Camping near Lake Isabella

Enjoy fishing, boating, and lakefront camping at this massive Sierra Nevada reservoir.

88% (1306 reviews)
88% (1306 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Lake Isabella

Under $50

Star Hosts in Lake Isabella

12 top campgrounds near Lake Isabella

99%
(479)

Spirit Walk - Private Retreat

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Wofford Heights, CA
Private ADULT ONLY camping. With a central outdoor kitchen and dining area, group fire pit, & a bathroom with a composting toilet, sink, & shower. Seasonal creek. Quiet and private. We have a small cabin (The Playhouse) and 15 campsites. No Pets, No Smoking ADULTS ONLY. Spirit Walk is a quiet meditative place. It is not a conducive environment for young children. Thank you for understanding. Lake Isabella, the Kern River and historic Kernville are just 5 minutes down the road. All Hipcamp proceeds go directly back into the land in the way of forest maintenance, a tree planting program and improvements to the facilities.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$53
 / night
100%
(5)

Underworld Farms

15 sites · Lodging, RVs6 acres · Kernville, CA
Underworld Farms is a small goat ranch in the Kern River Valley. Surrounded by forestry land, on the Kern River, and on top of what used to be the old town of Whiskey Flat (Later re-named Kernville). There is no end to the beauty, history and adventure all around the property. Life took us to the Kern River Valley after moving out of Los Angeles. We enjoy living in the Southern Sierras immersed in all its natural beauty. The small but magnificent town of Kernville is approximately two and a half miles north of us. Our livestock includes horses, dairy goats, sheep, and rabbits: Most of which are raised and bred as 4H or FFA projects. You may be wondering why our farm is called "Underworld Farms". In a nutshell, since our ranch is on the footprint of the historic town of Whiskey Flat, we just happen to be south of the old Whiskey Flat "Boot Hill" Cemetery. Our "driveway" is the road that led from the old town of Kernville to the cemetery. We hope that you consider parking your RV, van conversion, or trailer on one of our customized spots on the property. Or enjoy a stay in one of our small cabins or trailers. Regardless of what you stay in, you will definitely have a memorable time. *** THE PIN MAP ON HIPCAMP IS NOT 100% ACCURATE. PLEASE REFFER TO THE MAP OF THE PROPERTY IN THE PHOTOS
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$40
 / night
93%
(187)

Havilah Pines homestead

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Havilah, CA
Located in the national sequoia forest, Havilah pines homestead is a unique place, we are in the middle of a canyon, rural and remote but not too remote, do note that there is no cell service here but we do offer wifi service for a fee. the closest town and Lake is about 20 minutes away. we have the cleanest air in Kern, blue skies most days and stars during the night like you have never seen them in the city! it can get toasty during the day, but once that sun goes behind the mountain it cools off that some times you want to put something on! We are a micro farm growing organic food and practicing non GMO sustainable organic farming methods even our animals eat only organic non GMO feed, among our livestock are chickens, turkeys and guinea fowl, they happily free range on the homestead and produce delicious eggs, if you haven't eaten eggs like free range ones then you must try them! the taste is light years different than the store bought ones... It is a quite and peaceful place(except the roosters and guineas), at night you hear crickets and frogs and early in the morning wake up to a pleasant tune of wild bird's symphony.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$38
 / night
100%
(12)

Off My Rocker Retreat

2 sites · RVs2 acres · Lake Isabella, CA
We are located on 2.4 acres in the beautiful Kern River Valley. This isolated community offers a wide range of fantastic activities. Rafting, biking, hiking, and seasonal skiing.Kernville is the favorite spot for visitors and locals. Full of great places to eat along the Kern River.The Trail of 100 Giants is just North of there. We highly recommend taking the opportunity to go and be in awe of their ancient beauty.We would love to have you stay at our little ranch.
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from 
$40
 / night
100%
(26)

Wandering Star Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent15 acres · Weldon, CA
Learn more about this land:A large private dispersed group camp- Entire property (all sites) included in rental. 7 night maximum.  Longer possible with discussion. 15 acres yours to enjoy. Pass through our gates straight into BrightStar Wilderness BLM.  Ride your dirt bikes, ATV's, horses. Play your music, let your dogs run free... Great star gazing. Primitive firing range two minute walk away, or plink varmints on site. Hiking, Biking.  Nearby fishing, swimming, boating in the Kern River or Lake .The Brightstar wilderness extends to Jawbone canyon.Situated on the back side of the lake, this site provides more sunlight time than many other sites around the lake.  In some cases close to 2 hours.Close to the lake at Mt. Mesa, boat launch, South fork Audubon nature preserve, restaurants, and scenic back road to Kernville.Verizon has good service Gas/Diesel and Market with Deli 5 minutes away.(Ice, wood, adult beverages, fishing tackle, full grocery)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$125
 / night
94%
(131)

Organic Farm Camping in Bakersfield

12 sites · Tents20 acres · CA
In 2013, I left a corporate career in search of something more meaningful. Yearning to connect consumers back to their farmers, I started a farm in my hometown of Bakersfield Our farm experience offers a no-fuss stay on a real working farm approximately 15 miles south Bakersfield. 20 acres surround you, bounded by the Tehachapi Mountains and within the San Joaquin Valley. Sites are perched on the edge of the pond, stocked with fish. Each site offers a good amount of shade for a portion of the day and has its own picnic table, water spigot and fire pit. Campers provide firewood. There is one shared, plumbed bathroom between campsites and one shared outdoor shower (with hot water). There's no electricity at your rustic home away from home, but the evening stars light up the sky. We have the following sites available: Bring Your Own (BYO) Tent Van Parking (No RVs, Trailers or Trucks with Campers) We are an organic working farm - no pesticides or herbicides are sprayed on the farm or around the camp areas. Depending on the day you stay, we may have more activity than others. We have staff on and off the farm coming and going from the farmers markets we participate in. We have working dogs that love to keep predators away at night by barking if they sense any around. We have roosters that crow, lizards, bugs and insects, bull frogs in the pond, California King snakes, and lots of birds/hawks/owls. We do our best to create an environment for all the creatures to live and thrive in the environment that's natural to them.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from 
$38
 / night
100%
(43)

Double Triangle Ranch

3 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Weldon, CA
Once settled by Tubatulabel and Shoshoni tribes, this area is rich with reminders of their habitation.  Grinding rocks near Tipi camp are one of those.  When gold was discovered in the Kern River Valley, most of the native tribes were displaced but their decendents here in the KRV keep the history alive at the Nuii Cuni Center at Wofford heights, a short drive around the lake from us.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$45
 / night

Stoney Pines

3 sites · Lodging4 acres · Lake Isabella, CA
Our 4 Acre property has 2 cabins and a main Hacienda style house on it. Each house can be rented separately or all together depending on your group size and needs. There is also a large space behind the cabins for RVs with no hookups. The property itself is set in a desert landscape, but was previously owned by a pine tree enthusiast. Consequently, it has a mini pine tree forest and all houses have a view of the different types of pines. Typically in the afternoon you can hear the wind blow through these pines and also you will get a great golden hour color. Our property is located about 5 - 10 minutes from Lake Isabella, a great place for boating fishing, and wind or kite surfing. We are also located about 20 minutes from the Kern River, known for its whitewater rafting, but also a great place for fishing. There are many hikes around the valley and the PCT (Pacific Coast Trail) runs through Lake Isabella. There is also a climbing area just past Kernville, about a 20 - 30 minute drive, that is known as Kernville Rock or the Kern Slabs.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from 
$115
 / night
100%
(7)

Kernville Ranch

5 sites · Lodging15 acres · Kernville, CA
Nestled in meadows with a private river flowing through horse pastures, tall shade trees and all natural cedar hot tub. Kernville Ranch is just a 5 minute walk from the center of Kernville. Plenty of fishing and white water rafting, hiking and hot springs and snow play depending on the season. Explore the lake for water-sports, the high country for pristine wilderness and a little snow. The town is full of restaurants, antiques stores, and a wonderful museum of the rich heritage of this Wild West town,
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$114
 / night
100%
(7)

Diamond Acres Camp 🏕

3 sites · Lodging2 acres · Weldon, CA
Diamond Acres is a quiet, secluded camp in the Kern River Valley just minutes from Lake Isabella, the mighty Kern River, and Southern Sierras! We offer glamping sites (tent or trailer) with hot showers and flushing toilets! Come enjoy the solitude and stars. Our camp overlooks miles of rolling hills with no houses in view! Skip the crowded campgrounds and glamp comfortably while only being 5 minutes from Lake Isabella! Take a short walk to the top of the property and enjoy some of the best sunsets you've ever seen! We are close to the Kern River, OHV trails, hot springs, hiking, kayaking, fishing, boating, paragliding, and so much more!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from 
$60
 / night
Booked 2 times

Tillie Creek Retreat

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Wofford Heights, CA
Tillie Creek Retreat is a beautiful mountain cabin with hot tub and gorgeous decks for relaxing and enjoying the nature that surrounds you. Also, steps to a creek side deck that must be experienced to be believed. Easy access to Lake Isabella, Kernville, the Kern River, Alta Vista Ski Resort, Remington and Miracle hot springs and so much more! Great place to escape to nature, relax and adventure in the surrounding mountains. Newly renovated throughout.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from 
$90
 / night
99%
(50)

The Squattage in the Sequoia National Forest!

1 site · Lodging1 acre · California Hot Springs, CA
It’s a newly constructed little cottage that a Sasquatch would call home, that’s why we call it the Squattage! Our guests love the history of our Village and surrounding areas, the wildlife, serenity, and friendly folks, we hope you do too! Learn more about this land: Beautiful new A-frame, high-end fit and finish! Features include a sleeping loft! The downstairs has a daybed with a trundle, a sitting area, an indoor potty and a nice breakfast bar! It’s so relaxing, romantic, and just as fabulous as can be! The hot outdoor shower has a beautiful view of the trees and sky! The large front porch is perfect for relaxing or planning the day's adventure! All solar powered. There’s a propane fire pit to cook on or enjoy, propane is available for $35 or you can bring your own. Peaceful Village, beautiful views, park-like setting! Lots of wildlife to see! Beds have high-end bedding, nicer than the hotels! Towels and washcloths are provided for the shower. We even have a few games for you to play to add to your stay at the Squattage! HEY FOLKS! The weather is beautiful, come on up! Spoil yourself and spend some time in our neck of the woods, you deserve it! BOOK NOW BEFORE SOMEONE BEATS YOU TO IT!! Hope to see you soon! PS, we now have Star Link Wi-Fi!! Come on up and be a part of our community! Our Village has begun having craft shows on the first Saturday of every month, lots of great things for purchase! We attend and sell many beautiful items including exotic custom rings, don’t miss out! Items will be available for you to purchase after you check in👍
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Cooking equipment
from 
$150
 / night

Dog-friendly getaways

Available this weekend

Value Prop
Value Prop

Camping near Lake Isabella guide

Overview

Situated in the southern portion of California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, at the edge of the Sequoia National Forest, Lake Isabella is one of the largest reservoirs in the region. Popular activities include boating, jet-skiing, and fishing for trout, crappie, catfish, and bass. There are also plenty of things to do on land during the cooler months, including exploring the thousand-plus trails in the Sequoia National Forest. The lake is surrounded by a mix of National Forest Service-managed campgrounds, some of which are open year-round. Some are reservable; others are first-come, first-served.

When to go

Lake Isabella is at its busiest in the summer, and you should expect solid crowds if you visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day. If you've come to fish, springtime is a good option, when fish are biting but crowds have yet to descend on the lake. If warm waters are what you’re after, without the massive crowds, consider planning your visit for a September weekday, when you’re likely to get pleasant weather and fewer fellow visitors.

Where to go

The Malibu Coast

Stretching roughly 20 miles from end to end, the Malibu Coast offers all sorts of opportunities for outdoor fun, from surfing to rock climbing. There are also plenty of spots to camp in the region, including Malibu Creek State Park and Leo Carillo State Park.

The California Desert

Head east of the lake and you’ll quickly find yourself out in the expansive Mojave Desert. Both Death Valley National Park and the Mojave National Preserve offer ample opportunities for hiking and camping, especially during the (comparably) cooler winter months.

California's Sequoia Region

North of Lake Isabella, the Sequoia National Forest and the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks offer some of the best camping opportunities in the region—both of the developed and backcountry variety. You'll also find plenty of trails and lakes, and—unsurprisingly—groves of gargantuan Sequoia trees.

Nearby attractions

Embark on a unique camping adventure amidst the otherworldly landscape of Trona Pinnacles. Set up camp near the towering Tufa formations, explore the ancient fossil beds, and stargaze under clear night skies.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Hipcamp is the most comprehensive resource for beautiful private campsites.

Discover and reserve tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping.

Download the Hipcamp App

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.