The best family-friendly glamping near Lake Isabella, California

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.

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.

93% (877)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

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.

93% (877)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents

98%

(602)

41mi from Lake Isabella · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Springville, CA

Swimming in North Fork Tule River, miles of hiking trails on ranch. River Ridge Ranch goes from 1,000' elev. to 3,000' elevation. Hike right on the ranch. We are between Sequoia National Park (about an hour) and the Giant Sequoia National Monument (16 miles to groves up Hwy 190 and no entrance fee). Choose from individual tent sites, group tent sites, tiny cabins. the 5-acre Compound or the Entire Ranch. We occasionally host small, thoughtful, low impact weddings. Please inquire. There are 33 giant sequoia groves in our Southern Region of the Giant Sequoia National Monument, some easily driven to, and some remote. Our ranch is a nature preserve and an education demonstration site, teaching sustainable and regenerative land use practices. River Ridge Institute, our non-profit, hosts a variety of events for the public. Please note: you are expected to leave the ranch and kitchen area as you found it, i.e., dishes washed thoroughly and dried and put away, recycling separated from trash, food scraps in compost buckets, sticky marshmallow removed from forks and surfaces (ick!). Thank you. Enjoy: The Kitchen has a 3-burner cooktop, large fridge, microwave, full dishes and utensils and pots and pans with a big washing area in the back. Propane barbecue grill.. There's a River Barn to use as a remote space and Turtle Cove for swimming. Saturday morning Farmer's Market in downtown at 9 AM - Noon. Ancestral land of the Foothill Yokuts tribe. Homesteaded in 1859, owned by the Negus family from 1909-2000. Barbara and I bought it to save it from subdivision and it's now protected by a Conservation Easement and acts as a community center for the arts, music, poetry, gatherings and outdoor education. We're both biologists, so, just ask us. Please see the Rules and Safety section to review our Waiver of Liability.

2. A Unique Mountain Retreat

99%

(287)

39mi from Lake Isabella · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tehachapi, CA

The title says it all this property is truly A Unique Mountain Retreat that will give you the peace, quiet and tranquility you are looking for. An energy efficient Uniquely designed home that is off the grid and has a very green footprint with solar and windmill to charge batteries. Oak and pine tree covered acres with fitness and nature trails around the property. Each level campsite with picnic table is designed for privacy with plenty of distance between sites and mountain views in every direction, along with an optional gas log fire pit and BBQ. There is plenty of clean, non potable drinking water, custom built toilets and optional hot showers, limited electrical use, cell phone charging and low power use devices as I am off grid. There is a fitness and nature trail on the property and Pacific Crest trail is approx 20 to 30 min drive, Mountain park which has many miles of hiking trails and an Indian reservation with hikes to many petroglphs. Things to see are the World famous Tehachapi railway loop, historic downtown, vineyards, mountain spirit center a Buddhist temple, glider rides, bicycle riding and fishing. There is cell service around the property but intermittent at the campsites.

3. Bakersfield Farm Animals & Pond

96%

(307)

43mi from Lake Isabella · 15 sites · Tents, Lodging · CA

LOCATION INFO Enjoy a rustic, no-fuss stay on our 20-acre working farm just 15 miles south of Bakersfield, with easy freeway access. Campsites sit along the pond—perfect for catch-and-release fishing, paddle boarding, or kayaking. We have a small area with farm animals (pigs, goats, sheep, peacocks and chickens) for you to enjoy. Most guests are road-tripping, escaping LA, or stopping over en route to Yosemite, Sequoia, or Joshua Tree. Expect a desert climate: hot summers, cold winters. Each site includes a small table, potable water spigot, picnic table, and fire pit (bring your own wood). All sites are BYO tent or car-camping with the exception of our one Glamping Site which includes a queen bed. Some have vehicle height limits (noted in site names), and cannot accommodate pop-ups or truck campers. Amenities include one shared indoor toilet and an outdoor hot/cold shower. You may be greeted by our friendly, working farm dogs. We offer self check-in and you're welcome to arrive anytime after 1PM; checkout is 11AM. Please respect quiet hours after 10PM if arriving late. CAMP RULES No Pets – Our dogs protect the farm and see other animals as threats. You will be asked to leave with no refund if you bring a pet. Quiet Hours: 10 PM–7 AM – No exceptions. If we receive complaints about noise, you’ll be asked to leave immediately. 1 Tent + 1 Car per Site (Site 4 allows 2 tents/2 cars). If you need more tents, you will need to book multiple sites. No tents or canopies on the grass/lawn area. No fireworks or open flames outside of designated fire pits. Propane burners or grills are permitted. Do not feed the farm dogs—no treats or food, ever. At checkout: dispose of trash in the dumpster by Site 5, soak any hot coals, wipe down tables, and put back the kayaks and paddleboards. Shower use: Only farm-provided shampoo and soap are allowed. Fire pits must stay in place. Do not move them.

4. Bare All Retreat

88%

(43)

23mi from Lake Isabella · 31 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Caliente, CA

Welcome to our 138-acre ranch and farm, nestled amidst the stunning natural beauty of our mountainous landscape. With a creek running through the front and steep mountains in the rear, our property offers a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Explore the many old gold miners trails that crisscross our land, now perfect for horseback riding and OHV adventures. Our working ranch and farm provide a glimpse into traditional agricultural practices, with opportunities to observe and participate in farm activities. Keep an eye out for free-range cattle roaming the area, adding to the rustic charm of our mountainous terrain. Discover hidden valleys with seasonal waterfalls and year-round springs, offering peaceful retreats and refreshing natural beauty. Whether you're seeking adventure on the trails, relaxation by the creek, or a glimpse into rural life on the farm, our 138-acre property has something for everyone to enjoy amidst the serene beauty of nature.

5. SoCal Camping

87%

(102)

15mi from Lake Isabella · 39 sites · Lodging · Kernville, CA

The cabins are situated in The Sequoia National Forest, overlooking the majestic rapids of the Kern River. Come and hike, bike, dip in the river, or simply kick back and take in the 360 of sky scrapping mountains (even glimpse Mount Whitney!) At once a silver mine along the Kern River, now converted to a fun recreation spot for adventure seekers

Stories from the community

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Lauren

1 week ago

With kids

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

My two boys and I stayed in the studio cabin. We had to rearrange our travel dates due to the weather. John couldn’t have been more flexible and accommodating in making sure our trip could still happen a few days later. The site had a beautiful view, a little kitchenette, shower and wood stove that kept us warm. We had great stargazing and the gas burning stove was perfect for chilly nights. John was the most welcoming host and made us feel very comfortable. We also enjoyed the nature trail on the site! Overall, a lovely place I would recommend if you want to slow down and enjoy some peace and quiet.

selby

1 week ago

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

Magic, authentic, star-filled. What a magnificent spot! Wish we could have stayed longer. Be sure to bring blankets-and maybe an extra foam topper. Truly memorable!

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Jennifer

2 weeks ago

Group trip

1 night at Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents

Very beautiful land and so thankful for the kitchen only advice is to drive before dark to ensure you don’t get lost but instructions are clear

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Nikhil

November 2025

Weekend Trip to A Unique Mountain Retreat

We had a wonderful short stay at John’s cabin. He has made everything so thoughtfully and we felt very comfortable. The location was easy to find and the views are unbeatable! We will surely be back. John has a huge property and a trail along the boundary. Also, the silence at the place was exactly what we were looking for.

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Jose

October 2025

2 nights at Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents

Beautiful place I will come back again I recommend this place

B

Blaine

October 2025

1 night at A Unique Mountain Retreat

Greta place! What the owner has done with the entire project is quaint, romantic, and unique- all making for an amazing stay. Look no farther than here and you won’t regret it!

M

Mauricio

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Bare All Retreat

What stood out is not only the beautiful views but the water stream that goes through the property. Very peaceful & Cory & his wife are very welcoming and helpful!

S

StacyAndCedar

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to SoCal Camping

Great place to stay along the Kern River. Clean bathrooms and very comfortable beds. I especially appreciated the heavy duty wagons to cart gear to the tent from the parking area. Loved not having cars in the campsites since we were camping with our kids. There is also a well maintained path to access the river side.

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Jennifer

October 2025

Weekend Trip to SoCal Camping

Cool spot and would come again. I've visited at end of the season and found it to be peaceful. It's across the street from the Corral Creek Resort and best to use for your GPS directions.

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Steph

October 2025

1 night at Bakersfield Farm Animals & Pond

What a wonderful place to stay!! The glamping tent and bed were super comfortable with all we needed. Loved looking out our “door” at the fountain in the pond and hearing the flow of water. Beautiful starlit skies away from city. Fun to feed the sheep, goats, and pigs. Also, we adored the company of our gentle dog host!! 💕 Great place!!

D

David

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Bakersfield Farm Animals & Pond

Unforgettable Moto Camping Experience at Bakersfield Farm Animals and Pond! The bed was so comfortable and made the trip so worth it having my tent ready with bedding blankets and comfort a fan etc Our recent camping adventure at Bakersfield Farm Animals and Pond was nothing short of amazing! From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the stunning views that surrounded us—rolling fields, lush greenery, and the tranquil pond creating the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable getaway. The pond was a highlight of the trip—whether it was kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing by the water, it offered endless fun and serenity. The farm animals were absolutely delightful; we loved interacting with the friendly goats, chickens, and other animals, making it a truly authentic farm experience. A special shoutout to the staff, who were incredibly helpful and welcoming throughout our stay. Their friendly attitude and attentiveness made us feel right at home and enhanced the entire experience. Overall, this camping trip was a fantastic escape for adventure and relaxation. We’re already looking forward to our next visit—highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun, scenic, and memorable outdoor adventure!

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Sean

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents

Beautiful location. Incredible natural beauty from the river to the hills. Only area for improvement is some clean-up of the site—just needs some care, but overall great.

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juan

September 2025

Weekend Trip to A Unique Mountain Retreat

Incredible place to space out and live off the grid for a moment. Not to mention the welcoming energy John brings to the place. Just wonderful.

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Iris

September 2025

With kids

2 nights at Sierra Ranch - Cabins & Tents

Gary literally has everything u may need for a great glamping experience! My little family and I had a very relaxing two days . Plan to return !

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Aimee

September 2025

1 night at Bakersfield Farm Animals & Pond

What a gem! Beautiful setting, easy access, super clean and comfy bed set up in the glamping tent. Bathroom was sparkling too! Only minor annoyance was the amount of tiny flies milling around, but that’s totally to be expected when you’re camping alongside a picturesque pond. We may just stop there again on our way back home!

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Patrick

September 2025

Weekend Trip to SoCal Camping

Great spot by the river with nice setups! Bathrooms are better that most campground bathrooms I’ve seen. Beware of fire ants

N

September 2025

1 night at Bakersfield Farm Animals & Pond

Great escape from the city and a super reasonable drive from LA. Super versatile stay — quiet and peaceful with lots of open land and grass, mountains in the backdrop, kayaking and paddle boating on the pond, and even some farm animals. It’s also fairly close to stores and the city. Definitely recommend if you’re looking to escape the city for a bit without much planning or sacrificing too much convenience.

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Alex

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to SoCal Camping

Location was great, the tents, bathrooms, and showers were all very clean. The camp host and others were all very helpful and friendly. We loved the close proximity to the river.

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Diptee

August 2025

Weekend Trip to A Unique Mountain Retreat

This was the perfect little romantic getaway! My partner and I had the best time, and I can also see how wonderful it would be for some peaceful solo time. It’s private, quiet, calm, and incredibly relaxing. The stargazing was exceptional. John’s off-the-grid home is truly beautiful, and it’s amazing to see the love and care he put into building his cabin. You can really feel his positive energy in the space, and his lifestyle is so inspiring. The paved pathway was well maintained, and we felt comfortable driving up in a sedan. Check-in was smooth, and John went above and beyond with a thoughtful, thorough walkthrough of the property. He’s thought of all the little details to make sure guests have the best possible experience! This place exceeded our expectations — we’ll definitely be back!

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Joohee

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to A Unique Mountain Retreat

John is such a great host! Also, the cabin is super cute and the environment is stunning! We took our 3 year old toddler, and he loved it! We would definitely want to revisit!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best family-friendly glamping near Lake Isabella guide

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.