Kern Valley State Prison

Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP)
KVSP overhead view
Interactive map of Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP)
LocationDelano, California
Coordinates35°45′58″N 119°19′30″W / 35.7661°N 119.3251°W / 35.7661; -119.3251
StatusOperational
Security classMaximum
Capacity2,448
Population3,293 (134.5% capacity) (as of March 11, 2026)
OpenedJune 2005
Managed byCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
WardenPatwin Horn

Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP) is a male-only state prison in Delano, California. Kern Valley is a Level IV Maximum Security institution, opened in June 2005 with a design capacity of 2,448 inmates. The facility is adjacent to North Kern State Prison and has an annual operating budget of US$123 million.

As of March 11, 2026, Kern Valley was incarcerating people at 134.5% of its design capacity, with 3,293 occupants.