Karnes is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
Dave Karnes (born 1958), American marine, rescuer of several survivors of the September 11, 2001 attacks David Karnes (1948–2020), American politician Don Karnes (1902–1982), 1920s American football coach Frances A. Karnes (1937–2025), American academic and educator Henry Karnes (1812–1840), American soldier and Texas Ranger James Ernest Karnes (1889–1966), American World War I soldier Jay Karnes (born 1963), American actor Joshua Karnes (born 2004), American gymnast Karen Karnes (1925–2016), American potter Robert Karnes (1917–1979), American film, stage and television actor