Hungry Gulch

Star3.43
82 reviews
PO BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, CA 93238, USA

Quick Facts

2,640 ft

Price

$32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

80 campsites

Season

Open season: May 28 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

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
Hungry 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

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

3.43

Mixed Reviews

Based on 82 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."

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Campground Map

PO BOX 1640, KERNVILLE, CA 93238, USA

Hungry Gulch

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.

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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Peak season; hot (>90°F), water hookups available, but algae and heat noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground season closes Sep 1; limited fall access.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 28 so spring access is limited; mild conditions but short window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Winter reviews scarce and site is effectively out of season for winter activities.

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.
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Best Campsites

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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.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables

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.
HikingMany 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."
FishingFishing 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.
SwimmingSwimming at Lake Isabella is a key activity. However, users caution about algae blooms in certain areas of the lake.
BoatingLake Isabella supports boating activities such as waterskiing and windsurfing.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential 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

Reviews

3.4
82 reviews
Mixed 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...
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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...
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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

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

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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