Camp 9 Campground
Lake Isabella

Lake Isabella, California
Lake Isabella, California

Camp 9 Campground
Lake Isabella


Camp 9 Campground

Camp 9 Campground is located in the Sequoia National Forest on the northeast shore of Lake Isabella. The campground is close to the town of Kernville. A boat launch ramp is nearby. Visitors to the campground enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, windsurfing, and waterskiing in Lake Isabella. The area around the lake can be very hot in the summer.

Camp 9 Campground has 109 campsites. Twenty-three of the sites are designated for RVs or trailers. The remainder of the campsites can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Some campsites are along the shore, while most are set farther back with lake views. Shade is very limited, so campers should plan on bringing shade tents as needed. The campground also has 11 Group Campsites. Most of the family campsites and all of the group sites can be reserved; the remainder are open for first-come, first-served arrivals.

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Camp 9 Campground Basics
Camp 9 Campground Location: Off Sierra Way on the northeast shore of Lake Isabella, 5½ miles south of Kernville
Elevation: 2,600 feet
Mileage from Gateway City: Bakersfield - 58 miles
Number of Sites: 109
Camping Season: Open April through October, weather permitting
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 ($5 per night fee for untowed 3rd vehicle)
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by: Sequoia Recreation, a division of California Land Management, for Sequoia National Forest
Campground Information: (760) 376-1815
Kern River Ranger District: (760) 379-5646

Reservations at Camp 9 Campground
Reservations available: Reservations are available for camping dates from April through October. Some sites are available first-come, first-served.
Booking Window: Reservations can be made from 4 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date. See details
Maximum RV/Trailer Length: 45 feet
Wheelchair Accessible Sites: None designated
Fees: $34 per night
Reservations: Camp 9 Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, check-out Noon

Camp 9 Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, vault toilets, tap water
Showers: No
Dump station: Yes, $10 fee per use
Attractions near Camp 9 Campground: Enjoy Lake Isabella for fishing and boating. Visit the North Fork Marina with store and boat rentals. Head out mountain biking or hiking. Stop by the Lake Isabella Visitor Center. Drive north to the Trail of 100 Giants with an accessible walk through Long Meadow Grove of Giant Sequoias. Visit the towns of Kernville and Wofford Heights. Head over to the South Fork Wildlife Area.




Camp 9 Group Campsites

Camp 9 Campground has 11 group, tents-only sites.

  • Group Sites 1 &s 2 - maximum of 35 people and 8 vehicles
  • Group Sites 3 - 5 - Prime sites, maximum of 35 people and 8 vehicles
  • Group Sites 6 - 11 - maximum of 20 people and 4 vehicles

Reservations can be made from 4 days up to 12 months before arrival date.
Fees: $85 - $212 per night
Reservations: Camp 9 Group Campsite Reservations



General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.



Camp 9 Campground, Lake Isabella, CA

Camp 9 Campground

Lake Isabella
Attractions and Activities

Lake Isabella attracts visitors from far and wide to its broad, sparkling waters and to the recreation available in the area. Those choosing Camp 9 Campground are close to the water and not far from Kernville.



Key Camp 9 Campground Regulations

  1. Campfire permits are required for campfires, barbecues, and camp stoves.
  2. Glass containers are prohibited around Lake Isabella and along the Kern River.
  3. No ATVs or OHVs are permitted anywhere around Lake Isabella with the exception of the Motocross track located nearby.

    Check Sequoia National Forest - Camp 9 Campground for any campground updates.