Hot Springs, Hiking & RV Boondocking: An Epic Lake Isabella Adventure [with video!]
- Victoria
- Mar 3
- 5 min read
Some trips are all about getting to the one destination, but this one? This was about the whole experience—boondocking by the lake, hiking for some killer views, soaking in natural hot springs, and checking out the small town of Kernville. We had no idea what to expect, but this trip turned out to be the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
If you love free camping, hidden hot springs, and stunning lake views, keep reading because Lake Isabella delivered.
RV Safe Route: From Central Valley to the Sierra Nevada
Our adventure started with a drive through the Central Valley from Modesto, passing miles of orchards, citrus groves, and the occasional “fresh country air” (aka manure). Lake Isabella is only 45 miles from Bakersfield, but once you hop on Highway 178 through Sequoia National Forest, it feels like a completely different world.
The road winds through rugged canyons, with rocky cliffs on one side and steep drop-offs on the other. It’s an RV-safe route, but take your time, use pullouts to let people pass, and stay between the lines unless you want a new scratch down the side of your rig.
Note: One of our viewers was nice enough to let us know that hwy 58 may be a safer RV route. We haven’t driven on it, so try it at your own risk.
Boondocking at Lake Isabella: Worth It?
Coordinates: (35.6432355, -118.4624363)
Do not follow Apple Maps directions! As of when this post was written, it takes you miles up the road from where you want to be. Google Maps location does appear to be correct.
We set up camp at the Auxiliary Dam Recreation Area, right on the shore of Lake Isabella. It’s $12 a night (and nope, your National Park Pass won’t save you here). But with lakeside views, plenty of space, and a location less than 15 minutes from everything we had planned, it was totally worth it.
The best part? This time of year, we had tons of space to ourselves. We hear it’s a different story in summer when this place gets packed, but in the off-season, it was peaceful and quiet—just how we like it.
SoftStartUp
Since it’s dispersed camping, there are no hookups, so power management is key. And that’s where SoftStartUSA came in clutch! With our SoftStartRV, we could run everything off our generator without worrying about overloading it—because nothing ruins an epic campsite like unexpected power issues. If you’re looking to boondock without limits, check them out here - SoftStartUSA
*We make a small comission on products purchase through these links. We appreciate your support!
Hiking Isabella Peak: Quick, Steep & Worth It
To shake off the road trip cobwebs, we took on the Isabella Peak Trail, a 2.9-mile out-and-back hike with some solid lake views. It’s a moderate trail with a little incline, but nothing too crazy. The biggest challenge? Zero shade. If you’re hiking this in summer, go early or prepare to roast.
At the top, you get a panoramic view of Lake Isabella and the surrounding mountains—totally worth the effort. Plus, there are a couple of benches up there if you want to take a break and soak it all in.
Exploring Kernville: A Little Gold Rush History & A Lot of Charm
The next morning, we headed into Kernville, a small town that still holds onto its Old West roots. Fun fact: it was originally called Whiskey Flat back in the 1860s gold rush days, and they still celebrate that history every year with Whiskey Flat Days, a festival featuring rodeos, parades, and people walking around in full cowboy gear.
Today, Kernville is known for rafting, craft beer, and that perfect small-town vibe. We stopped for gas and grabbed some much-needed coffee before heading to our next adventure.
Remington Hot Springs: Free, Scenic, & Clothing Optional
A quick 15-minute drive from camp brought us to Remington Hot Springs, a natural hot spring tucked away along the Kern River. There are four rock-lined pools, with the uppermost tub—the “Miner’s Tub”—being the hottest at around 115°F. As the water flows down, the lower pools cool off, so you can find the perfect temperature for your soak.
These springs are completely free and maintained by volunteers, which means it’s up to visitors to keep it clean. Unfortunately, some people ignore that rule, so if you visit, pack it in, pack it out.
Oh, and one more thing—this is a clothing-optional spot. So don’t be surprised if you see more of your fellow soakers than you bargained for.
Back at Camp: House Beats & Lake Views
Because we can’t just sit around and do nothing, we squeezed in a little DJ session at camp—because nothing pairs better with a lake view than some solid house beats. The open sky, fresh mountain air, and a killer sunset made for the perfect backdrop. If that sounds like your vibe, stay tuned—we’ll be dropping the set in a couple of weeks.
Final Thoughts & Tips for Visiting
Lake Isabella and Kernville totally surprised us. It’s the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, small-town charm, and hidden gems like Remington Hot Springs. Whether you’re looking to relax by the water, hike for some epic views, or get steamy in a natural hot tub, this place has something for everyone.
Quick Tips:
✔ Best time to visit: Spring or fall for fewer crowds and cooler weather.
✔ Camping: Auxiliary Dam is $12/night—plenty of space in the off-season.
✔ Hiking: Isabella Peak is 2.9 miles, bring water, no shade!
✔ Hot Springs: Free, clothing optional, and can get crowded—early mornings are best.
Full YouTube Episode
Don't forget to check out our full length episode on Lake Isabella and the surrounding area. And while you're there, hit the subscribe button so you can be the first to know about our adventures!
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About Project RV: Living Lost
Hi there! We’re Thomas and Victoria, a full-time RVing duo who have been living on the road since 2020. Along with our adventure pups, Oreo and Barley, we explore nature’s hidden gems, quirky small towns, and everything in between.
Our goal is to inspire others to embrace the joy of travel, share useful RV tips, and document the ups and downs of this wild lifestyle. Whether it’s DIY fixes, gear reviews, or travel recommendations, we’re here to help you navigate the RV life one mile at a time.
Follow along as we keep Living Lost—because sometimes the best adventures happen off the beaten path.
Thanks for reading, and happy travels!
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