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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.
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.
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.
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.
The Upper Kern River is a short drive away, with additional fishing opportunities. Rafters and kayakers also enjoy the river.
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.
Stayed here for one day and night in Loop C for labor day weekend, make sure to take a canopy some areas don't have trees so there isn't much shade. It was pretty full but we got lucky enough to find a spot. I enjoyed my stay here the lake had some algae but nothing too crazy. The bathrooms were closed for whatever reason but they did have porta potty. The camp comes with a table and campfire ring. When you arrive grab an envelope and look for a spot, the directions should be on the envelope and afterwards just deposit it into a tube they have there which is right next to the station.It was $17 for one day/night stay.
Although 123 campsites are flooded due to the heavy rains in 2022-2023, there are some excellent sites available. There’s potable water and pit toilets nearby every site. The toilets were clean and didn’t smell. The camp host is also friendly and knowledgeable about the local area.
Camp 9 has 4 separate campgrounds. A&B are reservation and large groups camps. C&D are pass required Southern Sierra Pass. Great views, comfortable roomy parking, picnic benches and outdoor fire pit. Full service dump. Amazing views. Quiet. Sunny. Breezy. Calm.
It was a great campsite. It is more desert than forest at the camp but there are a few trees at various campsites. We had 14 people stay at tent group site 6. We brought 2 camp stoves and a stand up bbq. It is going to be windy so prepare to have some dirt in your tents. You'll need plenty of stakes for your tents. There is no fire wood so bring your own. We went through 9 bundles in two nights. Kern river is super close for fishing and swimming. There are single use restrooms and structural restrooms around the campsite. There is also various water spouts around camp. But you should also bring water and TP.
