Lake Isabella
Sequoia National Forest
Camping Regulations

Information & Maps provided by US Forest Service / Department of Agriculture

Rules, Regulations & Requirements

Fees:

When staying in the developed campgrounds on Lake Isabella and the upper Kern river, a California Land Management (CLM) employee will come around to your site and collect fees. At Horse Meadow campground, thirty minutes after selecting your campsite, fill out a fee envelope located at the fee station, enclose payment and detach and display ticket stub on numbered site post.

Camping Etiquette and Rules:

• Day-use areas are closed from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.

• Please observe quite hours from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am. Your noise may disturb others.

• When staying in the developed campgrounds around the the lake and upper river, deposit all trash in dumpsters that are located within the campground. Trash receptacles are also located in various dispersed camping areas. Horse Meadow campers use dumpsters in the upper Kern Canyon. In areas that do not provide these services, such as the plateau campgrounds, we ask that you PACK OUT WHAT YOU PACK IN.Leaving trash in firepits or on the beach spoils the natural beauty of the area for the next forest visitor.

• The Kern Canyon and Isbella Lake Glass Container Prohibition information: Areas, maps, violations and fines.

• Pets are welcome as long as they are under control. When in developed campgrounds, dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. No dogs on designated beaches.

• Campfires may not be left unattended. They must be "dead out" before leaving your campsite. To extinguish your fire, use a bucket of water to drown out the fire and stir until cool to the touch. Do not bury the campfire with dirt. Smoke only in cleared areas and use the ashtray in your car. Campfire permits are required in dispersed camping areas.

• When staying in developed campgrounds on the lake and upper river, park your vehicle within the designated spur (paved area) adjacent to your camping site. Each campsite is allocated one spur for parking. Visitor parking is available in overflow areas outside most campgrounds.

• Camping in the National Forest is limited to a total of 14 days in a 30 day period, also, in non-fee areas limited to 28 days per calendar year. A six (6) persons or members of immediate family limit applies in developed campground sites.

• Discharging a firearm, or any implement capable of taking human life or causing injury, in a campground, across a road, a body of water or 150 yards from any recreation area or occupied area, is prohibited.

• Any type of fireworks are illegal in the National Forest.

• Please, no cleaning of fish or washing of dishes, clothes or hair at water fountains or in the river, lake or streams. Besides attracting insects, clogged drains may result. Detergents can also contaminate bodies of water that can kill fish and other wildlife.

• The vegetation and trees need all the help they can get. Don't chop or pound nails into the only source of shade available.

• Bottles, cans and other trash belong in the garbage cans provided, not in the chemical toilets. Chemical toilets are provided in most dispersed camping areas for your convenience. We ask that you please use them. In areas that do not provide these services, PACK IN/PACK OUT.

• Campgrounds in the area are available on either a first come/first served basis or by advance reservations. To make reservations call: 1-877-444-6777

• Campground Hosts and Forest Officers are available for further information or assistance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Lake Isabella Visitor Center

4875 Ponderosa Drive

Lake Isabella, CA 93240

(760) 379-5646

Kern River Ranger District

105 Whitney Road

Kernville, CA 93238

(760) 376-3781

Blackrock Information Service

Sherman Pass Road 22S05, at the 4-way intersection.

(559) 539-2607 ext. 276