Boulder Gulch
3.9584 reviewsQuick Facts
2,650 ftPrice
$34/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
58 campsites
Season
Open and reservable ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
2,650 ftPrice
$34/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
58 campsites
Season
Open and reservable ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsBoulder 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
Total Campsite Fees$34.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider760-376-1815kstone@explorus.com
What Campers Say
3.95
Mixed Reviews
Based on 84 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."
Fees & Passes at Boulder Gulch
$34/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum stay of 14 nights within rolling 30 days.
Cancellation: Late cancellations for individual campsites incur a $10 fee and forfeiting the first night's rate. N...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Explorus website.
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.
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: 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.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape where ancient giants have stood sentinel for millennia. Boulder Gulch sits in the shadow of legendary Groves of Giant Sequoias, where the world's largest living things have witnessed centuries of human history. This sacred ground tells stories of indigenous peoples who first called these mountains home, early settlers who marveled at nature's monuments, and conservation pioneers who fought to preserve these natural treasures for future generations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationAt 2,650 feet above sea level, Boulder Gulch occupies a sweet spot where high desert drama meets mountain majesty. This elevation creates a unique microclimate that supports diverse ecosystems while offering visitors comfortable conditions for year-round exploration. Here, you'll breathe crisp, clean air while enjoying panoramic vistas that stretch from desert floor to snow-capped peaks.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Giant Sequoia National Monument, where Boulder Gulch Campground offers front-row seats to nature's grand theater. The southern Sierra Nevada mountains rise majestically around you, their rugged peaks and deep canyons creating a dramatic backdrop for your adventures. Below, the sapphire waters of Lake Isabella sparkle invitingly, while rolling foothills painted in golden grasses and dotted with ancient oaks stretch to the horizon. This is California wilderness at its most diverse and captivating.
Geological RegionBoulder Gulch Campground lies within the remarkable Giant Sequoia National Monument, a geological wonderland at the southern terminus of the mighty Sierra Nevada range. Here, millions of years of tectonic forces have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary contrasts—from sun-baked high desert terrain to cool mountain forests, from granite-carved canyons to gentle foothills. This unique position near the world's largest trees offers campers an unparalleled opportunity to explore one of Earth's most spectacular geological transitions, where ancient sequoia groves stand as living monuments to the power of time and nature.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were described in the source materials.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size but are noted to be generally spacious and suitable for tents or RVs.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited for most sites, with reports of crowded conditions and closely spaced sites.
Total Campsites58 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCamp near the fish cleaning station or adjacent to dumpsters for better shelter from wind.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
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.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact number of guests per site unspecified.
Groups
Group camping options are not detailed.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout58 paved sites spread out with some under shade.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen and reservable season: April 16th - September 27th annually.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-served policy exists but walk-up availability is not guaranteed due to heavy booking periods.
Cancellation PolicyLate cancellations for individual campsites incur a $10 fee and forfeiting the first night's rate. No-shows are charged $20 plus the first night rate. Refund requests must be made through Recreation.gov within 7 days of reservation end.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
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.
Hiking
The region features hiking opportunities, but specific details about the trails within Boulder Gulch are not outlined. Nearby trails cater to various levels of difficulty.Fishing
Lake Isabella supports trout and bass fishing. A fish cleaning station is available at the campground.Swimming
Swimming is possible in Lake Isabella, but user reviews caution about leeches and algal blooms in certain areas of the lake.Biking
The area around Boulder Gulch includes mountain biking trails that vary in difficulty.Boating
Lake Isabella offers boating opportunities, including windsurfing and water skiing.Wildlife viewing
General wildlife viewing is available, though specific species or locations are not detailed.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are described.Water Sports
Lake Isabella supports water sports like kayaking, windsurfing, and water skiing.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Strict fire restrictions due to wildfire risk.
- Quiet hours are Not strictly enforced. Noise complaints have been noted.
Hazards
General hazardsAlgal 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
71
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 17%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 0.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are in Lake Isabella town (~4 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 16th - September 27th annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, but their location is reportedly unclear to some visitors. This has led to improper disposal of trash in restroom bins.
Proximity to water featuresA short walk (5-10 minutes) to Lake Isabella.
Common complaintsRestroom cleanliness and maintenance are recurring issues. Noise disturbances during evenings have been noted.
HostCampground host is described as friendly and attentive but has received mixed feedback on management.
Campground Map
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).
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.0
84 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 84 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include proximity to Lake Isabella, scenic views, and friendly campsite hosts.
Based on 84 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include unclean restrooms, non-functional showers, noise disturbances at night, lack of shade, and poor enforcement of campground rules.
Based on 84 reviewsPro 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 84 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews often highlight high temperatures, limited shade, and crowded conditions. Off-season reviews mention quieter experiences but fewer amenities.
Based on 84 reviewsCamper 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...
Based on 84 reviewsShow more
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 84 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 84 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and many visitors appreciated the pet-friendly policy.
Based on 84 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
0
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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