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. Flush toilets, showers and drinking water are provided. A marina and boat ramps are available at Lake Isabella, just to the southeast.
The Giant Sequoia Mercantile offers a wide variety of books, maps, gifts, local art, camping supplies and other merchandise.
This facility is operated by Sequoia Recreation, a division of California Land Management and comments are welcome; comment forms are available from campground hosts or online.
Notifications and Alerts
Guest services have been suspended at all group sites for the 2021 camping season. Sequoia Recreation is committed to the health and safety of our guests and staff. We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and the guidelines from the CDC.
Need to Know
Fire restrictions are currently in effect that prohibit building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire. Persons with a valid California Campfire permit may use portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves, using pressurized gas, liquid fuel or propane.
- 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.
