Boulder Gulch

Star3.87
151 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,650 ft

Price

$34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

58 campsites

Season

Open and reservable ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly
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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
Boulder Gulch
$34.00 - $34.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates (April 16th to September 27th): $34 per night for standard non-electric sites. Additional fees include an $8/night vehicle fee for...
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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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
760-376-1815kstone@explorus.com
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What Campers Say

3.87

Mixed Reviews

Based on 151 reviews

117 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewslakefriendly

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Boulder Gulch Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment of 3.9 overall and 3.51 for campground-specific experiences. Positive reviews highlight the proximity to Lake Isabella, friendly hosts, and good views. Negative reviews focus on maintenance issues, such as unclean restrooms, non-functional showers, and noise at night."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Boulder Gulch

35.6712, -118.4706

Driving directionsFrom Highway 99 in Bakersfield, California, take Highway 178 east to the town of Lake Isabella. Take Highway 155 around the west side of Lake Isabella for 4 miles to the campground entrance.
The access road is paved and accessible year-round.
Nearby places
Lake Isabella (4 miles, ~10 minutes driving). Bakersfield (~1 hour drive).
Nearby supplies
The Giant Sequoia Mercantile near the campground provides camping supplies, maps, and gifts. Additional stores are in Lake Isabella (less than 10 minutes away).

Best Time to Camp at Boulder Gulch

Experience the dramatic beauty of high desert climate, where summer days blaze with temperatures soaring to 98°F, perfect for early morning hikes and refreshing lake swims. As afternoon approaches, cooling winds sweep through the canyon, bringing welcome relief and ideal conditions for sailing enthusiasts. For the ultimate camping experience, visit during the magical months of April and May, when wildflowers carpet the hillsides, temperatures hover in the comfort zone, and crystal-clear skies reveal stunning star-filled nights.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Peak season: hot (up to 98°F), limited shade and crowded conditions but full activity access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open through late Sept; shoulder-season reports suggest fewer crowds but limited data.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Reviews signal positive spring experiences; boats and campgrounds noted open and active in spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside Apr 16–Sep 27, so winter camping not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 16th - September 27th annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open and reservable season: April 16th - September 27th annually.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts currently.

About Boulder Gulch

Perched at 2,650 feet where the high desert meets the Sierra Nevada foothills, Boulder Gulch Campground serves as your gateway to endless adventure. Wake up to golden sunrises over Lake Isabella, spend your days casting lines into pristine waters, carving through waves on a windsurfing board, or exploring scenic hiking trails that wind through ancient landscapes. This diverse outdoor playground beckons both thrill-seekers and those simply seeking solace in nature's embrace.
Boulder Gulch Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent camping and RV camping. Sites are paved and designed to suit a range of preferences.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in after 12:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out by 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights within rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Camp Store

Activities you can enjoy

Boulder Gulch Campground offers a range of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and other water-related activities at Lake Isabella. Hiking and mountain biking trails are also accessible in the surrounding areas. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist but are not prominently featured. Swimming at Lake Isabella has received mixed reviews due to reports of leeches and algal blooms.
HikingThe region features hiking opportunities, but specific details about the trails within Boulder Gulch are not outlined. Nearby trails cater to various levels of difficulty.
FishingLake Isabella supports trout and bass fishing. A fish cleaning station is available at the campground.
SwimmingSwimming is possible in Lake Isabella, but user reviews caution about leeches and algal blooms in certain areas of the lake.
BikingThe area around Boulder Gulch includes mountain biking trails that vary in difficulty.
BoatingLake Isabella offers boating opportunities, including windsurfing and water skiing.
Wildlife viewingGeneral wildlife viewing is available, though specific species or locations are not detailed.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsAlgal blooms in Lake Isabella make swimming hazardous. Leeches reported in some water areas near the lake.
Active AlertsNo active alerts currently.

Weather at Boulder Gulch

Reviews

3.9
151 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Boulder Gulch has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Boulder Gulch Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment of 3.9 overall and 3.51 for campground-specific experiences. Positive reviews highlight the proximity to Lake Isabella, friendly hosts, and good views. Negative reviews focus on maintenance issues, such as unclean restrooms, non-functional showers, and noise at night.
Review Summaries
Based on 151 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include proximity to Lake Isabella, scenic views, and friendly campsite hosts.
Based on 151 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include unclean restrooms, non-functional showers, noise disturbances at night, lack of shade, and poor enforcement of campground rules.
Based on 151 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend arriving early to secure better campsites, being prepared for hot conditions, and avoiding swimming in areas of the lake with algae or leeches.
Based on 151 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often highlight high temperatures, limited shade, and crowded conditions. Off-season reviews mention quieter experiences but fewer amenities.
Based on 151 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The showers have not worked in years, but the shower rooms can be used for changing." - Billiegirl, host review. "The place is perfect if you like mother nature, lots of space for camping." - Angie...
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Based on 151 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite feedback includes comments about the condition of campsite FS1-30, which some users found satisfactory but others criticized for maintenance issues.
Based on 151 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 151 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and many visitors appreciated the pet-friendly policy.
Based on 151 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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