Anyone camp at Fairview Campground in Kernville?

The grade from Hwy 14 to the top of Walker's pass is mostly 4% until a couple of miles from the top where it gets to 6%. About a 1/2 mile from the top, it is 7%. Immediately over the top, there is a 7% downgrade with a 20mph horseshoe curve about 1/2 mile down. Within a mile from the top, the grade evens out to about a 4% for quite a few miles and a couple of curves that will require you to slow to about 25. Other than that, it's smooth sailing and easily done with your rig.

Sierra Way also has a few curves that require your constant attention. Just watch the speed signs and you'll be ok.

Yes, Fairview has water for you.

The water level of the lake is as low as I've ever seen it in over 50 years. The river is flowing, but not near what it normally is. Haven't heard about the fishing and I would think the river is too low to do any tubing or such.

You can go on up to Johnsondale, Sherman's Peak area, or even on over to the west side of the Sierras....all from this area. Have a good time and be safe.

Ron

We usually go to Kernville from the Central Coast via 58 to Commanche to 178. After nearly 10 years of going that way if you look far enough ahead to know who's coming down the canyon it gets to be not so bad. First time it was a bit concerning.

It was several months ago but we came over Walker Pass with our 38' 5th wheel. Much less streeful as the road is wide and turns are well marked and your view of upcoming curves is generally good. As was mentioned before the downgrade side is long but no issue if you have engine braking.

Thanks again for all the replies. We ended up having a great time at Fairview Camp Ground. We were able to fit in Camp spot 21. There was no way we could fit in the 40' pull threw spots. 21 is a back in spot and it barely worked. And to get out of the Camp Ground I had to back all the way out. There was no way I could make the turn toward the end of the Lower circle to get out. It wasn't really that bad and ended up working out good. We will still go back as long as we could get spot 21 or maybe 22. Those are the only spots I saw on the south circle that will accommodate 40' + 5th wheel. The water level was high enough to go tubing and there was plenty of water bibs around to fill the trailers fresh water. Peter the host was very friendly and accommodating too! We didn't get to try the Famous 40oz Porter House at McNally's but their lunch burgers were awesome!!! The bar there makes some good drinks also We also did the drive to the Trail of 100 Giants. The kids had a blast there!! As far as the drive, we opted to come in the from the east and took the 405N to the 5N to the 14N to the 178W up over Walker Pass into Isabella. Not a bad drive and the pull up the Walker pass wasn't as bad as I thought. Going west from the 14 was a pretty good tug but coming up over the pass from the west wasn't that bad at all. Gotta watch that down grade speed though. Overall it was a great trip, thx again for all the info!!!

thanks for the trip report. Glad you had a good time. I pretty much grew up there with the McNally grandkids - my parents owned a mining claim on Packsaddle Trail (completely gone now - sigh....) Roads End was a great place in the 60's (that's all gone now too.....)