12 Best Cabin Rentals in Bakersfield, CA, US 2024

United States
—
California
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Bakersfield

97% (330 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Bakersfield

Star Hosts in Bakersfield

12 top cabins sites near Bakersfield

100%

(232)

A Unique Mountain Retreat

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Tehachapi, CA

The title says it all this property is truly A Unique Mountain Retreat that will give you the peace, quiet and tranquility you are looking for. An energy efficient Uniquely designed home that is off the grid and has a very green footprint with solar and windmill to charge batteries. Oak and pine tree covered acres with fitness and nature trails around the property. Each level campsite with picnic table is designed for privacy with plenty of distance between sites and mountain views in every direction, along with an optional gas log fire pit and BBQ. There is plenty of clean, non potable drinking water, custom built toilets and optional hot showers, limited electrical use, cell phone charging and low power use devices as I am off grid. There is a fitness and nature trail on the property and Pacific Crest trail is approx 20 to 30 min drive, Mountain park which has many miles of hiking trails and an Indian reservation with hikes to many petroglphs. Things to see are the World famous Tehachapi railway loop, historic downtown, vineyards, mountain spirit center a Buddhist temple, glider rides, bicycle riding and fishing. There is cell service around the property but intermittent at the campsites.

Lone Juniper Ranch

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents250 acres · CA

You will fall in love instantly Camels, Llama ,Guanaco, donkeys, hammock a firepit and grill in the back yard. Book a wood fired sauna (extra)A Perfect mountain cabin retreat next to Tejon Ranch!The private, 100 + acre, mountain-top experience offers a 360-degree view of beautiful Southern California scenery, Super Bloom, Ideal for star gazing and hiking, amazing sunrises/sunsets.This is a 4 seasons paradise!Situated only 8 minutes off Rt. 5, this retreat is quite accessible (4-wheel drive necessary during wintertime snows.

81%

(16)

Underworld Farms

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Kernville, CA

Underworld Farms is a small goat ranch in the Kern River Valley. Surrounded by forestry land, on the Kern River, and on top of what used to be the old town of Whiskey Flat (Later re-named Kernville). There is no end to the beauty, history and adventure all around the property. Life took us to the Kern River Valley after moving out of Los Angeles. We enjoy living in the Southern Sierras immersed in all its natural beauty. The small but magnificent town of Kernville is approximately two and a half miles north of us. Our livestock includes horses, dairy goats, sheep, and rabbits: Most of which are raised and bred as our son's 4H or FFA projects. You may be wondering why our farm is called "Underworld Farms". In a nutshell, since our ranch is on the footprint of the historic town of Whiskey Flat, we just happen to be south of the old Whiskey Flat "Boot Hill" Cemetery. Our "driveway" is the road that led from the old town of Kernville to the cemetery. We hope that you consider parking your RV, van conversion, or trailer on one of our customized spots on the property. Or drive your vehicle and pitch a tent on one of our tent friendly sports. Or enjoy a stay in one of our small cabins. Regardless of what you stay in, you will definitely have a memorable time. The campground is VERY barebones and rural. Critters, bugs, and sometimes fellow Hipcampers can be sparce or prevalent pretty randomly. Because Underworld Farms is a working ranch, you will probably hear livestock noises like horses neighing, sheep and goats calling, and our protector dogs barking from time to time. We encourage you to walk over to the horses and goats and meet them. They especially like when you bring them carrots or apple pieces. The ranch has a double outhouse with a hand washing station sandwiched in between, it is rustic and bare bones. We check it to see if it has paper products, soap, water, and plenty of room in the trash bins. During the hotter months, the "daddy longleg" spiders enjoy infiltrating the outhouses and seem to spin new webs overnight. But they and their webs are harmless and easy to brush off. We ask for your assistance if there is something missing, or the trash needs taking out, or if the spiders have taken over again by getting ahold of us through the Hipcamp App and letting us know. With all that being said, there is an ambient beauty here that is unbelievable and memorable. This beauty and draw is so powerful that it causes the many people who come visit to make arrangements to live in our little valley. There is much to do in and around our valley that you couldn't do it all in a lifetime. We hope that you come and stay at the ranch while enjoying our valley. May you have a great time. *** THE PIN MAP ON HIPCAMP IS NOT 100% ACCURATE. PLEASE REFFER TO THE MAP OF THE PROPERTY IN THE PHOTOS

The Squattage in the Sequoia National Forest!

1 site · Lodging1 acre · California Hot Springs, CA

It’s a newly constructed little cottage that a Sasquatch would call home, that’s why we call it the Squattage! Our guests love the history of our Village and surrounding areas, the wildlife, serenity, and friendly folks, we hope you do too! Learn more about this land: Beautiful new A-frame, high-end fit and finish! Features include a sleeping loft! The downstairs has a daybed with a trundle, a sitting area, an indoor potty and a nice breakfast bar! It’s so relaxing, romantic, and just as fabulous as can be! The hot outdoor shower has a beautiful view of the trees and sky! The large front porch is perfect for relaxing or planning the day's adventure! All solar powered. There’s a propane fire pit to cook on or enjoy, propane is available for $35 or you can bring your own. Peaceful Village, beautiful views, park-like setting! Lots of wildlife to see! Beds have high-end bedding, nicer than the hotels! Towels and washcloths are provided for the shower. We even have a few games for you to play to add to your stay at the Squattage! HEY FOLKS! The weather is beautiful, come on up! Spoil yourself and spend some time in our neck of the woods, you deserve it! BOOK NOW BEFORE SOMEONE BEATS YOU TO IT!! Hope to see you soon! PS, we now have Star Link Wi-Fi!! Come on up and be a part of our community! Our Village has begun having craft shows on the first Saturday of every month, lots of great things for purchase! We attend and sell many beautiful items including exotic custom rings, don’t miss out! Items will be available for you to purchase after you check in👍

Kernville Ranch

5 sites · Lodging15 acres · Kernville, CA

Nestled in meadows with a private river flowing through horse pastures, tall shade trees and all natural cedar hot tub. Kernville Ranch is just a 5 minute walk from the center of Kernville. Plenty of fishing and white water rafting, hiking and hot springs and snow play depending on the season. Explore the lake for water-sports, the high country for pristine wilderness and a little snow. The town is full of restaurants, antiques stores, and a wonderful museum of the rich heritage of this Wild West town,

95%

(102)

Dreamy Wild Horse Ranch Cabin

15 sites · Lodging, Tents25 acres · Lake Hughes, CA

Our family passion is endurance horse riding- for people which do not know what this means; it is a marathon race on a horse. For this kind of extreme sport, a already very fit and athletic horse needs to be prepared for riding in a rugged terrain at a faster pace to complete the race healthy and sound. Also the rider needs to be fit. I purchased this special location so i can condition my horses to perform at a best out there, in a tough and rugged race world of endurance. The left alone wilderness in the foothills and mountains housing some excellent training grounds, to get ready for some challenging races in the Western United States! This property location offers simply the much needed training challenges in all together, without ever to haul out, to train horses and riders for the confrontation of an terrain obstacle away from the ranch. In fact we have other riders coming in to train on the ranch! Our rides which we are offering are not dude ranch rides, or which would be to us boring cowboy rides, we trekking mostly in English style saddles, since riding is to us an athletic sport on an fit, muscle packed athlete. So the real equestrian enthusiast will not only find a grand ride in a fascinating Wild West nature, but also encounters a learning opportunity about equestrians. For our guests which are not into the world of equestrians, but still love the beautiful world of horses and want to meet a variety of breeds, we are offering happily a guided tour of the ranch, and inviting you to feed our drafts some carrots. Fascinating for many of our guests are our American Mustang horses. We even have some wild ones right here at the ranch. Additionally we love ATVing; our surrounding off road terrain trail spoil our guests with panoramic scenery, while driving with sometimes challenges. For this adventure we have some few trail heads which takes off right here from our ranch. Another important drawing card for us is the epic, world famous Pacific Crest Trail-which runs right in our backyard. If you looking to unwind in a peaceful, remote, wilderness world, for some hours off the day, or the whole day and need to head back to a cozy and comfy staying accommodation for the night, this ranch is a great approach to begin this journey! For people which interested in geological science, we can offer a walk through the San Andreas Fault line, which runs right across the ranch.

A-Frame Bliss

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Pine Mountain Club, CA

Learn more about this land:Our beautiful and rustic A-Frame cabin is exactly what you imagine when you dream of a mountain getaway. The cabin is nestled amongst the pine trees with two large decks. Inside, you will enjoy relaxing in the family room which has soaring wood vaulted ceilings and forest views from the floor to ceiling windows. You can imagine sitting in front of a roaring fire in the open style wood fireplace on winter nights and enjoying time on the deck just listening to the forest sounds.

North Fork Ranch (Horses Welcome)

8 sites · Lodging, RVs80 acres · Frazier Park, CA

Where Forest meets the Farm. The North Fork Ranch began as a 100 year old homestead Apple Orchard and Turkey Ranch. The ranch surrounded by the Los padres forest is now a diversified farming ranch including cider apples, hops, cattle, babydoll sheep, chickens, dogs and a vineyard. We are at 5500 ft so we get the luxury of seasons and wildlife. The ranch includes a bunkhouse and dry land camping areas. There are hiking trails, seasonal hunting, ohv and motorcycle trails. Bring the horses and explore the mountains

100%

(1)

Stoney Pines

4 sites · Lodging4 acres · Lake Isabella, CA

Our 4 Acre property has 2 cabins and a main Hacienda style house on it. Each house can be rented separately or all together depending on your group size and needs. There is also a large space behind the cabins for RVs with no hookups. The property itself is set in a desert landscape, but was previously owned by a pine tree enthusiast. Consequently, it has a mini pine tree forest and all houses have a view of the different types of pines. Typically in the afternoon you can hear the wind blow through these pines and also you will get a great golden hour color. Our property is located about 5 - 10 minutes from Lake Isabella, a great place for boating fishing, and wind or kite surfing. We are also located about 20 minutes from the Kern River, known for its whitewater rafting, but also a great place for fishing. There are many hikes around the valley and the PCT (Pacific Coast Trail) runs through Lake Isabella. There is also a climbing area just past Kernville, about a 20 - 30 minute drive, that is known as Kernville Rock or the Kern Slabs.

100%

(1)

Closest Vacay Cabin to the Lake

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Lake Isabella, CA

Discover serene "Little Isabella," a 550 sq. ft. cabin with a unique layout just moments from the lake – a 3-min drive or a leisurely 15-min walk. If you ever wanted to stay in a tiny house this is very similar. Enjoy the excellent location on a paved road very close to fishing and boat docks. A cozy loft with a charming sleep space for four or more. Play crib available upon request. We offer a petite basic kitchen, complete with a fridge, stove, microwave, and scenic sink overlooking the lake. A natural well provides chemical-free water for refreshing showers that rejuvenate your skin and hair. The cabin rests on 2.5 acres of natural splendor with trees and a seasonal creek.

100%

(2)

Tillie Creek Retreat

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Wofford Heights, CA

Tillie Creek Retreat is a beautiful mountain cabin with hot tub and gorgeous decks for relaxing and enjoying the nature that surrounds you. Also, steps to a creek side deck that must be experienced to be believed. Easy access to Lake Isabella, Kernville, the Kern River, Alta Vista Ski Resort, Remington and Miracle hot springs and so much more! Great place to escape to nature, relax and adventure in the surrounding mountains. Newly renovated throughout.

100%

(1)

Must Love Dogs

1 site · Lodging40 acres · Maricopa, CA

Indulge in the serenity of a private 40-acre horse ranch, nestled against the Los Padres National Forest. This idyllic property offers ponds, scenic hikes, and breathtaking views to envelop you in nature's embrace. Enhance your stay by booking unique equine experiences, including a horseback archery adventure or an equine connection experience, adding an extra layer of delight to your ranch getaway. Immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of this equestrian haven, where the wonders of the outdoors await at every turn.

Dog-friendly getaways

100%

(232)

A Unique Mountain Retreat

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Tehachapi, CA

The title says it all this property is truly A Unique Mountain Retreat that will give you the peace, quiet and tranquility you are looking for. An energy efficient Uniquely designed home that is off the grid and has a very green footprint with solar and windmill to charge batteries. Oak and pine tree covered acres with fitness and nature trails around the property. Each level campsite with picnic table is designed for privacy with plenty of distance between sites and mountain views in every direction, along with an optional gas log fire pit and BBQ. There is plenty of clean, non potable drinking water, custom built toilets and optional hot showers, limited electrical use, cell phone charging and low power use devices as I am off grid. There is a fitness and nature trail on the property and Pacific Crest trail is approx 20 to 30 min drive, Mountain park which has many miles of hiking trails and an Indian reservation with hikes to many petroglphs. Things to see are the World famous Tehachapi railway loop, historic downtown, vineyards, mountain spirit center a Buddhist temple, glider rides, bicycle riding and fishing. There is cell service around the property but intermittent at the campsites.

A-Frame Bliss

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Pine Mountain Club, CA

Learn more about this land:Our beautiful and rustic A-Frame cabin is exactly what you imagine when you dream of a mountain getaway. The cabin is nestled amongst the pine trees with two large decks. Inside, you will enjoy relaxing in the family room which has soaring wood vaulted ceilings and forest views from the floor to ceiling windows. You can imagine sitting in front of a roaring fire in the open style wood fireplace on winter nights and enjoying time on the deck just listening to the forest sounds.

Lone Juniper Ranch

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents250 acres · CA

You will fall in love instantly Camels, Llama ,Guanaco, donkeys, hammock a firepit and grill in the back yard. Book a wood fired sauna (extra)A Perfect mountain cabin retreat next to Tejon Ranch!The private, 100 + acre, mountain-top experience offers a 360-degree view of beautiful Southern California scenery, Super Bloom, Ideal for star gazing and hiking, amazing sunrises/sunsets.This is a 4 seasons paradise!Situated only 8 minutes off Rt. 5, this retreat is quite accessible (4-wheel drive necessary during wintertime snows.

Underworld Farms

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Kernville, CA

Underworld Farms is a small goat ranch in the Kern River Valley. Surrounded by forestry land, on the Kern River, and on top of what used to be the old town of Whiskey Flat (Later re-named Kernville). There is no end to the beauty, history and adventure all around the property. Life took us to the Kern River Valley after moving out of Los Angeles. We enjoy living in the Southern Sierras immersed in all its natural beauty. The small but magnificent town of Kernville is approximately two and a half miles north of us. Our livestock includes horses, dairy goats, sheep, and rabbits: Most of which are raised and bred as our son's 4H or FFA projects. You may be wondering why our farm is called "Underworld Farms". In a nutshell, since our ranch is on the footprint of the historic town of Whiskey Flat, we just happen to be south of the old Whiskey Flat "Boot Hill" Cemetery. Our "driveway" is the road that led from the old town of Kernville to the cemetery. We hope that you consider parking your RV, van conversion, or trailer on one of our customized spots on the property. Or drive your vehicle and pitch a tent on one of our tent friendly sports. Or enjoy a stay in one of our small cabins. Regardless of what you stay in, you will definitely have a memorable time. The campground is VERY barebones and rural. Critters, bugs, and sometimes fellow Hipcampers can be sparce or prevalent pretty randomly. Because Underworld Farms is a working ranch, you will probably hear livestock noises like horses neighing, sheep and goats calling, and our protector dogs barking from time to time. We encourage you to walk over to the horses and goats and meet them. They especially like when you bring them carrots or apple pieces. The ranch has a double outhouse with a hand washing station sandwiched in between, it is rustic and bare bones. We check it to see if it has paper products, soap, water, and plenty of room in the trash bins. During the hotter months, the "daddy longleg" spiders enjoy infiltrating the outhouses and seem to spin new webs overnight. But they and their webs are harmless and easy to brush off. We ask for your assistance if there is something missing, or the trash needs taking out, or if the spiders have taken over again by getting ahold of us through the Hipcamp App and letting us know. With all that being said, there is an ambient beauty here that is unbelievable and memorable. This beauty and draw is so powerful that it causes the many people who come visit to make arrangements to live in our little valley. There is much to do in and around our valley that you couldn't do it all in a lifetime. We hope that you come and stay at the ranch while enjoying our valley. May you have a great time. *** THE PIN MAP ON HIPCAMP IS NOT 100% ACCURATE. PLEASE REFFER TO THE MAP OF THE PROPERTY IN THE PHOTOS

Kernville Ranch

5 sites · Lodging15 acres · Kernville, CA

Nestled in meadows with a private river flowing through horse pastures, tall shade trees and all natural cedar hot tub. Kernville Ranch is just a 5 minute walk from the center of Kernville. Plenty of fishing and white water rafting, hiking and hot springs and snow play depending on the season. Explore the lake for water-sports, the high country for pristine wilderness and a little snow. The town is full of restaurants, antiques stores, and a wonderful museum of the rich heritage of this Wild West town,

Available this weekend

95%

(102)

Dreamy Wild Horse Ranch Cabin

15 sites · Lodging, Tents25 acres · Lake Hughes, CA

Our family passion is endurance horse riding- for people which do not know what this means; it is a marathon race on a horse. For this kind of extreme sport, a already very fit and athletic horse needs to be prepared for riding in a rugged terrain at a faster pace to complete the race healthy and sound. Also the rider needs to be fit. I purchased this special location so i can condition my horses to perform at a best out there, in a tough and rugged race world of endurance. The left alone wilderness in the foothills and mountains housing some excellent training grounds, to get ready for some challenging races in the Western United States! This property location offers simply the much needed training challenges in all together, without ever to haul out, to train horses and riders for the confrontation of an terrain obstacle away from the ranch. In fact we have other riders coming in to train on the ranch! Our rides which we are offering are not dude ranch rides, or which would be to us boring cowboy rides, we trekking mostly in English style saddles, since riding is to us an athletic sport on an fit, muscle packed athlete. So the real equestrian enthusiast will not only find a grand ride in a fascinating Wild West nature, but also encounters a learning opportunity about equestrians. For our guests which are not into the world of equestrians, but still love the beautiful world of horses and want to meet a variety of breeds, we are offering happily a guided tour of the ranch, and inviting you to feed our drafts some carrots. Fascinating for many of our guests are our American Mustang horses. We even have some wild ones right here at the ranch. Additionally we love ATVing; our surrounding off road terrain trail spoil our guests with panoramic scenery, while driving with sometimes challenges. For this adventure we have some few trail heads which takes off right here from our ranch. Another important drawing card for us is the epic, world famous Pacific Crest Trail-which runs right in our backyard. If you looking to unwind in a peaceful, remote, wilderness world, for some hours off the day, or the whole day and need to head back to a cozy and comfy staying accommodation for the night, this ranch is a great approach to begin this journey! For people which interested in geological science, we can offer a walk through the San Andreas Fault line, which runs right across the ranch.

Stoney Pines

4 sites · Lodging4 acres · Lake Isabella, CA

Our 4 Acre property has 2 cabins and a main Hacienda style house on it. Each house can be rented separately or all together depending on your group size and needs. There is also a large space behind the cabins for RVs with no hookups. The property itself is set in a desert landscape, but was previously owned by a pine tree enthusiast. Consequently, it has a mini pine tree forest and all houses have a view of the different types of pines. Typically in the afternoon you can hear the wind blow through these pines and also you will get a great golden hour color. Our property is located about 5 - 10 minutes from Lake Isabella, a great place for boating fishing, and wind or kite surfing. We are also located about 20 minutes from the Kern River, known for its whitewater rafting, but also a great place for fishing. There are many hikes around the valley and the PCT (Pacific Coast Trail) runs through Lake Isabella. There is also a climbing area just past Kernville, about a 20 - 30 minute drive, that is known as Kernville Rock or the Kern Slabs.

North Fork Ranch (Horses Welcome)

8 sites · Lodging, RVs80 acres · Frazier Park, CA

Where Forest meets the Farm. The North Fork Ranch began as a 100 year old homestead Apple Orchard and Turkey Ranch. The ranch surrounded by the Los padres forest is now a diversified farming ranch including cider apples, hops, cattle, babydoll sheep, chickens, dogs and a vineyard. We are at 5500 ft so we get the luxury of seasons and wildlife. The ranch includes a bunkhouse and dry land camping areas. There are hiking trails, seasonal hunting, ohv and motorcycle trails. Bring the horses and explore the mountains

The Squattage in the Sequoia National Forest!

1 site · Lodging1 acre · California Hot Springs, CA

It’s a newly constructed little cottage that a Sasquatch would call home, that’s why we call it the Squattage! Our guests love the history of our Village and surrounding areas, the wildlife, serenity, and friendly folks, we hope you do too! Learn more about this land: Beautiful new A-frame, high-end fit and finish! Features include a sleeping loft! The downstairs has a daybed with a trundle, a sitting area, an indoor potty and a nice breakfast bar! It’s so relaxing, romantic, and just as fabulous as can be! The hot outdoor shower has a beautiful view of the trees and sky! The large front porch is perfect for relaxing or planning the day's adventure! All solar powered. There’s a propane fire pit to cook on or enjoy, propane is available for $35 or you can bring your own. Peaceful Village, beautiful views, park-like setting! Lots of wildlife to see! Beds have high-end bedding, nicer than the hotels! Towels and washcloths are provided for the shower. We even have a few games for you to play to add to your stay at the Squattage! HEY FOLKS! The weather is beautiful, come on up! Spoil yourself and spend some time in our neck of the woods, you deserve it! BOOK NOW BEFORE SOMEONE BEATS YOU TO IT!! Hope to see you soon! PS, we now have Star Link Wi-Fi!! Come on up and be a part of our community! Our Village has begun having craft shows on the first Saturday of every month, lots of great things for purchase! We attend and sell many beautiful items including exotic custom rings, don’t miss out! Items will be available for you to purchase after you check in👍

Underworld Farms

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Kernville, CA

Underworld Farms is a small goat ranch in the Kern River Valley. Surrounded by forestry land, on the Kern River, and on top of what used to be the old town of Whiskey Flat (Later re-named Kernville). There is no end to the beauty, history and adventure all around the property. Life took us to the Kern River Valley after moving out of Los Angeles. We enjoy living in the Southern Sierras immersed in all its natural beauty. The small but magnificent town of Kernville is approximately two and a half miles north of us. Our livestock includes horses, dairy goats, sheep, and rabbits: Most of which are raised and bred as our son's 4H or FFA projects. You may be wondering why our farm is called "Underworld Farms". In a nutshell, since our ranch is on the footprint of the historic town of Whiskey Flat, we just happen to be south of the old Whiskey Flat "Boot Hill" Cemetery. Our "driveway" is the road that led from the old town of Kernville to the cemetery. We hope that you consider parking your RV, van conversion, or trailer on one of our customized spots on the property. Or drive your vehicle and pitch a tent on one of our tent friendly sports. Or enjoy a stay in one of our small cabins. Regardless of what you stay in, you will definitely have a memorable time. The campground is VERY barebones and rural. Critters, bugs, and sometimes fellow Hipcampers can be sparce or prevalent pretty randomly. Because Underworld Farms is a working ranch, you will probably hear livestock noises like horses neighing, sheep and goats calling, and our protector dogs barking from time to time. We encourage you to walk over to the horses and goats and meet them. They especially like when you bring them carrots or apple pieces. The ranch has a double outhouse with a hand washing station sandwiched in between, it is rustic and bare bones. We check it to see if it has paper products, soap, water, and plenty of room in the trash bins. During the hotter months, the "daddy longleg" spiders enjoy infiltrating the outhouses and seem to spin new webs overnight. But they and their webs are harmless and easy to brush off. We ask for your assistance if there is something missing, or the trash needs taking out, or if the spiders have taken over again by getting ahold of us through the Hipcamp App and letting us know. With all that being said, there is an ambient beauty here that is unbelievable and memorable. This beauty and draw is so powerful that it causes the many people who come visit to make arrangements to live in our little valley. There is much to do in and around our valley that you couldn't do it all in a lifetime. We hope that you come and stay at the ranch while enjoying our valley. May you have a great time. *** THE PIN MAP ON HIPCAMP IS NOT 100% ACCURATE. PLEASE REFFER TO THE MAP OF THE PROPERTY IN THE PHOTOS

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

98%

(262)

Sequoia National Forest

Ponderosa, California

Cabins near Bakersfield guide

Overview

A couple of hours north of Los Angeles on Interstate 5, at the southernmost end of California’s Central Valley, Bakersfield is a popular stop-off for fueling up and grabbing groceries and supplies before heading out into the Sequoia National Forest. The city is a major hub for the surrounding agricultural industry, and while it's not a typical tourist destination, it does offer quite a few attractions, including art and history museums. The California Living Museum may be of particular interest to those interested in zoology, as it puts a heavy focus on native plants and animals.

Where to go

The Mojave Desert

If you like the hot, dry climate of Bakersfield, you'll love the Mojave Desert, with its wide-open sandy expanses interrupted by canyons and rock formations. The region's star attraction, Death Valley National Park, is a great place for winter camping and dark-sky stargazing.

California's Central Coast

Some of California’s prettiest stretches of coastline can be found in the Central Coast region, from the famous Big Sur to the palm-flanked Refugio State Beach. This region also has plenty of cities worth checking out, from stylish Santa Barbara to enchanting Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Sequoia National Forest and the Inyo Mountains

Not to be confused with Sequoia National Park, the Sequoia National Forest and the Inyo Mountains Wilderness just beyond it has dozens of developed and backcountry campgrounds and over a thousand miles of trails, plus ample opportunities to swim, boat, or mountain bike amongst towering old-growth trees.

When to go

The temperatures in Bakersfield generally range from pleasantly cool (in the dead of winter) to sunny and scorching. Summers are dry and often see highs in the 100s, and while winters are cool, Bakersfield rarely gets freezing temperatures. October and April are ideal if you plan to camp in the area, with warm (but not overly hot) temperatures and not nearly the number of crowds found in the summer.