Boulder Gulch

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Swimming and fishing draw most visitors to Boulder Gulch, a US Forest Service campground in Sequoia National Forest with direct access to Lake Isabella. Sites sit close enough to the water that campers can walk down to the lake, though the lake level can vary and has run low in summer months, with algae present during at least one recent visit. When the lake is down, the Kern River provides an alternative, reachable with a short drive and some light off-road travel.

Shade is limited here. Many sites sit in open sun, and afternoon heat can be significant. Campers who prioritize shade may want to arrive early to claim one of the few shadier spots, or consider nearby Hungry Gulch, which some visitors have used as an overflow option. Wind can also be a factor, particularly for tent campers, so staking down well is worth the effort. The campground fills up quickly in summer, especially around holiday weekends.

Facilities include drinking water, flush toilets (though the flush toilet buildings have reportedly been locked at times, leaving outhouses as the only option), a dump station, and picnic tables. RVs up to 30 feet are welcome. A camp host is typically on site. Michael notes the "area was clean and the host is personable," which reflects what multiple reviewers have found. The campground runs from late May through late September, with reservations available at $36 per night. Campers traveling with dogs will find pets are welcome throughout. Those planning a longer stay in the region can browse campgrounds around Sequoia National Forest for additional base camp options.

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Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

  • To protect natural resources and provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited below 5,000 feet in elevation within the Sequoia National Forest.1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, except in the designated Campfire Areas listed in Exhibits A, B or C. C.F.R. 261.52(a).2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building or within the areas listed in Exhibits A, B or C. 36 C.F.R. 261.52(d).3. Operating an internal combustion engine, except on a designated National Forest System road, trail, or within the areas listed in Exhibits A, B or C. 36 C.F.R. 261.52(g).4. Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame, except within the areas listed in Exhibits A, B or C. Alert Start Date: June 10, 2026 Alert End Date: November 30, 2026

RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsBoulder Gulch is located in California near Lake Isabella

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Highway 99 in Bakersfield, California, take Highway 178 east to the town of Lake Isabella. Take Highway 155 around the west side of Lake Isabella for 4 miles to the campground entrance.

Coordinates

35.671211 N
118.470561 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 8/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
    Last on 8/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 8/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
    Last on 8/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

Drive Time


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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Boulder Gulch

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4.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the spacious sites and lake proximity with great views. Some visitors expressed concerns about limited shade and inconsistent restroom facilities during peak times.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jun. 29, 2024

Good camping site

This campground has some shade and some open areas.Area was clean and the host is personable. Cost of camping fee is $34 per night. Has potable water and running water in bathroom. No showers or amenities.

Site45
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jul. 4, 2022

Probably won’t go here again

The campground was ok and the host was super awesome! However, we had to drive around and around to try to find a spot that wasn’t totally in the sun. We ended up having to go across the street to Hungry Gulch to find a spot that had some shade. Also, the buildings that had the “flush toilets” were all locked up and they only had outhouses. On the first day, they were clean and ok, but by the 2nd day and the campground filled up, so did the outhouses and were gross! I only saw them emptied once in the three days we were there. Yuck! Then, it was super windy! Our tent, despite being overly staked down, had been blown over numerous times. Not just during the day, but also in the middle of the night while we were sleeping. There were also bees everywhere. No one got stung, but a little annoying when you’re cooking and eating. The lake was super low and full of algae and was slimy, so we had to drive a little ways and do a little off roading to get to the Kern river to have some fun in the water.

Site72
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Boulder Gulch by Amber R., July 4, 2022
  • Review photo of Boulder Gulch by Amber R., July 4, 2022
  • Review photo of Boulder Gulch by Amber R., July 4, 2022
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2020

walking distance to lake Isabella

PROS: walking distance to lake Isabella, awesome views. Beautiful sunrise and sunset. RVs, Trailers and tents are welcome, big spaces available. This camp has drinking water, toilets, dump station and a playground for kids. Great for family vacation.

CONs: not too much shade.

  • Review photo of Boulder Gulch by Jessica P., August 14, 2020
  • Review photo of Boulder Gulch by Jessica P., August 14, 2020
  • Review photo of Boulder Gulch by Jessica P., August 14, 2020
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2019

Great mid week camping, get a shady spot. Party place on the weekend

We loved this place. Checked in when almost full and had a spot in the sun. It gets hot during the day but the lake is right there to cool off in. Has shower house with running water and flush toilets butno showers? $28 per night, pay attendant if they ever come by. Kernsville is a nice town nearby to explore. This site had a few cons but we stayed at the lake most of the time and slept great every night. Stayed in mid June.

  • Review photo of Boulder Gulch by John R., July 12, 2019
  • Review photo of Boulder Gulch by John R., July 12, 2019
  • Review photo of Boulder Gulch by John R., July 12, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the max vehicle length at Boulder Gulch?

Boulder Gulch allows vehicles up to 30 feet.

Are fires allowed at Boulder Gulch?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Boulder Gulch, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Boulder Gulch have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Boulder Gulch does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Boulder Gulch?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is excellent coverage for AT&T, excellent coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.

How hard is it to get a campsite at Boulder Gulch?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Boulder Gulch. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Boulder Gulch, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Boulder Gulch?

There are 65 campsites at Boulder Gulch and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts