French Gulch

Show on map 760-376-1815 sschmidt@goexplorus.com

P.O. BOX 1640
KERNVILLE, CA 93238

Day Use Only Prohibition

The following is prohibited within the Sequoia National Forest:

Being in an area designated as Day Use Only after sunset or before sunrise.

Sunset and Sunrise will be determined according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Solar Calculator specifications for the city of Los Angeles: https://gml.noaa.gov/grad/solcalc/index.html
36 C.

SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST
USDA FOREST SERVICE

Day Use Only Prohibition

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), and to provide for public safety and protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Sequoia National Forest. This Order is effective from June 29, 2025, through June 28, 2027.

Being in an area designated as Day Use Only after sunset or before sunrise. Sunset and Sunrise will be determined according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Solar Calculator specifications for the city of Los Angeles: https://gml.noaa.gov/grad/solcalc/index.html 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(l) Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for use of Roads, Trails or Areas restricted by regulation or order) specifically exempting them from this Order.

2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

3. People with a contract or special use permit from the Forest Service specifically authorizing work within a Day Use Only Recreation Site, and their employees, subcontractors, or agents, to the extent authorized by the contract or special use permit.

This prohibition is in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A. A violation of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.

Executed in Porterville, California, this 30th day of May 2025.

ANTHONY EDWARDS

Forest Supervisor
Sequoia National Forest

Overview

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.

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.

Facilities

French Gulch can accommodate groups of up to 100 guests. A marina and boat ramps are available at Lake Isabella, just to the southeast.

This facility is operated by ExplorUS and comments are welcome; comment forms are available from campground hosts or online.

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.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (760) 376-1269.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Fire pit: all 1 sites
Picnic table: all 1 sites
Pets allowed: all 1 sites
Group sites: all 1 sites
Largest party: 100 people

Services within 25 miles · OpenStreetMap

Nearest dump station: 1.4 mi

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

3 reviews

3 stars

1 stars

Francisco M

Loop:Area French Gulch

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

The campsite was not clean when we arrived. Trash was thrown on the floor at the stalls. We rented from Friday to Monday and they never came by to change the trash cans nor bring toilet paper like other years.

Ruben L

Loop:Area French Gulch

Site:

Reviewed 2 years ago

We've been coming to this site for the last fifteen years and it seems as if every year there is something wrong with this site. This recent instance we had a couple issues come up that made the overall experience a little problematic and unfortunate. On multiple days during our stay, we had random cars and groups of people visit the site that were not part of our private group. They came and used the bathrooms and showers without permission. I confirmed with the rangers during the our stay and those showers are only supposed to be for the private reservation guests. One reason I think this occurs, is due to the lack of fencing and signage for the exterior parts of the campsite. Back when we first started visiting the site, the campgrounds was better maintained. Today, a lot of the wood fencing that is set around the grounds are old and deteriorated and has various gaps. Additionally, it would be useful to have a lockable gate or signage stating that the facilities and sites are only for reserved campground guests. In previous years, we used to have park rangers or facilities members come to the site daily and take out the trash and provide toilet papers of the bathrooms. While we did see the rangers daily, it was usually a very quick trip and they only did an inspection and did nothing more. We also did report to the rangers that the hot water wasn't working for the men's restroom. They did send out maintenance who attempted to fix the issue but unfortunately they weren't able to fix the problem. While this sounds like there are many issues with this site, we do love coming back and enjoying the outdoors. The beautiful views and closeness to the lake make it worth it. Although it would be nice to have a problem-free visit to the site, especially since we're paying $400 a night.

David K

Loop:Area French Gulch

Site:

Reviewed 5 years ago

Camp Hosts Sandy and Ken were GREAT, could not ask for better! The site location is GREAT! Construction 24/7 at the Damn was not so great, I truly feel for any of the local residents up there as the lights, the backing up of trucks, and the smashing of huge rocks have to get old. It can be heard for MILES on the water and does not add to anyone's experience. The 30-year-old bathrooms are due for a complete overhaul as the fixtures are leaking water 24/7 and with the price that we are more than happy to pay for the site (it is not cheap) they need to spend some resources to get things up to date. Thanks again.. See you next year for our 18th visit ;-)

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve