Established Camping
French Gulch Campground
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!
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
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.
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.
Address
P.O. BOX 1640
Kernville, CA 93238
Coordinates
35.657833 N
118.48056 W
Detours Nearby
Headquarters Campground
20 min away
Gold Ledge Campground
29 min away
Drive Time
- 51 min from Bakersfield
- 1 hr 49 min from Visalia
- 1 hr 57 min from Hanford
- 2 hrs 19 min from Fresno
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
