Things to Do Near Kern Valley Airport (KL05)
Kern Valley Airport (KL05) is a general aviation airport in Kernville, California, at 2,614 ft field elevation with a 3,500 ft runway. 3 spots are right on the field, perfect for a $100 hamburger. The beating heart of SoCal backcountry flying — the annual Kern Valley Backcountry Fly-In, an on-field campground ($15/plane), an excellent café open 7 days, and the Kern River steps away
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Restaurants & Dining (1)
Kern Valley Airport Café
The airport café is open 7 days a week, 7am–3pm — famous omelets, burgers, and the kind of aviation café energy you fly specifically to find. Pilots drive from LA on weekends.
Open in Google Maps →Hikes & Trails (1)
Sequoia National Forest Hiking
Ancient giant sequoia groves, High Sierra wilderness, and the Kern River Trail — access one of California's most spectacular forest landscapes from Kernville.
Open in Google Maps →Adventures (3)
Airport Campground
Airplane camping right on the field — park next to your aircraft and sleep under the stars on the Kern River. $15/plane/night. One of the most pilot-friendly campgrounds in California.
Open in Google Maps →Kern River Whitewater Rafting
California's most exciting whitewater — Upper Kern Class IV-V rapids draw kayakers from across the West through spectacular Kern Canyon below Lake Isabella. Sierra South Rafting operates from Kernville and will pick up pilots from the airport.
Open in Google Maps →Isabella Lake Fishing & Kayaking
Lake Isabella is 15 min from the airport — bass, crappie, and catfish fishing on a 2,600-acre reservoir surrounded by the Southern Sierra. Rent kayaks and canoes lakeside.
Open in Google Maps →Events & Fly-Ins (1)
Kern Valley Backcountry Fly-In (Annual)
The annual Kern Valley Backcountry Fly-In is the social center of the SoCal backcountry flying scene — formation flights to desert strips, forum sessions, aircraft camping, and camaraderie. Typically held in May.
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Adventures (1)
Hikes & Trails (2)
Restaurants & Dining (8)
Attractions (1)
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