The best pets off leash camping near Lake Isabella

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.