Best Campgrounds near Lake Isabella, CA

Lake Isabella camping has several good options nearby. Red Rock Canyon State Park draws many campers with its rock formations and well-kept sites. Ricardo Campground inside the park has nice views and clean bathrooms that campers appreciate. Keyesville Recreation Area gives you a more basic camping experience near the lake if you prefer dispersed camping without reservations. Be aware that fire bans happen frequently, so always check current rules before you go. Summer weekends fill up fast, so try to get there early if you want a decent spot. Some of the more out-of-the-way camping areas need vehicles with higher clearance because of rough roads. Most access roads stay in decent shape, but it's smart to check road conditions if you're visiting during rainy periods. You typically don't need reservations for these places, but always have a backup plan just in case. Lake Isabella has both established campgrounds and dispersed sites depending on what kind of camping you like to do.

Best Camping Sites Near Lake Isabella, California (165)

    1. Rivernook Campground

    27 Reviews
    Kernville, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 376-2705

    $45 - $75 / night

    "Lots of nearby hiking. Lake Isabella is close as well. The town of Kernville is 2 minutes away with anything you might need. It was my first trip to the area but I plan to return!"

    "We tent camped and our site was close to the rv hook up sites. The rv sites have two different sizes and hookups. Tent sites had access to running water."

    2. Stine Cove Recreation Site

    15 Reviews
    Weldon, CA
    7 miles
    Website

    "We love lake Isabella and just discovered this free camp spot right on the beach…"

    "Toilets and trash at entrance. The dam is being rebuilt so the water is real low. Easy to drive along the beach until nobody else is around."

    3. Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed

    11 Reviews
    Lake Isabella, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (661) 391-6000

    "You can park RVs right next to the water but it gets very busy, there are more secluded spots accessible to even Class A rigs further down."

    "Access to the river is closed as of 26 January, still plenty of dispersed places down the road to camp. Bathrooms and trash dump and lots of trails to ride bikes!"

    4. KRS RV Resort@Camp James

    14 Reviews
    Kernville, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 376-6119

    $39 - $340 / night

    "Our family has been going to Camp James for over 10 years, and it's easily our favorite campground in California. The campsites are clean, shaded by trees, and it's right on the riverfront."

    "All sites are well kept, with access to clean bathrooms and coin operated showers. Staff is friendly and available when needed. Prices are a tad high but expected with a clean upscale Campground."

    5. Sandy Flat

    10 Reviews
    Bodfish, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 376-1815

    $34 - $136 / night

    "The Campsite is near Lake Isabella, along the Kern River. We visited on a non Holyday April week day and it was pretty empty so it was quiet and peaceful."

    "Booked a site at lake Isabella but it was ugly and windy. Went to look for a better campground and found this gem on the Kern River just a short bit away."

    6. Hobo Campground — Sequoia National Forest

    6 Reviews
    Bodfish, CA
    5 miles
    +1 (760) 376-1815

    $28 - $30 / night

    7. Hanning Flat Dispersed Area

    7 Reviews
    Weldon, CA
    7 miles
    Website

    "I spent two days here and only seen a handful of vehicles drive through, mostly US Forest Service trucks. Pack in, pack out."

    "To swim in the lake this area connects to Stine Cove campground - via a very soft sandy road - which is also free, has a vault toilet, but is shaded by mountains and less private."

    8. Lake Isabella-Kern River KOA

    7 Reviews
    Weldon, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 378-2001

    "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."

    "Close to lake Isabella and all of the Kern. Great for last minute reservations too, online booking works"

    9. Auxiliary Dam Recreation Site

    5 Reviews
    Lake Isabella, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (760) 376-3781

    $10 / night

    "Your feet away from everyone. Water is beautiful and such a bonus so made the crowds less of a hassle. The bathrooms are a ok and glad they are there because it’s just a dry lot lakeside."

    "Translation: Cheap, very friendly welcome, simple, park dispersed, on the edge of the lake with a view of the mountains. No electricity but toilets and water."

    10. Paradise Cove

    6 Reviews
    Lake Isabella, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 376-1815

    $34 - $36 / night

    "What I loved was being able to drive up literally set up camp right at the lakeside. Fellow campers were really nice, and I had no issues."

    "The campground is super clean and nice and right on the lake. Clean bathrooms and clean shower house here."

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Recent Reviews near Lake Isabella, CA

624 Reviews of 165 Lake Isabella Campgrounds


  • Amber R.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Bear Mountain RV Park

    Clean and friendly staff

    The shower/bathroom was kept very clean. Laundry was clean as well as the dog run. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Will definitely come back. Highly recommend

  • Lou F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Tule - Success Lake

    Cool at night and hot in the day

    I got here at 3pm and it was hot with no shade. By 5 pm it cool of and was very pleasant. Very good showers and restroom to freshen up in.

  • b
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Kern River Campground

    Very chill

    Great serene spot (aside from a few noisy campers) by the river, liked it so much we camped out for 3 days. Great price too! Close enough to civilization but far enough you forget it's nearby. Would recommend!

  • french M.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Stine Cove Recreation Site

    Stine Cove

    I'm looking for a campsite near water and a nice mountain view, will definitely add Stine Cove to my next trip list.

  • Kenneth P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Balch Park Campground

    Fantastic Family Campground

    This is a historic campground. With 1000 year old trees and history of logging. Good fishing and hiking all around the area. Nice hosts and most people are respectful of the area.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Spaceport RV Park

    Only used the dump & water

    Handy stop for water & dump! $2 bucks for water & $5 bucks for the dump

  • K
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Kern River Campground

    Reservations

    You must register and reserve a campsite before 4 PM local. The website directs you to an unsecured website. I pressed on through and got a human on the phone, so far so good. The total was $35.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Sequoia National Forest Quaking Aspen Campground

    Awesome campground

    This campground is a great area for yourself to be immersed into the forest. We arrived on a Sunday and there were first come first serve campgrounds available. We stayed one night but there were plenty of spots to choose from. The roads around the campground are drivable for all type of cars. Due keep in mind you will need a to obtain campfire permit online before you arrive depending if there are fire restrictions or not. There is no service within the campground so make sure you have everything available to you. There are 2 hikes nearby but unfortunately one of the hikes, Freeman Creek Trail, was closed due to restoration work being done at the time. Definitely would recommend if you plan a little trip into Sequoia National Forest.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Kern River Campground

    Loud neighbors

    My sister and I arrived on a Tuesday and left on a Wednesday. We had slot 50. Our neighbors were blasting music all day non stop. It was beautiful campground and perfect location next to the river, it was just the blasting of music that was really rough to deal with. Would totally visit again and just pray the neighbors can be quiet!!


Guide to Lake Isabella

Camping near Lake Isabella, California, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the nature trails that lead to breathtaking views. One visitor at Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park mentioned, "The nature trail is accessible directly from the campground and the views are jaw-dropping."
  • Fishing: The Kern River is a popular spot for fishing. A camper at Kern River Campground shared, "Fishing is always good, and the scenery is fantastic."
  • Water Sports: Enjoy tubing or kayaking on the river. A review from KRS RV Resort@Camp James noted, "We had a blast here. Tubing was a highlight of our trip."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning vistas. One camper at Fossil Falls Campground said, "The stars were amazing and the sunrise was on point too."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peaceful environment. A visitor at Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area mentioned, "Very quiet and peaceful, perfect for a family getaway."
  • Spacious Sites: Campgrounds like Orange Grove RV Park offer generous space between sites. A reviewer noted, "Large sites, semi-private with orange trees, pool, clubhouse, and laundry."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Ricardo Campground — Red Rock Canyon State Park, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper pointed out, "No drinking water, but the views make it worth it."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A visitor at Rivernook Campground mentioned, "The campground filled in to about ¾ full by the end of the day."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at KRS RV Resort@Camp James shared, "A friendly family of bears made their presence known at night."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities like showers and clean restrooms. A family at Rivernook Campground appreciated, "Restrooms and showers were very well kept."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games or outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Kern River Campground said, "We all had such a great time. The kids loved it."
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids near water. A camper at Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area advised, "The waterfront was really nice, but be cautious with little ones."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Bakersfield River Run RV Park noted, "The spaces are a little tight but ok."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Orange Grove RV Park offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A camper mentioned, "Full hookups worked fine."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads. A visitor at Kern River Campground said, "The public bathrooms leave a bit to be desired but they were functioning."

Camping near Lake Isabella, California, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds at Lake Isabella?

Lake Isabella offers several excellent campgrounds for different camping preferences. Boulder Gulch stands out for its walking distance to the lake and spectacular views of sunrise and sunset. It accommodates RVs, trailers, and tents with amenities including drinking water, toilets, and a playground. For those seeking waterfront camping, Hungry Gulch is ideal for water activities like swimming, waterskiing, and fishing. Both campgrounds can fill up quickly during summer and holidays, so reservations are recommended when possible.

Is Lake Isabella safe for camping?

Lake Isabella is generally safe for camping, with established campgrounds providing basic amenities and security. Pioneer Point offers family-friendly features including picnic sites with fire pits, plenty of shade trees, playgrounds for children, and portable restrooms. Weather conditions are the main safety consideration—Tillie Creek can get extremely hot even at 3,000 feet elevation, making lake access for cooling off valuable. Always check weather forecasts before your trip, secure food from wildlife, practice fire safety, and be aware of water conditions if swimming or boating.

What RV camping options are available at Lake Isabella?

Lake Isabella offers several excellent RV camping options. Lake Isabella-Kern River KOA provides full hookups, WiFi, cell service, and on-site laundry facilities. This family-friendly resort also features a pool, splash pad, small bar, and organized activities like movie nights. For those seeking a riverside experience, Rivernook Campground offers hookup sites with beautiful riverfront locations where you can watch rafters and kayakers. The campground is dog-friendly and conveniently located near Lake Isabella. Most public campgrounds around the lake can accommodate RVs, though hookup availability varies.

Can you camp along the Kern River near Lake Isabella?

Yes, camping along the Kern River near Lake Isabella offers a refreshing alternative to lakeside sites. Sandy Flat provides beautiful riverside campsites with fire rings, tables and grills. The campground sits in a scenic canyon surrounded by mountains and trees, offering peaceful surroundings, especially on weekdays outside of holidays. South Fork Recreation Site is another excellent option for waterfront camping with first-come, first-served sites and boat launching access. These river campsites provide the perfect base for enjoying water activities and hiking trails while still being a short distance from Lake Isabella.

Are there glamping or luxury camping options at Lake Isabella?

True luxury glamping options are limited at Lake Isabella, but KRS RV Resort@Camp James offers more upscale amenities for those seeking comfort. For a middle ground between traditional camping and glamping, the Lake Isabella-Kern River KOA provides some comfort-oriented features like a swimming pool, splash pad for kids, pizza service, and a small bar. They also host activities such as movie nights and pancake breakfasts on certain days. Most camping in the area tends toward the traditional side, with standard amenities rather than luxury accommodations.