JC98

We're thinking of rafting the Kern River this Memorial Day weekend, but coudn't find any campground or hotel/motel that'd let you stay just for 1 night this long weekend. They require 3 nights minimum. Any suggestions on what to do?

Do you know of any place in the area where we could stay for 1 night?

Our rafting trip is at most half day.

Thanks!

janisj

There are several motels/lodges in Kernville -- you've probably checked all or most of them. The only way to know if they'd take a one night booking -- is to contact them individually. So I'd either just keep plugging away, or I'd stay in Bakersfield in one of the roadside motels along 99. All the usual suspects La Qinta, Red Lion, Hampton Inn, Days Inn etc etc. They most likely wouldn't have a 2 or 3 night minimum.

lvk

I think Bakersfield might be your only option. It's only a 40 minute or so drive up to Kernville. You could also take a stab at Lake Isabella area rentals on VRBO. If someone has no bookings at this late date, they might take a one-night rental.

If you are only doing a half-day rafting trip, this might be worth a look for the second half of the day:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia/maps...100_giants.pdf

boom_boom

On the holiday most, if not all the Kernville places will have at least a 2 night minimum. There are a handful of motels in Lake Isabella or Wofford Heights you can check. Bakersfield is the closest other option and Ridgecrest is about a hour's drive away.

lvk

Just a warning, the motels in the Lake Isabella area are really dreadful looking. If I couldn't get an inn in Kernville, I would stick with one of the chains near Bakersfield.

boom_boom

I agree with lvk, although I pointed they exist, I wouldn't recommend any of them. There is supposed to be a nice place.Lakeshore Lodge in Wofford Heights, have never stayed there.
I'd go for Bakersfield, it is pretty, if narrow and twisting drive through the Kern River Canyon to Isabella.