🏕️ Keyesville Classic 2026 — Camping & Venue Info
The Keyesville Recreation Area offers open, first-come, first-served camping directly on site for the race weekend. Come early, pick your favorite spot, and settle in for an awesome weekend of racing, family, and good vibes.
📍 Location
Keyesville Recreation Area
Near Lake Isabella, California
(Located off Highway 178, Keyesville Road turnoff)
🕓 Arrival & Setup
- Gates open: Friday morning, February 20, 2026
- Venue setup & check-in: All day Friday
- Camping closes: Sunday evening after awards
- All camping is first-come, first-served. No reservations.
💸 Cost & Donations
Camping is free for all racers, families, and volunteers! However, the site setup requires portable toilets, fencing, dumpsters, and cleanup crews.
We ask that you consider a voluntary camp donation of $10 – $50 to help cover those costs. Donations can be made when you register or at the Team Action Dad booth on-site.
🚽 Facilities
- Portable toilets and hand-wash stations throughout the venue
- Trash & recycling dumpsters (please pack out what you pack in)
- No RV hookups or running water on site
- Generators are allowed — please respect quiet hours 10 PM – 6 AM
🔥 Fires & Safety
- Campfires must be in contained
- Keep a water bucket or extinguisher nearby
- All campers must have a valid California Campfire Permit before lighting a campfire or using a stove
Dogs are welcome — must be leashed and under control. Please keep camps tidy and respect the land. We’re guests of the Bureau of Land Management — leave no trace!
🍻 Community & Vibes
We’ll host a relaxed Saturday night dinner cooked up by Sam Ames and the Gear Grinder Grill. Plates are $30 and include dinner and a KRBC beverage.
Bring your camp chair, share stories, and celebrate another great day on the trails.
🚴 Nearby Services
- Lake Isabella – 7 min: gas, groceries, motels, restaurants
- Kernville – 15 min:
Where to Stay & Eat – Lake Isabella & Kernville
Great bases for race weekend, with river access, lake views, groceries, and plenty of local food.
Lodging near Lake Isabella & Kernville
Kern Riverfront Lodge
Cozy riverside lodge in the heart of Kernville, walking distance to the Kern River and downtown.
Website: kernriverfrontlodge.com
Location: Kernville, CA
Kernville Inn
Family-friendly motor-lodge style inn right in downtown Kernville, a short walk to the river, food, and shops.
Website: kernvilleinn.com
Location: Kernville, CA
Whispering Pines Lodge
Quiet lodge surrounded by trees, close to the Kern River and a short drive to downtown Kernville.
Website: pineskernville.com
Location: Sierra Way, Kernville, CA
Riverview Lodge
Historic lodge tucked along the Kern River with easy access to rafting, fishing, and downtown amenities.
Website: riverviewlodge.net
Location: Kernville, CA
Paradise Cove Lodge
Steakhouse & motel with remodeled rooms and lake views, just off Highway 178 overlooking Lake Isabella.
Website: paradisecovelodge.com
Location: Lake Isabella, CA
Groceries & Essentials
Sierra Gateway Market (James Store)
Local market with groceries, deli, gas, and basic supplies – perfect for stocking up before heading to camp or the venue.
Info: Yelp Listing
Location: 13432 Sierra Way, Kernville, CA
Riverkern General Store
Convenience groceries, camping basics, and a small deli with breakfast and lunch options just up the road from Kernville.
Info: Tripadvisor Listing
Location: Riverkern, just north of Kernville, CA
Vons – Lake Isabella
Full-service supermarket with fresh food, snacks, drinks, and race-weekend essentials about 15–20 minutes from Kernville.
Website: local.vons.com
Location: 5610 Lake Isabella Blvd, Lake Isabella, CA
Grocery Outlet – Lake Isabella
Discount grocery option for budget-friendly food, drinks, and supplies on the south side of Lake Isabella.
Info: Kernville Chamber Shopping Guide
Location: Lake Isabella Blvd, Lake Isabella, CA
Local Food & Drinks
Kern River Brewing Company
Award-winning craft brewery with two family-friendly locations in Kernville serving burgers, salads, and pub food.
Website: kernriverbrewing.com
Location: Kernville, CA
Ewings on the Kern
Classic cliff-side steakhouse overlooking the Kern River – great for post-race dinners and sunset views.
Website: ewingsco.com
Location: Kernville, CA
Pizza Barn
Casual, family-friendly pizza spot – good for big groups, teams, and kids after a long day on the trails.
Info: Sier_