California / Kern County

Camp 9

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates March through October.

About

Camp 9 Recreation Area is located on the north shore of Lake Isabella, an 11,000-acre reservoir in Sequoia National Forest. At an elevation of 2,600 feet in the high desert, the campground provides access to excellent boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports on the lake, with the Upper Kern River just a short drive away for additional fishing and rafting opportunities. The facility offers over 100 single campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis, along with 11 group sites that can be reserved through Recreation.gov. Some sites are situated directly on the lakeshore, while others are set further back but still offer lake views. Shade is limited throughout the campground, with only a few cottonwood trees, so visitors should plan accordingly. The campground is particularly popular with RV campers, offering ample parking for both trailers and motorized watercraft. On-site amenities include restrooms with potable water, a boat ramp with floating dock (water levels permitting), a fish cleaning station, and an RV dump station. Group sites feature two picnic tables each, campfire rings, portable toilets, and paved parking. Spring and early summer bring afternoon breezes with calm mornings, while fall and winter offer some of the most pleasant weather, with daytime temperatures in the 60s and nighttime lows in the 40s.

Directions

From the south, take Highway 99 to Bakersfield. Take the Highway 178 exit and travel east toward the Kern River Canyon. Follow Highway 178 for approximately 40 miles to the town of Lake Isabella. From Lake Isabella, take Highway 155 past Wofford Heights to Kernville. At the stop sign in Kernville, turn right onto Sierra Way. Proceed 4 miles south. Camp 9 is on the right side of the road.

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