While Lake Isabella attracts visitors from far and wide, upstream of the lake the Kern River flows through a winding canyon. Visitors at Camp 3 Campground are along the Kern River not far from Kernville.
Enjoy fishing in the Kern River.
At Lake Isabella try waterskiing and wakeboarding.
You can rent a boat from one of the lake's two marinas, or launch your own.
Anglers at the lake fish for bass, rainbow and brown trout, crappie, kokanee salmon, and catfish.
Camp 3 Campground is located along the Kern River in the Sequoia National Forest, 4½ miles upstream from Kernville. The campground is 9 miles from Lake Isabella. Visitors to the campground enjoy fishing and whitewater rafting in the Kern River. Swimming in the river is very dangerous because of strong currents. Nearby Lake Isabella has boating, waterskiing, windsurfing, and fishing. The Kern River canyon can be quite hot in the summer.
Camp 3 Campground has 52 campsites. One campsite is a walk-in tent site. The remainder can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Campsites have some shade. Boulders of various sizes are spread about the campground. Many campsites are close to the river. Camp 3 Campground also has a Group Campsite.
Head out from Cannell Meadow National Recreation Trailhead. Enjoy the Kern River at Riverkern Beach Picnic Area. Head down to Lake Isabella for fishing and boating. Visit the North Fork Marina with store and boat rentals. Try mountain biking or hiking. Tour the Lake Isabella Visitor Center. Drive north to the Trail of 100 Giants, an accessible walk through Long Meadow Grove of Giant Sequoias.
General Camping Information for Sequoia National Forest
Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on snow conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the website when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.
In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, firewood should be obtained locally.
Accessible Sites
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.
Camp 3 Group Campsite #3
Camp 3 Group Campsites
Camp 3 Campground has 3 group campsites which can accommodate up to 30 people and 5 vehicles. (The reservatiion website only shows 1 group campsite, so it may be worth a call to be sure you get the site you want. Kern River Ranger District: (760) 379-5646)) The campsites have picnic tables, a fire ring, vault toilets, and piped water. Shade is limited. Campsite #3, shown above, has new tables and fire rings, but is next to the highway. The other two sites are closer to the river. The group sites are open mid-May through mid-September.
Reservations can be made from 3 days up to 12 months in advance of arrival date. Fees: $116 per night
Reservations: Camp 3 Group Campsite Reservations
