Are fires allowed at French Gulch Campground?

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

Is there cell phone reception at French Gulch Campground?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is available.

How hard is it to get a campsite at French Gulch Campground?

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 French Gulch Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at French Gulch Campground, try setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

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

There are 1 campsites at French Gulch Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

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Established Camping

French Gulch Campground

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Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

ALERT: All USFS Campgrounds in the KERN RIVER RANGER DISTRICT OF SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST are now under a FIRE BAN as of June 18, 2025.** See Forest Order #0513-25-05 for more information.**

No camp fires or open flame cooking with wood, charcoal, or wood pellet! The exception is that propane gas can be used as long as it has an on/off switch, you will still need a fire permit from the local authorities.
No smoking out in the open, must be done either in your vehicle or within a building! Still no smoking in the restrooms!
Fireworks are prohibited! Please use caution due to the dryness of our forests. Thank you for your cooperation!

French Gulch Campground is located in the Sequoia National Forest, featuring a landscape of forested areas and rugged terrain. Temperatures in the area can reach highs of around 90°F in summer and drop to lows of about 30°F in winter. Nearby attractions include the Kern River, offering opportunities for fishing and rafting, and the Trail of 100 Giants, where visitors can explore a grove of giant sequoias.

Description

US Forest Service

Sequoia National Forest

Overview

French Gulch Campground sits 3 miles from the western shores of Lake Isabella, a 27-acre reservoir off the Kern River, in the expansive Sequoia National Forest.

Recreation

Visitors can enjoy swimming, water skiiing and wind surfing at Lake Isabella. There is also excellent trout and bass fishing at the lake and in other nearby streams.

Facilities

French Gulch can accommodate groups of up to 100 guests. A marina and boat ramps are available at Lake Isabella, just to the southeast. This facility is operated by ExplorUS and comments are welcome; comment forms are available from campground hosts or online.

Natural Features

Located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada in central California, the Sequoia National Forest 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 and Grizzly Falls.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (760) 376-1269.

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Location

French Gulch Campground is located in California

Directions

From Bakersfield, California, take Highway 178 east to the town of Lake Isabella. Turn onto Highway 155 north, following the western edge of the lake, for approximately 3 miles to the campground.