Wofford Heights, California · Kern County · Campground
Overview 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…
Overview 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.Recreation 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.Facilities 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, fish cleaning station and boat ramp with floating dock are also available within Camp 9 Recreation Area. Natural Features 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 f
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How to Get There
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.
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 CAMP 9
Heading to CAMP 9? 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 CAMP 9?
No central reservation system listed for CAMP 9. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234011) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to CAMP 9?
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…
How do I contact CAMP 9?
You can reach the park at phone: 760-376-3781 or email: [email protected].
