Camp 9

Sequoia National Forest

Camp 9, a year-round facility, rests on the shores of Lake Isabella, a high desert reservoir. Its proximity to the lake and the Upper Kern River makes the facility popular among boaters, rafters and anglers. The camp is also a favorite among RV campers, with ample parking available to accommodate both trailers and motorized watercraft.

Camp 9 offers over 100 single campsites, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally 11 group sites are available by reservation. Some sites are on the lakeshore, while others are set further back but have views of the lake. A few cottonwood trees are found in the campground, but shade is limited; plan on bringing protection.

The group sites offer two picnic tables each, campfire rings, portable toilets, and paved parking. Group sites 1, 2 and 6-11 have drinking water. Group sites 1 and 2 have shade shelters. Sites 1-5 each have a locked gate for security.

An RV dump station ($10 fee), fish cleaning station and boat ramp with floating dock are also available within Camp 9 Recreation Area.

Notifications and Alerts

A location closure has been issued, and the facility is closed at this time. Reservation-holders will receive an email with additional information on reservation options. Please check back for location closure updates.

Need to Know

.Single family campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Limit 6 people and 2 vehicles per site.
$5 fee will be charged for extra vehicles beginning with the third vehicle
No hookups available
Shade is limited
Dump station fee is $10 per use; no free dumping allowed
Glass food and beverage containers are prohibited along the Kern River and around Lake Isabella, including Camp 9. Please prepare for your visit by packing food and beverages in non-glass containers.
Click here to learn more about Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument
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.
Group Sies 1-5 Maximum 35 people. Group Sites 6-11 Maximum 20 people.

Natural Features

The campground sits on the north shore of Lake Isabella, an 11,000-acre reservoir, at an elevation of 2,600 feet and is a short drive to the Upper Kern River.

In the spring and early summer, a breeze can come up in the afternoons, but the mornings are quiet and calm. Fall and winter are perhaps the most beautiful time of year at Camp 9, with temperatures ranging from the 60s in the day to low 40s at night.

Sequoia National Forest, located at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada in central California, is named for the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree, which grows in more than 30 groves on the forest's lower slopes. The forest encompasses about 1.1 million acres. 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.

Nearby Attractions

The Upper Kern River is a short drive away, with additional fishing opportunities. Rafters and kayakers also enjoy the river.

Recreation

Anglers enjoy fishing on both Lake Isabella and the Upper Kern River. Boating, kayaking and swimming are also popular activities. A seasonal boat ramp and dock are available within the day use area in the campground.

Contact Information

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11380 KERNVILLE ROAD Kernville CA 93238

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 760-376-3781

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From the south, take Highway 99 to Bakersfield. Take the Highway 178 exit and travel east toward the Kern River Canyon. Follow Highway 178 for approximately 40 miles to the town of Lake Isabella. From Lake Isabella, take Highway 155. Continue past the town of Wofford Heights to Kernville. At the stop sign in Kernville, turn right onto Sierra Way. Proceed 4 miles. Camp 9 is on the right side of the road.

Available Campsites

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