Paradise Cove
3.63115 reviewsParadise Cove
$34.00 - $34.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$34.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Facility rates are $34.00 per night for standard non-electric sites, with a $2.00 holiday additional fee.
About this campground
Nestled along the sparkling shores of Lake Isabella, Paradise Cove Campground invites adventurers to discover their own slice of heaven in the heart of Sequoia National Forest. This year-round destination offers 46 thoughtfully arranged campsites, each positioned to capture breathtaking lake views whether you choose a convenient back-in spot or spacious side-by-side configuration. Days here unfold with endless possibilities – cast a line into the crystal-clear waters, dive into refreshing swimming holes, or launch your boat for an afternoon of exploration across the lake's expansive surface.
Paradise Cove Campground accommodates tent and RV camping, with sites divided into two sections. Primitive and group camping are not specifically mentioned.
Historical SignificanceYour stay at Paradise Cove serves as the perfect basecamp for exploring the region's most awe-inspiring natural monuments. Just a scenic drive away, the legendary Trail of a Hundred Giants beckons visitors to walk among ancient sequoias that have stood sentinel for millennia. These majestic groves within the Giant Sequoia National Monument tell the story of California's natural heritage, offering humbling encounters with some of Earth's largest living organisms.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of California's diverse climate at Paradise Cove, where summer brings intense sunshine and temperatures that can soar above 100°F – perfect for those refreshing lake plunges. As evening falls, the landscape transforms with characteristic high winds that sweep across the water, creating a natural lullaby for campers. Winter months offer a welcome respite with cooler temperatures ideal for hiking and exploring without the summer crowds.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable 1,100 feet above sea level, Paradise Cove offers the best of both worlds – easy accessibility without sacrificing those picture-perfect vistas. From this ideal vantage point, campers enjoy sweeping panoramas of Lake Isabella's shimmering waters, framed by the surrounding hills that create an ever-changing canvas of light and shadow throughout the day.
Natural Features and SceneryParadise Cove showcases the remarkable diversity of Sequoia National Forest's landscapes. Beyond your lakefront campsite, the terrain unfolds into a tapestry of rugged canyons carved by ancient waters, babbling streams that provide nature's soundtrack, and hidden waterfalls that reward the curious explorer. This dynamic ecosystem creates endless opportunities for discovery, from morning wildlife watching to sunset photography sessions capturing the interplay of water, forest, and sky.
Geological RegionSet within the magnificent southern Sierra Nevada range, Paradise Cove occupies a unique position in one of California's most geologically diverse regions. The surrounding Sequoia National Forest spans an incredible elevation range from 1,000 to 12,000 feet, creating distinct ecological zones that support everything from oak woodlands to alpine meadows. This dramatic vertical relief has sculpted a landscape of extraordinary beauty and biological diversity that changes with every mile traveled.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeReviews suggest campsites are reasonably sized, suitable for tents and RVs.
Sites PrivacySeveral reviews note close proximity of sites, impacting privacy. Some campers mention noise and crowding.
Total Campsites46 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites with better wind protection if tent camping; RV camping is recommended due to the strong winds.
Best CampsitesSpot 29 is highly rated for its view and relative comfort.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in is stated as flexible based on host interaction.
Check-out
Check-out time not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Six people per site, including children.
Groups
Details about group camping sites are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout46 sites divided between an upper back-in section and a lower side-by-side parking section.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityCampsites are available first-come-first-serve; reservations guarantee a spot but not a specific site.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee, and late cancellations forfeit the first night's recreation fee. Changes cost $10 if they involve entirely new dates.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Paradise Cove Campground offers a variety of activities centered around Lake Isabella. Water-based recreation such as fishing, swimming, boating, and windsurfing are popular, although significant concerns are raised about algae contamination and poor swimming conditions. Wildlife viewing opportunities are available, but limited shade and windy conditions can detract from overall enjoyment.
Fishing
Lake Isabella is known for trout fishing during colder months and other species such as crappie, bluegill, catfish, and largemouth bass. Several reviews highlight fishing as a major draw.Swimming
Swimming is possible in Lake Isabella, although user reviews have flagged issues such as algae contamination and leeches during certain times of the year.Boating
Boating is a popular activity at Lake Isabella, with provisions for launching boats. However, high winds can make boating challenging.Wildlife viewing
User reviews note sightings of local fauna like ground squirrels, frogs, and owls.Winter Activities
The campground does not appear to offer winter-specific activities.Water Sports
Activities such as windsurfing and water skiing are popular on Lake Isabella.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire pits are provided at each campsite, but fire restrictions apply during fire season.
- Quiet hours are expected, but enforcement is inconsistent according to reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsFrequent high winds, and algae blooms in late summer in the lake can pose risks to swimmers.
Active alertsHigh lake levels may flood parking lots during certain seasons. Algae blooms and leeches were noted in reviews.
Weather forecast
95
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 20%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
null
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 to December 31 annually (Peak Season).
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, though user reviews frequently mention garbage blowing around, especially during windy conditions.
Proximity to water featuresNestled by Lake Isabella, activities include swimming, fishing, and boating.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include high winds, dirty bathrooms, lack of shade, and noisy neighbors. Reviews highlight issues with trash and poorly maintained facilities.
HostHosts are generally described as friendly and helpful, although some reviewers noted inconsistent enforcement of campground rules.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Bakersfield, California, take Highway 178 east to the town of Lake Isabella. Staying on 178 east, travel approximately 3 miles to Paradise Cove Campground.
Located just off Highway 178, the roads to the campground are paved and generally accessible.Nearby places
Lake Isabella (3 miles), Bakersfield (approx. 40 miles)
Nearby supplies
Lake Isabella has grocery stores, restaurants, and camping supplies available approximately 3 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
3.6
115 reviews
Paradise Cove has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Paradise Cove has a mixed reputation among campers. Positive feedback highlights the scenic views, friendly hosts, and opportunities for fishing and boating. However, complaints about wind, noise, lack of shade, poor restroom conditions, and trash are prevalent.
Review Summaries
Based on 115 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the beautiful lake views, some clean campsites, well-maintained picnic tables, and helpful camp hosts.
Based on 115 reviewsCommon Concerns
Frequent complaints include poorly maintained restrooms, trash blowing around due to wind, lack of shade, algae contamination in the lake, and noisy or disrespectful neighbors.
Based on 115 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing sturdy tents to withstand windy conditions, avoiding summer heat, and confirming water quality before swimming.
Based on 115 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The windy conditions and algae blooms seem to worsen in late summer. Winter camping is quieter but windy.
Based on 115 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Hosts were very nice and accommodating. Public restroom was clean.' - Myra S.
2. 'The view of the lake was great. When we arrived about 8:00pm it was so windy we could barely put our tents up.' -...
Based on 115 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 29 is reportedly one of the best sites, offering favorable weather conditions and a scenic view. Crowding and proximity to other campers are frequent issues.
Based on 115 reviewsAccessibility Features
Reviews do not specifically mention experiences from users with disabilities.
Based on 115 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at the campground. Several reviews highlight pet-friendly features, although users note challenges with off-leash policies.
Based on 115 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025