Looking for a place to really float your boat? Kern County has four recreation areas open to boating.
Our biggest and best known is Isabella Lake, located in the southern Sierras a short drive from Bakersfield. In 1953, the U. S. Corps of Engineers built earthen dams across two forks of the Kern River to create this vast lake. Isabella has about 11,000 acres of surface water, which makes it one of the largest reservoirs in southern California.
In addition to boating you can fish, jet ski or wind surf on the lake. Camping is also allowed with campgrounds all around. The communities of Wofford Heights, Lake Isabella and Kernville offer plenty of services.
A variety of boating activity takes place at Lake Ming east of Bakersfield's Hart Park. Sailboats are permitted Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and every second full weekend of each month. Hot boat testing for racing craft is permitted Thursday mornings. Several National Jet Boat Association drag boat racing events are held at the lake between March and October (the lake is closed to other boating during races).
Non-powered boating is allowed Delano's Lake Woollomes. This 455-acre recreation area is owned by the Bureau of Reclamation and is open year round. The lake itself covers approximately 300 acres and has four miles of shoreline.
Lake Evans and Lake Webb combine to form the Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area west of Taft. Sailing and water-skiing take place from sunup to sundown. The area also boasts 112 campsites at the lake but they fill up quickly. The recreation area is a favorite for weekenders coming over the Grapevine so reservations are advised.
|
