Updated July 31, 2024: The California Highway Patrol has RE-OPENED Highway 178 in the Kern River Canyon between Bakersfield and Lake Isabella. The vehicle accident caused wildfire in the Kern River canyon, the Borel Fire, began on July 24, 2024. Keep reading to find the best alternate route for you.
While driving through the Kern River canyon on Highway 178 between Bakersfield and Lake Isabella you may experience some wait times due to one-way traffic lanes for construction in the canyon and fire equipment as crews continue to work on Borel Fire clean up. Kern River's Edge Campground -- remains OPEN for camping!
So what's the best alternate route to take to get to Kern River and Kernville, CA if we don't drive through the Kern River canyon?
Here are several options for routes to use while driving to Kern River's Edge Campground and Kernville. Most routes add only about 30-45 minutes extra time to your drive time. And, parts of these routes are incredibly pastoral and beautiful, so slow down and enjoy the scenery!
Related Content: Check out all the fun things to do at Kern River
Each set of driving directions listed below include Detours that take you on alternate routes around the road closures noted in this post. We look forward to seeing you very soon @ the Kern River's Edge to camp, relax and explore!
From the 395, turn left/west onto Highway 178 towards Lake Isabella, drive all the way in to Lake Isabella and turn north towards Kernville, CA. See complete route on Google Maps.
From Los Angeles drive north on I-5 and then near Santa Clarita take the CA-14 toward Palmdale/Lancaster. Turn left/west onto Highway 178 towards Lake Isabella, drive in to Lake Isabella and turn north towards Kernville, CA. See complete route on Google Maps.
From Bakersfield, CA take the 58 to the 14 towards Tehachapi and then California City. Turn left/west onto Highway 178 towards Lake Isabella, drive in to Lake Isabella and turn north towards Kernville, CA See complete route on Google Maps.
Use Low Gears on descent. Not best option for high profile vehicles, use 58 to 14 instead for Trailers. Take CA-46 E to Famoso Rd in Kern County, Take Granite Rd to CA-155 E, Continue straight onto Famoso Rd, Slight left onto Granite Rd, Slight right onto CA-155 E, Turn left onto White River Rd, Head south on White River Rd toward CA-155 W, Turn left onto CA-155 E/Evans Rd, Turn left onto Wofford Blvd towards Kernville. See complete route on Google Maps.
This is the longest route and is well suited for high-profile vehicles and towed vehicles.
From Bakersfield take Hwy 58 east toward Tehachapi and California City, turn left on Highway 178 and drive to Lake Isabella. Turn right on to Highway 155 toward Wofford Heights and then Kernville. See complete route on Google Maps.
Driving from northern California to Kernville California Hot Springs route is also a viable route. From Highway 99 towards Ducor. Ave 56 to California Hot Springs to Johnsondale via Mtn Highway 99 to Kernville. Mtn Highway 99 changes to Sierra Way in Kernville, CA.
Ready to go camping on the Kern River?
Then let’s go! At Kern River’s Edge, you’ll find spacious campsites, concierge firewood, ice deliveries, and the best cooling off spots on the Kern River. With over 40 camping sites to choose from and easy access to all types of activities — including fishing —, there’s something for everyone at the River’s Edge campsite.
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