Lakes and rivers near Bakersfield

7 lakes and rivers within about 180 miles of Bakersfield, closest first, with boat rentals, camping and fishing for each.

Kern River Valley reservoir, wind-friendly for sailing and windsurfing.

Steep Sierra whitewater above Lake Isabella, and trout below the dam.

LA County's go-to for striped bass and a separate no-wake lagoon.

Mountain lake at 6,750 ft with pontoon rentals and pine-shaded camping.

Natural lake with open-speed boating and a lakefront campground.

Southern California's largest reservoir and a serious bass fishery.

Big spring whitewater just outside Yosemite.

Distances are straight-line miles from the city center. Drive times are longer in the mountains.