Californians Swear By These 11 Amazing Kern River Swimming Holes

Summertime in California calls for cool dips in refreshing swimming holes. The Kern River, winding through the Sierra Nevada mountains, offers some of the best swimming holes in the state. With deep emerald pools, small waterfalls, and pristine natural settings, you will find the perfect spot to beat the heat. Here are 12 must-visit swimming holes near Kern River to add to your California bucket list.

Riverkern Beach

Riverkern Beach, located near Kernville, provides ample space to swim and relax on sunny days. The wide sandy beach leads to a deep, calm swimming hole perfect for families. Changing rooms and restrooms make this a convenient swimming destination.

Hospital Flat Campground

Located just upstream from Kernville, Hospital Flat Campground offers a swimming hole surrounded by unique rock formations and small rapids. Check out the ancient native rock art at this historical site.

Limestone Campground

Limestone Campground near Kernville features a swimming hole with a mini waterfall flowing into a clear pool below. Wading pools create shallow areas for children to play. Picnic sites are available if you want to extend your visit.

Bush Creek Campground

Also near Kernville, Bush Creek has an excellent swimming hole that flows around large boulders. Small cascades feed the deep pools. Pay the day-use fee to access this peaceful swimming spot.

Alder Creek Natural Slide

Near Camp Nelson, Alder Creek Natural Slide offers a unique swimming experience. The smooth rocks create a natural water slide, making it a fun and exciting spot for kids and adults.

Hidden Falls Campground

Hidden Falls Campground near Springville offers a small walk-in campground along the Tule River’s side. The area features a beautiful waterfall and swimming hole, perfect for cooling off on hot summer days.

Kern River’s Edge Campground

Kern River’s Edge Campground near Kernville offers a picturesque swimming hole surrounded by lush vegetation. The calm waters make it an ideal spot for families and those looking for a relaxing swim.

Camp Kernville

Camp Kernville offers a clean and well-maintained beach and swim area on the Kern River. The staff treats visitors like family, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists.

KRS at Camp James

KRS at Camp James, near Kernville, offers a beautiful swimming hole with clear waters and sandy shores. The area is perfect for swimming, wading, and relaxing in the sun.

Goldledge Campground

Goldledge Campground is situated along the Kern River, 10 miles north of Kernville. Visitors can access a swimming hole at the campground, which is a great way to cool off. The area is also famous for hiking, fishing, kayaking, and rafting.

Kern River Hot Springs

For a unique swimming experience, visit the Kern River Hot Springs, a hidden gem well off the beaten path. The hot springs offer a relaxing and rejuvenating soak in a beautiful natural setting.

What to Bring When Visiting the Kern River

To fully enjoy a day out at the Kern River swimming holes, be sure to pack these essentials:

Swimsuit and Towel

Pack your swimsuits and towels for swimming and lounging on sunny rocks or sandy beaches. Bring an extra towel, just in case.

Water Shoes

Protect your feet with water shoes, sandals, or an old pair of sneakers. The riverbed is rocky and rough in spots. Water shoes with grip provide the best traction.

Sun Protection

Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to protect against the intense California sun. Look for waterproof sunscreen so it won’t wash off in the water.

Picnic Supplies

Make a day out of visiting the swimming holes by packing a hearty picnic. Bring food that doesn’t need refrigeration, like sandwiches, chips, fruit, and baked goods. Don’t forget utensils and a cutting board.

Water

Stay hydrated during your day outside by packing plenty of water – more than you think you’ll need. Insulated bottles help keep water cold.

Portable Seating

Chairs or blankets allow you to relax between swims. Inflatable floats work too!

Camera

Capture scenic photos of you and your family playing in the swimming holes to look back on. Waterproof disposable or instant cameras are perfect.

Fishing Gear

Pack your tackle, pole, and valid CA fishing license if you want to fish. Various trout species can be found in the Kern River.

What Kind of Fish Can You Find in the Kern River?

The cold, rushing waters of the Kern River provide excellent habitat for various fish species. Here are some of the types of fish you can try to catch from the shoreline of the swimming holes:

Rainbow Trout

The most prized game fish in the Kern River is the rainbow trout. These are stocked annually by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Rainbows thrive in cold waters.

Brown Trout

Introduced from Europe, brown trout are another popular fish in the river. Browns have golden brown and red spotted bodies.

Kern River Rainbow Trout

A unique subspecies, the Kern River rainbow trout is golden with pronounced spotting on its sides. They are smaller than regular rainbows.

Largemouth Bass

In slower-moving parts of the river, you can find largemouth bass lurking under structures like fallen trees. They provide exciting action on lures and bait.

Channel Catfish

Bottom feeders like channel catfish thrive in the Kern River, especially in deeper pools. Use smelly baits like chicken livers to entice them.

Carp

Common carp are another bottom-feeding species that have populated the river. Known fighters, they can grow to 20+ pounds!

The Kern River offers exciting angling opportunities within steps of the swimming holes. Be sure to pack your rod and tackle to fish for trout, bass, carp, and more!

What Other Wildlife is Around the Kern River?

You might also encounter animals besides fish in the Kern River area, such as birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. We list some examples of these wildlife species below:

Birds

Look for belted kingfishers, swallows, red-winged blackbirds, and ducks along the river banks. Watch for acorn woodpeckers, Steller’s jays, and more in the woods.

Mammals

Raccoons, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, black bears, and mountain lions live near the river. You may spot deer coming to the river for a drink.

Reptiles

Lakes and wetlands near the river host western pond turtles and common garter snakes. Bullfrogs, toads, and newts also dwell in these areas.

Insects

Butterflies like western tiger swallowtails are common near swimming holes. You’ll also find dragonflies, damselflies, and more.

The ecosystems surrounding the Kern River support diverse wildlife. While swimming and playing, keep your eyes peeled for unique animal sightings to make your trip even more memorable! Just be sure to respect any wildlife you encounter and maintain safe distances.

Are There Any Endangered Species Along the Kern River?

San Joaquin Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica)

This endangered species is native to the region and can sometimes be spotted hunting along the lower Kern River. The kit fox faces threats such as habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, diseases, and vehicle strikes.

Little Kern Golden Trout

This fish species is listed as threatened under the Federal Endangered Species Act and can be found in the Little Kern River basin. The main threat to this species is the introduction of non-native rainbow trout into the Little Kern River basin.

Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus)

This bird species is federally listed as endangered and can be found in the Kern River Preserve. The population decline of this species is mainly because of the loss of suitable riparian habitats throughout the region.

Kern Mallow (Eremalche parryi ssp. kernensis)

This plant species is endemic to California and endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The main threats to the Kern mallow include destruction and adverse habitat modification due to agricultural land conversion, water development and exploration, exotic plant competition, off-road vehicle use, oil and gas exploration and development, and livestock grazing.

Kern Plateau Salamander (Batrachoseps robustus)

Although not listed as endangered or threatened, this species has been considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act. The salamander requires surface water bodies such as seeps, springs, streams, and associated riparian and mesic habitats.

These endangered species highlight the importance of preserving and protecting the Kern River area’s diverse ecosystems and habitats.

History of the Kern River

The history of the Kern River area dates back thousands of years, with Native American tribes such as the Tubatulabal and Kawaiisu inhabiting the region. The Tubatulabal tribe, a sub-group of the Uto-Aztecan family, moved into the area as early as 1,000 B.C. The Kern River Valley was home to various indigenous tribes, including the Yokuts and Shoshonean, who flourished throughout the San Joaquin Valley.

In the mid-19th century, the region underwent a significant change after discovering gold. In 1851, General Fremont’s party members discovered gold for the first time in Greenhorn Gulch, located near the Kern River in Kern County. The region’s discovery triggered a gold rush that enticed miners and settlers, and initiated a significant period in the county’s history. Approximately 1,777,000 ounces of gold were mined from 1880 through 1959 at the Keyes and Mammoth mines in the Keyes district. They were mostly from lode deposits.

Dams like the Isabella Dam from the 1950s have influenced the Kern River area, resulting in Lake Isabella reservoir, now a recreational spot. You can enjoy fishing, boating, fly fishing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and tubing in the Kern River area.

Conclusion

With year-round warm weather and various natural swimming holes near Kern River, there are plenty of top destinations for cooling dips. Whether you want to relax on a beach, explore rock formations, or swim under mini waterfalls, you’ll find the perfect swimming hole along the Kern. Pack a swimsuit and picnic, and immerse yourself in these 12 unique Kern River swimming spots.

Swimming in the Kern River can be dangerous, especially during high flows. Always exercise caution, wear a lifejacket, and consider swimming with a guide or in designated safe areas.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © zippy/Shutterstock.com