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Visitors Guides
Published by the Kern Valley Sun
The Official Kern River Valley
Print copies available at the KRV Chamber of Commerce
Located at 6416 Lake Isabella Blvd., Lake Isabella, CA 93240
Or at the offices of the Kern Valley Sun
Visitor's Guide
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The Lodge at Painted Rock - Discover the Treasures of the Valley
Sierra South - Rafting, Tubing, Climbing, Kayaking - Choose Your Adventure
Kern River's Edge Campground - A Great Blog with Lots of Local Info
And Check Out these Member Pages!
Clean Getaways - Scroll towards the bottom of their page for an up-to-date list of community events!
Features a guide to the Sequoia National Forest (caution, some of the info in the print version is outdated.)
Interactive map links to the USFS's interactive map, which is different from the link above. Highly customizable views and many features.
Explore! The interactive map is just a part of a range of mapping apps, print, and other wayfinding resources available through USFS. See HERE!
Outdoor recreation guide that includes detailed trail descriptions and information on mountain biking, rafting, snow play, and more.
Kern River Sierra produces the Kern River Sierra Outdoor Recreation Topo Map.
Available for purchase locally and online.
Please visit the Kern River Ranger District webpage for the latest information on fire restrictions, closures, or information on day-use sites and dispersed camping.
The site includes an interactive map with links to activities and other locations.
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page for information on trails and recreational opportunities.
Start your search for developed campgrounds on recreation.gov.
A search for "Lake Isabella California" will bring up a map of the lake with linked icons showing campground locations.
Clicking on the icons will bring up information about the availability of campsites within the campground, a listing of amenities at that location, and allow you to make and pay for reservations.
Recreation.gov does not include information on dispersed camping or private campground locations.
Developed campgrounds are managed by an authorized concierge contractor with the US Forest Service - ExploreUS.
Free campfire permits can be obtained at readyforwildfire.org/permits.
Watch a short video and take a brief quiz to obtain a permit.
Please also note that current restrictions prohibit the use of glass bottles around Lake Isabella or the Kern River.
The Kern River Valley is a true "Sportman's Paradise" with endless areas to explore and activities to participate in. Whether you're a hiker, climber, windsurfer, marksman, skier, off-roader, hot-springs-soaker, bird-watcher, and the list goes on and on, the Valley has something for you! Take a look at the sites below, keep in mind, these are just a start to your adventure!
Most boats require a lake permit issued by the Kern County Parks and Recreation department to be put on the water.
Permits can be purchased online at the link below or at Crossroads Shell in Lake Isabella or Sierra Gateway Market in Kernville.
https://www.kerncounty.com/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/16/32619.
Launch facilities located at developed camp ground sites may require a launch fee. Those not located at campgrounds, including Launch 19 and at the French Gulch, do not require a launch fee
Purchase fishing licenses online through the California Department of Fish or at Crossroads Shell in Lake Isabella, Sierra Gateway Market in Kernville, or other select merchants.
Download the CDFW app to keep a copy your license on your phone.
CDFW no longer prints copies of the annual fishing regulations. A PDF version of the freshwater fishing regulations booklet is available at this link.
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