Enjoy fishing, boating, and lakefront camping at this massive Sierra Nevada reservoir.
Situated in the southern portion of California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, at the edge of the Sequoia National Forest, Lake Isabella is one of the largest reservoirs in the region. Popular activities include boating, jet-skiing, and fishing for trout, crappie, catfish, and bass. There are also plenty of things to do on land during the cooler months, including exploring the thousand-plus trails in the Sequoia National Forest. The lake is surrounded by a mix of National Forest Service-managed campgrounds, some of which are open year-round. Some are reservable; others are first-come, first-served.
Lake Isabella is at its busiest in the summer, and you should expect solid crowds if you visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day. If you've come to fish, springtime is a good option, when fish are biting but crowds have yet to descend on the lake. If warm waters are what you’re after, without the massive crowds, consider planning your visit for a September weekday, when you’re likely to get pleasant weather and fewer fellow visitors.
Stretching roughly 20 miles from end to end, the Malibu Coast offers all sorts of opportunities for outdoor fun, from surfing to rock climbing. There are also plenty of spots to camp in the region, including Malibu Creek State Park and Leo Carillo State Park.
Head east of the lake and you’ll quickly find yourself out in the expansive Mojave Desert. Both Death Valley National Park and the Mojave National Preserve offer ample opportunities for hiking and camping, especially during the (comparably) cooler winter months.
North of Lake Isabella, the Sequoia National Forest and the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks offer some of the best camping opportunities in the region—both of the developed and backcountry variety. You'll also find plenty of trails and lakes, and—unsurprisingly—groves of gargantuan Sequoia trees.
Embark on a unique camping adventure amidst the otherworldly landscape of Trona Pinnacles. Set up camp near the towering Tufa formations, explore the ancient fossil beds, and stargaze under clear night skies.