French Gulch
03 reviewsP.O. BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, CA, 93238, USA
Quick Facts
Price
$405/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
1 campsites
Season
March 28th to Octobe...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Showers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$405/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
1 campsites
Season
March 28th to Octobe...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Showers
Get DirectionsFrench Gulch
$405.00 - $405.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group Standard Nonelectric site fee is $405 per night during peak season.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$405.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$405.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider760-376-1269sschmidt@goexplorus.com
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 3 reviews
Most mentioned
spaciouslocationlake
Some mention
noise
"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."
Fees & Passes at French Gulch
$405/night
Campsite fees
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: Maximum stay is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.
Cancellation: Reservations can be canceled any time before the scheduled arrival with a $10 cancellation fee and f...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Rocky Mountain Recreation Company website.
Best Time to Camp at French Gulch
Experience the gentle rhythm of Sierra seasons at French Gulch, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. During peak camping season, you'll enjoy crisp, comfortable days with temperatures hovering around 55°F – perfect for hiking and outdoor activities – while evenings cool to a refreshing 39°F, ideal for gathering around the campfire. As winter approaches, the campground transforms into a quieter retreat, with cooler temperatures and the occasional dusting of snow adding a magical touch to the surrounding forest. These seasonal variations create an ever-changing backdrop for your outdoor adventures.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: March 28, 2025 - October 25, 2025; June 5, 2026 - October 24, 2026.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: March 28th to October 24th (Peak Season). Closed out-of-season.
- Current Alerts: Construction noise at Lake Isabella Dam may impact visitors.
About French Gulch
Nestled just 3 miles from the sparkling waters of Lake Isabella, French Gulch Campground offers an ideal basecamp for large groups seeking adventure in the heart of Sequoia National Forest. This spacious group campground welcomes up to 100 guests, making it perfect for family reunions, scout troops, or outdoor clubs. Modern conveniences meet wilderness charm with flush toilets and fresh drinking water on-site, while nearby Lake Isabella's marina and boat ramps beckon water enthusiasts to explore. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, French Gulch provides the perfect blend of comfort and accessibility to the region's natural wonders.
French Gulch Campground primarily caters to large groups, offering group standard non-electric sites.
Historical SignificanceYour stay at French Gulch places you within the legendary Sequoia National Forest, a landscape that has captivated visitors for generations. This protected wilderness serves as both a living museum and an ecological treasure, where ancient giant sequoias have stood sentinel for thousands of years. The forest's rich history intertwines Native American heritage with the legacy of early conservationists who recognized the need to preserve these natural cathedrals for future generations. Today, camping here connects you to this enduring story of preservation and wonder.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythm of Sierra seasons at French Gulch, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. During peak camping season, you'll enjoy crisp, comfortable days with temperatures hovering around 55°F – perfect for hiking and outdoor activities – while evenings cool to a refreshing 39°F, ideal for gathering around the campfire. As winter approaches, the campground transforms into a quieter retreat, with cooler temperatures and the occasional dusting of snow adding a magical touch to the surrounding forest. These seasonal variations create an ever-changing backdrop for your outdoor adventures.
ElevationFrench Gulch sits within a dramatic landscape where elevations sweep from gentle foothills at 1,000 feet to soaring peaks reaching 12,000 feet throughout the greater Sequoia National Forest. This incredible range of elevation creates diverse ecosystems and microclimates, offering visitors the chance to experience everything from oak-studded hillsides to alpine meadows within a single forest. The varying elevations also mean you can find your perfect adventure, whether seeking lower-elevation comfort or high-country exploration.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the southern Sierra Nevada, where French Gulch Campground serves as your gateway to nature's grandest displays. Towering giant sequoias create cathedral-like groves nearby, while crystal-clear mountain streams tumble through granite canyons. The landscape comes alive with the sound of rushing water from spectacular falls like Salmon Creek and Grizzly Falls. Just minutes away, Lake Isabella's 11,000-acre surface beckons with endless opportunities for swimming in sun-warmed coves, water skiing across glassy waters, and fishing for bass, trout, and catfish in peaceful inlets.
Geological RegionFrench Gulch Campground sits within the majestic southern Sierra Nevada of Central California, where 1.1 million acres of Sequoia National Forest showcase nature's raw power and beauty. This geological wonderland features precipitous canyons carved by ancient glaciers and persistent streams, creating a landscape of dramatic contrasts. Mountain streams cascade through granite gorges, forming spectacular waterfalls like Salmon Creek Falls and Grizzly Falls that thunder with snowmelt in spring and whisper gently by late summer. The varied topography creates countless opportunities for exploration, from gentle meadow walks to challenging canyon hikes.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are detailed in the provided data.
Sites SizeThe campground can accommodate groups of up to 100 guests.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels of campsites are not explicitly described.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites away from dam construction noise for a quieter stay.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-out
Not explicitly mentioned.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutGroup sites available; layout details not mentioned.
Open and Closed SeasonMarch 28th to October 24th (Peak Season). Closed out-of-season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov and affiliated platforms.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot explicitly stated, but reservations are required for group sites.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the scheduled arrival with a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiting the first night's fee if canceled late. Late cancellation penalties apply from midnight 14 days or fewer before check-in for group sites.
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
Showers
Potable water
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Camp Store
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.
Fishing
Lake Isabella offers excellent trout and bass fishing opportunities, as well as additional fishing spots in nearby streams.Swimming
Swimming is a popular activity at Lake Isabella, located just 3 miles from the campground.Boating
Boating is supported by marina and boat ramp facilities at Lake Isabella, situated southeast of the campground.Winter Activities
Winter recreational opportunities are not described.Water Sports
Water skiing and windsurfing are available at Lake Isabella, making it a destination for water sports enthusiasts.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire restrictions may apply based on weather conditions. Contact Kern River Ranger District for updates.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildfire risks, wildlife encounters, and construction noise from dam operations.
Active alertsConstruction noise at Lake Isabella Dam may impact visitors.
Weather at French Gulch
71
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 17%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 0.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Kernville Ranger Station (760-376-3781); nearest hospital and police station likely in Bakersfield, approximately 45 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 28, 2025 - October 25, 2025; June 5, 2026 - October 24, 2026.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly described in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresLocated 3 miles from Lake Isabella, offering swimming, fishing, and water sports.
Common complaintsComplaints include lack of operational showers, outdated restroom facilities, and construction noise from the nearby dam.
HostHosts Sandy and Ken are reported as excellent by reviewers.
Campground Map
P.O. BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, CA, 93238, USA
Driving directionsFrom Bakersfield, California, take Highway 178 east to the town of Lake Isabella. Turn onto Highway 155 north, following the western edge of the lake, for approximately 3 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. Highway 178 and Highway 155 provide direct access. Accessibility is generally good year-round, but seasonal fire restrictions and weather conditions may affect usability.Nearby places
Lake Isabella (3 miles), Bakersfield (approx. 45 miles, 1-hour drive)
Nearby supplies
The Giant Sequoia Mercantile near Lake Isabella offers books, maps, gifts, local art, camping supplies, and other merchandise.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
3 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 3 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 3 reviewsCommon 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 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors are advised to confirm the availability of amenities such as showers and restrooms due to their reported condition.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews do not specify trends by season but mention ongoing construction noise and maintenance issues.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper 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 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
"Camp Hosts Sandy and Ken were GREAT" (specific to campsite 001, Loop AREA FRENCH GULCH).
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews explicitly addressed accessibility experiences.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews mentioned pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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0 review
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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