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California / Kern County / Sequoia National Forest

Auxiliary Dam

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No advance reservations. Payment accepted via cash, check, or Recreation.gov mobile app scan and pay feature on-site.

Notify on Availability Reserve

From Recreation.gov

This location is open during the Federal government lapse in funding.

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

Western Divide and Kern River Ranger Districts Winter Road Closures

To provide for public safety and protect natural resources, using any type of motorized wheeled vehicle on the National Forest System roads the Exhibit and attached map, except persons using a tracked over-the-snow vehicle when there is a minimum of twelve inches of snow on the road.

Hume Lake Ranger District Road Closure Except ATV/OHV and Tracked Vehicles - 2025

To provide public safety and protect natural resources, using any type of motorized wheeled vehicle on the National Forest System roads listed below and shown on the attached map (Exhibit A) is prohibited.

Hume Lake Ranger District Road Closure Except Tracked Vehicles - 2025

To provide public safety and protect natural resources, the following act is prohibited within the Hume Lake

Hume Lake Ranger District Winter Roads Closure - No Exceptions - 2025

Wildlife Alert - BEARS

Be Bear Aware During Your Visit.Are you prepared to store your food properly on your next camping or backpacking trip?Much of the Sequoia National Forest is American black bear habitat. They belong here.

Sequoia National Forest Camping and Parking Restrictions

The following acts are prohibited within the Sequoia National Forest. 1. Camping for more than 14 consecutive days within any 30-day period anywhere on National Forest System lands within the Sequoia National Forest. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(a).

Day Use Only Prohibition FOREST ORDER NO. 0513-25-04

The following is prohibited within the Sequoia National ForestBeing in an area designated as Day Use Only after sunset or before sunrise.

Help Halt Golden Mussel Invasion in Waterways

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Kings River Scenic Byway Dispersed Camping Prohibition 2025

To protect natural resources, camping within 250 feet of the Kings River Scenic Byway (State Highway 180) from its intersection with Tenmile Road (Forest Road No. 13S09) and continuing east approximately 21.1 miles to the Sequoia National Forest boundary. See map.

Kern River Ranger District Glass Container Prohibition

The following act is Prohibited within the Kern River Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest: Possessing or storing food or beverages in glass containers in the Kern Canyon and Isabella Lake Glass Container Prohibition Areas, as described in Exhibit A, and shown on Exhibits B, C, and D.

North Fork Kern Wild and Scenic River Camping Prohibition

Camping is prohibited outside of the developed campgrounds and designated dispersed camping areas listed in the Exhibit and locations shown on the map.

Brush Creek Dispersed Camping Area Prohibition

Camping is prohibited within 50 feet of the Brush Creek water’s edge, between the intersection of Brush Creek with the Kern River and points 0.5 miles east of the Kern River along both branches of Brush Cree

Chico Flat Dispersed Camping Area Prohibition

Kern River Ranger DistrictChico Flat Dispersed Camping Area Prohibition

About

Auxiliary Dam Campground occupies a prime location on the southern shore of Lake Isabella along Highway 178 in the Kern River Ranger District of Sequoia National Forest. The campground operates with a unique dual-zone setup that appeals to different camping styles. Above the high water mark, developed sites offer traditional amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, flush toilets, and drinking water. Below the high water mark, the campground allows dispersed-style camping where visitors can drive their vehicles directly to the shoreline and set up camp at the water's edge. The facility is managed by a concessionaire and operates year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. Payment can be made on-site via cash, check, or by scanning a QR code with the Recreation.gov mobile app. During summer months, portable toilets and trash receptacles are placed in the lower shoreline area for visitor convenience. A dump station is available at the adjacent Old Isabella Recreation Area for an additional fee. The campground's open, sunny terrain provides easy water access for boating and fishing, making it a popular base camp for Lake Isabella recreation.

Directions

From Kernville, travel south on County Road 571, then west on Highway 178. The campground is located on the southern end of Lake Isabella near the town of Lake Isabella.

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