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.
Description
Overview
Boulder Gulch Campground is nestled in the foothills of the high desert at an elevation of 2,650 feet, just a short drive from Lake Isabella. The facility sits in the Giant Sequoia National Monument, offering countless recreational opportunities for visitors.
Recreation
At the nearby Lake Isabella visitors enjoy trout and bass fishing, boating, windsurfing, swimming and water skiing. There are also hiking, horseback and mountain biking trails in the area.
Facilities
This campground consists of about 58 paved sites and includes a fish cleaning station and flush toilets.The Giant Sequoia Mercantile offers a wide variety of books, maps, gifts, local art, camping supplies and other merchandise.
Natural Features
The Sequoia National Forest, located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada in central California, takes its name from the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree, which grows in more than 30 groves on the Forest's lower slopes. The Forest comprises about 1.1 million acres, and elevations range from about 1,000 to 12,000 feet, creating precipitous canyons and mountain streams with spectacular waterfalls, such as Salmon Creek Falls near Fairview and Grizzly Falls on the Kings River.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (760) 376-1269.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
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
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
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/7/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 8/7/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/7/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 8/7/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry 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
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 51 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 1 hr 49 min from Visalia, CA
- 1 hr 57 min from Hanford, CA
- 2 hrs 19 min from Fresno, CA













