KOA Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
KOA Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
GPS: N35.654805. W118.342632
DIRECTIONS TO LAKE ISABELLA / KERN RIVER KOA
Located in the beautiful Kern River Valley near Lake Isabella, our KOA is easy to reach from all major directions. Follow the route that works best for you:
FROM LOS ANGELES & SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Take I-5 North or CA-99 North towards Bakersfield. Exit onto CA-178 East (Kern Canyon Road) towards Lake Isabella. Follow the scenic canyon road along the Kern River into the Lake Isabella area. Continue toward Weldon and look for the KOA campground sign.
FROM BAKERSFIELD:
Take CA-178 East (Kern Canyon Road). Enjoy a beautiful drive through Kern Canyon (about 45-60 minutes). Continue past Lake Isabella toward Weldon, then look for the KOA sign.
FROM FRESNO & NORTHERN CALIFORNIA:
Travel CA-99 South to Bakersfield. Take CA-178 East toward Lake Isabella. Follow the route through the canyon and continue toward Weldon. Look for the KOA sign.
FROM RIDGECREST & EASTERN SIERRA:
Take CA-178 West toward Lake Isabella. Pass through Inyokern and Weldon. Watch for the KOA sign.
FROM LAS VEGAS:
Take US-95 South into California. Merge onto CA-14 South toward Mojave. Take CA-178 West to Lake Isabella. Continue through Weldon and look for the KOA sign.
TRAVEL TIPS:
- Cell service may be limited in Kern Canyon - download directions ahead of time.
- Roads can be winding - drive carefully and enjoy the scenery.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love this KOA. Ideally located in the Sierra Mountains, the campground also backs up to the Kern River Preserve. Poised midway between Southern California and Yosemite or Death Valley, this KOA offers easy access to acclaimed whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Kern River. Enjoy nearby lake access for boating, Jet Skiing, Paddle Boarding, Fishing, windsurfing and swimming. Off-road enthusiasts can access miles of trails right across the road from the campground. Skiing and snowboarding are a short drive away. Visit the Trail of 100 Giants, Silver City Ghost Town and Nuni Cunni Native American Inter-Tribal Cultural Center. At KOA, you'll find everything from large, shady Pull-Thru RV Sites to Tent Sites, a family pool that is not heated, a splash zone play area, Camping Kitchen, Playground, General store and Pub. Our Pub serves Pizza, Wings, FF, and a variety of beer. From May 15th - October 1st, we offer Ice cream socials and pancake breakfasts. We also have Corn hole, Badminton, and Volleyball - all will help make your stay great! Max pull thru: 70 feet. We look forward to seeing you soon... KOA Staff
KOA Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
Third Night FREE if staying in Winter Months. It is beautiful, uncrowded, with lots of areas to explore. Hiking, biking, climbing, skiing (Shirley Meadows Resort or backcountry), cross country skiing/ snowshoeing, snowmobiling and MORE.
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Campground
May 2 - Sep 26, 2026
Ice Cream Social at the Pub every Saturday evening at 7pm between May 2nd, 2026 and September 26th, 2026. Bring your own bowl and spoon.
Campground
May 3 - Sep 27, 2026
Come join us on Sunday mornings at 8AM and enjoy some yummy pancakes on us. Served at the Country Kitchen Pavilion. Bring your own plate and fork.
Campground
Nov 27, 2026
Come joins us for a slice of pie with ice cream @ 6pm Friday the 27th.
Campground
Jan 1, 2027
Come join us on Friday January 1st, 2027 at 10:00AM for our 2nd annual Ice Breaker Bash. We will be taking a plunge into our pool of cool water @ 10:00AM. After the pool...
Summertime - Pool is open!Hours are from 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM - The pool is NOT heated but you are welcome to come and take a dip or a splash!!Summer Dates are May 1st thru...
A safe, dedicated bike and RC car track where kids can ride freely and have fun. Bring your own bike or RC car and enjoy a well-designed space built for excitement, creativity...
Lake Isabella / Kern River Pub is a welcoming, family-friendly pub offering a great selection of draft beers, wine, domestic brews, and refreshing seltzers. Enjoy classic bar...
Get ready for a splash-tastic adventure! Join us on May 1st for the grand opening of Lake Isabella / Kern River KOA's RAINFOREST SPLASH PAD - the ultimate family-friendly...
If you are interested in booking a river rafting trip here is one of the companies that offer 1/2-day, full day and Liceity trips.They are rafting 7 days a week!!Kern River...
There is a new company in town called Luv'n life Charters. This is a Ocean Angler Deluxe 24' tritoon, fully loaded electronics, sonar and live well fish hold....
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