Abel Canyon Campground
Santa Barbara, California
Campground in California.
Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.
Federal campground in California.
Rating
Reviews
Kernville is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.
Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.
California weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Kernville.
Don't miss local attractions near Kernville. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.
Mar 18, 2026
This is the WORST campsite I have ever stayed at in my entire life. It is definitely better to sleep on the road than in this place. The bathroom is disgusting, dirty, there are NO showers available and the toilet is clogged and no one comes to clean the place. You cannot make a reservation, you arrive and take the space that is available. There is no host, no one organizes the place, the person i... This is the WORST campsite I have ever stayed at in my entire life. It is definitely better to sleep on the road than in this place. The bathroom is disgusting, dirty, there are NO showers available and the toilet is clogged and no one comes to clean the place. You cannot make a reservation, you arrive and take the space that is available. There is no host, no one organizes the place, the person in charge is at the campsite across the road and simply inaccessible. They do not allow you to make a campfire even though the website says you can, because there is no security on site, so it is not allowed. People play music super loud, totally disrespectful to the concept of camping, dirt everywhere…Terrible experience! Do not come here. Never!
Mar 18, 2026
We stayed here since the site stated they had water, restroom, and a hikijg trail nearby across from the lake. Was not worth the $32 night fee. Got here around 430pm to check in, and the host said to just find a spot, and they'll come by and give us a tag... never happened. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am, and since the camp host was gone most of the 1st night (stated they were headed to a foo... We stayed here since the site stated they had water, restroom, and a hikijg trail nearby across from the lake. Was not worth the $32 night fee. Got here around 430pm to check in, and the host said to just find a spot, and they'll come by and give us a tag... never happened. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am, and since the camp host was gone most of the 1st night (stated they were headed to a football game), there was a big family (over 40 people) there who partied until 2am. Loud music and fighting all night long. Camp host was nowhere to be found and showed up early in the morning and acted as if nothing was going on and continued to do nothing the whole weekend. Most of the time they were MIA and not camp hosting at all. There are 3 restrooms in total throughout the campsite. The main one by the front had 4 Porta pods out front, and the men were locked, but the ladies were open but gross and not worth the trip to use it. They provided a trashcan in the ladies' restroom, but people still felt the need to pile used tissue and tampons in the corner, and it just got bigger, as the weekend went along. Most of the campsites are on hills, so you really need to be creative on how you will be setting up your campsite. It's best to drive around and check them out before picking a camping spot for the weekend. Most are in the sun mid day, so be sure to bring a pop-up for shade. There's a nice hiking trail to an old mine and to Isabella peak to sit and look over at the lake for sunset. The loop is around 3 miles and no hard but steep in some spots.
Mar 18, 2026
The location is right across from lake Isabella. The spots are mostly small, but that’s ok for my small family. Shade seems scarce but most spots had a little something Running water & restrooms decent (no soap or toilet paper the day we arrived) still fine because we always bring our own anyway. Camp host was super nice. Very helpful and friendly. There is a town a few miles out which is great i... The location is right across from lake Isabella. The spots are mostly small, but that’s ok for my small family. Shade seems scarce but most spots had a little something Running water & restrooms decent (no soap or toilet paper the day we arrived) still fine because we always bring our own anyway. Camp host was super nice. Very helpful and friendly. There is a town a few miles out which is great if you need Ice, gas or food. Unfortunately, the guests around us were super rude. Loud music & partying until past 4 am. Not nice when you’re planning an early morning hike into Sequoia. Clearly the noise curfew (10pm-6am) isn’t enforced in the least.
Mar 18, 2026
The location is right across from lake Isabella. The spots are mostly small, but that’s ok for my small family. Shade seems scarce but most spots had a little something Running water & restrooms decent (no soap or toilet paper the day we arrived) still fine because we always bring our own anyway. Camp host was super nice. Very helpful and friendly. There is a town a few miles out which is great i... The location is right across from lake Isabella. The spots are mostly small, but that’s ok for my small family. Shade seems scarce but most spots had a little something Running water & restrooms decent (no soap or toilet paper the day we arrived) still fine because we always bring our own anyway. Camp host was super nice. Very helpful and friendly. There is a town a few miles out which is great if you need Ice, gas or food. Unfortunately, the guests around us were super rude. Loud music & partying until past 4 am. Not nice when you’re planning an early morning hike into Sequoia. Clearly the noise curfew (10pm-6am) isn’t enforced in the least.
Mar 18, 2026
We were greeted by a drunk Campground host that could barely walk. After having to deal with him for 15 minutes, we ventured through the Campground most of the spots are full sun and on strange odd slopes and Slants. Was not impressed in the least! You think the forest service would have better representation at the gate when you come in. Would not let my dog Camp there. There's a nice Campground... We were greeted by a drunk Campground host that could barely walk. After having to deal with him for 15 minutes, we ventured through the Campground most of the spots are full sun and on strange odd slopes and Slants. Was not impressed in the least! You think the forest service would have better representation at the gate when you come in. Would not let my dog Camp there. There's a nice Campground just up the road a spell called Tillie Creek much cleaner much nicer and a great friendly Campground host.
Mar 18, 2026
We were greeted by a drunk Campground host that could barely walk. After having to deal with him for 15 minutes, we ventured through the Campground most of the spots are full sun and on strange odd slopes and Slants. Was not impressed in the least! You think the forest service would have better representation at the gate when you come in. Would not let my dog Camp there. There's a nice Campground... We were greeted by a drunk Campground host that could barely walk. After having to deal with him for 15 minutes, we ventured through the Campground most of the spots are full sun and on strange odd slopes and Slants. Was not impressed in the least! You think the forest service would have better representation at the gate when you come in. Would not let my dog Camp there. There's a nice Campground just up the road a spell called Tillie Creek much cleaner much nicer and a great friendly Campground host.
Mar 18, 2026
I had a great time. But the restrooms are poorly taken care of. Mens rest room was a mess with the stall doors broken and a lack of toilet paper. They have also turned off the showers for some reason. The crowd is usually loud. Good thing is that the river is near by. If I ran that place i would definitely keep it in a nicer shape, hungry gulch is truly a gem in the wrong hands.
Mar 18, 2026
I had a great time. But the restrooms are poorly taken care of. Mens rest room was a mess with the stall doors broken and a lack of toilet paper. They have also turned off the showers for some reason. The crowd is usually loud. Good thing is that the river is near by. If I ran that place i would definitely keep it in a nicer shape, hungry gulch is truly a gem in the wrong hands.
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