How much does camping cost at Hungry Gulch?

Camping fees at Hungry Gulch range from $32/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Hungry 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 Hungry Gulch before I book?

Yes! Hungry Gulch has 2 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 Hungry Gulch?

Hungry Gulch is open This campground is open as needed on very busy holiday weekend as an overflow site. If the gate is locked please call the Kern River managers office at 760-376-1269. 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 Hungry Gulch?

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

Can I have a campfire at Hungry Gulch?

Fire policies at Hungry Gulch: 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.

How many campsites does Hungry Gulch have?

Hungry Gulch has 80 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Hungry Gulch?

Yes, pets are allowed at Hungry Gulch. 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 Hungry Gulch?

Hungry Gulch offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Hungry Gulch

3.34

82 reviews

PO BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, CA 93238, USA

Stargazing

Featured in:Boating Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,640 ft

Price

$32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

80 campsites

Season

This campground is o...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,640 ft

Price

$32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

80 campsites

Season

This campground is o...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

Hungry Gulch

$32.00 - $32.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $32.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-376-1815sschmidt@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, CA 93238, USA

Hungry Gulch

PO BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, CA 93238, USA

Nearby places

Lake Isabella (3 miles), Bakersfield (approx. 40 miles)

Weather at Hungry Gulch

Current alerts(6)

No hookups available
No off-road vehicle use allowed in the campground
Porta Potties available
The Camp Host is located at Boulder Gulch Campground across the street.

Best Time to Camp at Hungry Gulch

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Hungry Gulch because Lake Isabella is warm and fully accessible for boating, swimming and fishing, and all campground services are open. Expect hot, dry days—often in the 90s°F during July and August—with much cooler nights in the 50s–60s, making evenings comfortable for campfires (when allowed). This is peak activity season for water sports and trail hikes; expect higher weekend crowds and limited shaded sites, so book early once reservations open. Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Best lake access in summer but extreme heat and periodic algae blooms impact experience.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: This campground is open as needed on very busy holiday weekend as an overflow site. If the gate is locked please call the Kern River managers office at 760-376-1269

About Hungry Gulch

Hungry Gulch is a large campground in Sequoia National Forest operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company, located near Lake Isabella in the Sierra Nevada foothills. The campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, potable water, and standard amenities including fire rings and picnic tables. Reviewers praise the lake views, nearby hiking access, and dark skies for stargazing, though some note maintenance issues and crowding during peak summer months.

Hungry Gulch offers almost 80 standard non-electric campsites suitable for tent camping. RV camping is allowed but limited due to the lack of hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Hungry Gulch because Lake Isabella is warm and fully accessible for boating, swimming and fishing, and all campground services are open. Expect hot, dry days—often in the 90s°F during July and August—with much cooler nights in the 50s–60s, making evenings comfortable for campfires (when allowed). This is peak activity season for water sports and trail hikes; expect higher weekend crowds and limited shaded sites, so book early once reservations open. Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation2640 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground spreads across a sloping hillside with pine cover and views of Lake Isabella below. Elevation here creates distance from the lakeshore heat while maintaining sight lines to the water. Sites are mostly small with limited natural shade, so many campers bring their own sun shelter. One reviewer noted the area feels hidden despite its size. Night skies are dark enough for serious stargazing, a detail multiple visitors mentioned specifically.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no indications of hotel-style lodges or cabins available within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay: 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum guest limit stated: 8 guests per site.

Groups

Group sites are not mentioned.

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.

AccessibilityNo detailed information on accessibility features has been provided.

Site SizeSites are described as mostly small with limited shade. One user mentioned, "The spots are mostly small, but that’s okay for my small family.

PrivacyThe level of privacy is minimal, with reports of closely packed spots. A reviewer stated, "The spots are very close together.

Total Campsites80 campsites

Recommended SitesLook for shaded sites or bring portable shade. Site selection may require creativity given the uneven terrain. Sites #1 and #2 offer lake views.

Best CampsitesSites #1 and #2 offer lake views according to reviews. One camper recommended driving the loop before choosing a spot, which suggests site quality varies. The closely packed layout means most sites lack significant privacy from neighbors.

Need help booking Hungry 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

No hookups available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers easy access to Lake Isabella, where visitors can engage in swimming, fishing, waterskiing, and windsurfing. Hiking opportunities are also available around Lake Isabella and along the Kern River.

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.

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

3.3

82 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Hungry Gulch has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Hungry Gulch are mixed. While some users appreciate the proximity to Lake Isabella and the natural beauty, there are consistent complaints about poor maintenance, cleanliness issues, and the lack of essential amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 82 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include stunning views, proximity to hiking trails, and the serenity of the lake. One user shared, "The stargazing was spectacular," while another noted, "It’s kind of hidden which...

Based on 82 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include poorly maintained restrooms, lack of enforcement of quiet hours, and an unprofessional camp host. For example, "The host was drunk," and "Bathrooms were poorly taken care...

Based on 82 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback is limited, but reports suggest some sites have lake views while others lack shade. One user noted, "What a great spot. #1 & #2 campsites you can see the lake."

Based on 82 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing your own shade, soap, toilet paper, and a propane stove, as amenities are limited. One user suggested, "Drive around and check them out before picking a spot."

Based on 82 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often highlight extreme heat and issues with algae blooms in the lake. Winter reviews are scarce, likely due to reduced accessibility.

Based on 82 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We were greeted by a drunk campground host that could barely walk." "Loud music & partying until past 4 am." "Hungry Gulch is truly a gem in the wrong hands."

Based on 82 reviews

Accessibility Features

No detailed reviews focus on accessibility features.

Based on 82 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

One user cautioned pet owners to be mindful of frogs, as they might make dogs sick.

Based on 82 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want lake access for summer water sports with standard amenities and don't mind sharing the space during busy weekends.

Skip if

You need 24-hour gate access, pristine facilities, or guaranteed solitude during peak season.

Nearby Campgrounds

Sequoia National Forest

Boulder Gulch sits in the foothills of Sequoia National Forest near Lake Isabella, operated by Explorus with a 14-day stay limit. This mid-sized campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, potable water, fire rings, and a camp store. Reviewers praise the proximity to the lake, scenic views, and friendly hosts, though restroom maintenance and evening noise can be issues.