Looking for a leisurely getaway? Road Trip to Kernville, a Southern California Secret.
From the Mojave Desert, just past Red Rock Canyon, is Highway 178, the gateway to the Kern River Valley.
After years of saying, what's up that road on the way to Bishop, California instead of taking the 395, we took a left.
From Los Angeles, take Hwy 14 towards Red Rock Canyon, on the left just before the 395 take Hwy 178, then on to the 155 towards Kernville or take the scenic route just past Weldon on Hwy 178, take a right on Sierra Way to Kernville.
What is that: At the 178 turn off there is a stone marker on the side of the road-it is historical landmark No. 766
for Freeman Junction.
Drive time est: 3 hours
Bring A Camera!
The road into the valley was breathtaking, starting with the field of Joshua trees slowly evolving into ranch and farmland with the Sierra Nevada mountains as a backdrop the horses were grazing and the cattle roaming.
Camp Notes
With the Sequoia National Forest landscape, the Kern River Valley is one of the best places for disbursed camping; check out the BLM government website for more information on areas for packing in and packing out and always remember to leave no trace.
Walker Pass-No. 99 California Historical Landmark on Highway 178 is the gateway to the Kern River Valley and Pacific Crest Trail-Check out conditions with the U.S. Forest Service office in Kernville before heading out.
During the warmer months, watch out for snakes and rules regarding campfires.
Is it Isabella Lake or Lake Isabella?
One of the larger reservoirs in California.
Morning view from Paradise Cove Campground
Pull over and enjoy the landscapes.
History is everywhere!
A view of the historical A. Brown Mill, built in 1878, just outside of Weldon; the Adubon Kern River Preserve is nearby. Check it out!
A replica of the buildings can be found at the Kern Valley Museum in Kernville.
The River House Wall Art
Kernville, California
Kernville a charming surprise. Originally called Whiskey Flat, it is big sky country. The Kern River flows through the tiny town with antique stores, hotels and restaurants.
Bear Art is everywhere in the town of Kernville from the storefronts, campgrounds, and homes.
The Kern Valley Museum
The Kern Valley Museum has artifacts from mining to western movie memorabilia. Located on Big Blue Road, it is a must-see, especially if you want to capture the wonder of the wild west. It is free, but donations are accepted.
Resident Artist
If you are on a walk about the town, check out artist Eddie Salazar.
Look for Eddie next to the Whisky Flats Antique Store on Big Blue Road with his portrait paintings of people and pets. Don’t overlook his action paintings they are inspiring.
Price range from $300-$2,500.
Paint mediums: Watercolor, acrylics and oil.
Contact Eddie Salazar and get your portrait taken, he takes commissions. edsart28@gmail.com
The best part of Road Trip Kernville was the quiet moments.
Things to Do
Camping
There are a lot of camping spots near or on Isabella Lake and along the Kern River. Check campground websites for closure due to the extensive damage from the 2023 storms before making reservations.
If you are camping, save on groceries; the markets in Kernville are off the charts and filled with any and everything you may need for your camping adventure, right down to the shoes.
Check out a few campground.
Check websites for any closures due to the 2023 storms.
Walker Pass Campground just pass the Pacific Crest Trail Marker on Isabella Walker Pass Road Hwy 178
11 Walk in campsites for trail hikers and tent camping 2 car sites-all have picnic tables and fire rings. No water. Corrals for horses are provided.
Paradise Cove off Highway 178
This is a great place if you love fishing and boating or just taking it easy. 46 sites with flush toilets, tables and water. There is also a dump station and boat launch. Across the street is a hotel and restaurant.
Headquarter Campground is along the Kern River on Sierra Way
This campground is excellent for tents, but there are spaces for RVs—amenities, including picnic tables and campfire ring-Vault toilets.
Camp Three Campground is along the Kern River on Mountain Hwy 99.
52 Paved campsites with picnic table and campfire ring. Amenities include water and vault toilets.
Chico Flats is a dispersed camping site and it is free.
You may need permits for camp fires and other amenities so check out the campground website before your trip.
There was an abundance of camping choices on this road trip. These are just a few we explored, so get a map and find your camping adventure; Lake Isabella and the Kern River are waiting.
Enjoy the Outdoors
Kayaking
Fishing
Horseback Riding
Rock Climbing
Gold Panning
Antique Hunting
Birding
Stargazing
Hiking and biking trails are everywhere.
Wildlife and Floral Photography in the Springtime.
The Canell Meadow Trail was a popular hiking spot on our trip. Not sure what it looks like during the summer but this spring the fields and hillsides were filled with wildflowers. A photographers dream. Find the trail marker on Sierra Way.
Take the route less traveled and enjoy a bit of the California landscape.
Big Sky Country
Kernville, California
Bring your telescopes and binoculars.
Night Sky monthly notes are in the Magazine .
Not all Road Trips are in a Campground!
Looking for a Get-a-Way
with a view of the Kern River?
Road trips are fun, but sometimes taking our pop-up to a destination without knowing what's out there, especially on a four-day journey, makes looking for other options fun. Cabins, yurts, and glamping are all available alternatives. For this camping trip, we found the River House on Sierra Way. It was an exceptional find. For more information on the River house click the link. Pets welcomed.
Take a Road Trip To Kernville
Best surprise: Sierra Gateway Market.
Don’t miss the Kern Valley Museum.
From one artist to another, look up Eddie Salazar.
Enjoyed our stay at the River House, it was fabulous.
