How much does camping cost at Camp 9?

Camping fees at Camp 9 range from $36-$220/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Camp 9 first-come first-served or reservation?

Camp 9 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 Camp 9 before I book?

Yes! Camp 9 has 6 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 Camp 9?

Camp 9 is open March 27 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 Camp 9?

Camp 9 does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Camp 9 have?

Camp 9 has 111 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Camp 9?

Yes, pets are allowed at Camp 9. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Camp 9?

Camp 9 offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Camp 9?

Popular activities at Camp 9 include Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Camp 9

Q: Can I have a campfire at Camp 9?

Fire policies at Camp 9: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.49

96 reviews

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Top 19%Winter

C-Report Card

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,600 ft

Price

$36 - $220/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

111 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Sequoia National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,600 ft

Price

$36 - $220/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

111 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Sequoia National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Camp 9

$36.00 - $220.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $88.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $155.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $220.00; RV NONELECTRIC: $36.00; RV...

Group Site Fee$212.00

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Provider

760-376-3781sschmidt@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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Camp 9

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Nearby places

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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.

Weather at Camp 9

Current alerts(6)

Click here to learn more about Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument
No hookups available
Shade is limited
The RV Dump Station fee is $25.00

Best Time to Camp at Camp 9

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable combination of weather and lake access — daytime highs are typically in the mid-60s to low-80s F with cool nights in the 40s–50s, making daytime boating, fishing and biking very pleasant. Water temperatures are still warm enough for swimming earlier in the season, while crowds thin after Labor Day so first-come sites are easier to snag. Fall also brings clear skies and golden cottonwoods along the shore, creating excellent photography and quieter evenings arounds Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall called best season: comfortable temps and good lake access; many positive seasonal notes.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 27 to October 23. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Camp 9

Camp 9 sits in the foothills of Sequoia National Forest with direct lake access for boating and fishing. This large campground managed by the Forest Service offers tent sites, RV spots, and group camping with flush and vault toilets, a dump station, and potable water. Reviewers praise the scenic water views and spacious group areas, though some note limited shade and close site spacing.

Camp 9 accommodates various camping preferences, including individual campsites, group sites, tent camping, and RV camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable combination of weather and lake access — daytime highs are typically in the mid-60s to low-80s F with cool nights in the 40s–50s, making daytime boating, fishing and biking very pleasant. Water temperatures are still warm enough for swimming earlier in the season, while crowds thin after Labor Day so first-come sites are easier to snag. Fall also brings clear skies and golden cottonwoods along the shore, creating excellent photography and quieter evenings arounds Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2600 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies high desert terrain above Lake Isabella, where golden hills meet the southern Sierra Nevada. Cottonwood trees dot the landscape but shade is sparse. The reservoir dominates the view, backed by peaks that climb from 1,000 to 12,000 feet. Precipitous canyons carved by the Upper Kern River and mountain streams cut through the surrounding forest. Salmon Creek Falls and Grizzly Falls tumble within the broader Sequoia National Forest, though they're not visible from camp. The setting is all sun-bleached slopes and open water, with little shelter from wind that rips across the lake.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or similar accommodations are mentioned in the sources.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the sources.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityLimited details about accessibility features are provided. Restrooms are described as accessible in some reviews.

Site 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.

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 SitesChoose sites with shade shelters or near water access. Sites closer to the lake are preferred for views and proximity.

Best CampsitesReviews favor sites closer to the lake for views and water access. Group sites are spacious with room for multiple tents and plenty of parking. No specific site numbers mentioned, but lakeshore and lake-view spots fill first.

Need help booking Camp 9?

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

No hookups available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Swimming

Biking

Boating

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).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon'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.

Trash & 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."

Cell CoverageReviews mention poor cell reception for T-Mobile users: "Poor cell reception on T-Mobile." No other details about cell service are provided.

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

Rate Camp 9

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From Booking Sources

3.5

96 reviews

Mixed 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 96 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 96 reviews

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 96 reviews

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...

Based on 96 reviews

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 96 reviews

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 96 reviews

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 96 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are limited but mention clean and accessible restrooms.

Based on 96 reviews

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Camp 9

$36.00 - $220.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $88.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $155.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $220.00; RV NONELECTRIC: $36.00; RV...

Group Site Fee$212.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-376-3781sschmidt@goexplorus.com

Go if

You want lake access for water activities and don't mind limited shade or close site spacing.

Skip if

You need heavily shaded sites, guaranteed privacy, or 24-hour gate access.

Nearby Campgrounds

Sequoia National Forest

Tillie Creek sits in the Sequoia National Forest foothills near Lake Isabella, operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company. The mid-sized campground offers tent and RV sites with flush and vault toilets, a dump station, and direct access to lake boating. Spring brings wildflower blooms, cooler temperatures, and excellent fishing before summer heat and crowds arrive.

Camp 9

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

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Campground Map

Weather at Camp 9

Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Camp 9

Planning Tips

About Camp 9

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Camp 9?

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

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How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Overview

Ask Camp Sage about Camp 9

Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Camp 9

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Camp 9?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews