French Gulch
French Gulch Campground sits 3 miles from the western shores of Lake Isabella, a 27-acre reservoir off the Kern River, in the expansive Sequoia National Forest.
French Gulch can accommodate groups of up to 100 guests. A marina and boat ramps are available at Lake Isabella, just to the southeast.
This facility is operated by ExplorUS and comments are welcome; comment forms are available from campground hosts or online.
Notifications and Alerts
- Fire restrictions are currently in effect that prohibit all fires, campfires, or stoves. These restrictions include gas and charcoal barbecues or grills.
Sequioa National Forest Christmas Tree Cutting Permits available starting November 25th, 2024, 9am PST on recreation.gov for the Kern River Ranger District - call (760) 376-3781 for more information.
Sequioa National Forest Christmas Tree Permits (exchanged for pre-cut trees) available starting November 25th, 2024 at the Western Divide Ranger District Office - call (559) 539-2607 for more information.
HUME LAKE IS SOLD OUT - Sequioa National Forest Christmas Tree Permits (exchanged for pre-cut trees) available starting November 14th, 2024 at the Hume Lake Ranger District Office - call (559) 338-2251 for more information.
Need to Know
- Glass containers are prohibited in Kern Canyon and Isabella Lake Glass Container Prohibition Area
- Electric hookups are not available
- Visitors should store food in approved containers
- Click here for more info about the Sequoia National Forest
- Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Kern River Ranger District (760) 376-3781.
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Natural Features
Located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada in central California, the Sequoia National Forest takes its name from the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree, which grows in more than 30 groves on the Forest's lower slopes.
The Forest comprises about 1.1 million acres, and elevations range from about 1,000 to 12,000 feet, creating precipitous canyons and mountain streams with spectacular waterfalls such as Salmon Creek Falls and Grizzly Falls.
Recreation
Visitors can enjoy swimming, water skiiing and wind surfing at Lake Isabella. There is also excellent trout and bass fishing at the lake and in other nearby streams.
Contact Information
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P.O. BOX 1640 KERNVILLE CA 93238
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 760-376-1815
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Bakersfield, California, take Highway 178 east to the town of Lake Isabella. Turn onto Highway 155 north, following the western edge of the lake, for approximately 3 miles to the campground.
