Treading Water in the Face of Recent Flooding

While most campgrounds are preparing for their grand openings of the season, many of them here in California are wondering if campers will be able to reach their sites at all. With the onslaught of rain and snow this year, Kernville, CA is faring worse than most. Not only are all access points to the valley susceptible to flooding, several major highways and roads are currently closed for what looks like months. 

On April 4th, several campgrounds in Kernville were able to voice updates on recent flood damage to Congressman Kevin McCarthy and his deputy chief of staff, Kyle Lombardi. The Congressman brainstormed various ideas on how to draw in consumers, such as social media publications. 

While many campgrounds have been able to get back up and running despite the overwhelming amount of water, they must still monitor fluctuating river levels frequently for the next great threat: eroded roadways. The largest struggle for these sites at the moment is state assistance programs. 

Kyle Lombardi discussed mitigation programs such as FEMA, but further research shows this plan of action assists individuals and families who have lost their homes, not businesses. While you’d think that flood and property insurances would provide assistance, Rhonda Stallone of Kern River’s Edge Campground has shed light that her flood insurance only covers buildings, not real estate, and her property insurance has a flood exclusion policy. 

As of now, this is where the situation has landed. Legislators are continuously working to assist and procure aid for the many campgrounds in need of assistance.  We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.

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