Established Camping
Keysville South Recreation Site
Keysville South Recreation Site, near Lake Isabella, California, is a solid spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with some convenient amenities. It’s right next to the Kern River, making it a prime location for fishing and hiking, with trails that cater to various skill levels.
The site offers drinking water, electric hookups, and sanitary dump facilities, which campers appreciate for making their stay more comfortable. Many visitors have noted the beautiful scenery and the reliable cell service, which is a bonus if you need to stay connected. One camper mentioned, “Great, reliable Verizon service,” highlighting that you can still catch up on things while enjoying nature.
If you’re into mountain biking, you’re in luck! The area is known for its trails, and there’s even an annual mountain bike race that draws in enthusiasts. Just a few miles from town, you can easily grab supplies or enjoy a meal out if you want a break from cooking. While some campers have pointed out that the road access can be a bit rough, it’s manageable for most vehicles.
Just keep in mind that this spot has its quirks, and it’s best to keep your belongings secure while you’re out exploring. Whether you’re here for a weekend adventure or a longer stay, Keysville South offers a mix of relaxation and outdoor fun.
Description
Bureau of Land Management
BLM Land — Bakersfield Field Office
Keysville (formerly Keyesville) is a historic mining area that offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Set in rolling terrain amidst a blue oak and foothill pine woodland, Keysville is dissected by the lower Kern River. A little exploration can turn up a wealth of historic resources, including a variety of mining structures and features, a historic fort, and the famous Walker Cabin. Keysville offers commercial and noncommercial white-water rafting opportunities as well as fishing, recreational gold panning, and dispersed camping. A network of over seventy miles of trails provides for mountain biking, equestrian, and motorized recreation use.
All motorized use is limited to designated roads and trails. For a map of Keysville area designated routes, see https://www.blm.gov/documents/california/public-room/map/keysville-recreation-management-area.
Location
Keysville South Recreation Site is located in California
Directions
From the junction of CA-178 and CA-155 at the town of Lake Isabella, take exit 155 onto CA-155. Keysville South entrance (for camping and river access) is approximately 0.6 miles from this junction on the left (west) side of the road befpor crossing the Kern River. Keysville North entrance (for camping, OHV, and other trail use) is on the left another 0.4 miles down highway 155, just past the bridge across the Kern River.
Coordinates
35.6355725 N
118.48411955 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonGood
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileAvailable
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 49 min from Bakersfield
- 1 hr 47 min from Visalia
- 1 hr 55 min from Hanford
- 2 hrs 17 min from Fresno
