Hot Spring
Hot Spring near Kernville emerges at 113°F from the Sierra Nevada foothills at 2,847 feet elevation, creating a warm thermal oasis in the high desert at the gateway to the Upper Kern River recreation area.
A brief 330-foot walk from the nearest road leads through chaparral, oak woodland, and digger pine forest typical of California's western mountain slopes. The spring sits in terrain shaped by tectonics and erosion, where the Sierra Nevada transitions to the Kern River canyon system.
The spring reflects the geothermal gradient at its latitude and elevation—warm but not extreme, suggesting its thermal water originates at moderate crustal depths beneath the Sierra's southern reaches. Local use for bathing extends back generations in this accessible foothill location.
Access near Kernville off Isabella Lake, with nearby Camp 9 providing camping. The spring is open year-round; access is easiest in spring and fall when weather is mild. Water temperature remains consistent around 113°F. No extraction or commercial use is permitted.
Is Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Overnight camping trips
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Overview Camp 9, a year-round facility, rests on the shores of Lake Isabella, a high desert reservoir. Its proximity to the lake and the Upper Kern River makes the facility popular among boaters, rafters and anglers. The camp is also a favorite among RV campers, with ample parking available to accommodate both trailers and motorized watercraft.Recreation Anglers enjoy fishing on both Lake Isabella and the Upper Kern River. Boating, kayaking and swimming are also popular activities. A seasonal...