Boaters and anglers find direct water access at Auxiliary Dam Recreation Site, where camping spots sit along the shoreline of Lake Isabella within Sequoia National Forest. This dispersed camping area operates on a first-come, first-serve basis with sites scattered across sandy and dirt roads that crisscross the open terrain.
The campground lacks shade and privacy between sites, with campers often positioned close together during busy periods. Krystal L. notes "you are packed in like sardines" but adds that the "water is beautiful and such a bonus so made the crowds less of a hassle." Construction activity near the dam can generate noise and bright lights around the clock, affecting the overnight experience.
Basic amenities include portable toilets, potable water spigots near restroom facilities, and scattered dumpsters throughout the area. The roads vary in condition, with some developing deep ruts from runoff that can challenge lower-clearance vehicles. Cell service works reliably across major carriers. A dump station operates nearby for $10-20, though reviewers report conflicting pricing.
Daily fees run $10-12 unless visitors hold valid forest passes, with payment collected at an on-site kiosk. Fire permits are required for campfires and can be obtained online or at local ranger stations. Campers seeking more structured facilities might consider Old Isabella Road Recreation Site just north of here.
Description
From the USFS website: Campfire permits are REQUIRED Campfire permits are required for campfires, barbeques, and camp stoves. Permits are available at your local Ranger Station or online at preventwildfireca.org
Located on the southern end of Lake Isabella off Highway 178 near the town of Lake Isabella, this facility offers flush toilets, drinking water, trash service, a dump station and some campsites with stoves and picnic tables above the high water mark. Below the high-water mark, visitors can drive their vehicles to the shoreline and camp at the water’s edge. Below the high-water mark portable toilets and trash receptacles are provided for visitor convenience during the summer. The Forest Service’s Southern Sierra Passes are accepted at this site, as well as the interagency Annual, Senior, Access, Volunteer, and Military Passes. The Southern Sierra Pass can be purchased at Golden State Surplus in Lake Isabella, James Sierra Gateway Market in South Lake, and local Forest Service offices or online. Campfire permits are required for campfires, barbeques, and camp stoves. Permits are available at your local Ranger Station or online at preventwildfireca.org For Kern River Ranger District recreation information, please call 760-376-3781.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundAuxiliary Dam Recreation Site is located in California
Directions
From Kernville, go south on County Road 571, and west on CA 178.
Coordinates
35.64302801 N
118.46212936 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/26/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 4/26/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 4/26/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/26/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 4/26/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 4/26/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 50 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 1 hr 48 min from Visalia, CA
- 1 hr 56 min from Hanford, CA
- 2 hrs 18 min from Fresno, CA
