Lake Isabella sits at 2,513 feet elevation in California's southern Sierra Nevada mountains where summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through September. The 11,000-acre reservoir fills the valley floor, surrounded by desert terrain that transitions to pine forests at higher elevations. Winter camping remains viable with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing, though occasional snow can affect access to higher-elevation campgrounds during December through February.
What to do
Tubing and floating: The Kern River offers gentle sections perfect for recreational floating during mid to late summer. At KRS RV Resort@Camp James, campers enjoy direct river access. "We were able to float down the river in our inner tubes safely... We were told May to June the river is very high in this area," notes a visitor who stayed with their 5-year-old.
Fishing access: Several Lake Isabella rv campgrounds maintain direct water access for anglers. "Great fishing spots all over the campground. And access to floating in your tubes and hanging out at beaches in the campground," reports a Rivernook visitor. Bank fishing proves most productive in early mornings and evenings when water temperatures moderate.
Glider watching: Mountain Valley RV Park provides unique aviation viewing opportunities. "Sites are right off runway for glider flying. We ended up extending stay from one night to four to watch air force cadet competition," shares one camper who appreciated this unusual activity. Gliders typically begin operations around 9am daily when weather permits.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Cleanliness stands out as a major positive across multiple Lake Isabella RV parks. At Nelson Falls RV Park, "The bathrooms had flush toilets and hot showers that were very CLEAN. That is usually very hard to find when you are camping! The entire campsite was clean and well maintained," notes one reviewer who appreciated these standards.
Fruit trees: Unique to several Bakersfield-area campgrounds approaching Lake Isabella, citrus trees provide both shade and fresh fruit. At Orange Grove RV Park, "This park is a repurposed orange grove with plenty of fruit trees between sites... The oranges are absolutely fantastic and makes you wonder why you can't get the same quality in a store," explains one visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Natural settings around Lake Isabella campgrounds support diverse wildlife. "Saw deer in and around the campground almost daily," reports a Nelson Falls camper, while others note opportunities for bird watching along the riverfront camping areas throughout the region.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: River and lake conditions fluctuate significantly throughout the year. "Depending on the level of the river it can be very noisy," notes one Rivernook Campground reviewer about riverside sites. Spring typically brings highest water levels while late summer sees more moderate flow rates.
Bathroom access hours: Some facilities restrict overnight restroom access. At Bakersfield River Run RV Park, one camper noted being disappointed that "all the toilets and showers in the rv park are locked from 10pm-7:30am." Similar restrictions exist at several other area campgrounds, making self-contained RVs preferable for those with overnight needs.
Advance reservations: Summer weekends typically fill completely at waterfront campgrounds. "Book way in advance though," advises a Rivernook visitor, with Memorial Day through Labor Day requiring reservations 3-6 months ahead for prime riverside locations, particularly for extended holiday weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Creekside options: Several campgrounds feature small water features ideal for younger children. At Camp James, "Corner site on a creek that ran through the campground. The creek was great to sit in to escape the heat and float down. Lots of kids and dog friendly," reports a family who visited with their five-year-old.
Connectivity concerns: Cell service varies dramatically across the region. One Nelson Falls visitor specifically noted, "Zero Cell coverage (we took that as a good thing), but make sure to download your google map." This applies particularly to campgrounds situated in canyons or higher elevations beyond Lake Isabella proper.
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds provide organized activities. "This campground even offers activities for the whole family, movie night, bingo, even rock painting," mentions a Camp James visitor, making it particularly suitable for families with children who might tire of water activities alone.
Tips from RVers
Mountain driving challenges: RVers approaching from Tehachapi face significant elevation changes. At Mountain Valley RV Park, located at approximately 4,000 feet elevation, one camper advises, "The drive up is a little daunting with going up the mountain, but the road was fine just take your time it will be worth it." RVs longer than 35 feet should consider routes carefully.
Site spacing considerations: Most Lake Isabella RV parks feature relatively compact layouts. "Sites have water and electrical. There was a large clean bathroom and 24hr laundry room," notes a Mountain Valley visitor, but spacing between units can be limited during peak season at many facilities closer to the water.
Early arrival recommended: The most level sites typically fill first at popular campgrounds. At Haven RV Park, a visitor appreciated that "Helpful owner with a well maintained site" made their experience positive despite arriving without reservations, though this becomes increasingly difficult during summer months when demand peaks.
