Lake Ming
A 104-acre artificial lake in Kern River County Park, perfect for motorboating, water skiing, and fishing, with scenic trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the thrill of boat racing!
Lake Ming
Best Time
Experience the thrill of boat racing!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 104-acre artificial lake in Kern River County Park, perfect for motorboating, water skiing, and fishing, with scenic trails.
"This place is gorgeous! Great for sight seeing, hiking, biking, walking and fishing."
Check Racing Schedules
Plan your visit around NJBA events for an exciting drag boat racing experience!
No Swimming Allowed
Remember, swimming is not permitted. Focus on boating, skiing, or enjoying the scenery.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
NJBA Drag Boat Racing
Lake Ming
Witness high-octane drag boat races with powerful V-drives and incredible speeds. A thrilling spectacle for motorsport fans!
Scenic Walking & Biking Trails
Around the lake
Enjoy a refreshing walk or bike ride with beautiful views of the lake, mountains, and abundant birdlife.
Fishing Opportunities
Shore fishing
Cast a line from the shore and try your luck at catching stocked fish in this picturesque setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Boating & Water Sports Focus
+1Fishing & Recreation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Racing Schedules
Plan your visit around NJBA events for an exciting drag boat racing experience!
No Swimming Allowed
Remember, swimming is not permitted. Focus on boating, skiing, or enjoying the scenery.
Bring Your Fishing Gear
The lake is stocked, offering good opportunities for shore fishing.
Explore the Trails
Enjoy hiking and biking on the trails surrounding the lake for great views.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Racing Schedules
Plan your visit around NJBA events for an exciting drag boat racing experience!
No Swimming Allowed
Remember, swimming is not permitted. Focus on boating, skiing, or enjoying the scenery.
Bring Your Fishing Gear
The lake is stocked, offering good opportunities for shore fishing.
Explore the Trails
Enjoy hiking and biking on the trails surrounding the lake for great views.
Cell Service Available
Spectrum cell service is reported to be good here, useful for staying connected.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lake Ming is praised for its scenic beauty, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and recreation. Visitors enjoy the peaceful atmosphere for walks and bike rides, and the clean facilities. However, the lack of swimming options and occasional late-night disturbances are noted drawbacks.
"Great place to fish or take a walk or just hang out by the lake. Shore fishing only. No swimming but you can ski. There's a bike trail that goes around the lake."
Patrick Mcmillan
"Great view of the Kern river, mountain, close to overnight camping, clean restrooms, plenty of parking. Close to Bakersfield, not recommended for swimming, perfect for responsible boating or waterskiing"
Ronald Birks
"A lay over to a better location. This was a resting spot. Would not be here if you didn't have to. 6 Cars and a truck drove in and out all night and at 2:30am wanted to drag race! Im not joking. Doing donuts in the parking lot. Almost called the police but they drove off after 20 minutes of insanity. Yes, Ming Lake."
Vern Fagan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Ming is located in Kern River County Park, near Bakersfield, California. Access is generally straightforward via local roads. For specific directions, use GPS navigation to 'Lake Ming, Bakersfield, CA'.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at Lake Ming, with free parking generally offered. Paid VIP parking may be available during special events like races.
Some users have inquired about tubing the Kern River to Lake Ming, but conditions can vary. It's advisable to check current river flow and conditions before attempting this.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Lake Ming itself is generally free, but special events like the NJBA racing have an entry fee. For the NJBA Fall Classic, it's $25 per day at the gate, with kids 12 and under free.
While the park itself likely has general operating hours, specific fishing or boating access times might vary. It's best to check with Kern River County Park for official hours. Early morning visits are popular for fishing.
Yes, for events like the NJBA Fall Classic, there is an entry fee per day. Importantly, every entry includes a pit pass, allowing access to the racing area.
🎫 🎣 Onsite Experience
No, swimming is not recommended or allowed at Lake Ming. The lake is primarily for motorboating and water skiing.
Activities include motorboating, water skiing, fishing from the shore, sightseeing, hiking, and biking.
Yes, clean restrooms are available at both entrances, and there is a playground for kids.
Lake Ming is stocked with fish and offers good shore fishing opportunities. Recent stockings have been reported.
Cellphone service via Spectrum is reported to have a great signal at Lake Ming.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, food and vendors are typically available during special events like the NJBA racing.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally permissible to bring your own food and drinks to parks for picnics. There are no specific dining facilities mentioned.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the drag boats in action during races,
Absolutely. The combination of the lake, mountains, and the changing light throughout the day provides excellent opportunities for landscape photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more exciting visit, consider attending one of the NJBA drag boat racing events. While the speed and noise might be intense, the spectacle can be thrilling for older children and teens who are interested in motorsports.
+1 Just be sure to bring ear protection if needed and keep a close eye on children in crowded areas during events.🎣 Anglers
🏎️ Motorsports Enthusiasts
+1 Witness the incredible power of V-drive boats as they compete. The atmosphere is electric, and you can get up close to the action with a pit pass included in your entry fee. Check the NJBA schedule to plan your adrenaline-fueled trip.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Drag Boat Racing
+1 These events showcase incredibly powerful V-drive boats that reach astonishing speeds on the water. Spectators can witness the raw power and adrenaline-fueled competition as these specialized craft blast down the course. If you're a motorsports enthusiast, timing your visit with one of these races is a must-do experience. The atmosphere is electric, with food vendors and a lively crowd adding to the excitement.These races are not just about speed; they are a testament to engineering and skilled piloting. The boats themselves are often works of art, with custom paint jobs and high-performance engines. The sound of the engines alone is an experience. For those interested in the technical aspects, seeing these boats up close in the pits is fascinating. Remember that entry for these events typically includes a pit pass, allowing you to get closer to the action.
When attending a race, be prepared for a high-energy environment. While the lake is not for swimming, the viewing areas offer great vantage points for the races. It's a unique spectacle that draws crowds and highlights Lake Ming's role in the powerboating community. The NJBA Fall Classic is a major event to look out for.
Fishing and Nature at Lake Ming
The area around Lake Ming is also ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and biking. Well-maintained trails circle the lake, offering beautiful views of the water, the surrounding mountains, and the abundant birdlife, including many ducks.
For those seeking a truly secluded experience, there's mention of a 'Hidden Ming Basin,' an alpine-fed reservoir accessible via an old service road. This spot is described as crystal clear and rarely appears on maps, with limited access on specific weekends.
This adds an element of discovery for the adventurous visitor looking to explore beyond the main lake area.
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