South Fork Rec
Open — Open year-round on a first-come-first-served basis. No advance reservations accepted. Day use from sunrise to sunset; quiet hours 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Campfire permits required and may be restricted based on fire danger. Limited to 14 days within any 30-day period.
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
South Fork Rec Campground is located on the southern side of Lake Isabella along Highway 178 in the Kern River Ranger District of Sequoia National Forest. This year-round facility provides two distinct camping experiences: developed sites with picnic tables and fire rings above the high-water mark, and drive-up shoreline camping at the water's edge below the high-water mark. The campground offers flush toilets, drinking water from a hand pump, trash service, and a visitor information station. Below the high-water mark, portable toilets and trash receptacles are provided during summer months. The facility features a public boat launch and courtesy dock, making it popular with boaters, anglers, and water sports enthusiasts on Lake Isabella. The campground operates on a first-come-first-served basis with no advance reservations. Sites can be paid for on-site using cash, check, or via QR code scanning through the Recreation.gov mobile app. Campfire permits are required and may be restricted depending on fire danger. A 14-day stay limit within any 30-day period applies. Glass containers are prohibited per Kern River Ranger District regulations.
Directions
From Lake Isabella, take Highway 178 east for approximately 3 miles. The campground is located on the southern side of Lake Isabella.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $12 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (760) 376-3781 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
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