Camp 9
3.5842 reviewsnull
Camp 9
$17.00 - $212.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$34.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$212.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees vary by site type and season. Standard nonelectric and RV nonelectric sites cost $34 per night during peak season. Group standard nonelectric sites cost $85 per night, while group tent-only areas vary between $148 and $212 per night. Additional fees include a $10 nightly fee for extra vehicles beyond the primary vehicle.
About this campground
Perched along the sun-drenched shores of Lake Isabella, Camp 9 beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of water recreation and desert camping. This sprawling lakeside retreat features over 100 first-come, first-served campsites that invite spontaneous adventures, alongside 11 reservable group sites perfect for family reunions and gatherings. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings, while modern conveniences like paved parking, portable toilets, a dump station, and fish cleaning facilities ensure comfort meets wilderness. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn or settling in for sunset stories around the campfire, Camp 9 delivers the authentic California camping experience.
Camp 9 accommodates various camping preferences, including individual campsites, group sites, tent camping, and RV camping.
Historical SignificanceCamp 9 sits within the legendary Sequoia National Forest, a landscape named for the ancient giant sequoias that tower in more than 30 groves throughout the forest's lower elevations. This storied wilderness has long captivated visitors with its dramatic terrain of plunging canyons, rushing mountain streams, and thundering waterfalls. The forest's legacy as a recreational haven stretches back generations, making Camp 9 part of California's rich outdoor heritage.
Weather and SeasonsSpring and early summer mornings at Camp 9 greet visitors with glassy lake waters and still air—perfect for early fishing expeditions—before afternoon breezes sweep across the high desert landscape. The true magic unfolds during fall and winter, when daytime temperatures hover around a comfortable 60°F before dipping to crisp 40°F nights that demand cozy campfires and warm sleeping bags. These cooler months transform the campground into a serene escape, offering some of the year's most spectacular camping conditions.
ElevationAt 2,600 feet above sea level, Camp 9 occupies a sweet spot in California's high desert terrain. This elevation creates a unique camping environment where mountain influences meet desert characteristics, offering cooler temperatures than the valley floor while maintaining the wide-open skies and dramatic sunsets that define high desert camping.
Natural Features and SceneryThe high desert landscape of Camp 9 unfolds in a tapestry of golden hills dotted with stately cottonwood trees that provide welcome pockets of shade. The nearby Upper Kern River adds a ribbon of life to the arid terrain, creating prime conditions for fishing and water sports. As seasons shift to fall and winter, the sparse desert beauty takes on new dimensions—crisp air sharpens distant mountain views while mild temperatures invite endless exploration of this unique ecosystem where water meets desert.
Geological RegionCamp 9 claims prime real estate on the north shore of Lake Isabella, an impressive 11,000-acre reservoir cradled within the southern reaches of the majestic Sierra Nevada range. This dramatic setting within Sequoia National Forest showcases nature's extremes—from elevations as low as 1,000 feet to peaks soaring to 12,000 feet. The landscape tells an ancient story through its precipitous canyons carved by time, mountain streams that tumble toward the lake, and spectacular waterfalls including the renowned Salmon Creek Falls and Grizzly Falls. Here, geological forces have sculpted a playground where water and stone create endless opportunities for adventure.
Campsite details
AccessibilityLimited details about accessibility features are provided. Restrooms are described as accessible in some reviews.
Sites SizeGroup sites are described as spacious with plenty of parking and room for multiple tents: "The site is huge, plenty of parking and room for multiple tents."
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited, with campsites noted to be very close to each other: "The camp sites are super close to each other."
Total Campsites111 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites with shade shelters or near water access. Sites closer to the lake are preferred for views and proximity.
Best CampsitesRecommendations often favor sites closer to the lake for views and proximity to water activities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights allowed per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
Group sites can accommodate large groups and include features such as paved parking, picnic tables, campfire rings, portable toilets, and drinking water (on select sites). Group sites 1 and 2 also have shade shelters.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground includes over 100 single campsites and 11 group sites. Sites are spread out with minimal shade and some are lakeshore or lake-view.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen March 28 through October 25 during peak season; closed outside these dates.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityOver 100 single campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis; group sites require reservations.
Cancellation PolicyIndividual campsite cancellations up to 2 days before reservation start date incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's fee. Group sites have stricter rules, requiring cancellations 14 days before arrival to avoid penalties. No-show visitors pay a $20 fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Camp 9 offers a variety of recreational activities centered around Lake Isabella and the Upper Kern River. Popular activities include fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming, and biking. Some seasonal amenities, such as a boat ramp and dock, enhance the experience. Review sentiment is mixed, with one user commenting, "Great campground with Lake access!" and another describing challenges: "The lake was pretty drained... I had to drive 30 minutes to launch my boat."
Fishing
Fishing is highly popular at both Lake Isabella and Upper Kern River. One user shared, "Kern river is super close for fishing and swimming."Swimming
Swimming is possible in Lake Isabella. However, reviews note water quality issues such as algae: "The lake had some algae but nothing too crazy."Biking
Biking is highlighted as an activity enjoyed by visitors, with one review stating, "Great campsites... great for riding bicycles."Boating
Boating opportunities are facilitated by a seasonal boat ramp and dock. However, water levels can be inconsistent: "The boat launch was out of the water."Beach activities
Beach activities are noted but limited by water levels: "The lake beach is nice, try to find a camp site near the beach."Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking and jet skiing are mentioned in association with Lake Isabella. One reviewer noted, "In the lake you can bathe on the shore, you can fish or ride a jet ski."Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed only within designated rings. Visitors are advised to bring their own firewood.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsStrong winds are common, especially at night. Wildlife hazards include snakes and coyotes. Some sites have spiders in nearby trees.
Active alertsSeasonal closures and flood impacts from heavy rains in 2022-2023 have affected some campsites. The RV dump station is currently closed.
Weather forecast
77
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 28 to October 25.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are limited, and reviewers noted challenges. One stated, "There was trash everywhere. Majority of people were leaving their trash on the site after leaving."
Proximity to water featuresOn the north shore of Lake Isabella, with access to the Upper Kern River. Boating and fishing facilities are available.
Common complaintsComplaints include high winds, lack of shade, dirty portable toilets, crowded campsites, and noise from other campers. Some users reported trash and lack of privacy between campsites.
HostHosts are described as knowledgeable and friendly, though some reviews criticize loud and disruptive behavior during late hours.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom 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. Continue past the town of Wofford Heights to Kernville. At the stop sign in Kernville, turn right onto Sierra Way. Proceed 4 miles. Camp 9 is on the right side of the road.
Camp 9 is accessible via paved roads throughout the journey described above. However, there is no detailed mention of challenging terrain or seasonal closures in the source materials.Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
3.6
42 reviews
Camp 9 has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Camp 9 are mixed, with sentiments ranging from praise for its spacious sites and lake access to complaints about wind, noise, and lack of shade. One user summarized, "Nice quiet place to getaway with the family to have peace away from everything."
Review Summaries
Based on 42 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews emphasize the scenic views, spacious group sites, and opportunities for fishing and water activities: "Great campground with Lake access!" and "Nice chill place to enjoy the view and...
Based on 42 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include extreme wind conditions, lack of shade, crowded sites, dirty restrooms, and limited water access. For example, "It was so incredibly windy! Couldn’t sleep at night," and "No...
Based on 42 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing sufficient tent stakes and canopies due to wind and limited shade: "Prepare to have some dirt in your tents. You'll need plenty of stakes for your tents." Others advise...
Based on 42 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Fall and winter are highlighted as the most beautiful times, with daytime temperatures around the 60s and nighttime temperatures in the low 40s. Spring and early summer feature afternoon breezes but...
Based on 42 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"There’s potable water and pit toilets nearby every site. The toilets were clean and didn’t smell." "Kern river is super close for fishing and swimming." "Nice quiet place to getaway with the family...
Based on 42 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Group site G5 is noted for its spaciousness: "The site is huge, plenty of parking and room for multiple tents." However, campsite 72 in Loop C has challenges with spiders and snakes: "One of these...
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Accessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are limited but mention clean and accessible restrooms.
Based on 42 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific pet-related reviews are available.
Based on 42 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025