Map showing campground location near Weldon, California

Camper submitted image from Lake Isabella-Kern River KOA

Lake Isabella-Kern River KOA

Reservations are available year-round at this full-service KOA located in Weldon, accommodating RVs up to 56 feet with electric, water, and sewer hookups. The campground operates as a staging point for exploring the broader Kern River region rather than offering direct water access. Sites include shade trees, though coverage varies by location.

Multiple reviewers highlight the pool and splash pad as key amenities during hot desert weather. The facility includes a coffee bar, pavilion with cooking areas, and recreational features like banana bikes. WiFi and cell service receive consistent mentions from campers, with most reporting reliable connectivity. Bathrooms provide hot showers with passcode locks for security.

The campground sits down the road from Lake Isabella, requiring a short drive to reach actual water recreation. Ricky S. notes it's "close to lake Isabella and all of the Kern," making it a practical base for day trips. Staff organize movie nights and pancake breakfasts on select days. On-site laundry facilities add convenience for extended stays.

Campers seeking dispersed camping can find Hanning Flat Dispersed Area northwest of the KOA for a more primitive experience.

Fee Info

Adults 18+, Kids 6-17, Free 0-5

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Map & DirectionsLake Isabella-Kern River KOA is located in California near Weldon

RV Park

Directions

Located 11 miles east of the town of Lake Isabella on Hwy 178. 32 miles west on 178 from Hwy 14.

Address

15627 Highway 178
Weldon, CA 93283

Coordinates

35.65532698 N
118.342649 W

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Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 14 users
Last on 6/15/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 6/15/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 8 users
Last on 6/15/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 14 users
Last on 6/15/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 6/15/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 8 users
Last on 6/15/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
WiFi
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
30 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time

1 hr from Bakersfield, CA
1 hr 57 min from Visalia, CA
2 hrs 5 min from Hanford, CA
2 hrs 27 min from Fresno, CA

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Reviews9 Camper Reviews - Lake Isabella-Kern River KOA

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

9 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the large, shaded sites and excellent family amenities like pools and splash pads. Guests frequently mentioned wonderful staff and good hookups, though some noted limited showers and WiFi issues.

Civic I.

Scout

Reviewed Apr. 19, 2026

Quiet area

Nice and clean, bathroom clean

Month of VisitApril

alex L.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 23, 2026

Perfection

Easy to pull up to, great fishing, amazing location

Month of VisitSeptember

Ricky S.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 31, 2022

Good camp to park & explore

Overall nice site with full hookups & wi-fi/cell. Had a nice shade tree but it can be real sunny without one. Laundry right on site! Close to lake Isabella and all of the Kern. Great for last minute reservations too, online booking works

Site66

Month of VisitJuly

Michelle M.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 9, 2021

Good location - Needs updates

At first we were a bit disappointed but overall it turned out to be a good location for going to the Trail of 100 Giants and the Kern River. The WiFi didn’t work and the bathroom only had two showers. It needs to be updated but it was clean and the people were nice.

Site21

Month of VisitJune

Sara S.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 15, 2021

Amazing campsite

Everything was great about this campground. Showers, phones service, WiFi, showers and locks with passcode on the bathroom doors and a pool just to name a few things. Weather was great and we loved everything about staying here.

Site60b

Month of VisitJune

Nikita B.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 21, 2020

What an incredible place

This is the best camp ground we’ve ever stayed. The views are fantastic, the atmosphere is perfect. Near the town and hot springs, not too far from a ski resort. The perfect place.

Kathleen D.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 28, 2019

Not near the Kern River

This Campground is not near the river or the lake water. It does have a pool though! LOL.

We were just glad we brought a vehicle so we could leave to explore the river and sequoia trees!

We did have shade and full hook up. There’s a water feature that sprays water in the air and a playground. There was a store and laundry I think! We really didn’t spend much time there.

I’ll never go back there only because I prefer to be on water.

The photos are not from the campground but these shots are some of what you can see in the area.

Month of VisitJuly

(9) View All

Nick B.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 24, 2019

Nice KOA

A great place to relax in the heat right down the road from Lake Isabella. They have a wonderful pool and splash pad for the kids. The staff was amazing! They have pizza and a small bar to relax in. Most of the sites have shaded trees. They do movie nights and pancakes on certain days. A wonderful little place.

Andrea R.

Legend

Reviewed Apr. 26, 2019

Very family friendly and unique!

Kern River is a great place in the hot California Desert. This place has everything to make you feel at home. Several large sites for tents or RV's , bathrooms with full showers, a pool, splashpad and water play area. They have these weird Banana bikes which were fun. I was in complete heaven when I saw the coffee bar! There is a big pavilion with cooking areas for everyone!

This is close to several nearby attractions. They offer great wifi services. Great places if you have little ones. so much to do and all of the staff was wonderful.

They have Cabins too! I didnt stay in them but they are pretty cute.

Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Lake Isabella / Kern River KOA reviews compare to other Lake Isabella campgrounds?

Lake Isabella / Kern River KOA consistently receives high ratings, with many visitors describing it as an excellent campground. Guests particularly appreciate the helpful staff, clean facilities, and family-friendly atmosphere. While some note it's not directly on the river or lake as the name might suggest, its convenient location for exploring the area, reliable amenities, and recreational options make it stand out. The campground's full hookups, reliable utilities, and shade trees are frequently mentioned as advantages compared to other options in the Lake Isabella area.

What amenities and facilities are available at Lake Isabella / Kern River KOA?

Lake Isabella / Kern River KOA offers comprehensive amenities including full hookup RV sites with shade trees, WiFi, and good cell service. The campground features clean bathrooms with passcode-protected doors and showers, on-site laundry facilities, and a swimming pool with a splash pad and water play area for children. Additional amenities include a small bar, pizza service, recreational activities like movie nights, pancake breakfasts on certain days, a playground, and rental banana bikes. The campground provides everything needed for a comfortable stay in the California desert.

What hiking opportunities are available near Lake Isabella / Kern River KOA?

The area surrounding Lake Isabella / Kern River KOA offers excellent hiking opportunities. A standout trail is the Trail of 100 Giants, featuring magnificent sequoia trees and suitable for all skill levels. The Kern River area provides numerous hiking paths with varying difficulties along its scenic banks. Nearby Sequoia National Forest has extensive trail systems through diverse terrain. While the KOA itself doesn't have hiking trails, it serves as an ideal base camp for exploring these natural attractions. The hot springs area also features interesting walks, and during winter months, trails near the ski resort offer seasonal hiking experiences.

What photos and views can I expect at Lake Isabella / Kern River KOA?

The Lake Isabella / Kern River KOA offers fantastic views of the surrounding desert landscape. While not situated directly on the lake or river, the campground features picturesque mountain vistas and natural scenery. Photos typically showcase spacious camping sites with shade trees, the popular swimming pool and splash pad area, and recreational facilities. The setting provides an excellent base for capturing photos of sunsets over the desert terrain. For the most impressive landscape photography, you'll want to venture to nearby Lake Isabella and the Kern River during day trips.

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