How much does camping cost at French Gulch?

Camping fees at French Gulch range from $420/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is French Gulch first-come first-served or reservation?

French Gulch accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at French Gulch before I book?

Yes! French Gulch has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit French Gulch?

French Gulch is open January 01 to October 23. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at French Gulch?

Yes, French Gulch has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does French Gulch have?

French Gulch has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at French Gulch?

Pets are not allowed at French Gulch. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at French Gulch?

French Gulch offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

French Gulch

Q: Can I have a campfire at French Gulch?

Fire policies at French Gulch: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Kern River Ranger District (760) 376-3781.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

2 reviews

P.O. BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, CA, 93238, USA

SwimmingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,651 ft

Price

$420/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

March 28th to Octobe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,651 ft

Price

$420/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

March 28th to Octobe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

French Gulch

$420.00 - $420.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $420.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$405.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-376-1815sschmidt@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to French Gulch

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Campground Map

P.O. BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, CA, 93238, USA

French Gulch

P.O. BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, CA, 93238, USA

Nearby places

Lake Isabella (3 miles), Bakersfield (approx. 45 miles, 1-hour drive)

Weather at French Gulch

Current alerts(5)

Click here for more info about the Sequoia National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Electric hookups are not available
Glass containers are prohibited in Kern Canyon and Isabella Lake Glass Container Prohibition Area

Best Time to Camp at French Gulch

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit French Gulch because lake and warm-weather activities are at their peak—boating, swimming, and fishing on nearby Lake Isabella are most reliable and the group campground is fully staffed and serviced. Expect daytime temperatures typically in the mid-70s to mid-90s°F (75–95°F) with cool nights around 50–65°F, making evenings pleasant for campfires and group meals. Be prepared for holiday-weekend crowds and increased fire danger; arriving on weekdays or early in a Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is best for lake activities; warm days and cool nights, prime open season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to October 23. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: March 28th to October 24th (Peak Season). Closed out-of-season.

About French Gulch

French Gulch is a very small group campground in the Sequoia National Forest foothills near Kernville, operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company. Located close to Lake Isabella, it serves groups looking for lake access with amenities like flush toilets, showers, and potable water. The campground operates seasonally during peak months with a camp store on-site.

French Gulch Campground primarily caters to large groups, offering group standard non-electric sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit French Gulch because lake and warm-weather activities are at their peak—boating, swimming, and fishing on nearby Lake Isabella are most reliable and the group campground is fully staffed and serviced. Expect daytime temperatures typically in the mid-70s to mid-90s°F (75–95°F) with cool nights around 50–65°F, making evenings pleasant for campfires and group meals. Be prepared for holiday-weekend crowds and increased fire danger; arriving on weekdays or early in a Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2651 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryAt 2,651 feet elevation in the southern Sierra Nevada, the campground occupies terrain carved by ancient glaciers and persistent streams. Granite canyons and mountain waterways define the surrounding 1.1 million acres of Sequoia National Forest. Lake Isabella spreads across 11,000 acres just minutes away, offering swimming coves and fishing for bass, trout, and catfish. Nearby Salmon Creek Falls and Grizzly Falls thunder with snowmelt in spring, then slow to a whisper by late summer as water volume drops.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no indication of hotel-style lodges or other accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 100 guests allowed at group sites.

Groups

The campground accommodates groups of up to 100 people, making it ideal for large gatherings.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov and affiliated platforms.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are detailed in the provided data.

Site SizeThe campground can accommodate groups of up to 100 guests.

PrivacyPrivacy levels of campsites are not explicitly described.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites away from dam construction noise for a quieter stay.

Best CampsitesSite 001 gets praise for its location, though with only one group site available, there's no alternative if it doesn't meet expectations.

Need help booking French Gulch?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Electric hookups are not available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Camp Store

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to French Gulch Campground can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, water skiing, windsurfing, and trout and bass fishing in Lake Isabella. These activities make the campground a hub for water-based recreation.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Fire PolicyFire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Kern River Ranger District (760) 376-3781.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly described in the source materials.

Cell CoverageCell phone service availability is not mentioned in the provided information.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

2 reviews

Limited Reviews

French Gulch has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews present mixed sentiments. While some users appreciate the location and camp hosts, others have highlighted severe issues with the maintenance of restrooms and amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

"The site location is GREAT!" and "Camp Hosts Sandy and Ken were GREAT, could not ask for better!" Some users appreciate the group's spaciousness and proximity to Lake Isabella.

Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include non-operational showers, leaking restroom fixtures, lack of hot water, and general restroom disrepair. One user mentioned ongoing construction noise from a nearby dam.

Based on 2 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

"Camp Hosts Sandy and Ken were GREAT" (specific to campsite 001, Loop AREA FRENCH GULCH).

Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors are advised to confirm the availability of amenities such as showers and restrooms due to their reported condition.

Based on 2 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews do not specify trends by season but mention ongoing construction noise and maintenance issues.

Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Showers are an important amenity for us ... the showers are not operational and apparently haven’t been for quite a while." "The 30-year-old bathrooms are due for a complete overhaul." "The site...

Based on 2 reviews