Hungry Gulch spreads 78 sites across a pine-covered hillside three miles from Lake Isabella, putting you close enough to the 11,000-acre lake for easy water access but far enough back to avoid the shoreline crowds. The campground works well for families wanting lake recreation with full amenities—flush toilets, potable water, and distant lake views from many sites.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Developed
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 78
- 💵Fee per Night
- $36
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 2,700 ft
- 📍GPS
- 35.67094, -118.47112
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- spring, fall
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
- 📞Phone
- 760-376-1815
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
The campground sits at 2,640 feet on a hillside covered in pines, with many sites offering distant views of Lake Isabella. Sites are non-specific, meaning you get what's available when you arrive, but all come with picnic tables and fire rings. The elevation keeps temperatures more moderate than the surrounding desert, though spring and fall are still the prime seasons here.
Lake Isabella Access
The real draw is Lake Isabella, three miles away with 38 miles of shoreline spread across 11,000+ acres on the Kern River. The lake supports a solid fishery: black and white crappie, bluegill, blue and channel catfish, largemouth bass, and rainbow trout. Beyond fishing, the lake handles swimming, waterskiing, and windsurfing, with enough space that different activities don't interfere with each other.
Area streams also offer trout fishing for those wanting moving water over lake fishing.
What to Know
Reservations are required for this developed campground, which makes sense given the lake access and amenities. At $36 per night, you're paying for the convenience of flush toilets, potable water, and proximity to major recreation without the primitive camping experience.
The Kern River runs a short drive from camp and provides additional hiking and fishing opportunities beyond what the lake offers. The campground phone is (760) 376-1269 for specific questions about site availability or current conditions.