About LIVE OAK
Overview Reservations not being accepted. Live Oak Campground is located across the road from Lake Isabella, a popular destination for boating, windsurfing, fishing and swimming. Lake Isabella sits within Sequoia National Forest, just 6 miles from the town of Lake Isabella. Recreation Water activities at Lake Isabella are popular and include swimming, water skiing, windsurfing and fishing. The lake is known for its trout fishing during the colder months. Other species include black and white crappie, bluegill, catfish and largemouth bass.Facilities The campground offers one group site that can accomodate up to 150 people and a combination of 30 vehicles and RVs. Flush toilets, showers and drinking water are provided. Natural Features The campground is situated in a grove of scenic oak trees at an approximate elevation of 2,500 feet. Lake Isabella sits at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada range. The 11,000-acre lake marks the division between the Upper Kern River and the Lower Kern River. Sequoia National Forest 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 comprises about 1.1 million acres. Elevations range from 1,000 to 12,000 feet, creating precipitous canyons and mountain streams with spectacular waterfalls such as Salmon Creek Falls and Grizzly Falls. Nearby Attractions Live Oak provides a good base for day trips to Sequoia National Park. The Trail of a Hundred Giants and numerous sequoia groves can be found nearby within Giant Sequoia National Monument. The Giant Sequoia Mercantile is just 5 miles away in Kernville, and offers a wide variety of books, maps, gifts and camping equipment. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (760) 376-1269.
How to Get There
From Bakersfield, take Highway 178 east to the town of Lake Isabella. From Lake Isabella take Highway 155 north approximately 6 miles to the Live Oak campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to LIVE OAK
Heading to LIVE OAK? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for LIVE OAK?
No central reservation system listed for LIVE OAK. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232790) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to LIVE OAK?
From Bakersfield, take Highway 178 east to the town of Lake Isabella. From Lake Isabella take Highway 155 north approximately 6 miles to the Live Oak campground.
How do I contact LIVE OAK?
You can reach the park at phone: 760-376-1815 or email: sschmidt@goexplorus.com.
References & Official Resources
