Lake Isabella CA

[Buster52]

I am planning on visiting Lake Isabella CA and am wondering what are the attractions to see while there. I see they have Masons, Elks and Moose lodges there. What are the camping site like at the Moose and Elks? Thanks

[ol_Bombero-JC]

DSDP Don wrote:
Buster52.....You can buy the "Elkdom" book(s). They're three books produced by the Elks that provide lodge information. There's a west, central and east coast book. They tell you the location of each Elk's lodge, if they allow camping, the number of sites, size of sites, if they have water, electric and sewer. They're very accurate and easy to use.

Some of the lodges have from 20-30 sites, such as the Albuquerque Lodge.

Florence Oregon has 17 at the lodge & 40 more at the Elks RV Park,
with elect, water & dump.......

But -
both Albuquerque & Florence are a long way from Lake Isabella!..:R

"They're very accurate and easy to use"

That's a firm "maybe".

Sometimes it's best to know the *area* where the lodge is located -
other than being close to where you want to be - or are visiting.

Some lodges were established many years ago in (CA) "metro" areas which have "changed" over the years.
The lodge may be full of great people - but the surrounding area can be a bit "shakey".

Also some lodges are in outstanding locations, a couple of spots with NO hookups - but easy in easy out, easy to get a spot 'cause the "gotta have at least elect" folks aren't interested.

And for others, you wonder who sent in the info for the book.

Yet others are heavily populated by "Snowbirds" in the winter, and rigs are packed in like sardines - with "overflow" waiting to join the sardines.

That's when bargain camping is *not* a bargain!..:(

~

[momentum_rv]

The water has been coming up about 3-4" a day for a couple weeks now.

[DuneJunkie]

anyone been to Lake Isabella lately?
Thinking about going next week for spring break.

JohnG3, we are in MB as well.

[JohnG3]

nuckledragger wrote:
I am traveling to Lake Isabella from LA pulling a 29 foot travel trailer. Sounds like my easiest route is 5N to 14N to 178W. Has anyone else traveled this route? Any significant downgrades or hills on 178W?

I am willing to go a few extra miles if it means an easier drive and less tight rock lined curves.

Since you're coming from 14 to 178 it would be shorter than picking up the 178 off of 58 east of Bakersfield. We get off 58 at Commanche to catch the 178 coming from the Central Coast. A friend comes up from Acton and goes the route you plan. Much shorter that any other.

We did that 14 to 178 route last year coming home from Pahrump(actually took 395 to 14 to 178). Much easier drive than the lower 178. Pretty good climb on the east side. Go slow on the down hill side. Our tow vehicle has the tow/haul mode that uses engine braking. Several places to pull over and let the unladen vehicles get around you. If you're going to the Kernville area turn right on 155 (good signage for the intersection). Will save you going into the town of Isabella then to Kernville.

[momentum_rv]

nuckledragger wrote:
I am traveling to Lake Isabella from LA pulling a 29 foot travel trailer. Sounds like my easiest route is 5N to 14N to 178W. Has anyone else traveled this route? Any significant downgrades or hills on 178W?

I am willing to go a few extra miles if it means an easier drive and less tight rock lined curves.

That is the easiest route to get there. Not bad at all. Coming in the other way (178 East from Bakersfield is much more curvy and tight.)

[Dtank]

.

The *Roads and Routes* forum (here) might be worth a visit...;)

.

[nuckledragger]

I am traveling to Lake Isabella from LA pulling a 29 foot travel trailer. Sounds like my easiest route is 5N to 14N to 178W. Has anyone else traveled this route? Any significant downgrades or hills on 178W?

I am willing to go a few extra miles if it means an easier drive and less tight rock lined curves.

[windinmyface2]

best listen to KCFDcapt regarding hwy 155...very steep downgrade...lake is very low, doing dam modifications.... this follows the southwest willow flycatcher fiasco, then several years of drought. Ewings has new owners, and is very good. they are now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. and...Trona is not the garden spot of California.....stinks of sulpher.

[debaets]

Don't count on more water in the lake. My understanding is there is a fault running through the earthen dam and the Army Corp keeps the lake low to reduce the possibility of flooding should there be the BIG ONE.
If you are going to Red Rock Canyon you most likely won't be using Hwy 155, so that shouldn't be a concern for you. My experience with Hwy 155 has not been bad. There are a few steep grades but they are very short and can be controlled easily.

[Buster52]

My Lodge has two spots reserved in the city parking lot next to the lodge. A deal they made when the sold the lot to the city. All we have is 20 amp wall plug in. We are not listed as having RV space. I have been to lodges that say they have space for RVs but every body would have to park there cars else ware.

[DSDP_Don]

Buster52.....You can buy the "Elkdom" book(s). They're three books produced by the Elks that provide lodge information. There's a west, central and east coast book. They tell you the location of each Elk's lodge, if they allow camping, the number of sites, size of sites, if they have water, electric and sewer. They're very accurate and easy to use.

Some of the lodges have from 20-30 sites, such as the Albuquerque Lodge.

[Buster52]

Thanks for the replies on Lake Isabella. It is a one day stopping point on my cross country trip. I plan on being there next April when it is cooler. Hopefully we will have more rain next year and the lake will be fuller. I am a member of the Elks an plan on stopping at the Lodge there. My next leg of the trip takes has me stopping at Red Rock Canyon and ending up in Ridgecreast, or Trona CA.

[tsetsaf]

IMHO that area is depressing with the dry brush and low lake. We prefer to stay up along the Kern River. You can see all the Lake Isabella Campgrounds and RV parks here

[KCFDCapt]

155 is steep and more winding than 178. There is a section of 13% grade just before Wofford Heights. Many have burned their brakes on that road. It is doable but be prepared for a long, slow drive from Glenville to Wofford Heights.