DECEMBER FEATURED AIRSTRIP: KERN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

Each month we highlight an airstrip with hopes that you will get out and enjoy these special places. This month, we’re featuring Kern Valley, California.

Located about 100 nm from California’s most populous coastal area, Kern Valley Airport, L05 offers the scenic respite of a backcountry place. It is one of only three southern California airports that offer onsite camping. The shady camping area just west of the paved 3,500-ft runway and parking area has picnic tables, fire pits, and a restroom with a rustic shower for visitor convenience, which was funded with the help of an RAF grant. The Kern River — a wild and scenic river known for exceptional white water rafting — is a short walk from the camping area. It’s reported that the river is stocked with “hungry trout.” 

Being in the shadow of the Sierras with peaks from 6,500 to over 10,000 foot elevations, the airport is limited to day use only. There is a cafe across the runway, typically open for breakfast and lunch. About two miles down river is Isabella Lake that offers shoreline camping. 

For a more urban experience, the town of Kernville (population less than a thousand) is three miles north with places to eat and drink, stock up on groceries or get a hotel room. There are outfitters in town who can guide you into the Sierra backcountry. Some offer mountain biking and rafting shuttle services as well.

For more information on this great fly-in destination, see the Airfield Guide.

Find details on fuel and maintenance availability on the Kern Valley Airport website.

By Carmine Mowbray
Submitted November 27, 2024