It is named after the Lake Isabella reservoir and located at its southwestern edge, 6 miles (9.7 km) south of Wofford Heights in the Kern River Valley.

The town of Lake Isabella is located 35 miles (56 km) east-northeast of Bakersfield,[6] at an elevation of 2,513 feet (766 m).

[4] According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 22.1 square miles (57 km2), over 98% of it land.

Lake Isabella is at the confluence of the North and South Forks of the Kern River.

Upstream on the North Fork white water enthusiasts play in the spring and early summer.

The famous Golden Trout originate in these rivers in the high country to the north.

The area was inhabited for millennia by the indigenous Tübatulabal and Owens Valley Paiute.

[7] Lake Isabella was created in 1953 by a dam on the Kern River, forcing the town to move about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) south of the original site.

The area is a joy for hikers, boaters, water skiers, fishermen, birders, hunters, wind surfers, kayakers, and other outdoor recreationists.

Tourist trade is a major part of the area's economy.