Fairview is right on the river, so fishing and swimming will be good, provided the water is high enough. Not much in the way of trees for shade, and no hookups unless things have changed. Agree that 178 from Bakenfield is tight and curvy. 178 from the East (Hwy 14) is the way we always went from San Diego. Pretty good grade up and over Walker Pass, but once you get past the 1st couple of turns on the west side of the pass, you're golden.
Last gas at a reasonable price is at James Store (Sierra Gateway) or at Primo's across the street. You can get anything you forgot at this store. Mtn Hwy 99 follows the river, so it's pretty twisty, but is a good road.
Fairview has a small store for ice, bait, canned goods, etc. McNalleys is famous for it's steaks. The hamburgers at the stand next to the campground are good to.
A day trip up the river to the Giant Sequoias is recommended. Take rain gear, as frequent thunderstorms in the afternoon pop up.
Winds in the morning are usually "down canyon" and "up canyon" in the afternoon. Don't leave a tarp or awning up unattended or you'll lose it.
Kern river flow ratesFishing reports
