Old Isabella

Star4.42
89 reviews
11380 Kernville Road Kernville, CA 93238
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,615 ft

Price

$12 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open all year around...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Get Directions
Old Isabella
$12.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees for day use are $12 per vehicle/day. Dump station use costs $20. Interagency Recreation Passes are honored.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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

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
USFS
Provider
760-376-1269null
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 89 reviews

80 Google reviews

Most mentioned

waterlake

"The campground is generally well-liked by visitors, with positive reviews highlighting the serene environment, proximity to the lake, and access to recreational activities. However, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with payment processes and limited nighttime accessibility."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

11380 Kernville Road Kernville, CA 93238

Old Isabella

11380 Kernville Road Kernville, CA 93238

Driving directionsLocated off Highway 178 on the southern side of Lake Isabella. Visitors can drive their vehicles to the shoreline below the high-water mark to camp at the water's edge.
Accessible off Highway 178. Seasonal driving challenges may exist below the high-water mark in summer.
Nearby places
Lake Isabella - 0 miles
Kernville - approximately 9 miles.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Kernville, 9 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Old Isabella

Experience the dramatic seasonal transitions of the Sierra Nevada foothills at Old Isabella. Winter months bring crisp, refreshing air perfect for cozy campfires and peaceful solitude, while summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched paradise where temperatures often soar above 90°F—ideal for swimming, boating, and lakeside lounging. Spring and fall offer the best of both worlds with mild temperatures and stunning natural displays as wildflowers bloom or leaves change color against the backdrop of Lake Isabella's shimmering waters.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer popular for shoreline camping and water activities; reviews note high summer use.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall offers scenic transitions in Sierra foothills; fewer specifics but generally pleasant.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring likely pleasant with warming weather and water access, though not explicitly detailed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; crisp winter air and cozy campfire potential but limited winter activities.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not explicitly mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open all year around.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts mentioned in the authoritative content.

About Old Isabella

Embrace the freedom of year-round camping at Old Isabella Campground, where adventure meets the sparkling waters of Lake Isabella just off Highway 178. This versatile outdoor haven offers the unique opportunity to pitch your tent high above the waterline or, when lake levels permit, drive right down to the shore for an unforgettable waterfront camping experience. Well-maintained vault toilets and regular trash services ensure comfort during your stay, while summer months bring additional amenities including portable facilities strategically placed throughout the grounds. Whether you're seeking a quick weekend escape or an extended lakeside retreat, Old Isabella delivers the perfect blend of accessibility and natural beauty.
Old Isabella Campground offers both developed campsites above the high-water mark and shoreline camping below the high-water mark. Visitors can drive their vehicles to the shoreline and camp at the water’s edge during the summer.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not explicitly mentioned.
Check-out
Not explicitly mentioned.
Stay Limit
Not explicitly mentioned.

Amenities available

Flush toilets
Dump station
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities abound at Old Isabella Campground, located on the southern side of Lake Isabella. Key activities include fishing, boating (both motorized and non-motorized), waterskiing, and windsurfing. These offerings make the campground particularly appealing to water sports enthusiasts.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Lake Isabella, with anglers enjoying the opportunity for lake and pond fishing. User reviews highlight the serene environment, although one user mentioned being deterred by strong winds while fishing at night.
BoatingThe campground provides access to both motorized and non-motorized boating activities. A public boat launch and courtesy dock are available adjacent to the campground, along with a large paved parking area for boat trailers and vehicles.
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLake water may be contaminated; visitors are advised to bring their own potable water or water filters. Seasonal wind issues are mentioned in user reviews.
Active AlertsNo active alerts mentioned in the authoritative content.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Old Isabella

Reviews

4.4
89 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Old Isabella is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is generally well-liked by visitors, with positive reviews highlighting the serene environment, proximity to the lake, and access to recreational activities. However, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with payment processes and limited nighttime accessibility.
Review Summaries
Based on 89 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the serene environment of the campground and its proximity to Lake Isabella. The ability to camp right on the shoreline is often praised. One user described it as 'one of the...
Show more
Based on 89 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints primarily center around payment and access issues. One user reported difficulties with the automated payment system, stating they were 'out $24' after receiving expired passes twice....
Show more
Based on 89 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors are advised to familiarize themselves with the lake area ahead of time, especially if arriving after dark, as navigation can be challenging. Bringing a water filter or sufficient drinking...
Show more
Based on 89 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are particularly popular for shoreline camping and water activities, but windy conditions might deter some visitors, particularly those engaging in fishing at night. In general, warmer...
Show more
Based on 89 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great spot to camp or enjoy a relaxing view of the lake and nature surrounding.' 2. 'I've camped here a few times now and I can say it's one of the nicest places I've ever pitched a tent right on...
Show more
Based on 89 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Old Isabella? 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

Campgrounds
Old Isabella