Camp 9
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.
The group sites take reservations. Single sites are first-come, first-served.
More like this: first-come in California · reservable in California · big rigs in California · pets allowed in California · group sites in California
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
active
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 47 |
| RV, no hookups | 21 |
| Group tent areas | 6 |
| Group sites | 3 |
| group standard area nonelectric | 2 |
| Host/management | 1 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 40 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
14 sites in 5 loops. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | Water / sewer | Waterfront | People / vehicles | Fires | Accessible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G01 | LAG1 | Group | Pull-through | Paved | Partial | 35 / 8 | Yes | Yes | |||
| G02 | LAG2 | Group | Pull-through | Paved | Full | 35 / 8 | Yes | Yes | |||
| XX | LAKB | RV | Back-in | 40 | Paved | 6 / 1 | Yes | ||||
| G03 | LAKC | Group | Pull-through | Paved | None | No / No | 35 / 8 | Yes | Yes | ||
| G04 | LAKC | Group | Pull-through | Paved | Lakefront | 35 / 8 | Yes | Yes | |||
| G05 | LAKC | Group | Pull-through | Paved | Lakefront | 35 / 8 | Yes | Yes | |||
| G06 | LAKC | Group tent | Back-in | Paved | 20 / 4 | Yes | |||||
| G07 | LAKC | Group tent | Back-in | Paved | None | No / No | 20 / 4 | Yes | |||
| G08 | LAKC | Group tent | Back-in | Paved | None | No / No | 20 / 4 | Yes | |||
| XXX | LAKC | Standard | Pull-through | 40 | Paved | Partial | 6 / 1 | Yes |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Max vehicle length | 40 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Accessibility | Sites G01, G02, G03, G04 and 1 more are listed accessible |
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. S ites 1-5 each have a locked gate for security. An RV dump station, fish cleaning station and boat ramp with floating dock are also available within Camp 9 Recreation Area.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Open |
| Season | May to October |
| Forest | Sequoia National Forest |
| Booking | This site can be reserved by calling Toll Free 1-877-444-6777 (International 518-885-3639 or TDD 877-833-6777) or on-line at http://www.recreation.gov |
| Fees | $34/Night for single unit, $8/Night for extra vehicles $20 dump station fee (separate from camping fee). |
| Rules | No ATVs or OHVs permitted anywhere around Lake Isabella with the exception of the Motocross track located nearby. Campfire restrictions in effect; campfires only permitted with valid California Campfire Permit, inside designated developed campgrounds and within designated fire restriction exempt areas. |
Weather by month
Getting there
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.
| Coordinates | 35.6983° N, 118.4292° W · Directions ↗ |
Charges and cancellations
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Group Sites Group Facility (including Cabins and Lookouts): A visitor who cancels a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite.
Fire nearby
- WildfireCyrus
1 mi from the campground · 543 acres · 95% contained
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 3.7 mi |
| Outdoor gear | Triple Crown Outfitters ↗ | 27.2 mi |
| RV sales & service | Lindustries RV Service ↗ | 41.6 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
CampgroundViews.com - Camp 9 Lakeside Kernville California CA Campground
Worth a stop
The Upper Kern River is a short drive away, with additional fishing opportunities. Rafters and kayakers also enjoy the river.
- 0.7 miCyrus Canyon Shooting Range ↗OHV / range
- 1 miCyrus Canyon Ohv Park ↗OHV / range
- 1.6 miTillie Creek Launch Ramp Boating Site ↗Boat launch
- 2 miStine Cove Fishing Site ↗Fishing site
- 3.9 miKissack Cove Day Use ↗Day use
- 6 mi
Trails nearby
- 3.3 miIsabella Peak Lookout0.5 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 3.3 miCoso Mine Loop3 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 3.6 miVista del Lago1 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Public land it sits in
This campground sits inside Sequoia National Forest.
- inSequoia National Forest ↗National Forest · Forest Service · 1,160,053 acres
- 10 miDomeland Wilderness ↗Wilderness · BLM/FS · 133,720 acres
- 12 miKiavah Wilderness ↗Wilderness · BLM/FS · 86,245 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
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.
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.
Guidebooks for Sequoia National Forest and California
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Camp 9?
For some sites. The group sites take reservations. Single sites are first-come, first-served.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Camp 9?
$34/Night for single unit, $8/Night for extra vehicles $20 dump station fee (separate from camping fee).
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Camp 9?
Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
What does it cost to cancel a reservation at Camp 9?
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.
Source: Charges and cancellations
Is Camp 9 open right now?
Open as of Oct 16, 2026. Season May to October.
Source: Forest Service status
How many sites does Camp 9 have?
80 sites, including 47 standard sites without power, 21 RV sites without hookups, 6 group tent areas, and 3 group sites.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Camp 9?
The longest site here provides 40 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Are there showers or a dump station at Camp 9?
An RV dump station, fish cleaning station and boat ramp with floating dock are also available within Camp 9 Recreation Area.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Camp 9?
Yes, pets are allowed at Camp 9. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Camp 9?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there is 1 active fire within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one. No ATVs or OHVs permitted anywhere around Lake Isabella with the exception of the Motocross track located nearby.
Source: Fire nearby
Are there accessible sites at Camp 9?
Sites G01, G02, G03, and G04 are listed accessible on Recreation.gov, 5 sites in all. What that covers (a paved pad, an accessible table, a nearby accessible restroom) is on each site's booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Camp 9?
Anglers enjoy fishing on both Lake Isabella and the Upper Kern River. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation