Stine Cove Fishing Site
4.1613 reviews11380 Kernville Road, Kernville, CA 93238
Stine Cove Fishing Site
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The campground is free to use. No fees are required.
About this campground
Escape to Stine Cove, where the untamed shores of Lake Isabella beckon adventurous souls seeking authentic wilderness camping. This free dispersed camping area strips away modern conveniences to deliver an unfiltered outdoor experience. With no designated sites, hookups, or running water, you'll find yourself immersed in nature's raw beauty. A single primitive restroom stands as the only nod to civilization, making this the perfect destination for self-sufficient campers who measure luxury in star-filled skies and lakeside sunrises.
Stine Cove supports dispersed camping, allowing RVs, tents, and other setups without formal site designations or reservations.
Historical SignificanceNestled within the storied Sequoia National Forest, Stine Cove sits at the intersection of natural wonder and human heritage. This protected landscape has witnessed centuries of ecological evolution and cultural transformation, from indigenous peoples who first called these mountains home to the conservation movements that preserved them for future generations. While Stine Cove's specific tales remain unwritten, every sunrise over the lake connects modern campers to the timeless rhythms of this ancient forest ecosystem.
Weather and SeasonsStine Cove's dramatic seasonal shifts create year-round adventures for hardy campers. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched paradise where temperatures soar above 90°F, perfect for early morning fishing and afternoon lake swims. Winter brings crisp nights that dip to around 37°F, ideal for cozy campfires and clear mountain air. The constant companion throughout every season is the wind that sweeps across Lake Isabella, adding nature's soundtrack to your camping experience and reminding visitors to secure their gear.
ElevationPerched within the dramatic mountainous terrain of the Sequoia National Forest, Stine Cove offers campers a chance to experience California's varied topography. The campground's position in this rugged landscape provides natural temperature relief from valley heat while offering spectacular vantage points for sunset watching and stargazing.
Natural Features and SceneryWhere rugged rocky shores meet the shimmering expanse of Lake Isabella, Stine Cove presents a landscape painted in earth tones and water blues. The sparse vegetation creates an almost lunar beauty, allowing unobstructed views across the lake's surface. This minimalist canvas becomes your playground for fishing adventures, kayaking expeditions, and shoreline exploration. The rocky terrain tells geological stories millions of years in the making, while the ever-changing lake levels reveal new beaches and hidden coves with each season.
Geological RegionStine Cove showcases the raw geological drama of the southern Sierra Nevada foothills. This rugged corner of Sequoia National Forest reveals nature's sculptural prowess through weathered rock formations and sparse, tenacious vegetation that clings to the mountainside. Lake Isabella itself fills an ancient valley, creating a stunning contrast between the arid, rocky slopes and the life-giving waters below. This unique convergence of mountain and lake ecosystems offers campers a front-row seat to California's diverse geological heritage.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are noted in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeThis dispersed camping area accommodates various camping setups, including RVs and tents. Specific site sizes are not defined.
Sites PrivacySites can be relatively secluded based on user reviews, as the area is large enough to avoid overcrowding. However, no designated campsites exist.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors recommend bringing shade structures and potable water. Avoid camping close to the waterline due to mud risks.
Best CampsitesNo designated campsites. Lakeside camping is popular, but users caution against camping too close to the water due to muddy conditions.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Open year-round with no specified limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specified limit.
Groups
No specific group sites are noted.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutDispersed camping with no designated sites. The area is spacious, allowing visitors to choose their own camping spot.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable for non-reservable camping.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served as this is dispersed camping.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable for free, non-reservable dispersed camping.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The site offers a limited range of recreational activities, including fishing, non-motorized boating, swimming, and general picnicking. Hunting and shooting activities are also allowed.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities include lake and pond fishing. One user review states, 'A whole family fishing...they were getting some good bites.'Swimming
Swimming is mentioned in user reviews as an activity, with one noting 'the water was warm and perfect for swimming.' Potential hazards like blue-green algae are highlighted in a review: 'Many people have lost their dogs to [blue-green algae], so check it out first!'Boating
Non-motorized boating is permitted. User reviews note lakeside camping and a boat launch.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are documented.Water Sports
Water activities such as swimming and non-motorized boating are available. The lake is a central feature.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires require permits. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally based on fire danger.
Hazards
General hazardsRisk of muddy terrain, especially near the waterline. Users have reported vehicles and trailers sinking. Blue-green algae in the lake can be dangerous to pets.
Active alertsPotential seasonal fire restrictions and algae warnings. Check official sources before visiting.
Weather forecast
94
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 10.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Kern River Ranger District (Kernville Office): 11380 Kernville Road, Kernville, CA 93238. Phone: 760-376-3781.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot explicitly defined.
Trash and recyclingNo trash service is provided. Campers must follow a 'Pack It In, Pack It Out' policy. User reviews mention trash cans being added recently, but this is unconfirmed by authoritative sources.
Proximity to water featuresSituated directly on Lake Isabella, offering swimming and fishing opportunities. Boating is permitted but restricted to non-motorized vessels.
Common complaintsComplaints include muddy terrain, no defined campsites, primitive restroom conditions, and lack of amenities such as potable water or shade.
HostNo campground host is mentioned.
Campground Map
11380 Kernville Road, Kernville, CA 93238
Driving directionsStine Cove is located on Lake Isabella. The Kern River Ranger District office is in Kernville, CA. From Kernville, follow signs to Lake Isabella on CA-155. Ensure you check road conditions before departure.
Road access may be challenging due to rocks and mud near the water. User reviews suggest that low clearance vehicles and trailers may face difficulties. Roads may appear dry but can be problematic.Nearby places
Kernville (approximately 5 miles, 10 minutes), Lake Isabella (approximately 10 miles, 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and essentials can be obtained in Kernville or Lake Isabella, both within a short driving distance.
Camper Reviews
4.2
13 reviews
Stine Cove Fishing Site is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the site's serene lakeside location and free camping, balanced by limited amenities and environmental challenges like wind and blue-green algae.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the 'great view of the lake,' 'relaxing hearing mini lake waves,' 'big and quiet open space,' and 'warm and perfect swimming water.'
Based on 13 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include 'slanted sites,' 'no shrubbery or amenities,' 'filthy vault toilet,' 'windy and hot conditions,' and 'blue-green algae problems.'
Based on 13 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend checking for blue-green algae before swimming or allowing pets near the water, bringing shade due to lack of trees, and avoiding muddy terrain near the waterline.
Based on 13 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer: Refreshing nights but very hot days ('roasting by 9am'), potential crowding on weekends due to demand. Fall: Quiet with fewer campers but risks of muddy terrain near the waterline. Spring and...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
'Great view of lake. You can camp as close as you want to lake.' 'Low clearance vehicles and trailers be aware of rocks.' 'No electricity or water or hookups.' 'Bathroom freshly painted, cleaned...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are mentioned, but users indicate a lack of designated sites and variable terrain (e.g., slanted and muddy areas).
Based on 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility concerns are not explicitly addressed in user reviews.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed with a leash requirement. One user review warns of blue-green algae in the lake, which has caused fatalities in dogs.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025