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 (164)

    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

    14 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. 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."

    4. Keyesville Recreation Area Dispersed

    10 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!"

    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

614 Reviews of 164 Lake Isabella Campgrounds



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 camping is available near Lake Isabella, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lake Isabella, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 164 campgrounds and RV parks near Lake Isabella, CA and 36 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lake Isabella, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lake Isabella, CA is Rivernook Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 27 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lake Isabella, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 36 free dispersed camping spots near Lake Isabella, CA.

What parks are near Lake Isabella, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Lake Isabella, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.