Tillie Creek

Star3.64
63 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,667 ft

Price

$34 - $280/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

60 campsites

Season

The campground is re...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation Company site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Tillie Creek
$34.00 - $280.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season standard non-electric campsite fees are $34. Group campsite fees range from $190 to $280 depending on group size and amenities.
Standard Site Fee$34.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$280.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
760-376-1269sschmidt@goexplorus.com
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.64

Mixed Reviews

Based on 63 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewslake

Some mention

noisereservation

"User reviews for Tillie Creek Campground present a mixed picture. Positive experiences include helpful camp hosts ('Gerardo R: The person working or attending the location was excellent friendly, honest and very helpful...') and scenic views ('Jessica A: Very relaxing and beautiful area'). However, negative reviews frequently mention overcrowding ('Katina W: Limit of 6 people per site was definitely not enforced...'), noise ('Jeff F: The noise from the highway, barking dogs, and roosters...'), and lack of cleanliness ('Maria O: Porta Potties were dirty when we got there and stayed that way all weekend.')."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Tillie Creek

35.7015, -118.4594

Driving directionsFrom Bakersfield, California, take Highway 178 east to the town of Lake Isabella. From Lake Isabella take Highway 155 north, traveling 6 miles to the entry station of Tillie Creek Campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. However, overhanging branches might scrape some RVs, and the roads within the campground are narrow and tight loops, which might be challenging for trailers.
Nearby places
Lake Isabella: 6 miles (approximately 10 minutes driving), Bakersfield: ~50 miles (about 1 hour driving).
Nearby supplies
Lake Isabella (6 miles away) houses grocery stores, camping supply shops, gas stations, and other essential services. A liquor store is within walking distance of the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Tillie Creek

Experience the full spectrum of California's diverse climate at Tillie Creek. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-worshipper's paradise, with temperatures soaring into the triple digits—perfect for those refreshing lake plunges. As autumn paints the oaks in golden hues, temperatures mellow to comfortable camping weather. Winter brings crisp mornings with temperatures dipping into the 30s, while afternoon highs hover around a pleasant 55°F, creating ideal conditions for cozy campfires and peaceful solitude.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer is hot (triple digits), little shade and often crowded per reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Off-peak months offer more privacy; pleasant fall conditions implied.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Positive spring review: clean bathrooms and roomy campsite; spring rated well in reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 23% in CA

Colder months bring trout fishing; off-season visits noted as quieter and more private.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 4 - October 25.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is reservable from April 4 to October 25 (peak season).

About Tillie Creek

Discover Tillie Creek, where ancient oak trees frame your lakeside escape along the sparkling shores of Lake Isabella. This year-round haven welcomes everyone from intimate family getaways to grand reunions of up to 150 guests across 60 thoughtfully spaced campsites. Wake to the gentle lapping of waves, spend sun-drenched days exploring endless water adventures, and find yourself perfectly positioned to venture into the legendary Sequoia National Park when mountain majesty calls.
Tillie Creek Campground accommodates individual, group, and ADA-accessible camping. Reviews highlight varied experiences, with some praising hosts and spacious group sites while others point out issues with overcrowding and mismanagement.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM.
Check-out
12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Tillie Creek Campground revolve around the adjacent Lake Isabella, offering swimming, boating, water skiing, and windsurfing. Fishing is popular during colder months with species such as trout, catfish, and largemouth bass available.
FishingFishing is a key activity, especially for trout during colder months ('Lake activities are the focal point of this year-round campground.').
SwimmingSwimming is available, though some reviews noted unfavorable water conditions ('Jazmine A: The campsites were far from the lake and the water that we did find was not water I would allow my kids to swing in.').
BoatingBoating is supported with a marina and boat ramps located south of the campground.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is possible, with reports of bears near campsites ('Maria O: Oh and bears. First day there we saw a bear a few feet from our camp...').
Cultural and Educational ProgramsFree interpretive programs occur every Saturday morning at 9am during summer months.
Winter Activities
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bear sightings (as noted in user reviews), summer heat in the 100s, and limited shaded areas.

Weather at Tillie Creek

Reviews

3.6
63 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Tillie Creek has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Tillie Creek Campground present a mixed picture. Positive experiences include helpful camp hosts ('Gerardo R: The person working or attending the location was excellent friendly, honest and very helpful...') and scenic views ('Jessica A: Very relaxing and beautiful area'). However, negative reviews frequently mention overcrowding ('Katina W: Limit of 6 people per site was definitely not enforced...'), noise ('Jeff F: The noise from the highway, barking dogs, and roosters...'), and lack of cleanliness ('Maria O: Porta Potties were dirty when we got there and stayed that way all weekend.').
Review Summaries
Based on 63 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users appreciated the friendliness of camp hosts ('Vu D: He is very helpful with other questions.') and the campground's proximity to scenic spots ('Camille H: The campground is very nice and in...
Show more
Based on 63 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include overcrowding ('Katina W: Limit of 6 people per site was definitely not enforced...'), unclean bathrooms ('Maria O: Porta Potties were dirty when we got there and stayed...
Show more
Based on 63 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors suggest avoiding the campground during summer months due to heat and lack of shade ('Jessica G: Would return again, just not in the middle of the summer.') and opting for alternative nearby...
Show more
Based on 63 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are hot with little shade ('James V: Not very much shade and very hot in the summer months.'), while off-season stays offer more privacy ('Brewster P: The campsite was largely empty—we...
Show more
Based on 63 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The campground host was great.' - Joanne F - 'Bathrooms seemed clean. However I didn't need to use them.' - Joanne F - 'Very dry, hot, and windy with little shade.' - Jessica G - 'Very relaxing...
Show more
Based on 63 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site FS1-30: Mixed reviews about proximity to the river and noise from neighboring campers. Site FS1-40: Generally highlighted in negative reviews for being close to the road and noisy.
Based on 63 reviews

Accessibility Features

One group area is wheelchair accessible, and reviews from users with disabilities provide no specific concerns or praises regarding accessibility.
Based on 63 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Information related to pet policies is not explicitly mentioned.
Based on 63 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Tillie Creek? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds
Sequoia National Forest
Tillie Creek