French Gulch

Star0
2 reviews
P.O. BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, CA, 93238, USA
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

2,651 ft

Price

$405/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

March 28th to Octobe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation Company site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
French 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

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Provider
760-376-1269sschmidt@goexplorus.com
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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 2 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

French Gulch

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.

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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season with water sports, swimming and boating at nearby Lake Isabella.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Oct 24; Sierra fall scenery likely pleasant though reviews lack season detail.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens March 28; spring offers mild weather and access to lake activities, though specific reviews are few.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed out-of-season (closed in winter months).

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.
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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.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Picnic tables
Camp Store
Group Sites

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.
FishingLake Isabella offers excellent trout and bass fishing opportunities, as well as additional fishing spots in nearby streams.
SwimmingSwimming is a popular activity at Lake Isabella, located just 3 miles from the campground.
BoatingBoating is supported by marina and boat ramp facilities at Lake Isabella, situated southeast of the campground.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential 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

Reviews

0.0
2 reviews
Limited 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

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...
Show more
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

Accessibility Features

No reviews explicitly addressed accessibility experiences.
Based on 2 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews mentioned pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 2 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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