Fairview Campground

We arrived to Fairview Camp to see that our riverfront site 13 was curved and heavily lined with very large boulders. This made it nearly impossible to park our 25 ft trailer and still be able to open a door. It was a site I had booked months in advance. On the Rec.gov website, it says the site accommodates a 30 ft trailer. So, I figured we were all good. We tried four times to get our RV in the spot. We even did it in 4 wheel drive because we had to go over a pile of rocks with the truck to try to get the RV in. An excellent driver may have been able to do it. But, I think the average driver would not. We definitely didn't want to damage our tow vehicle for it. We would have settled to not be able to open the one RV slide-out as long as we could have opened a door with out hitting a boulder. But, no luck on either. Fortunately, the camp hosts had a large spot they were able to offer us. Not on the river - but we were happy to have had the place to park and the help. Please, REC.GOV, re-evaluate where you put boulders and how you "sell" sites. Boulder lining the driveways is unnecessary and the hazard too costly for anyone to have to handle. If you are afraid we are going to park too many vehicles there, come around and tell us or charge us or whatever you must do. We had one trailer and one truck, again, under the size limit. I don't know what we would have done without that backup spot that was available. It appeared all the campgrounds were full and we had driven five hours from home. We are thankful to the camp hosts for being there and helping us get a new spot. We would return now that we have a good idea what the issue is there. I would like to book with more confidence for the other Kern River REC.Gov Campgrounds. Here's a Youtube video I found showing sites at Headquarters camp. It's not ideal to gage feasibility from these pics. But, it may help some people have a better idea. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HP3d3Wv3UJo

All good!

Fairview Campground has been taken over by another hosting company. This transfer has resulted in an unexpected change in site numbers. Site numbers on here 'rec.gov' does not reflect the numbers at the campsite.

I made a reservation for a particular spot, and upon arrival, realized a site numbering problem. As a result, I was placed in a site I did not reserve. The site was significantly smaller than what I originally reserved. I talked to the camp host and was able to change to a different spot with more space. Not the spot I originally reserved because someone was occupying it.

Missed matched site numbers are my biggest complaint this year, and I hope the new host address this issue.

Great time! Windy but not strong enough to ruin the trip, if anything it helped because the sun was brutal! Nothing the cool river cant fix. Will come back again!

My favorite campground.

So-so location, fine sights, fine place, zero cell service, limited facilities

Such a great campsite! The views are amazing in every direction. The bathrooms were nice & clean. And access to the river was great!!

I've been camping here over 30 years. Usually this is in the late fall. I always enjoy this campground. The difference this time was the night and the temperature dropping in the low 40's. Yes, I slept in all my clothes and fortunately had I brought thick wool socks. Sunrise on the campground was 7 am, so no getting up before the sun was on my site. I caught 2 trout the first morning. One was 10 inches and the other about 14. I kept one for a fried potatoes, onions and trout meal, the other was released. I journeyed up past Johnsondale to check out my favorite meadows. My heart sank. I forgot about the devastating wildfires. The meadows were unrecognizable. Well, I remember the McNally fire years ago and how nature will regenerate itself.
I was at Fairview 8 days, and I enjoyed it more than my fall trips because the temperature during the day was barely at times 80 degrees. FYI, McNally's burger stand was open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
My son joined me on the weekend. I took him to Kernville Museum which was a highlight from him. Bob was a very insightful volunteer, who gave us a very thorough history lesson. Thanks Bob.

The campsites was vary clean and even though the toilet are pit toilets they are kept clean.

The hosts were super friendly and helpful! Bathrooms were super clean and well maintained. What a great location to access some of the areas hidden gems! We’ll be back!