Ranger District

When conditions permit, visitors can ski, snowboard, or tube at the Alta Sierra Ski Resort
OHV enthusiasts can explore the forest using single-track trails, or have some fun at the Cyrus Canyon OHV Park. Search and download Motor Vehicle Use Maps for trail types and locations.
Lake Isabella has three marinas in operation during the summer that rent boats, kayaks, and other gear
Five commercial whitewater outfitter guides are available to provide trips on the mighty Kern River
Kernville has a private airport operating on Forest Service land
Sportsmen can hone their rifle, shotgun, and bow skills at the Cyrus Canyon Shooting Range
Visitors can learn about local native cultures at the Nuui Cunni Native American Intertribal Culture Center