Pioneer Point

Conveniently located close by to the serene Lake Isabella, Pioneer Point Campground is a pawesome place for a Fido-friendly family vacation! Facilities at Pioneer Point are a little primitive -- there aren’t any showers, electricity, or RV hookups -- but the proximity to both the lake and the mutts-visit Giant Sequoia National Monument might just be worth sacrificing some of your creature comforts for. The seventy-three-site campground is surrounded by stately, mature trees, and some sites boast lovely views of the lake. However, not all sites are shaded. Pioneer Point can get quite busy during the summer months, so it’s best to make your reservation early. There’s also a general store just across the road from camp, so there’s no need to waste precious backpack space on provisions! There’s no fee for the recreation area, and sites start at $28.

Lake Isabella is just across the road, and provides ample recreation opportunities for anglers, as the reservoir is well stocked with trout, bluegill, and bass. There’s even a fish-cleaning station on site, and you can cook your catch on one of the grills provided with every site. It’s also quite a paw-pular location for swimming, but unfortunately, your pooch will need to stay on dry land. The area is just a short drive away from the Giant Sequoia National Monument, where you two can easily access the Trail of a Hundred Giants. The campground even has a playground to keep non-furry children entertained!

There’s no wifi available at Lake Isabella, and cellular coverage varies from network to network. You may want to contact your provider before you go if you need to stay in constant contact. Campfires are permitted in designated rings, but fire regulations can change with the weather. There’s also drinking water available on-site. One note -- the campground is quite close to the highway, so you can expect some noise at night. Remember to bring waste bags for your buddy, and have a furrific vacation!