Live Oak South
00 reviewLive Oak South
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
No specific campground fee rates provided. Recreation Use and Reservation Fees apply, including $8 online, $9 contact center, $3 in-person for reservation services.
About this campground
Nestled in a tranquil grove of ancient oak trees, Live Oak South Campground offers an authentic tent-camping experience just steps from the sparkling waters of Lake Isabella. This peaceful retreat combines the shade and serenity of old-growth oaks with easy access to one of the Sierra Nevada's most beloved recreational lakes, where days are filled with swimming, boating, and waterside adventures.
Live Oak South is a tent-only camping facility. It does not accommodate RVs, group camping, or glamping options, and no cabins are available.
Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure places you within the legendary Sequoia National Forest, guardian of more than 30 groves of giant sequoias—Earth's largest living things. These ancient giants have stood sentinel over these mountains for thousands of years, creating a landscape steeped in natural wonder and serving as a testament to the enduring power of wilderness preservation.
Weather and SeasonsExperience near-perfect camping conditions during Week 41, when crystal-clear skies dominate the forecast with an impressive 99.7% sunshine. Daytime temperatures reach a comfortable 79°F, perfect for hiking and water activities, while evenings cool to a refreshing 55°F—ideal for gathering around the campfire. With virtually no precipitation and gentle breezes, this week offers some of the most pleasant weather conditions you'll find all year.
ElevationPerched at 2,500 feet above sea level, the campground occupies a sweet spot where mountain air meets valley warmth. This moderate elevation creates an ideal microclimate beneath the protective canopy of mature oak trees, offering cooler temperatures than the valley floor while remaining accessible year-round for most visitors.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to dappled sunlight filtering through a cathedral of oak branches at 2,500 feet elevation, where morning birdsong mingles with distant sounds of Lake Isabella's gentle waves. The campground's natural amphitheater of oaks provides both shade and character, while the nearby lake—a jewel of the southern Sierra Nevada—beckons with its cool, inviting waters and panoramic mountain views.
Geological RegionDiscover your basecamp at the southern gateway of the majestic Sierra Nevada range, where the rugged granite peaks give way to rolling oak woodlands. Here in Sequoia National Forest, the landscape tells a story millions of years in the making—from ancient seafloors thrust skyward to create towering mountains, to the patient work of streams carving valleys and filling them with lakes like Isabella, your aquatic playground just across the road.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features for persons with disabilities are not detailed in the provided sources.
Sites SizeTent-only sites are described, but specific dimensions are not mentioned.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels of campsites are not specified in the authoritative sources.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 consecutive nights per visit. Maximum of 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.
Groups
Group camping is not available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutTent-only sites equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonNo specific seasonal closures noted. Fire restrictions may be imposed during hot and dry weather conditions.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, the mobile app, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific information provided for walk-up sites.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before arrival incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations (starting from midnight 1 day before arrival) forfeit the first night’s recreation use fee. No-shows incur a $20 fee and forfeit the first night’s fee.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Campers at Live Oak South can enjoy a variety of recreational activities centered around Lake Isabella. Activities include swimming, water skiing, windsurfing, and fishing. The lake is particularly noted for trout fishing during colder months, as well as fishing for black and white crappie, bluegill, catfish, and largemouth bass. The campground also serves as a base for exploring nearby natural attractions within Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Lake Isabella, with species such as trout, black and white crappie, bluegill, catfish, and largemouth bass available. Trout fishing is particularly noted during colder months.Swimming
Swimming is one of the popular water activities at Lake Isabella, located near the campground.Boating
Boating is allowed on Lake Isabella, offering opportunities for water skiing and windsurfing.Winter Activities
No winter recreational activities are explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
Water skiing, windsurfing, and other boating activities are prominent recreational features at Lake Isabella.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire restrictions may be imposed due to hot, dry weather conditions. Visitors are advised to contact the Kern River Ranger District for updates.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential fire restrictions due to weather conditions. No other hazards specified.
Weather forecast
93
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
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
Kern River Ranger District is the closest contact for emergencies at 760-376-3781. Additional emergency services were not specified.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided regarding trash and recycling facilities at the campground.
Proximity to water featuresAcross the road from Lake Isabella, a popular site for boating, windsurfing, swimming, and trout fishing.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Bakersfield, take Highway 178 east to the town of Lake Isabella. From Lake Isabella, take Highway 155 north approximately 6 miles to Live Oak South campground.
The campground is accessible via Highway 155 from Lake Isabella, approximately 6 miles north. Roads are paved and suitable for regular vehicles.Nearby places
Lake Isabella (6 miles), Kernville (5 miles)
Nearby supplies
The Giant Sequoia Mercantile in Kernville (5 miles away) offers camping supplies, books, maps, and gifts.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Live Oak South has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews were provided for Live Oak South Campground.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive aspects cannot be summarized due to the absence of user reviews.
Common Concerns
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
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Seasonal Insights
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Camper Quotes
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Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews specific to individual campsites are available.
Accessibility Features
Reviews discussing accessibility features are not provided.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews or feedback regarding pet policies or experiences are available.
Last updated August 10, 2025