Hungry Gulch
3.5642 reviewsPO BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, CA 93238, USA
Quick Facts
2,640 ftPrice
$32/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
80 campsites
Season
Open season: May 28 ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
2,640 ftPrice
$32/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
80 campsites
Season
Open season: May 28 ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsHungry Gulch
$32.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation Use Fee: $32/night for a standard nonelectric campsite during May 28 - September 1 season. Additional $8/night extra vehicle fee for the...
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Standard Site Fee$32.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$32.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider760-376-1269sschmidt@goexplorus.com
What Campers Say
3.56
Mixed Reviews
Based on 42 reviews
66 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewshikinglake
Some mention
crowded
"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."
Fees & Passes at Hungry Gulch
$32/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum consecutive stay: 14 nights during a visit.
Cancellation: Cancellations are allowed anytime before the arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture...
Prices verified November 27, 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 Hungry Gulch
Summer transforms Hungry Gulch into a sun-drenched paradise from May through September, with temperatures often soaring above 90°F during peak season. These warm, dry days create ideal conditions for lake activities and evening campfires, though savvy campers know to claim one of the limited shaded spots early or bring their own sun shelter. The Mediterranean-like climate means rain is rare during camping season, ensuring your outdoor plans stay on track while the golden California sunshine bathes the landscape in warmth.
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: May 28 - September 1.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open season: May 28 - September 1, reservations available June 23 onward.
- Current Alerts: Seasonal fire bans may apply due to prevailing wind conditions. Check before arriving.
About Hungry Gulch
Perched on a scenic hillside just three miles from the sparkling waters of Lake Isabella, Hungry Gulch Campground offers the perfect basecamp for your Sierra Nevada adventures. This expansive retreat features nearly 80 thoughtfully spaced campsites, each equipped with its own picnic table and campfire ring where stories and s'mores come to life under starlit skies. Modern amenities including flush toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort without sacrificing the authentic outdoor experience. Whether you're drawn to the thrill of waterskiing across the lake's glassy surface, casting a line for the day's catch, or exploring winding forest trails, Hungry Gulch puts endless recreation right at your doorstep.
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.
Historical SignificanceYour stay at Hungry Gulch connects you to the legacy of the mighty Sequoia National Forest, a landscape defined by its namesake giant sequoias—Earth's largest living things. These ancient titans have stood sentinel over these mountains for thousands of years, bearing witness to the passage of countless generations and earning this forest its place among California's most treasured natural sanctuaries.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Hungry Gulch into a sun-drenched paradise from May through September, with temperatures often soaring above 90°F during peak season. These warm, dry days create ideal conditions for lake activities and evening campfires, though savvy campers know to claim one of the limited shaded spots early or bring their own sun shelter. The Mediterranean-like climate means rain is rare during camping season, ensuring your outdoor plans stay on track while the golden California sunshine bathes the landscape in warmth.
ElevationAt 2,640 feet above sea level, Hungry Gulch occupies a sweet spot in the Sierra Nevada foothills where pine-scented mountain air mingles with hints of the lake below. This moderate elevation offers a refreshing escape from valley heat while remaining accessible year-round, positioning you perfectly between the aquatic playground of Lake Isabella and the towering peaks that define California's eastern horizon.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground unfolds across a gently sloping hillside dressed in aromatic pines, where each turn reveals glimpses of Lake Isabella shimmering in the distance like a sapphire set among golden hills. This elevated perch grants campers front-row seats to spectacular sunsets that paint the sky in brilliant oranges and purples, while the surrounding forest creates an intimate atmosphere that makes even a large campground feel like your own private retreat.
Geological RegionHungry Gulch sits within the magnificent Sequoia National Forest, a diverse wonderland spanning the southern reaches of the Sierra Nevada in Central California. This dramatic landscape encompasses elevations from 1,000 to 12,000 feet, creating a stunning variety of ecosystems from oak-studded foothills to alpine meadows. The region's complex geology tells a story millions of years in the making, where ancient granite peaks rise above deep river canyons and pristine mountain lakes.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo detailed information on accessibility features has been provided.
Sites 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."
Sites 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 CampsitesLook for shaded sites or bring portable shade. Site selection may require creativity given the uneven terrain. Sites #1 and #2 offer lake views.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Flexible check-in process but unclear documentation
- user reviews suggest confusion.
Check-out
Check-out times not detailed but could follow standard practices (typically 12 PM).
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutNearly 80 non-specific sites spread across a pine-covered hillside. User reviews indicate uneven terrain with slopes.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: May 28 - September 1, reservations available June 23 onward.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityUser reviews suggest some walk-up availability during non-peak periods, but reservations are recommended for guaranteed spots.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed anytime before the arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations. Changes incur a $10 change fee for non-similar site adjustments.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
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.
Hiking
Many hiking trails are located nearby. Highlights include trails leading to Coso Mine and Isabella Peak. A user mentioned, "There’s a nice hiking trail to an old mine and to Isabella Peak to sit and look over at the lake for sunset."Fishing
Fishing is popular at Lake Isabella, where anglers can catch black and white crappie, bluegill, catfish, largemouth bass, and rainbow trout. Trout fishing is also offered in nearby streams.Swimming
Swimming at Lake Isabella is a key activity. However, users caution about algae blooms in certain areas of the lake.Boating
Lake Isabella supports boating activities such as waterskiing and windsurfing.Winter Activities
There is no mention of winter-specific activities.Water Sports
Popular water sports include waterskiing and windsurfing on Lake Isabella.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No campfires permitted during certain seasons due to wind conditions, but enforcement is reportedly inconsistent.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM (not strictly enforced as per user reviews).
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include loud crowds, wildlife (frogs in bathrooms), steep terrain at some sites, and lack of active enforcement of safety regulations.
Active alertsSeasonal fire bans may apply due to prevailing wind conditions. Check before arriving.
Weather at Hungry Gulch
66
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 23%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 0.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Emergency services are located in Kernville, approximately 4 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 28 - September 1.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, but maintenance is poor. A user noted, "Trash had not been handled for several days." Another observed, "Trash cans in the restrooms were overflowing."
Proximity to water featuresLocated 3 miles from Lake Isabella, which is popular for watersports and fishing.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include poorly maintained restrooms, noisy neighbors violating quiet hours, overcrowded campsites, and unreliable campsite hosts.
HostOne campground host is reportedly stationed at Boulder Gulch Campground across the street; reviews indicate mixed experiences ranging from helpfulness to neglect.
Campground Map
PO BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, CA 93238, USA
Driving directionsFrom Bakersfield take Highway 178, to the town of Lake Isabella. From Lake Isabella, take Highway 155 North approximately four miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but user reviews suggest confusing check-in policies and unclear site assignments.Nearby places
Lake Isabella (3 miles), Bakersfield (approx. 40 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be found in the town of Lake Isabella, approximately 3 miles away.
Reviews from booking and map sources
3.6
42 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 42 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 42 reviewsShow more
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 42 reviewsShow more
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 42 reviewsSeasonal 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 42 reviewsCamper 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 42 reviewsSite-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 42 reviewsAccessibility Features
No detailed reviews focus on accessibility features.
Based on 42 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
One user cautioned pet owners to be mindful of frogs, as they might make dogs sick.
Based on 42 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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