Old Isabella

For Californians who cherish the vastness of open water and the freedom of a more primitive camping experience, Old Isabella Campground on Lake Isabella in the scenic Kern River Valley offers an appealing destination. This campground provides a unique blend of accessible lakeside recreation and a flexible, often boondocking-style camping environment. It's a place where the grandeur of one of Southern California's largest reservoirs meets the laid-back charm of outdoor living, inviting you to cast a line, launch a boat, or simply relax by the water's edge.

Old Isabella is widely recognized for its direct proximity to Lake Isabella, a hub for water sports and fishing enthusiasts. Unlike some campgrounds that are heavily developed, Old Isabella maintains a more rustic character, particularly in areas below the high-water mark where visitors can truly camp at the water's edge. This flexibility, combined with its first-come, first-served policy, makes it a favored spot for spontaneous weekend trips for locals. While it may not offer abundant shade, as noted by some visitors, its appeal lies in the expansive lake access and the vibrant recreational opportunities it affords, making it a "fun" and dynamic place for an outdoor getaway.

Old Isabella Campground is strategically located on the southern side of Lake Isabella, directly off Highway 178. Its address is Lake Isabella, CA 93240, USA. This prime location offers excellent accessibility for visitors traveling from various parts of California, making it a convenient destination for a lakeside escape. The campground is part of the Sequoia National Forest's management area, providing a natural setting while remaining easy to reach by vehicle.

The campground's direct access to Lake Isabella is a significant advantage. This allows campers to drive their vehicles right to the shoreline in designated areas below the high-water mark, offering a unique "boondocking" style experience right next to the water. This direct lake access is highly sought after by boaters, jet skiers, and anglers who want to be as close to the action as possible. Adjacent to the camping areas, there's a public boat launch and a courtesy dock, complete with a large, paved parking area for vehicles and boat trailers, further enhancing its appeal for water recreation. While the main access is straightforward via Highway 178, visitors should be mindful of the variable water levels of Lake Isabella, which can affect the exact shoreline camping conditions. Always check local conditions and road status with the Forest Service before your trip to ensure a smooth arrival. The easy accessibility combined with direct lake access makes Old Isabella a practical and popular choice for Californians looking for a water-centric camping adventure.

Old Isabella Campground offers essential services designed to support a practical and enjoyable lakeside camping experience, particularly for those comfortable with a more rustic setting.

• Campsites: The campground provides campsites both above and below the high-water mark. Sites above the high-water mark are more traditional, while those below allow for "boondocking" right at the water's edge, accommodating tents and RVs. Many sites offer basic amenities such as fire rings and picnic tables.

• Restrooms: Vault toilets are available throughout the campground, with portable toilets also provided in areas below the high-water mark during the summer season for visitor convenience. Adjacent to the public boat launch, flush toilets are also available, providing a more comfortable option for day-use visitors and campers utilizing the launch facilities.

• Water Access: Potable drinking water is available, typically near the public boat launch area and potentially at other designated points within the campground. Campers should still bring enough water or plan to refill, especially if camping in more dispersed areas.

• Trash Service: Trash receptacles and dumpsters are provided at the campground, including in areas below the high-water mark during peak season. This service helps campers adhere to "Leave No Trace" principles and maintain the cleanliness of the area.

• Fill and Dump Station: As noted by a visitor, a fill and dump station is available "as soon as you enter," which is a significant amenity for RV campers looking to manage their water and waste needs efficiently before or after their stay.

• First-Come, First-Served: Old Isabella Campground primarily operates on a first-come, first-served basis. This provides flexibility for spontaneous trips but means it's advisable to arrive early, especially during busy summer weekends, to secure a desirable spot, particularly along the shoreline.

Old Isabella Campground is highlighted by several key features that contribute to its popularity among Californians seeking a lake-centric outdoor experience.

• Direct Lakeside Access & "Boondocking" Opportunities: One of the most distinctive features is the ability to camp directly on the shoreline when water levels permit. This "boondocking" experience allows campers to have their vehicle or tent right by the water, offering unparalleled convenience for launching small boats, fishing, or simply enjoying the lake views from their site. This is a rare and highly valued feature for many water enthusiasts.

• Abundant Water Recreation: Lake Isabella is a very large reservoir, providing ample space for a wide range of water activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. The lake is also renowned for its excellent fishing, with anglers targeting trout, bass, and catfish, making it a prime destination for those looking to "fish, prospect and watch a bunch of rafters go by."

• Public Boat Launch & Courtesy Dock: The presence of a public boat launch and a courtesy dock adjacent to the campground is a major convenience for boat owners. The large paved parking area for vehicles and boat trailers further enhances accessibility for larger watercraft.

• Southern Sierra Pass Acceptance: Old Isabella accepts the Southern Sierra Pass, as well as various interagency passes (Annual, Senior, Access, Volunteer, and Military Passes). This can provide cost savings for frequent visitors to the Sequoia National Forest and other federal lands, making camping more affordable for locals who regularly explore California's outdoor spaces.

• Proximity to Kern River: The campground's location in the Kern River Valley means visitors are also close to the Lower Kern River. As noted by a reviewer, opportunities for "prospecting" (perhaps referring to gold panning) and observing rafters on the river add another dimension to the recreational offerings.

• Vibrant Weekend Atmosphere: During weekends, especially in summer, the area around Lake Isabella, including Old Isabella, comes alive with activity. As one reviewer mentioned, "Everyone was in the water swimming on Saturday," highlighting the lively and communal atmosphere that can develop, with people arriving "with food and meat to roast," creating a festive environment.

For inquiries or additional information about Old Isabella Campground and the surrounding Lake Isabella area, you can contact the Sequoia National Forest, which manages the site.

Address: Lake Isabella, CA 93240, USA

Phone: (559) 784-1500

Mobile Phone: +1 559-784-1500

For the most up-to-date information on conditions, water levels, fire restrictions, or any temporary closures, it is always best to contact the Kern River Ranger District office of the Sequoia National Forest or check their official website. This will ensure you have the latest details to plan your visit effectively.

Old Isabella Campground is an outstanding choice for Californians seeking a versatile and engaging lakeside camping experience. Its unique offering of direct shoreline camping (boondocking style) on Lake Isabella sets it apart, providing unparalleled access to popular water activities like boating, jet skiing, and fishing. For locals, the first-come, first-served policy allows for spontaneous getaways, a welcome feature for those seeking flexibility in their outdoor plans.

While the campground might lack extensive shade trees, as some visitors have noted, its primary appeal lies in the expansive recreational opportunities provided by Lake Isabella itself. The convenient on-site fill and dump station is a significant benefit for RV users, making longer stays more practical. Ultimately, Old Isabella Campground provides a vibrant and active environment for families, anglers, and water sports enthusiasts from California to enjoy one of the state's largest and most accessible recreational lakes, offering a fun and memorable outdoor adventure close to home.

Old Isabella

Lake Isabella, CA 93240, USA