Daniel is a copywriter who has well and truly been bitten alive by the 'travel bug'. After ticking off several North American National Parks and exploring Europe by train, his sights are now set on South East Asia. Usually with at least one camera locked and loaded, you'll find Daniel wherever there are mountains, lakes or beaches.
Experience the quiet magic of nature as you embark on a journey of discovery through the Lakes in Bakersfield, CA. These natural and man-made marvels are retreats for endless water adventures, inviting you to experience the perfect lake getaways. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a peace-lover, these lakes have something for everyone!
Hart Park Lake
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Part of Hart Memorial Park, Hart Park Lake offers a tranquil refuge just 15 minutes from Bakersfield. Despite swimming restrictions, outdoor enthusiasts can find solace in the angler’s paradise, teeming with catfish, trout, and bass, or kayak across its cool waters. Trek through the area’s diverse hiking trails, or engage in a friendly round at the two 18-hole disc golf courses, before rounding off the day grilling by the waterside.
Lake Isabella
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Lake Isabella, a large reservoir near Bakersfield, offers a diverse selection of activities and is a perfect location for water recreation. The lake’s ample size supports fishing, sailing, and water sports, and its shoreline campgrounds make it ideal for extended stays. With additional trails in the nearby Sequoia National Forest, there’s no shortage of ways to explore Lake Isabella and its surrounding areas!
Buena Vista Lakes
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Buena Vista’s duo of lakes, Lake Webb and Lake Evans, provide the perfect hubs for the outdoor enthusiast. The large expanse of Lake Webb throws open the doors to water skiing and jet skiing, while Lake Evans shines for serene pastimes such as paddling and fishing. Whether opting for a day visit or a camping trip, the well-equipped campgrounds, picnic areas, and children’s play zones make Buena Vista Lakes a solid choice.
Lake Ming
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Lake Ming, a man-made recreational hub 15 minutes from downtown Bakersfield, offers a variety of water sports and activities. The lake is primarily known for motorboating and water skiing, with specific days dedicated to sailboats. The presence of an array of fish species, including Large-mouth Bass and Rainbow Trout stocked in winter, makes it a popular spot for fishing. Equipped with a campground featuring 50 sites, picnic tables, and fire rings, Lake Ming is the ideal outdoor destination during the hot summer months.
Lake Woollomes
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A quick 40-minute drive from Bakersfield brings you to Lake Woollomes, it might be smaller than the others on the list but it’s a perfect spot for water recreation. Its 300 acres welcome swimming, sailing, and kayaking, while the shore bustles with picnic areas, playgrounds, and year-round fishing spots. You won’t find any campgrounds here but Lake Woollomes is still a great destination for a day trip out in nature.
Lake Success
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Just 60 miles from Bakersfield, Lake Success bustles with boating excitement from dawn to dusk. All types of watercraft are welcome here, making it popular among water and jet skiers, boaters, and fishing enthusiasts, with calm coves that are ideal for canoeing and kayaking. The campgrounds and picnic areas offer stunning views of the lake and the Sierra Nevada foothills, and while there are no designated beaches, informal swim areas are within easy reach.