Outdoor enthusiasts will love this KOA, which sits in the Sierra Mountains with the Kern River Preserve right at its back door. Positioned midway between Southern California and Yosemite or Death Valley, it’s an ideal base for accessing some seriously good whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Kern River itself. The location gives you easy reach to nearby lake access for boating, jet skiing, fishing, windsurfing, and swimming. If you’re into off-road riding, there are miles of trails you can access directly from the campground.

Beyond water sports, you’ve got quick drives to golfing, skiing, and snowboarding depending on the season. For day trips, the Trail of a Hundred Giants is worth the drive, and Silver City Ghost Town offers a quirky bit of history. The Native American Cultural Center provides solid cultural context for the area. Hiking to waterfalls is popular around here, and there are natural waterslides if you want something different.

The campground itself has a real range of accommodations. There are large, shady pull-through sites and tent spots if you’re traveling with your dog in an RV or tent. They’ve also got deluxe cabins, two-room cabins, one-room cabins, and deluxe tents for other options. The grounds include a family pool, playground, game room, general store, and a pub if you want to grab something to eat without leaving.

The KOA runs regular activities throughout the season—ice cream socials, crafts, games, pancake breakfasts, and movie nights keep things lively, especially if you’re traveling with kids. You’ll find the place 11 miles east of Lake Isabella on Highway 178, or 32 miles west on Highway 178 from Highway 14, making it accessible from multiple directions depending on where you’re coming from.