Just 40 miles from Bakersfield and 150 miles from Los Angeles, Lake Isabella is a popular spot for local outdoor enthusiasts as well as travelers. Southern California's only recreational whitewater river churns into and back out of the lake's 11,000 acres. Windsurfers flock to the lake in the afternoon to catch the reliable breeze, and fishermen angle for native trout in its watery depths. Lesser-known hot springs dot the Kern River not far from the lake, with opportunities to camp and lodge nearby.

Remington Hot Springs

Although there are multiple hot springs along the Kern River, most are on private property belonging to now-defunct resorts, or have otherwise restricted access. You can still soak away your troubles in one popular hot springs that remains open to the public. Remington Hot Springs is less than two miles from Sequoia National Forest's Hobo Campground and provides a dirt parking area to access the springs. You will need to descend a quarter-mile trail that takes you 300 feet down a grassy hill to get to the springs. Temperatures at the springs vary from 110 degrees in the upper tub to 102 where the river overflows and cools the lowest tub.

Hobo Campground

Hobo Campground is next to a a popular river rafting access area, as well as home to a kayak slalom course. Just 1/8 mile from the campground, the remains of Mineral Hot Springs, a former resort, can be accessed from the campground. The campground has 20 tent-only sites, some of which are walk-in sites right along the river. Four RV spots accommodate rigs up to 22 feet in length. There are picnic tables and grills at each campsite, and cottonwood trees provide ample shade. Potable water is available on site, along with wheelchair-friendly vault toilets. The campground is open seasonally from April through September.

Sandy Flat Campground

Sandy Flat Campground is another national forest campground, and is connected to Hobo Campground by a half-mile fishing trail along the river. The campground's day use area has facilities for river access for kayakers and rafters. The campground has 34 campsites, six of which are tent-only. RV parking aprons are paved, which in combination with wheelchair-accessible vault toilets makes it an option for mobility-impaired campers. Parking aprons are only 11 feet wide, which might limit use of a wheelchair lift. Grilles, tables and potable water are offered at the campground.

Accommodations

The early 1900s saw multiple hot springs health resorts pop up along thie geothermal features of the Kern River. Over time, the resorts closed one by one, some succumbing to fire and others just closing due to lack of popularity. One of the original resorts, Democrat Hot Springs (democrathotsprings.com) had cottages and a hotel to house up to 100 guests. It still opens its doors to private groups, such as conventions, wedding parties and retreats. For individual accommodations near the hot springs, the towns of Kernville, Wofford Heights and Bodfish offer charming inns, bed and breakfasts and vacation homes.

About the Author

Indulging her passion for vacation vagary through the written word on a full-time basis since 2010, travel funster Jodi Thornton-O'Connell guides readers to the unexpected, quirky, and awe-inspiring.

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