Hart Park is one of Kern County's oldest parks. The park was dedicated in 1929 as the Kern River Park, and renamed in 1947 for Kern County Supervisor John O. Hart.

Activities and Amenities:

Two lakes of 10 acres with trout, catfish, bass fishing (state license required)

Wildlife habitat: kit fox, possum, raccoon, beaver, muskrat, skunk, white egret, blue heron, ducks

Concession stand at west end of Hart Lake with canoe and paddleboat rentals

Individual and group picnic spots with tables and grills. Alcohol with Permit from the Kern County Parks Dept.

Parking lot at east park entrance for access to hiking and equestrian trails

Fishing spots

Children's playgrounds

Restrooms

Warnings/Regulations/Restrictions:

Swim at your own risk. The Kern River's currents sweep both adults and children to their deaths every year. Children even momentarily unattended are at great risk. River swimmers can be carried down into pockets in the rocks, and lake swimmers encounter a parasite that causes a nasty, itchy rash. No lifeguards are on duty.

All pets must stay on a leash for the sake of other park visitors and wildlife.

All fires must be lit only in the designated fireplaces or grills. Visitors must bring their own fuel because no cutting or use of park vegetation is permitted.

The discharge of all firearms or weapons, including bows and arrows, spears, BB guns, pellet guns and sling shots, is prohibited.

Parking along the park roadways is permitted as long as vehicles are not on the lawns.

Please deposit trash in waste receptacles and clean off tables properly. These actions will preserve public health and keep the park pristine.

Our bait recommendations

Here's the baits that our Pros love for this lake.