French Gulch
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates January 1 through October 27 annually.
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
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.
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.
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
French Gulch Group Campground is a single-site group camping area in the Kern River Ranger District of Sequoia National Forest, situated 3 miles from the western shores of Lake Isabella. Located at 2,500 feet elevation, this campground can accommodate up to 100 people at one time, making it perfect for large group gatherings, family reunions, and organizational events. The site is well-equipped with 24 picnic tables, 3 benches, 2 large grills, and 1 fire ring. Flush toilets are available on-site, though there is no potable water. The campground operates under a concessionaire permit with ExplorUS and is managed by Rocky Mountain Recreation. Visitors enjoy easy access to Lake Isabella, a 27-acre reservoir offering excellent opportunities for swimming, water skiing, wind surfing, and fishing for trout and bass. The French Gulch Marina nearby provides boat rentals. The campground is located in the southern Sierra Nevada, where elevations range from 1,000 to 12,000 feet across the forest, creating spectacular canyons and mountain streams.
Directions
From Bakersfield, take Highway 178 east to the town of Lake Isabella. Turn onto Highway 155 north, following the western edge of the lake, for approximately 3 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $420 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| sschmidt@goexplorus.com | |
| Phone | +1 (760) 376-1269 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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