Inyokern is a census-designated place in Kern County, California, United States. Its name derives from its location near the border between Inyo and Kern Counties. Inyokern is located 8 miles west of Ridgecrest, at an elevation of 2,434 feet. It is on the western side of the Indian Wells Valley. The population was 1,099 at the 2010 census, up from 984 at the 2000 census. It was a railroad town established along the Southern Pacific railroad's Lone Pine Branch. It is served by Inyokern Airport.