Discover the best campgrounds near Lake Isabella, California with horseback riding

United States
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California
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Lake Isabella

94% (1097 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Lake Isabella

Star Hosts in Lake Isabella

Under $50

92%

(189)

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.

Camping with Mountain Views

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Posey, CA

Learn more about this land: 1.1 miles from U.S National Forest. Camp site is huge. The total land is 2.36 acres and the land below the parking area is part of the property and can be used to relax, walk around, or let dogs run. Views for miles and a peaceful place to relax in the Sequoias. Night view of city lights below in San Joaquin Valley. Pull in and have the place to yourself. There's no onsite manager but there is someone within a mile of the property if there are needs or issues. Let me know if you want to buy wood as the caretaker sells wood for $10 a night or less if you stay more than one night. You can check yourself in and out with directions that are provided upon booking so you can arrive anytime you want.If you have a large camper 32 foot or under unless you are a miracle worker :). If you don't think you can pull a trailer from the sharp left on the road you can go up the road about 1.5 miles and turn around so it's an easy right.

Booked 6 times

Bare All Retreat

5 sites · RVs, Tents138 acres · 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.

100%

(204)

A Unique Mountain Retreat

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · 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.

98%

(560)

River Ridge Ranch -722 acres

12 sites · Lodging, Tents722 acres · Springville, CA

Swimming in North Fork Tule River, miles of hiking trails on ranch. River Ridge 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. 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.

12 top campgrounds near Lake Isabella with horseback riding

99%

(481)

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.

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.

92%

(6)

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

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.

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)

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,

Camping with Mountain Views

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Posey, CA

Learn more about this land: 1.1 miles from U.S National Forest. Camp site is huge. The total land is 2.36 acres and the land below the parking area is part of the property and can be used to relax, walk around, or let dogs run. Views for miles and a peaceful place to relax in the Sequoias. Night view of city lights below in San Joaquin Valley. Pull in and have the place to yourself. There's no onsite manager but there is someone within a mile of the property if there are needs or issues. Let me know if you want to buy wood as the caretaker sells wood for $10 a night or less if you stay more than one night. You can check yourself in and out with directions that are provided upon booking so you can arrive anytime you want.If you have a large camper 32 foot or under unless you are a miracle worker :). If you don't think you can pull a trailer from the sharp left on the road you can go up the road about 1.5 miles and turn around so it's an easy right.

88%

(16)

Shirley Creek Retreat

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Wofford Heights, CA

Beautiful mountain retreat surrounded by wilderness. Great place to just relax, breath and enjoy or have outdoor adventures via hiking trails, water play on the lake or Kern River, visit the trail of 100 Giants, white water rafting, fishing and snow skiing in Alta Vista! Cute retro movie theater in town or dining and entertainment in Kernville, home of the world famous Kernville Brewery. Cute additional cabin that sleeps two as an additional space for the kids or adventurous adults.Learn more about this land:Great location for outdoor & indoor adventure for you & your whole family! Beautiful view from mega deck, retro cabin that sleeps 6, fire pit, steps to seasonal creek full of swimming holes, beautiful mountain trails just outside your door. Lake Isabella, Kern River, Alta Vista Ski Resort & Remington Mineral Baths all within 15 minutes yet relax in solitude on 1/2 acre property surrounded by government land. Wood burning stove, traditional heat & air; everything to make your stay comfy & fun! Pet friendly. Place for tents as well as comfy cabin.

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.

Bare All Retreat

5 sites · RVs, Tents138 acres · 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.

Booked 2 times

Oak Glenn

1 site · Tent1 acre · California Hot Springs, CA

This camping spot is quiet, beautiful and peaceful. You will be surrounded by nature but also within walking distance to a store and near the Sequoia National Forest for hiking activities. Enjoy running streams, waterfalls, rolling hills and wild berries! Mineral springs and hot tubs will be open in November 2023. Property has a flat area so that you can enjoy your tent camping.

97%

(47)

River and Mountains

1 site · Lodging14 acres · Springville, CA

ATTENTION: This cabin is not available anymore please check my other cabins _ Gypsy Wagon link https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-gypsy-wagon-nelhkz7d?shareid=3jbok3r9bh _Cabin By The River link https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-cabin-by-the-river-88lhwnk8?shareid=4a77qs2nuv Learn more about this land: Breathtaking nature, mountains, river and fresh air. Campers can fish, swim, and enjoy our beautiful cabin. If you don’t mind driving 30 more minutes you will see prettiest redwood trees and more. Very close to Sequoia national Forest. One minute walk to restrooms and showers. No electricity, but the lamp is available (battery), sofa bed with two blankets and two pillows. The property is very large, with ponds, bridges and a swimming hole. Nearest market, restaurants and coffee shop are about two minutes drive. Very calm, quiet neighborhood.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

98%

(262)

Sequoia National Forest

Ponderosa, California

100%

(3)

Success Lake

East Porterville, California

The trails of Red Rock Canyon State Park.

98%

(20)

Red Rock Canyon State Park

California City, California

Friends, dark chocolate, and a few bottles of wine. The climb up to the top of Moro is SOOO worth it. (Jump the railing and head due south-west for this hang out spot!)

99%

(167)

Sequoia National Park

Silver City, California

Camping near Lake Isabella with horseback riding 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.